As part of the Feasibility Study completed before the project begins, we thoroughly review the possible approaches for trucking modules to your project site and assess the on-site conditions. During Feasibility, we also draw on the expertise of engineers, contractors, and designers, in addition to truck and crane operators to evaluate the land for critical issues and provide estimates for any work in which they would be involved. As a result, we are fully confident in our ability to deliver the project for the turn-key estimate we provide at the start of the project.
Yes. Method is a CSA certified builder of green prefab structures in the United States for delivery in Canada. Our engineers can design according to American, Canadian, and International Building Codes. We also partner with 3rd party inspectors to certify our homes in the factory. We have built a number of projects in Canada and are fluent with the people, processes, and products necessary for a successful project.
Our modules are shipped 80 to 95 percent complete – inside and out – so that as little as possible has to be finished once the modules arrive at the site. Typically, on–site construction involves connecting the modules with drywall, flooring, and siding. The final roof covering, interior stairs, exterior decks, and utility connections can also be installed then. Depending on the complexity of the project and the number of modules, the on–site timeline is approximately 2-4 plus months depending on design, local GC, and site conditions.
Yes. The Method Cabin Series was specifically engineered to accommodate areas with high snow loads. All other models and custom designs have an engineering schedule to handle high snow loads.
Yes. Method can build structures to meet any energy and/or construction standard. Energy-efficient homes are more comfortable, healthier, and less expensive to maintain and live in. A number of our LEED – capable homes meet Silver, Gold, and Platinum standards. Our team consists of experts in green building, efficient design, and renewable energy.
We are committed to sustainability as a core value. All Method prefabricated homes are built with a focus on efficiency, healthy indoor air quality, and use of sustainable materials and practices. We are conscious of where our building materials come from and look to use renewable resources that are responsibly harvested. We are aware of what is – and what is not– in our homes. Method uses low and no-VOC materials whenever possible. Limiting use of paints and adhesives with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) limits harmful chemical off gassing, resulting in buildings with healthier indoor air quality. Building offsite also allows Method to closely monitor our material use and disposal during and after construction.
We can build homes tailored to owners’ chemical sensitivities. Every home is built in a climate-controlled environment, meaning less exposure to the elements, which can reduce the risk of mold and other allergens.
Prefab — also called off-site construction — offers faster completion rates with fewer labor hours, reduced energy use and waste of materials, and lower fees for the building design and specification on the same site. The modular trucking component of the process represents a negligible cost in comparison to the other savings. Because of the efficiencies and inherent predictability of prefab construction, we can provide a turn-key estimate for the full cost of the project, which dramatically reduces or eliminates the risk of scope changes and cost overruns. In areas with very low construction site costs, there are fewer savings. In those specific locations, prefab homes may be a more costly endeavor.
Method offers modern prefabricated homes at a variety of price points. We arrive at the final, fixed price at the time of signing a contract, which is based on the options and finishes of your choice. Base prices for our home series range between $300 and $400+ per square foot for the modular portion of the home. In addition, there are soft costs for design, engineering, and permitting, site costs for foundation, excavation, utilities and completion and costs for transportation and installation. These costs vary based on site, location, and design and are determined on a per project basis. For projects in west coast cities, remote, and locations with high local labor costs we find that all in costs ( pre-construction and permit costs + modular costs + site and delivery costs, including land development and sales tax) typically end up in the $550-$750 per square foot range.
Potential savings of prefab construction by Method can be significant. Cost savings of 20 to 30 percent or more can be achieved through efficiency, speed, our purchasing advantage over traditional contractors, and other factors. However, we have found that the cost advantage of prefab over site-built construction can vary greatly, mainly determined by the market. Method’s cost advantage is generally greatest where on-site construction is already expensive due to a site’s remoteness or its location in an expensive real estate area.
Modular pricing listed in the pdf includes the; trim, plumbing and electrical components, windows, finishes such as flooring, ceiling and walls. The kitchen and bath cabinets, counter tops, tile, and fixtures are also included.
When we do a specific estimate for our clients it will include; the cost of factory permit, design, engineering, site work, foundation, appliances, delivery, installation, and onsite completion. Costs that vary widely depending on your site, topography, and location include local costs for permits, impact fees, utility connections, septic, well, and access roads, will be further refined once plans have been developed specific to the site.
Transportation costs vary significantly depending on the number, size, and weight of modules and the distance and route they travel and begin at $800+ per truck load. Typically all in costs including the crane, set crews and trucking will be between $30-100k. We work with a number of trucking firms to manage transportation costs carefully.
