From Plans to Keys, in less than 26 weeks***
1Choose your perfect plot
Once the plot has been found and confirmed, start by putting together some simple outline floor plans of what you require. ‘Key points’ of hour project will be known already, but now knowing the views and aspect, permitted build size etc, the fun begins in turning all those long-standing dreams into reality. Bespoke design freedom ensures every aspect of your plot can be utilised and benefitted from. As with any form of construction, you will at some point need to provide full plot details, topography and geotechnic surveys etc, in part to determine if there are any foundation requirements over and above that of the generally standard (150mm) concrete slab.
2Start to work with an architect
With those outline (and maybe some specific!) ideas, now is the time to appoint / start working with an architect. (Unless you already have full plans prepared, and consent in place of course.) This can be by appointing one of our own professional in-house architects, or of course your own locally appointed architect, which is both welcomed and in some instances, recommended. (In some locations, ‘nationally registered’ is a regulation.) Local architects also have the benefit and knowledge of local terrain, building regulations and requirements, reputable contractors, and familiarity with local planning officers and planning applications, which can all frequently be advantageous. And not to mention if you are also local to your project, the benefit of faceto-face communication. The design process is exciting and rewarding, but can in some circumstances, can prove more time-consuming than expected. So please allow plenty.
3Submit plans for quotation
Planning Consent (far more than design) is rarely a rapid process, in any country. Some, (or even just some local areas) taking more than a year! So be prepared for delays after submission. (Your architect will already have advised you on expected time frames in your given location.) Once approved however, you are ready to start on what will be an exciting, smooth and stress-free journey to your dream home. To obtain an indicative Manufacturing and Supply guide price, please send us the completed architectural design and plans, (full specification pdf's at the minimum) and any pre-known specifications. Once this is approved 'in principal’ by you to proceed, we will then produce a more precise indicative quotation. For this we will require full plans, (ideally AutoCAD's / .dwg files) plus appropriate design and thermal parameters and specifications. No final quotation can be produced however until we have been commissioned / instructed to proceed to produce a full statistical study and structural drawings. These providing all information as regards the structure itself, indicating if any HGS is required, etc etc.
4Manufacturing process begins
Once our guide BOQ has been accepted, contracts signed and deposits received, from your full and final full AutoCAD / .dwg files and all parameters and specifications, our engineers commence on undertaking a full statistical study and the production of the structural drawings required for the manufacture of your new steel-frame prefabricated modular home. This will lead immediately into the commencement of the Manufacturing Process. From receipt of the deposit, to completion and availability of first shipment is normally a period of 6 weeks. From this point, if not already specified, we can then start to finalise your choices of colours, finishes, internal fittings options etc. - i.e. the full spectrum of everything your new home will require. The full manufacturing period on average: 45 - 60 days. But obviously subject to the size and complexity of your project. Shipping period on average: 21 - 35 days. (Dependant on your global location) In addition, some islands for example can take longer. We always seek the most efficient, and most economic options. Within the sealed and controlled environment of our manufacturing plant, subject to total footprint size and up to a maximum of three levels, we frequently undertake a ‘pre-construction’ of projects to ensure all elements align and are to the standards we insist upon, thus ensuring this is the case when arriving on site.
5Plot preparation
During these combined manufacturing and shipment periods, if not already completed there is now ample time for the plot to be cleared and prepared. Service connections can then be installed, and the slab foundations* (and/or any sub-levels) completed. (If sub-levels are involved, more time should be allowed, and commencement should be at the earliest opportunity.) All groundwork related tasks (- site clearance, excavations, sub-levels, foundations, service connections, infrastructure, landscaping, pools etc) are NOT part of our scope of work. They require to be locally arranged and undertaken by specialised locally appointed contractors, and should all be fully completed in preparation for the first delivery from our factory. (From your plans and geotechnic survey report we will have pre-advised if any requirements over and above the ‘standard’ foundation slab are required.) You will be updated of manufacturing progress, with advance notification of a manufacturing completion time. We similarly require assurance / confirmation from yourselves that the slab will be readying completed in preparation for immediate construction commencement. *(Unless your type of project is utilising the ‘Surefoot’ system - Not suitable for projects with sub-levels.)
6Shipping & delivery
On receipt of your payment balance, safe packing into 40HQ containers for shipping of the primary construction elements will immediately commence. Ongoing shipments are staggered for convenience of the construction process and stage requirements. - Subject to project design and size. In some instances for example, first elements will be that of HGS skeletal framework. (Pre-quoted shipping costs - CIF - will be applied to appropriate payments) CIF is normally to your nearest seaport. (subject to your location). Port to site transfer generally locally arranged for your maximum economy.
7Construction
Maximum prefabrication techniques reduce both material waste and labour time on site. The advanced stage of completion of factory-sealed panels also reduced the opportunity of exposure to the destructive and damaging effects of the elements for any period of time. With your foundation slab already completed prior to the first delivery, any HGS steel-frame (if applicable) and fully completed prefabricated structural steel-frame modular wall components are ready for immediate and swift construction upon arrival on site. All aided by the internationally patented, fail-safe connecting system for all external and internal walls and partition walls. All manufactured elements are numbered to a corresponding plan. (Think 'flat-pack' furniture on a grand scale. - But with parts that fit, and non missing!) From the slab upwards, the construction to a sealed and secure stage by a locally appointed team can be overseen, guided and assisted by a factory Chief Engineer. Subject to the project and design complexity of course, but this element of your home not uncommonly taking just a matter of weeks with a locally appointed 4-6 man ‘general build’ construction team. Construction to sealed and secure can also be undertaken by our own team. - Please ask once we have full details of your project.
8Internal fixing & finishing
Although every project is understandably different in both size and complexity, with the structure fully completed and secure, the internal installation of electric connections, kitchens, bathrooms, ceramics and flooring etc, can commence, by the locally appointed contractors. This followed by the finer details, final finishing and internal and external (if appropriate) decoration. It is impossible to estimate or generalise for such finer detailed elements on totally unknown sizes, but not uncommonly from 45 - 90 days to completion. (This is NOT a quotation, and is totally subject to the project size, specification, design etc.) Turnkey service by ourselves is available for some projects. - Please ask once we have full details of your project.
9Final Inspection
Throughout the entire manufacturing and construction process, meticulous care and attention will have been taken to all details, and as a result, your home is now essentially completed. But it is at this point, that a second and thorough inspection is carried out by the project manager. This being both internally and externally, making certain that no small detail has been overlooked, and any ‘snagging’ is attended to. This applying to not just our own structure, but to any other non-related elements.
10Keys to your dream house
The final task?To simply enjoy!
iPrefab Global’s manufacturing partner produces exceptional and individual, high quality, high specification houses, villas and buildings. Rest assured, when you take possession, you will find the finish and quality of your dream home will be no different, and will remain that way for many years.
