Affordable Prefabricated Dwelling with a Striking Resemblance to an Apple iPhone Offered by Walmart
The Apple Cabin, a miniature prefab home modeled after an iPhone, has recently become available for purchase at Walmart. This compact abode, manufactured in China by Cheryl Industries, based on Long Island, New York, offers a unique housing solution for those seeking a small yet functional living space.
Size and Price
The smallest version of the Apple Cabin, barely more than the size of a shed, sells for $11,800. The 19-by-20-foot home from Cheryl Industries requires unfolding a few walls and using drywall anchors and screws for assembly. The largest, 20-foot Apple Cabin weighs 4,563 pounds.
Assembly and Placement
The Apple Cabin is shipped on a flatbed truck, and a forklift is needed to unload it. Walmart lists that shipping is free for the pod home, and it doesn't require putting up any walls. People magazine first spotted the prefab homes at their current price. Walmart suggests laying the prefab homes on a concrete base for stability.
Amenities and Limitations
The 19-by-20-foot home from Cheryl Industries comes with a preinstalled toilet, but it does not have a shower. The prefab homes are not intended for hanging family portraits on the walls. The Apple Cabin has just enough room for a bed and a toilet, making it a basic yet functional living space.
Legal Considerations in New York
New York State’s Appendix Q of the Residential Code provides specific requirements and restrictions for tiny homes on foundations such as Apple Cabins. These requirements establish standards for construction, safety, and habitability to ensure tiny homes meet health and safety codes comparable to conventional homes. However, permanent placement and use of tiny homes like Apple Cabins are subject to local zoning laws, which often include size minimums and use restrictions.
To use Apple Cabins as permanent residences in New York, homeowners must comply with Appendix Q construction rules and seek local zoning approval for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or new dwelling units on their property. Recent NYC rules have eased some restrictions on backyard tiny units, but overall, tiny homes face local regulatory complexity throughout New York State.
Expandable Options
Cheryl Industries also sells expandable homes that are 19-by-20-feet for $36,000 on its website. These homes offer more space for those seeking a slightly larger living area.
Pricing and Availability
Walmart now sells prefab homes on its website for $15,900 or less, making affordable housing a reality for many. The prefab homes, including the Apple Cabin, are a unique and cost-effective solution for those seeking a compact and functional living space. However, it is crucial to research local zoning laws and construction requirements before purchasing and setting up the prefab home.
- Gizmodo reports that the compact prefab home, the Apple Cabin, modeled after an iPhone and priced at $11,800 for the smallest version, can now be purchased at Walmart.
- The 19-by-20-foot Apple Cabin, manufactured by Cheryl Industries and available on their website for $36,000 as an expandable home, provides additional space for those seeking a slightly larger living area.
- Before considering purchasing the Apple Cabin or any other prefab home from Walmart, it's essential to research local zoning laws and construction requirements, especially in New York State, where tiny homes face regulatory complexity and must comply with Appendix Q construction rules for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
