Obtain Financing

If financing is required, it is important to have a budget in mind and to get pre-approved from a bank for a construction loan. Because Method is familiar with the bank approval process, we can put you in touch with our lenders or speak with yours.

Land Selection

If you do not currently own land, the next step is to identify a site. We encourage you to work with a real estate agent to find suitable property. Method can provide an assessment of the site when you are ready to write an offer.

Retain Method for Site Feasability

Method will work with you to completely review your project and create a turnkey cost estimate. We do this as part of a Feasibility Study, which normally precedes the design process. A feasibility study is a complete review of all engineering, permitting, design, access, trucking, site issues, and costs that may affect your project. At the completion of a Feasibility Study, Method provides an official Feasibility Study Report and turnkey cost estimate for your project. A Feasibility Study identifies all information necessary to move into Design Phase. During the Feasibility Study Phase, Method Homes:

• Coordinates permit and site investigations, including survey, utility and septic, soils and/or structural reviews if required
• Consults with an architect to review zoning, siting, and custom design options
• Confirms trucking, site access, module installation, and on-site construction costs
• Completes a turnkey cost estimate and construction schedule

Design & Permitting

Once all the site reports and feasibility have been determined, you will contract with Method for design and engineering of plans for the permit set. During the Design Phase, Method Homes:

• Coordinates architects and engineers to complete plans and specifications for your project that are needed for permitting and construction
• Works with you to obtain local permits
• Obtains permission for factory construction and transport of modules
• Prepares — or requests from qualified sub-contractors — competitive estimates for all aspects of on-site construction
• Finalizes the schedules for Factory and On-Site construction

Design Coordination

The next step is to contract with Method for the design and engineering of the permit set. Depending upon the series chosen, architecture can cost $5,000–$15,000. There are additional costs for customization. Each home must be specifically engineered to its site conditions and zoning, and it must have a custom site plan and foundation plan. Cost for structural engineering ranges from $1,500–$5,000. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering costs $1,000–$1,500, if needed. Concurrent with Architecture and Engineering, the client enters into a design coordination agreement with Method and furnishes a $6,000 deposit. $3,000 of this deposit is credited toward the purchase price of the home. This portion of the deposit holds a place in production. $3,000 is for Method’s time spent:

• Coordinating architecture and engineering
• Assembling permit package and forms
• Submitting and issuing factory permits
• Obtaining a local jurisdiction building permit when Method is general contractor, or working with external GC for permit and scope of work definition
• Interior design services and specifications selection process (1–3 consultations), which will determine the final costs

Permit & Contract

Method Homes will submit for prefab permits, and your general contractor will submit for local permits. Contracts are typically executed once permits are submitted, and a 25 percent initial payment for the modules is made. Construction commences upon issuance of permits.

Fabricate

Factory and On-Site Construction can commence upon issuance of local and Factory Inspection permits and the execution of Method Construction Agreements. Schedule of payments for Factory Construction:

• Method receives a 25% initial payment for the modules upon execution of the Construction Agreements
• A 25% progress payment is due halfway through the Factory construction process.
• The balance of the Module construction contract is due upon delivery of the modules to the site.

Deliver, Complete, & Live

Approximately 2 months out from the start of site and factory construction, your home will be delivered and installed. In most cases, a crane places the home at the site, and the set usually takes 1 day. A modular crew that specializes in installation will coordinate the set. Allow approximately 4 to 8 weeks for site finish items after the set. The next step? Move in and enjoy your new Method home!