How it Works | Rochester Homes, Inc.

Phase 1: Homeowner

Choose your LGC

Your journey starts with reaching out to Rochester Homes, and we make it simple. You can email us, give us a call, or fill out the contact form here. If you have already had a chance to tour our facility, you have seen firsthand the benefits of building with RHI. Once you have contacted us, we will introduce you to the Local General Contractor (LGC) in your area to get the process started. The LGC will become your main point of contact throughout the rest of the process, leading all aspects of your home’s on-site construction.

Find a Building Site

You probably already have a general area in mind as to where you want to live. But, a very early consideration in your journey of building with Rochester Homes is selecting the perfect location for your new home.

Key Considerations:

Zoning and Regulations: Ensure the land is zoned appropriately for residential construction and complies with local building codes.
Access to Utilities: Verify the availability of essential services such as water, electricity, sewage, and internet connectivity.
Topography and Soil Quality: Assess the land's terrain and soil conditions to determine suitability for construction and foundation requirements.
Accessibility: Consider the site's accessibility for construction equipment and future home deliveries.

The LGC will conduct a thorough site evaluation, addressing any potential challenges and ensuring the land meets all necessary criteria for building your modular home. Our goal is to make the process of finding and preparing your building site as smooth and informed as possible, setting a solid foundation for the home-building journey ahead.

Financial Research

When considering the purchase and construction of a home, it is important to start thinking about financing early in the process. Understanding your financing options upfront helps you set a realistic budget and to make informed decisions on home design and features. Do your research on different loan types. There are varying terms and requirements, so researching what you qualify for early on ensures you are prepared. By addressing financing early, you will have a clearer path forward and avoid any financial hurdles that could slow down your home building process.

Phase 2: Design, Floor Plan Selection and Customization

Time to select your floor plan and make key customizations! Rochester Homes offers a variety of modular home designs - Ranch, Cape Cod and Two-Story, and you can customize the layout and finishes to suit your preferences.

Choose Your Design and Floor Plan

Rochester Homes provides many customization options—diverse selections of customizable floor plans designed to fit your lifestyle and needs. Or bring in your own plans, we can work with you to "value engineer" your design into a modular-friendly plan. Our modular designs offer flexibility in layout, finishes, and features. Start with one of our expertly crafted floor plans, then personalize it with a variety of options to make it truly yours. View All Floor Plans.

Customization Options

In addition to the floor plan, square footage and ceiling height, you can select from a range of customization options, including:

Roof pitch adjustments
Window and door sizes, colors, and styles
Upgraded countertops (e.g., quartz)
Specialty cabinets, such as pull-out pantries or pot/pan drawers
Kitchen island configurations
Wood door profiles and finishes

Once you have finalized your design choices, your Local General Contractor (LGC) will begin preparations for construction. During this phase, a lot of "behind-the-scenes" activity takes place, with RHI and your LGC maintaining regular communication to coordinate the specifics of your home build.

Implement Customer Choices into a Print Pack

The Detailed Print Pack, which outlines the comprehensive design and specifications of your home, is developed based on collaborative input from you and your LGC. This includes considerations such as desired features, lot layout, and any site-specific requirements. By working closely together, RHI and your LGC ensure that every aspect of your home is meticulously planned and executed, aligning with your vision and needs.

Finalize Choices and Budget
With your design preferences and customization options selected, the next step is to solidify your home's specifications and establish a more concise budget. This phase ensures that every detail aligns with your vision and financial considerations.

Key Steps:

Detailed Design Review: Collaborate with your Local General Contractor (LGC) to review and confirm all chosen features, materials, and finishes. This includes finalizing selections such as roof pitch, window and door styles, cabinetry, countertops, and flooring.
Budget Alignment: Assess the costs associated with your selections to ensure they align with your budget. Your LGC will provide a detailed estimate, highlighting any areas where adjustments might be needed to meet financial goals.
Scope of Work Definition: Clearly outline the scope of work, detailing what is included in the construction process. This encompasses site preparation, foundation work, utility connections, and any additional structures like garages or porches.

This phase is crucial in translating your ideas into actionable plans, setting the stage for a successful build that meets your expectations and stays within budget.

