Local builder Type Five makes it easier to build backyard homes

Homeowners can add a backyard unit — customized to the size and features they need — with a Berkeley building company called Type Five.  The homebuilder’s technology and systems  allow clients to design the home, vastly simplifying the process, and getting a backyard home built in as little as 5-6 months. 

The company has gotten one model pre-approved by the city of Berkeley and is working on similar arrangements with Richmond and Oakland.

Earlier this year, Jeroen Dewulf and family built a cozy ADU in their South Berkeley backyard, making it easy for his in-laws to visit and enjoy longer stays with the grandchildren.

“We love Type Five’s design, which includes large windows and doors that could also serve as windows, so there’s plenty of daylight inside the ADU,” said Dewulf. ”This was a big plus for us.”  

Their ADU doubles as a home office. The family just had a second child, and was able to transform his former office in the main house into another bedroom.

Simplifying the design and build process

Any construction project can be daunting, especially when it’s an entire home. From finding an architect, to managing the permitting application, and coordinating with contractors, the end-to-end process can be overwhelming.

Type Five has been building a platform to simplify and streamline how homes can be designed and built. They’ve taken a software-first approach, pairing architectural design with automation so clients can design the home that fits their needs and budget. Homeowners can customize the shape, size and interior features from windows to cabinetry, selecting from a set of high-quality finishes.

Type Five’s proprietary homebuilding operating system bridges the gap between the expensive, traditional architect-led processes and the restrictive nature of prefab construction. It offers a middle ground that delivers both customization and affordability. Their customizable homes are also a cost-effective option for homeowners who can’t buy a prefab unit because of site constraints.

The company’s co-founder, Aleksis Bertoni, was born and raised in Berkeley.  He started the company to solve some of the biggest challenges in making home ownership accessible, especially for younger people. 

“ADUs are a smart ‘middle housing’ solution that fit seamlessly into existing neighborhoods and give homeowners an attainable way to help address California’s housing shortage” said Bertoni. 

A state-wide push for ADUs

In 2023, the California State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 1332, requiring cities to develop a program for the pre-approval of ADU plans. Type Five became the first applicant to receive approval for a pre-approved ADU plan in Berkeley.

“I’m grateful for local startups like Type Five for embracing our beloved community from the ground up — from providing an affordable pathway to first-time homeownership and intergenerational living,” said Berkeley City Councilmember Igor Tregub. 

The  pre-approved ADU plan in Berkeley by Type Five is a 575-square-foot one-bedroom home, designed for the typical East Bay backyard. This plan offers a flexible, multifunctional space with a full built-in kitchen, a modern bathroom with laundry, and a roomy bedroom with built-in cabinetry. 

This exact plan was built for another homeowner, on Martin Luther King Jr. Way. 

The city’s support for residents building ADUs, paired with Type Five’s approach, is what convinced Dewulf and his family to build their ADU with Type Five. 

“What I really appreciated about Type Five,” said Dewulf, “was the fact that we didn’t just discuss the building of the ADU in itself, but the broader picture of the entire space, like how the ADU would fit in the backyard, what would be the best position in relationship to the house, and even how we could improve our backyard space through the building of the ADU.” 

Now, it’s not uncommon for his 3-year-old daughter to run across the backyard, hug her grandparents and join them for breakfast.