What is an AbleNook? AbleNook is a new kind of beautiful home that assembles with minimal tools, is infinitely expandable, resists hurricanes and can go anywhere without heavy equipment like cranes.
Is AbleNook a modular home? Yes. AbleNook is a fully permittable and insurable, single family, permanent structure.
Are AbleNooks meant to be used as a permanent house? Yes! AbleNooks are designed to be single family permanent structures or ADUs.
Can an AbleNook also be used for temporary applications? Yes!
Is an AbleNook a Tiny Home? We consider AbleNook it’s own thing. It is not a house on wheels like traditional tiny houses. AbleNook is a Human Modular Infinity Home. We are small single-family homes built to be modular and beautiful.
Can I customize my AbleNook? Yes. AbleNooks have a variety of standard options to choose from. In cases of personal customization not included in our standard options, an added fee may be charged for additional design work.
When did this start? This was originally a concept by Sean Verdecia and Jason Ross while they were architectural grad students at the University of South Florida way back in 2011. USF assisted in patenting the design. Since then the AbleNook was constantly revisited and bootstrapped, always being a passion project. It wasn’t until 2018 that substantial funding of the project commenced. 5 years of R&D and in-house machinery later, and here we are!
How do I purchase an AbleNook? Your first step is to reserve your AbleNook with a $100 deposit. You will be contacted by a real human to discuss how we can provide you with an AbleNook that will meet all of your needs. A 50% deposit of the selling price is due once you have decided on your AbleNook model and options. This will guarantee your spot in our production queue. The remaining deposit is due 7-10 days before your AbleNook is shipped from our warehouse.
How does an AbleNook secure to the ground? An AbleNook can be connected to any standard foundation that is prescribed for your area. We are foundation agnostic allowing us to be built in any location.
Can I add to my AbleNook later? Of course. When you are ready we will connect you with a sales specialist. Currently, going two stories is theoretically possible though we have not released those options at this time.
Do you offer turnkey service? Yes, in Florida. AbleNook will engage a licensed architect and engineer that will get your AbleNook through permitting. We will also recommend a licensed General Contractor that is certified by AbleNook to build your home. Pricing will vary by construction location. Your project manager will be able to answer all your questions about our turnkey service.
Do I need a permit? In almost all cases, yes. This will be determined during your AbleNook discovery process if you are using our turnkey service. Over all it depends where your building site is located and the rules and laws governing that location. You are responsible to determine if an AbleNook can be built on your property prior to purchase.
Is my land zoned for an AbleNook? That question is addressed during our Discovery process if you choose our turnkey service. Over all it depends where your building site is located and the rules and laws governing that location. You are responsible to determine if an AbleNook can be built on your property prior to purchase.
What is the warranty? Warranty is 5 years on materials and craftsmanship for your AbleNook with proof of permitting.
What velocity of winds can my AbleNook sustain? Wind rating is determined through a combination of structure and foundation. The AbleNook’s standard models are structurally rated to be built in 160+ mph wind zones. Foundation requirements for those areas will be determined by a licensed engineer or contractor. AbleNook will offer a reinforced structural option for 180 mph winds in the future.
Can my AbleNook be built to flood zone codes? Yes.
Do you ship AbleNooks out of state? Country? Yes, we ship anywhere in the US. We are not currently shipping outside the USA at this time.
How energy-efficient is an AbleNook? As energy efficient as a typical site-built modern home. Designed to National Energy Code Standards. Insulated to withstand most environments.
Is the AbleNook a sustainable product? Yes! Sustainability is a foundational element of the AbleNook both physically and socially. We designed the AbleNook to both have as little waste as possible during the manufacturing process as well as being almost entirely recyclable. An AbleNook can be dismantled and repurposed as housing in any location. It can also be expanded easily rather than torn down like older conventional housing. The AbleNook is meeting the housing needs of today while preparing for the future by offering the only truly sustainable middle housing solution.
Can an AbleNook be powered by alternative energy sources, such as wind or solar power? Does it require special features to do this? Yes, an AbleNook can be run from any standard power source. All hardware and installation of these power sources must be supplied by the owner.
Will I need to coordinate to have a crane on site? No need for heavy equipment like cranes. The biggest AbleNook Part is 4’x8’.
What is included inside an AbleNook? Everything except the sofa, mattress and furniture because everyone has unique personal preferences about those things. We can make recommendations based on what is shown in the display models.
Electric/Plumbing/HVAC/Water:
Standard 100 AMP total service. 120v service throughout the AbleNook with 240v connections located in the rear.
Plumbing is connected underneath the AbleNook. Hot water is tanked or tankless and available at the points of use at the bathroom and kitchen.
HVAC is a mini-split heat pump. The BTUs depend on the AbleNook model and customizations.
Opportunity for gray and fresh water storage tanks to be mounted under the Nook provided by owner. Rainwater collection will come as an optional add-on in 2025
Are the Smeg appliances included? Our standard appliances and Smart-Home features are exclusively Samsung. Smeg products are available as an upcharge.
Is financing available? The owner must supply their own construction financing for their AbleNook.
CONSTRUCTION: A flat packed, site assembled kit that consists of a lightweight aluminum structural frame that connects with SIPs (structural insulated panels) for floors, walls and ceilings. AbleNook can be deployed on uneven terrain through the use of adjustable leg jacks. AbleNook's proprietary technology and simplicity of connections make assembly a task that any group of "Able-Bodied" people can accomplish.
ADVANTAGES
+ Permittable out of the box including Florida. Options available for cold weather permitting.
+ Can be deployed on uneven terrain
+ Units can be assembled by individuals, with minimal tools. No carpentry, drywall or painting needed
+ Easily accessible electrical and plumbing hook ups
+ Can be expanded for larger space requirements
+ Thermally insulated
+ Units can be used for residential, military, emergency, home office, ADU, and school portable applications
+ Thermodynamically based upon bungalow typology = passive cooling effect
+ Can be disassembled and re-used = long term savings
+ Units are shipped flat packed
+ More units can be delivered per truck load to disaster areas
USES
+ Residential dwellings
+ ADUs
+ Emergency services
+ Off grid dwellings
+ AirBnB
+ Music/Art Studio
+ Classrooms
+ Vacation Residence
+ Home offices
EXTERIOR HEIGHT: 14'-3" (Variable depending on Terrain)
CEILING HEIGHT: 9' - 10' determined by design
INSULATION: EPS and Polyiso. Variable R-Values depending on regional requirements. Standard models have R-19 walls and R-38 Floor and ceiling ratings