Discover a smarter,
faster way to build
your projects.
Built to your spec.
The Plant Building System™ was designed for custom jobs, so we build to your exact specifications. Whether it’s high-end finishes or ADA compliance, we work with your architect (or you can work with ours) to meet your project’s unique needs and budget.
Fast and reliable.
Building with Plant cuts construction time in half:
Advanced engineering exposes any design, structural, or manufacturing issues before production even begins.
Vertical construction occurs in tandem with site work.
We build indoors, with all trades in-house, eliminating weather and staffing delays.
Inspections are conducted right in our factory, on regularly-scheduled intervals.
Rigorous quality control facilitates reliable, repeatable processes.
Cost-efficient.
Drastically shorter timelines and reduced waste drives cost efficiency. And our location allows us to retain skilled labor that commands a high premium in most other construction markets.
Consistent, superior quality.
We build in a controlled environment, with highly-skilled, full-time tradespeople adhering to strict quality control procedures. And we build all walls, floors, and ceilings on special jigs to ensure that they are absolutely square, straight, flush, and level. These processes, which are not possible on a typical job site, help us achieve consistent, high-quality workmanship.
Here’s how it works.
Feasibility & Estimate
Initial Design Review
You share the initial design concepts and site address, and we make initial recommendations on a potential Plant Building System™ strategy based on your site, design concept, and overall goals. The Plant Building System allows us to accommodate many different designs. Our engineering services team works with you to determine the most efficient prefab concept for your design based on site and project constraints.
If you haven’t yet reviewed the Plant Design Guidelines, this is a great time to do so.
Time: 1 - 2 weeks
Site Feasibility
When necessary, we formally evaluate your client’s site and the route from our factory to the lot to make sure it’s feasible to deliver and install prefabricated components. Impediments like overhanging trees and power lines, low bridges, narrow roads, severe curves, and steep slopes along the route determine any constraints on the size of the prefabricated components that can be delivered to the site. We then give you a full report and discuss our recommendations. This is a paid service.
Time: 2 - 4 weeks
Initial Project Estimate
You share the design and finish assumptions, and we then prepare a rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimate that specifies anticipated costs, inclusions, and exclusions. If the ROM and initial design review are acceptable, the next step is to move into preconstruction.
Time: 1 - 2 weeks
Design
If you’re still developing the design, we’ll work with you and the architect during the pre-construction phase on any changes that may be required to make it more efficient for prefabrication. Ideally, you will connect with us before your plans have been engineered, as the requirements for off-site construction vary from those for site-built projects.
If you’ve already completed the design, we’ll help you optimize it for prefabrication, which may result in re-engineering and re-approvals.
Time: Varies by project
Preconstruction
Preconstruction & Design Review
You and the architect finalize the design and all specifications, and then we work with you and the architect to determine the scope of work between us and the site general contractor, who we recommend hiring as early as possible. Based on the final CD package, we establish pricing for the fabrication. We also collate and submit the engineered drawings for the factory-built portion to state authorities for review and approval.
Time: 12 - 16 weeks
Estimating
As your design progresses from schematic designs to construction documents, we provide three estimates, as well as a spec and scope document, to assist in developing overall prefab component costs. The spec and scope document identifies what’s built and/or provided by Plant versus what’s built and/or provided by the general contractor.
Time: 12 - 16 weeks
Engineering & Approvals
Your architect is responsible for all zoning and code compliance for the project. They also coordinate with all consultants necessary to complete a full CD package. We can provide referrals for consultants or assist yours with the specifics of prefab engineering. We encourage you to bring on a general contractor as early as possible to assist with the scope of work development for the site portion.
Our team works with you during the development of the design and detailing and the preparation of the state submittal package. All components built in the factory are reviewed, approved, and inspected by a 3rd party agency representing the state. Engineering and permitting for foundations and site work is governed by local authorities.
We review the package before submitting it to the state approval agency on behalf of the project. Once the state submittal is approved, it is added to your permit package for final submission to the local enforcement agency (LEA).
Time: Varies by jurisdiction
Plant Virtual Build
Before fabrication begins, our CAD engineers create a complete virtual model of your project, down to the SDS screws and hold downs. The digital modeling process includes coordinating and specifying the routing of mechanical, electrical, sprinkler, and plumbing systems through the structure. The entire project is constructed in CAD, and shop drawings are created prior to any lumber being cut. RFIs are also generated during this time, before construction begins, insuring a shorter more efficient build time.
