Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Method Homes produces modular homes with a focus on sustainability and zero net energy.
Using their streamlined process, Method can build homes 60% faster than the traditional stick-built approach.
The company offers fully integrated construction services with each project, including the engineering and site coordination.
Where Does Method Deliver Homes?
Special Delivery
Method owns and operates a manufacturing facility in Ferndale, Washington. They serve the Western United States and Canada.
Their service areas include:
- Washington
- California
- Oregon
- Idaho
- Montona
- Wyoming
- Nevada
- Colorado
- Utah
- Hawaii
- *British Columbia
- *Alberta
Method is open to the idea of exploring other areas, but trucking costs can be significant when moving too far outside of their facility’s surrounding areas. Keep that in mind if you are not located in the Northwest.
What Makes Method Unique?
Method Homes offers unlimited customization and the capability of building anything that can be prefabricated.
While they have their own architect-designed floor plans, they will also work with the buyer’s architect to create a truly custom structure.
Method can also help design and construct a hybrid prefab project, which includes site-built components.
In addition to flexibility in the design department, Method also focuses on:
Sustainable Design and Quality Materials
Paradigm Series
Sustainability is one of Method’s core values.
All of the company’s modular homes and commercial structures are built using sustainable:
- Materials
- Practices
- Systems
Commercial and residential structures can be built to obtain environmental certification standards, including:
- ENERGY STAR
- LEED
- Passive House
- Living Building Challenge
Because Method builds their structures inside of their manufacturing facility, they can reduce construction waste to just 10% and structures are not exposed to the elements.
Modular construction methods also reduce the time spent and activity on the site, which further reduces the environmental impact.
Method uses the best quality materials that are locally sourced whenever possible.
Clients are free to choose whichever performance and energy upgrades they want.
All Method structures come with the following standard features:
- Dual flush toilets
- Low-flow fixtures
- Low or no VOC paints and adhesives
- UA formaldehyde-free building materials
- FSC certified hardwood flooring
- Pre-wired for solar
- Lumber that’s harvested within 500 miles
- ENERGY STAR rated vent fans
- Above-code insulation
Zero Net Energy
Method offers Zero Net Energy (ZNE) packages tailored to your project.
ZNE strategies may include the following strategies:
Fresh Air
- To minimize energy loss, Method uses either a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or an energy recovery ventilator (ERV), depending on your climate. HRVs and ERVs have heat exchangers that transfer the heat or cold from exiting air into the fresh incoming air.
- Using low or no VOC paints and adhesives as well as UA formaldehyde-free building materials helps maintain good indoor air quality.
Insulation
- Adding ceiling insulation improves energy efficiency.
- Rigid foam wrap and double stud walls eliminate thermal bridging.
- Surface mounted lights are used on outdoor ceilings.
Tight Construction
- Method uses specially-formulated tape to seal plywood seams during framing.
- A thin layer of expanding foam may be applied to the wall cavity, which is then blown full of fiberglass.
High-Performance Windows and Doors
- Windows and doors have a recommended value of .20 U or less.
- Windows may be incorporated with varying SHGC depending on the energy modeling and orientation.
High-Efficiency HVAC System, Appliances and Lighting
- Incorporating a ductless mini split system that can produce 2.5-3 watts of heating or cooling for every watt consumed. Other options include a heat pump to heat water for a hydronic radiant heat system.
- ENERGY STAR rated appliances to improve energy efficiency.
- Natural light and LED lighting can maximize energy efficiency.
Solar Power System
- Installing a photovoltaic solar (PV) array can help produce as much energy as consumed each year.
What is the Building Process Like?
Method’s building process is efficient, which saves buyers time and money.
Consultation
The process starts with a phone consultation or meeting. Method will review your:
- Site
- Needs
- Budget
- Their process
- Typical schedules
They’ll also answer any questions you may have about the building or design process.
Method can also assist with finding a vacant lot to build.
Financing
If financing is required, a budget will be needed to get pre-approved for a loan. Method can connect clients with lenders, or work with clients’ lenders to make the process as smooth as possible.
Feasibility
The next step is to perform a Feasibility Study, which will identify all of the information needed to move on to the Design Phase, the next phase in the process.
The Feasibility Study will look at:
- Permitting
- Engineering
- Site access
- Trucking
- Design
- Potential site issues
- Site construction costs
- Modular costs
- Other costs that may impact the project
Method will perform a complete review of the project and create an estimate for turnkey service.
Design & Permitting
Next, clients will contract with Method for the design and engineering of the project.
During this stage, Method will:
- Help you obtain local permits
- Coordinate architects and engineers to complete the plans and project specifications
- Obtain permission for construction and module transport
- Prepare estimates for site-construction tasks
- Finalize schedules for factory and on-site construction
Design Coordination
Next, clients will again contract with Method for the design and engineering of the permits. Architecture fees can range from $12,000-$25,000. Customizations will add to the costs. The cost of structural engineering will range from $2,500 to $6,000 or more.
Method will outline the costs associated with this stage, so clients know what to expect.
Fabricate
After settling the permit and contract phase, the fabrication process can begin.
Payments will be dispersed in three parts:
- 25% for the modules once the Construction Agreements have been executed.
- 25% halfway through the factory construction process.
- The remainder due upon delivery of the modules to the site.
Fabrication time will depend on the complexity of the modules and scope of the project.
Delivery
Once the modules have been completed, they will be delivered to the site.
The fabrication process takes approximately two months to complete.
It may take an additional 2-8 weeks or more for site finish after the structure is set. Modules are shipped 80-95% complete (inside and out). The majority of the work is completed in the factory.
On-site construction typically involves:
- Installing utility connections
- Connecting modules with flooring, drywall and siding
- Final roof covering
- Exterior decks
- Interior stairs
The on-site timeline is approximately 2-4 months, depending on the modules, site, local GC and site conditions.
Once the final touches have been completed, clients can move in and enjoy their Method Home.
How Much Do Method Homes Cost?
The cost of a Method Home will depend on the model and customizations chosen.
According to Method, the cost of their home series ranges between $170 and $300+ per square foot for just the modular portion of the home.
Additional costs apply for the design, engineering, permitting, site costs and other costs.
These costs vary widely depending on the location and site itself.
A ballpark estimate from Method for their homes (with all costs included) is about $350-$500 per square foot.
The cost of a prefab home through Method includes all finishes and components, including:
- Cabinets
- Fixtures
- Trims
- Doors
- Windows
- Electrical components
- Plumbing components
- HVAC system
Clients will be responsible for purchasing their own appliances, although some exceptions can be made with certain design series.
Method Home provides detailed estimates on the costs of constructing the home, which will be discussed during the planning and permitting stages.
