Design process
The design process of building a modular prefabricated home is the same as building a custom site-built house. By building homes partially off-site in our factory, projects can be completed more predictably and with shorter construction time. Further, certain projects in remote locations can be achieved that could not otherwise be built using traditional construction.
The initial pre-construction phase includes architectural design, engineering and obtaining the necessary city approvals for building permits. The duration of this phase will depend a great deal based on the design, the client and the requirements of the local city or municipality, but could range from eight months to over a year.
Step 1 — Programming
The programming meeting is where you discuss the requirements of your project with Luxiero Homes. It is also a time for us to check the fit between what you want, what you need, and your budget. Ideally, you will have a sense of what you want from the project, as well as an open mind to new ideas or solutions that we may develop. Many of our clients bring some pictures of homes or details that they like, to help us get a sense of what they are looking for. From the information you provide, we will develop a program for your project, which also acts as a written record of the project goals.
Step 2 — Schematic Design
By utilizing the information gathered in Step 1, we will develop a few possible plan solutions for your project. These are intended to show a general layout of rooms and/or the site.
Subsequent to your review of the initial floor plan options and selection of a preferred scheme, we will develop the project in 3 dimensions, looking at a computer model of your project in various perspective views. The model provides us with information regarding how the building is placed on the site as well as different massing and roof schemes. These views are immensely useful for us to better understand the aesthetic issues of the design, and are extremely helpful in conveying the general feel of the building to you.
After we work with you to decide on a preferred design, a rough cost estimate for the construction is developed. Moreover, during this phase we will research building and zoning codes for your site to verify the project's compliance with local regulations.
Step 3 — Design Development
Once Luxiero Homes has established a general layout and look of your project, it is time to develop its various features in greater detail. The following information is typically developed during this phase:
- Site plan
- House floor plans, including electrical / lighting plans
- Exterior and interior elevations of particular rooms or cabinetry
- Selection of colors and material finishes
- Interior and exterior perspective views
- Structural design input from our structural engineer
Once this information is prepared, we will meet for your review of the design progress, at which point a detailed cost estimate is developed. The goal of this step is to make sure you are comfortable with the design by presenting a clear description through text and imagery of all the choices you have made. Your approval of the final design allows us to produce construction documents.
Step 4 — Construction Documents
Once you have reviewed and approved of the various aspects of the design development drawings, Luxiero Homes will prepare construction documents. These drawings will become part of the construction contract. Since we provide a turnkey project delivery, as part of this process, we will coordinate our drawings with other consultants as necessary. During this step, we will also develop construction specifications, which are a written description of the quality of construction materials, a listing of equipment, and a general description of how Luxiero Homes will conduct the work.
As a full service general contractor, we provide every service to complete your project, from submitting your plans for approvals to handing you the keys to your new home.
Construction process
The main difference to traditional construction occurs during the construction phase. Since the portion of the home above the foundation is built off-site in our factory, the construction schedule can be 30-40% faster than normal construction. Also, since the process is more predictable and accelerated, there is less opportunity for change orders. Workers at each station are highly skilled to complete their portion of the house, and multiple tasks are completed at each station, increasing the efficiency of the building process.
The Luxiero Homes construction process consists of the following steps:
Step 1 — Feasibility Study
A feasibility study is an analysis of the ability to complete a project successfully, taking into account legal, economic, technological, scheduling and other factors. The feasibility study performed by Luxiero Homes includes an initial site inspection of the property for determining topography, route accessibility, and access to utilities. Subsequently, we will generate a comprehensive preliminary construction budget, based on the conceptual floor plan or the square footage of our clients' desired homes. This will include development and permit fees, foundation work, fabrication, installation and final finishes, garage, site improvements, and other necessary undertakings to complete the entire scope of the project. Thus, this preliminary budget can be used to obtain a pre-qualification for construction financing.
Step 2 — Conceptual Design
Conceptual design involves a series of decisions among which are, the geometry, shape or configuration of the building, the siting of the building, the materials of construction, and the structural system. Using the information gathered in the Design Process Steps 1-3, Luxiero Homes will work with you to refine your floor plan and exterior elevations, including home specifications and design choices for inclusion into the plan. This encompasses ceiling heights, HVAC-system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), window and door types, energy efficient appliances, as well as interior and exterior finishes. These selections allow us to differentiate between items to be installed in our factory, from those which will be built on site. Moreover, exterior additions, such as driveways, garages and landscaping, can be addressed.
Step 3 — Construction Agreement
Based on the detailed cost estimate developed in the Design Process Step 3, Luxiero Homes will prepare an all inclusive construction agreement that will include every facet of the project. The construction agreement will include the proposed scope of work, conceptual design documents, payment schedule and if applicable, allowances.
Step 4 — Permitting
Subsequent to approval of local planning, Luxiero Homes will submit the modular home plans to a third party agency, approved by the State of California and not directly to the local jurisdiction. Thereafter, along with the State approved plans, we will submit the site and building plans to the local jurisdiction. This will minimize the duration of the review process by the local building department and thus significantly reducing the total time required for obtaining the building permits.
Step 5 — Factory Production and On-Site Construction
As soon as the building permit is issued, Luxiero Homes will commence concurrent factory production and on-site construction. In the time we are building the foundation on-site, your home is being built in our factory. Our homes are inspected and reinspected at every step of the manufacturing process, ensuring that all materials are constructed and built to conform to all applicable building codes and industry standards.
Step 6 — On-Site Completion of Construction
Following completion of the foundation and the subsequent inspection by the local jurisdiction, the modules will be delivered and installed in one day. Luxiero Homes delivers the modules individually and lifts them into place via the aid of a crane. The finishing process can be as short as 30 days depending on specific finishes and/or landscaping and garages.