The shop drawings produced include cut lists for factory equipment, all purchased materials, and detailed shipping instructions. An installation manual for assembling all the components on site is also included.
Time: 8-16 weeks
Fabrication & Site Work
Fabrication
After the building permit is secured, the project is built according to the shop drawings in our indoor facilities by our highly-skilled, full-time tradespeople. Our rigorous quality control program ensures superior craftsmanship, and our environmental health and sustainability standards minimize waste. Our Plant Building System walls and panels are built to minimize air infiltration for energy efficiency.
Production happens in parallel with the site work, and all required inspections are completed in our factory prior to shipping components to the site. All components have an insignia on them alerting the LEA of the state’s approval.
You and the general contractor are welcome to visit the factory and observe the progress of
construction.
Time: 12 - 16 weeks for average sized project, depending on current factory capacity
Site Work and Foundation
We do not perform site work, but during the factory fabrication, there are weekly calls with the entire project team to coordinate the schedule and scope of work.
Time: 8 - 16 weeks
Installation to Move-In
Delivery & Installation
Your general contractor may self-perform the work or hire an installation company to manage the transportation and installation of the prefab components. We can also refer your client to installation companies, if needed. The transportation company secures any necessary permits and delivers the components from our factory to the job site.
Installation is when the modules and other prefabricated components are assembled on-site. A crane is used to lift the components off the truck and then lower them onto the prepared foundation, where they are structurally connected to the foundation and to each other, as required. Depending on the size and complexity of the design, the installation time varies from several hours to several days. Larger multi-family projects may take longer. This is coordinated before the units are shipped.
Time: 1 - 3 days
Finish Work
Once the building is assembled, your general contractor connects the utilities, installs the appliances, and applies any finish materials as determined by the scope of work. Some of our projects ship up to 90% complete, with drywall, paint, millwork, tile, and appliances in place. In these projects, the on-site finish work is minimal. The level of finish completion in the factory determines the amount of finish work that occurs on-site.
Time: 6 - 12 weeks
Final Inspection
All prefabricated components are inspected in the factory and arrive on-site with a state insignia indicating to the LEA that all factory-built components have been reviewed and approved by a state-certified agency.
Fewer onsite inspections are required if more work has been completed in the factory. For example, if bathrooms and kitchens are finished in the factory, the plumbing and sprinklers will have already been tested.
The city performs all final inspections as required by the local permit, including structural and utility connections and inspections of any other work not completed in our factory.
Initial Design Review
You share the initial design concepts and site address, and we make initial recommendations on a potential Plant Building System™ strategy based on your site, design concept, and overall goals. The Plant Building System allows us to accommodate many different designs. Our engineering services team works with you to determine the most efficient prefab concept for your design based on site and project constraints.
If you haven’t yet reviewed the Plant Design Guidelines, this is a great time to do so.
Time: 1 - 2 weeks
Site Feasibility
When necessary, we formally evaluate your client’s site and the route from our factory to the lot to make sure it’s feasible to deliver and install prefabricated components. Impediments like overhanging trees and power lines, low bridges, narrow roads, severe curves, and steep slopes along the route determine any constraints on the size of the prefabricated components that can be delivered to the site. We then give you a full report and discuss our recommendations. This is a paid service.
Time: 2 - 4 weeks
Initial Project Estimate
You share the design and finish assumptions, and we then prepare a rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimate that specifies anticipated costs, inclusions, and exclusions. If the ROM and initial design review are acceptable, the next step is to move into preconstruction.
Time: 1 - 2 weeks
Design
If you’re still developing the design, we’ll work with you and the architect during the pre-construction phase on any changes that may be required to make it more efficient for prefabrication. Ideally, you will connect with us before your plans have been engineered, as the requirements for off-site construction vary from those for site-built projects.
If you’ve already completed the design, we’ll help you optimize it for prefabrication, which may result in re-engineering and re-approvals.
Time: Varies by project
Preconstruction & Design Review
You and the architect finalize the design and all specifications, and then we work with you and the architect to determine the scope of work between us and the site general contractor, who we recommend hiring as early as possible. Based on the final CD package, we establish pricing for the fabrication. We also collate and submit the engineered drawings for the factory-built portion to state authorities for review and approval.
