Q: What type of surface is required?

A: The Phoenix can be installed on any flat, level surface.

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Q: Does this require a concrete slab?

A: No. As long as the surface is stable, the Phoenix can be easily installed. 

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Q: How is it anchored?

A: Each exterior floor panel has a centered steel reinforced backing plate suitable for anchoring. "L" shaped angle brackets are supplied that can be attached to concrete, asphalt, and virtually any other exterior surface.

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Q: Are there water or sewer hookups?

A: No. The Phoenix does not come with any plumbing installed.

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Q: What about the bathroom?

A: As a homeless solution, the Phoenix Cottage is designed for use in a "village" environment, similar to an RV Park or campground with a community bath house/restroom facility. This design is intentional, as it reduces cost, cleaning and maintenance requirements. Backyard Studios are not designed for habitation.

 

Q: What utilities are required for a Phoenix cottage?

A: There are no utilities "required", however each Phoenix Cottage or Phoenix Studio comes standard with air conditioning, a wall heater, smoke/carbon monoxide alarm, interior and exterior lighting, and convenience outlets on each wall. The building can be powered as simply as attaching a 120VAC extension cord to the exterior wall inlet, or hard-wired to the exterior load center. Cost is reduced if power is deleted as an option.

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Q: Do I need an electrician to install the wiring?

A: While it's fine to have an electrician complete the wiring, it is not required. All switches and outlets are pre-wired. Each panel comes with a coil of wire to feed through the cable chase from panel to panel as it is being assembled. Wire connections are made at the convenience outlet box, and is as simple as connecting black-to-black, white-to-white, and green-to-green. If you can install a ceiling fan, you can wire a Phoenix building.

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Q: Will the power support a microwave oven or hot plate?

A: The Phoenix is equipped with two 15 amp power circuits, so any normal household appliance should work fine.
 

Q: How do I attach items to the wall?

A: Each wall has internal 3/4" plywood backing, 4" wide at 48" and 72" centers suitable for mounting wall fixtures and shelving.

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Q: How does wireless internet work inside a Phoenix?

A: Many times, an all-metal building creates a "Faraday Shield" where wireless signals have no means of escape. While we have no scientific testing, our practical experience with the Phoenix Cottages indicate that the windows provide enough  release that wireless signal is not affected.  RJ-45/Ethernet external and internal connections are optional.

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Q: How many people does it take to construct a Phoenix?

A: Two or three unskilled people and a couple of ladders at a minimum make the construction process easy, efficient and quick.

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Q: How much does each panel weigh?

A: The largest panels weigh between 80 and 100 lbs. each.  The reinforced honeycomb floor panels weigh approximately 120 lbs. each.

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Q. Doesn't a metal building get really hot?

A. You would think so, but you'll be very surprised. We've tested the Phoenix Cottage in the High Desert of Southern California with an ambient temperature of 102°F. The outside wall in full sun tested at 115°F - warm but not hot (the tailgate of our truck tested at 133°F and was really hot to the touch!). The walls that were shaded tested at 91°F. The interior started at 100°F and cooled to a very comfortable 74°F in about 40 minutes with our standard air conditioner.

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Q: Do you provide installation services?

A: PacMod will be happy to provide or coordinate installation services for an additional fee if necessary. Prices will vary based on location; call or email PacMod directly for an installation quote.

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Q: What are the simple assembly instructions?

A: The pallets are loaded in reverse assembly order, meaning the first used is the last loaded.

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1. Place the floor panels on location, ensuring the panels are flat and level, and cam-lock together.

2. Starting in a corner, begin standing walls in a counter-clockwise direction, and cam-lock each wall to the floor and adjoining wall. Feed the wire loom to the adjoining panel until it reaches the wall outlet where the connection is made.

3. Install the angled "ring" on top of the walls.

4. Install the ceiling panels, working from rear to front.

5. Seal the ceiling panel joints with the durable, rubber-compound tape provided.

6. Mount the wall air conditioner and interior lights.

7. Install the buttons in the cam-lock holes to provide a finished look to the panels. You're done!

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Q: Can it be moved once it is in place?

A: A typical Phoenix building weighs between 1,500 and 2,000 lbs. so it is far less mobile once assembled. It can easily be moved, stored, or relocated by disassembling the panels.

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Q: How is it shipped?

A: The Phoenix is shipped on flat or vertical pallets direct to any location in the continental U.S. The air conditioner and miscellaneous supplies and hardware are shipped separately.

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Q: Does this qualify as an Auxiliary Dwelling Unity (ADU) or Tiny Home?

A: Not at this time. ADU's require conventional construction techniques and Tiny Homes are either built to residential building codes or Recreational Vehicle code. PacMod Solutions is pursuing California Housing and Community Development (HCD) certification which will qualify the Phoenix as an ADU.

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Q: Does the Phoenix meet residential code or standards?

A: No. The Phoenix is intended as a backyard studio, shed, or temporary/occasional use structure, however California HCD certification is pending.

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Q: How can this be used as a Homeless Dwelling?

A: Many city and county governing authorities have approved housing exceptions because of the crisis of unsheltered homeless. Many communities have passed ordinances that allow for residential housing without kitchen and restroom facilities. In some communities, buildings of less than 250 square feet do not require a permit. Others grant exceptions for temporary, short-term (less than 3 years) use. All of this is to expedite housing options for the unsheltered. Although the Phoenix Cottage and Phoenix Studio meet seismic, wind, snow load and fire safety and egress requirements, it would be best to check with your local Fire Marshal and Building Inspector.

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Q: Does the Phoenix meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements?

A:  PacMod Solutions offers an ADA package that can be adapted to any Phoenix Cottage or Phoenix Studio. The package includes a 1:12 ramp and ADA-compliant door hardware.

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Q: Have more questions?

A:  Email info@pacmodsolutions.com, or call 1-855-519-2877 and we'll be happy to answer your questions!