INSIDE THE BOX The Auxffice brings a modern workplace to your backyard. Photo by Aux Box.
These new-generation, made-in-Canada kit-build and pre-fab buildings make adding to your live, work, play or stay space simple. By Charlene Rooke
Who has ever heard of a renovation that’s complete in a few weeks, minimizes waste, allows for a lot of personalization and leaves no messy building site? Click your way to a new guest cabin, office, studio, playhouse, gym or yoga room, with these close-to-home building options. The pandemic has only accelerated the adoption of new-space solutions. “It’s been a great year of showing jurisdictions that we build a quality product, rivaling new-home quality construction rather than the glorified sheds of the past,” says Conor McGregor, business development director of Drop Structures. He notes an increase in urbanite orders, as municipalities “start to loosen rules on these types of structures.” Always check your local zoning and building codes for what’s allowed and whether permits are required: in many areas, buildings less than 100 square feet don’t need to be permitted, but requirements vary. Make sure you read up on each company’s offering, to understand exactly when, how and in how many pieces your unit will be delivered, as industry usage of terms like pre-fabricated, modular, kit-build and other wording can differ. 36
Right Sizing
Summer 2022
Aux Box WHO: A “team of carpenters, contractors, drafters, organizers and designers,” based in Parksville. HOW: Pre-fabricated units are delivered, placed by crane and installed onto your foundation (such as metal screw piles or a concrete pad) and utilities, in a one-day installation. RANGE: From a 97-square-foot Auxffice ($34,000) to a Model 240 complete with bathroom and kitchen (from $80,000). TIMING: After a consultation call (paid 3D renderings, proposals and site visits are also available if needed), a typical build takes 16 to 18 weeks. CUSTOMIZE: Options include patios, door/window placement and colour of the flooring, pine interior and siding. An upgrades menu offers more handy add-ons, from pull-down beds to space-efficient fridge and dishwasher drawers. auxbox.ca