Time: 12 - 16 weeks
Estimating
As your design progresses from schematic designs to construction documents, we provide three estimates, as well as a spec and scope document, to assist in developing overall prefab component costs. The spec and scope document identifies what’s built and/or provided by Plant versus what’s built and/or provided by the general contractor.
Time: 12 - 16 weeks
Engineering & Approvals
Your architect is responsible for all zoning and code compliance for the project. They also coordinate with all consultants necessary to complete a full CD package. We can provide referrals for consultants or assist yours with the specifics of prefab engineering. We encourage you to bring on a general contractor as early as possible to assist with the scope of work development for the site portion.
Our team works with you during the development of the design and detailing and the preparation of the state submittal package. All components built in the factory are reviewed, approved, and inspected by a 3rd party agency representing the state. Engineering and permitting for foundations and site work is governed by local authorities.
We review the package before submitting it to the state approval agency on behalf of the project. Once the state submittal is approved, it is added to your permit package for final submission to the local enforcement agency (LEA).
Time: Varies by jurisdiction
Plant Virtual Build
Before fabrication begins, our CAD engineers create a complete virtual model of your project, down to the SDS screws and hold downs. The digital modeling process includes coordinating and specifying the routing of mechanical, electrical, sprinkler, and plumbing systems through the structure. The entire project is constructed in CAD, and shop drawings are created prior to any lumber being cut. RFIs are also generated during this time, before construction begins, insuring a shorter more efficient build time.
The shop drawings produced include cut lists for factory equipment, all purchased materials, and detailed shipping instructions. An installation manual for assembling all the components on site is also included.
Time: 8-16 weeks
Fabrication
After the building permit is secured, the project is built according to the shop drawings in our indoor facilities by our highly-skilled, full-time tradespeople. Our rigorous quality control program ensures superior craftsmanship, and our environmental health and sustainability standards minimize waste. Our Plant Building System walls and panels are built to minimize air infiltration for energy efficiency.
Production happens in parallel with the site work, and all required inspections are completed in our factory prior to shipping components to the site. All components have an insignia on them alerting the LEA of the state’s approval.
You and the general contractor are welcome to visit the factory and observe the progress of
construction.
Time: 12 - 16 weeks for average sized project, depending on current factory capacity
Site Work and Foundation
We do not perform site work, but during the factory fabrication, there are weekly calls with the entire project team to coordinate the schedule and scope of work.
Time: 8 - 16 weeks
Delivery & Installation
Your general contractor may self-perform the work or hire an installation company to manage the transportation and installation of the prefab components. We can also refer your client to installation companies, if needed. The transportation company secures any necessary permits and delivers the components from our factory to the job site.
Installation is when the modules and other prefabricated components are assembled on-site. A crane is used to lift the components off the truck and then lower them onto the prepared foundation, where they are structurally connected to the foundation and to each other, as required. Depending on the size and complexity of the design, the installation time varies from several hours to several days. Larger multi-family projects may take longer. This is coordinated before the units are shipped.
Time: 1 - 3 days
Finish Work
Once the building is assembled, your general contractor connects the utilities, installs the appliances, and applies any finish materials as determined by the scope of work. Some of our projects ship up to 90% complete, with drywall, paint, millwork, tile, and appliances in place. In these projects, the on-site finish work is minimal. The level of finish completion in the factory determines the amount of finish work that occurs on-site.
Time: 6 - 12 weeks
Final Inspection
All prefabricated components are inspected in the factory and arrive on-site with a state insignia indicating to the LEA that all factory-built components have been reviewed and approved by a state-certified agency.
Fewer onsite inspections are required if more work has been completed in the factory. For example, if bathrooms and kitchens are finished in the factory, the plumbing and sprinklers will have already been tested.
The city performs all final inspections as required by the local permit, including structural and utility connections and inspections of any other work not completed in our factory.
Inspired designs, efficiently built. See the results.
Custom
Faster
Healthy
Reliable
Smart
Why choose Plant?
Your project is expertly constructed to your exact design specifications, in half the time of an on-site build. You save money and get a reliable production schedule you can depend on.
Tell us how we can support your project.
You can use an eraser on the drafting table or a sledge hammer on the construction site.”
Frank Lloyd Wright