At Eco-Desarrollos we have simplified the construction process and chosen off-site modular concrete technology as our main means of creating attractive, affordable, and eco-friendly homes.
Our team of consultants and professionals offer full architectural and engineering services: from design and permits, to construction. If you are interested in owning one of our homes just follow the process described below and you will be on your way to building green and living a healthier, more gratifying, and sustainable life.
One of the many advantages of building a modular home is that the process does not have to be a linear one. In fact, many things can happen simultaneously. For example while the pre-fab modules are being manufactured off-site, site preparation and foundation work can occur on site.
Below, we have detailed a process for your convenience and understanding. Please remember that the specific process could change depending on your final design selection, your individual needs and the complexity of your site.
There are 3 basic steps: ‘Initial interview and Preliminary site evaluation’, ‘Pre-construction Package phase’, and ‘Production and Construction’ phase.’
STEP 1: Initial Interview and Preliminary Site Evaluation
When you contact Eco-Desarrollos for a Casa-i home, we will conduct an initial interview. From this interview we will learn about your interests and needs. For example: which of our designs you find most attractive? How many bedrooms you will need? When you would like to move in? How flexible the home needs to be for future expansions? Etc…
Once we have assessed your interests and requirements a member of our team will schedule a site visit. In this visit we will evaluate the following:
-
• Confirm which design will best suit your site.
-
• Conduct a solar study to determine optimum sun exposure.
-
• Conduct a wind study to determine optimum wind exposure.
-
• Take a series of photographs of buildable area, possible construction staging area, and any area where preparation and site work might be needed on or off site.
-
• Initial assessment of accessibility for the platform and crane to reach the site and to work in it.
STEP 2: Pre-Construction Package
A. Surveys and Preliminaries
At Eco-Desarrollos we strongly believe that a sustainable home needs to have not only a superb design, but also, a well-designed and time efficient process. This is why we have developed the Pre-Construction Package. This package includes in-depth research into relevant aspects of the site, zoning, soil, site design, and approximate construction cost of your new home.
When you purchase our Pre-Construction Package you will have the option to select from a wide array of services that you will need for the construction of a new home. Regardless of whether you build a Casa-i or not, this Pre-Construction Package is yours to keep.
The following list outlines the basic services provided:
Site Survey – Consisting of a detailed plan of existing site conditions that will include: overall site dimensions, property lines, easements (if any), grading contours, existing trees, overhead lines, street locations, and north indication. The survey will cover a maximum area of 1,000m2. Additional area will be charged separately.
Zoning Report – This report covers the research of zoning governance on your property. We analyze allowable program, height limitations, allowable gross building area, setbacks, parking regulations, and allowable buildable area.
Subsoil Exploration – This report will analyze the subsoil conditions of the site and give us an assessment regarding the proposed foundation of the house. Earthwork specifications and soil improvements assessments, if required, will be contained in the report. A single boring will be performed. Additional borings may be required depending on site location and conditions; these will be charged separately.
Conceptual Site Layout – We will prepare a conceptual site layout of your desired Casa-i based on the Site Evaluation performed.
Preliminary Construction Costs – We will prepare preliminary construction costs based on the Casa-i selected, foundation needed, and site improvements required. Please note these costs will give you a clearer picture of the overall construction related expenses, but they will not represent the exact final construction costs.
Additional items not included in this list will be billed at an hourly rate. If you have contracted any of these services in the past we will revise our fee accordingly.
B. Design Review Meeting, Construction Documents, and Permits
At this stage, we will discuss the final design of your new home, which includes site design and interiors. At the end of this stage we will update the preliminary construction cost and set a timetable for the construction of the project.
In this meeting we will also help in the selection of the available equipment and finishes for your new home.
Once we know the exact scope of work for your Casa-i, we will prepare final construction documents and specifications. These documents will include the home construction document, as well as the foundation, site and civil design documents. This set will serve two purposes. First, it will be used to file for construction permits and endorsements to the pertinent agencies, and secondly, it could be used to get financing through a commercial institution.
When we finish the documents, we will fill out all the necessary paperwork and file for a Construction Permit. Once we receive this permit and you secure finance, we are ready to commence the prefabrication work.
This phase includes construction documents and specifications for the Casa-i home, foundation and civil design, and filling of permit documents. Additions to the scope of work will require additional design services, which will be billed on an hourly rate.
Approximate timetable for the Pre-Construction Package Phase: 1 month
STEP 3: Production and Construction Phase
A. Financing
One of the principal reasons building a modular home is advantageous, is that it offers a predictable design cost and construction timeframe. When looking to finance your new Casa-i, select an institution that can accommodate the draw schedule associated with prefabricated construction. Regardless of the model selected, we require 30% of the total construction cost up front to start fabrication of the modules, 45% at delivery, and 25% at the end of construction.
In order to secure your construction loan, you will need the construction cost estimate and a construction permit, both provided in the Pre-Construction Package Phase.
B. Production and Construction
Once you have signed the contract and we have received the initial payment, we will proceed simultaneously with the fabrication of the modules, site work, and laying the foundation. The modules will arrive on site around 8 weeks from the day ordered, and it will take approximately 8 weeks to finish the main structure of the house.
Approximate timetable for the Production and Construction Phase: 4 months
Please contact us if you have any questions about the process or any other topic you wish to discuss.