In addition to meeting building codes for our factory jurisdiction, Method homes and commercial structures are built to meet the local building codes of your site. Our architects are used on every project to ensure all zoning requirements are met, create a foundation plan, and prepare a set of construction documents for permit submittal to the local jurisdiction. Each home needs a foundation plan and site plan to be designed and engineered for local codes and conditions. A permit package for the local building department is also required. Additionally, we offer customization of the floor plans and exterior so the home properly relates to the site and owner needs and preferences, maximizing views and other conditions.
Method and our architect partners produce our designs for our exclusive use only. We control the production of homes at this level to ensure the final structures are built with the highest quality.
The cost of our prefab modules includes all finishes and components — cabinets, fixtures, siding, trims, windows and doors, electrical and plumbing components, and heating and mechanical systems. Because homeowners typically prefer to select their own appliance packages, items including stoves, range hoods, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and dryers are excluded from the modular price. An allowance for appliances is included in the prelimiary turnkey estimate and varies based on the series of designs.
Our onsite construction division — Method Contracting will deliver and set the modules onto the foundation. We provide construction management services and will work with you to find a reputable contractor and coordinate with them throughout the building process.
Yes. Many of Method’s projects are fully custom designs. Clients will often times work with Method and one of our series architect partners who are familiar with designing for modular. In addition, Method can work with any architect to consult on the specific design parameters required for prefab. Method employs master craftsmen of all trades. Years of experience building custom homes by hand has enabled us to bring quality to a new level by building in a controlled environment, giving our clients thoughtful, well-built prefab custom homes.
The first step in buying a home is to have a good idea of the land or lot on which you will be putting the home, as well as the parameters of the home you have in mind. This means thinking about model, size, budget, layout, and finishes. Once you’ve made these preliminary decisions, contact us to go over specifics and set up a Feasibility Study, which will yield a turn-key estimate. From there, we proceed to our contract and scheduling you a slot in our production calendar.
Because our homes are trucked, shipped and lifted, they are designed to be strong and are built with the highest quality materials that are made to last. Method’s homes have been installed in California and Washington where serious earthquakes are a concern, mountainous snow country, and coastal regions and islands with extreme maritime weather. Our engineers are licensed throughout the United States and Canada and are familiar with local, national, and International Building Codes and standards.
Yes. In that case, we will review your design and work with your architect to make sure the home fits our process of efficiently construction, shipment, and reassembly at your site. Standard module sizes are approximately 16 feet wide by 13 feet high by up to 70 feet long. They are somewhat smaller in Canada. We can determine if modular construction is right for you and your design, and offer suggestions to make your design more compatible with a modular approach.
Once permits are received and construction starts, our homes typically take 2 to 4 months to complete.
Method Contracting is Method’s on-site contracting division. Method can act as the site general contractor for the site portion of projects in certain states. Method Contracting can oversee and coordinate construction from beginning to completion nationwide a construction manager working in conjunction with local contractors.
Method’s manufacturing facility is located in Ferndale, Washington.
Method Homes Currently services the Western US and Canada including ; WA, OR, CA, AK, ID, MT, BC , AB, WY, NV, CO, UT, HI.
We are open to exploring areas outside of these states however the trucking costs become significant.
No. Method homes are built to the same standards as a site-built home. Our homes adhere to International Building Codes and local jurisdiction building codes. Method’s green prefab homes are actually built sturdier than their site-built counterparts, due to increased engineering considerations for transport and install. We also increase the performance of our homes through enhanced insulation applications and energy-efficient systems for heating and cooling.
What distinguishes us is our custom facility where we can completely control the production process. This has earned us a proven track record of delivering our high–quality custom prefab homes. We also hail from the construction industry rather than the architect world. This allows us to combine our expertise with an excellent team of architect partners.
We offer a one-year workmanship and labor warranty on all projects in the US. We can provide two, five, or ten-year warranties in Canada through the site general contractor as required by HSA.
Garages and Accessory Dwelling Units can be effective and stylish spaces that are seamlessly integrated with your home. These structures are typically built at the site, and are not included in the cost of the modules we deliver from the factory.
A home is often built as an investment and the embodiment of a dream. As such, we believe everyone should have a home built to address their particular and individual needs. We involve our architects in every one of our projects. We will customize our designs, but customization is not required.
Method builds very high quality prefab homes that are uniquely designed, engineered for strength and stability, healthy and comfortable, and energy efficient, and built with premium components and superior craftsmanship. With factory-based construction, your home is protected from moisture and pests during construction. Workers are more comfortable and can build under better conditions, with better access and tools.
Method’s crew is comprised of very skilled and experienced builders, many of whom have previously owned their own companies. They appreciate craft and understand the value of detail and customer service.
Once a Method home is installed on your site there is no difference from our homes and site built homes. They are built to local building codes. We have not encountered problems working with an HOA or architecture review board regarding the planned installation of a Method Homes design.