BLOG_volstrukt

What Is a Citizen Developer? (And How to Start)

jayson@volstrukt.com (Jayson Reese) — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:06:45 GMT

For decades, small-scale housing development has been treated like something reserved for professionals: builders, developers, architects, lenders, and people who already know how the system works. That made sense when the process was harder to access — zoning was restrictive, permitting was opaque, pricing was hard to understand, and the average homeowner had few tools to evaluate whether adding housing to their property was even possible.

What Is Panelized Steel Framing? A Builder's Guide

jayson@volstrukt.com (Jayson Reese) — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:05:45 GMT

Most construction still starts the same way it did decades ago: a stack of lumber or steel studs arrives at the jobsite, and crews build the walls one piece at a time. Panelized framing starts somewhere different. The walls are designed digitally, engineered for the specific structure, manufactured in a controlled facility, and delivered to the site ready to install.

What Does Build-Ready Actually Mean in Construction?

jayson@volstrukt.com (Jayson Reese) — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:04:45 GMT

Most housing projects begin with a moment of clarity — a homeowner sees the backyard differently, a small investor finds a lot, an architect sketches a concept. That moment is real, but it is not a building. Between the idea and the finished structure lies a long stretch of unanswered questions: structural requirements, material specifications, procurement assumptions, permitting conditions, framing logic, and bid scopes. Most projects slow down, get more expensive, or stall entirely somewhere in that gap. Build-ready is the discipline of closing it.

Which States Allow ADUs? (2024)

Sarah Dickey — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 21:58:36 GMT

With the demand for affordable and flexible housing options continuing to rise, many homeowners and developers are turning to ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) kits as one viable solution. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary residential structure located on the same lot as a primary home. ADUs can take the form of detached units, converted garages, or basement apartments and are typically smaller than the main residence. They provide additional living space and are often used for housing family members, renting to tenants, or accommodating guests.

However, the ease of building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) can vary significantly depending on state and local regulations. Understanding where ADU development is most straightforward can help you navigate the complexities of zoning laws and permitting processes. According to recent trends, the following are ten states where building an ADU is often considered easier due to more favorable laws and fewer restrictions:

Types of Tiny Houses: A Comprehensive Guide

Sarah Dickey — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:45:00 GMT

Tiny houses have captured the imagination of many seeking simplicity, affordability, and sustainability in their living spaces. While the term "tiny house" may evoke a singular image, the reality is far more diverse. In this guide, we'll delve into the fascinating world of tiny houses, exploring each distinct type so you can determine which best fits your lifestyle and needs.

Investing in Your Property: How ADU's Can Generate Passive Income

Sarah Dickey — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 17:45:00 GMT

Accessory Dwelling Units, commonly known as ADUs, are secondary housing units built on a single-family residential lot. These units can be in the form of a granny flat, an above-garage apartment, a detached cottage, or an in-law suite. ADUs offer several advantages to homeowners, including an additional rental income stream and increased property value.

The Advantages of Steel Framing for Tiny Homes on Wheels

Sarah Dickey — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 17:40:55 GMT

Tiny homes have gained popularity in recent years, offering a minimalist and sustainable living solution that can be tailored to your lifestyle. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using steel framing for tiny house construction over other conventional framing methods. From structural integrity and weight-bearing capacity to design flexibility and ease of travel, let's dive into why Volstrukt steel framing is the top choice for creating durable, functional, and customizable tiny homes.

What is an ADU? Accessory Dwelling Units Explained

Sarah Dickey — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 21:33:27 GMT

The term ADU is becoming increasingly popular among contractors and homeowners alike, and for good reason. More and more, ADU’s are piquing people’s interest, especially with states like California and Vermont making them easier than ever to build. But you might be wondering, “what the heck is an ADU anyway?” and that’s a great question. Let’s take a deeper dive!

City of San Diego Approves Tiny Homes as Affordable Housing Option

Sarah Dickey — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 20:00:01 GMT

Residents of San Diego County are all too aware that affordable housing has become increasingly difficult to come by. The average home price in San Diego is around $675,000, while a typical one bedroom apartment costs about $2,000 a month in rent. Heck, even renting a room is pricey. With homelessness on the rise, and a pandemic threatening the livelihoods of so many, a solution to the affordable housing crisis is long overdue.

New Ordinance Legalizes Granny Flat Rentals in Dallas, TX

Cara Ross — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 22:40:24 GMT

Good news for the urban density movement in Dallas, TX.

Dallas has just legalized an important urban density proposal in an effort to keep affordable housing in areas where pricey apartments have taken over previously middle-income neighborhoods.

ADU's can now legally be built with the purpose of monetization provided the Board of Adjustment (BDA) approves the request. Which means you can build an accessory dwelling unit (like a granny flat or garage apartment) and legally charge rent. This is a game changer for the urban density movement and bolsters community-wide attempts to stem the tide of gentrification that has pushed many long-term locals outside the boundaries of their generational neighborhoods.