Sign a Purchase Agreement

At RHI, we specialize in designing and manufacturing high-quality modular homes. Once you have selected your home design and secured financing, the next step involves signing a purchase agreement with your Local General Contractor (LGC). This agreement outlines the scope of work and specific details related to your home's construction and on-site preparation. It is important to note that the purchase agreement is established between you and the LGC, not directly with RHI. This arrangement allows RHI to focus on delivering exceptional modular home components, while the LGC manages site-specific tasks such as foundation work, utility connections, and final assembly. Throughout this process, RHI and your LGC collaborate closely to ensure a seamless and efficient home-building experience.

Phase 3: Preparation for Build

Pull Permits and Schedule Contractors

Once your home's design and specifications are finalized, your LGC takes on the responsibility of obtaining the necessary building permits from the local jurisdiction. This process involves:

Application Submission: The LGC submits detailed construction plans and documentation to the local building department.
Fee Payment: They pay the required fees associated with the permit application.
Scheduling Inspections: The LGC coordinates with local inspectors to schedule necessary inspections at various construction stages.

By handling the permit process, the LGC ensures that your home construction complies with local building codes and regulations. This step is crucial for legal compliance and for safeguarding the structural integrity and safety of your new home.

Plan Submission for Third-Party and State Review

Concurrently, your home's construction plans undergo a separate review process to ensure compliance with broader building codes and standards. This review can be conducted by:

State Agencies: Depending on your location, state building departments may require a thorough examination of the plans to ensure adherence to state-wide codes.
Third-Party Reviewers: Some jurisdictions allow or require independent, certified agencies to review building plans. These third-party reviewers assess the plans for compliance with applicable codes and standards.

This plan review process is essential for:

Code Compliance: Ensuring that the design meets all applicable building codes and safety standards.
Approval for Construction: Obtaining necessary approvals that may be prerequisites for permit issuance.

It's important to note that this review is distinct from the local permitting process and focuses specifically on the technical and safety aspects of the building plans.

Once your design plans are finalized, they are submitted to both third-party agencies and state authorities for comprehensive review and approval. This step ensures compliance with all relevant building codes and regulations, facilitating a smoother construction process.

Order Custom Materials

Simultaneously, any customized materials—such as specialty fixtures, finishes, or architectural elements—are ordered to ensure they arrive in time for integration into the build process. Timely ordering is crucial, as some custom items may have extended lead times.

Schedule Home Production

Following the necessary approvals, your home is scheduled for production. This involves coordinating with manufacturing teams to ensure the timely construction of your home components, aligning with the overall project timeline.

Phase 4: Home Construction and Move

Site Work and Foundation Installation
The LGC begins with clearing the lot, leveling the ground, and preparing the foundation. The foundation is critical to ensuring the stability of the home, and the LGC will coordinate all required groundwork and foundation installation.

Module Build

The LGC begins with clearing the lot, leveling the ground, and preparing the foundation—crucial steps to ensure the home’s stability. While this work is underway, homeowner responsibilities may feel paused or minimal, but rest assured that significant behind-the-scenes activity is taking place to keep your project moving forward. The LGC is coordinating multiple steps to set the stage for the next phases of your build.

Home Set and Construction

At this stage, your modular home begins to take shape on-site, and the LGC takes charge of the various construction tasks necessary to complete the project. Here is a more in-depth look at the key steps involved:

Delivery of Modules
The modular sections are transported from the factory to your site. Depending on the home's design, this could involve multiple modules. Coordination with transportation and local authorities may be necessary to navigate roads and obtain permits.

Setting the Modules
Using a crane, each module is carefully lifted and placed onto the foundation. Precision is crucial to align the modules correctly. Once in place, the modules are secured together and to the foundation, ensuring structural integrity.

Roof Assembly
Our homes feature hinged roofs that are folded during transport. After setting the modules, the roof sections are lifted and secured into place. Additional components, like dormers or gables, may be installed to complete the roof structure.

Exterior Sealing and Weatherproofing
The joints between modules are sealed to protect against weather elements. This includes installing flashing, siding, and roofing materials to ensure the home is watertight and energy-efficient.

Phase 5: Interior and Exterior Finishes

Interior Finishes

After the modular sections are set on the foundation, the interior finishing phase commences. This includes installing drywall, painting, laying flooring, and adding trim work to ensure a cohesive and polished interior. Appliances are installed during this stage, completing the interior spaces, while cabinets and countertops are installed at the factory prior to delivery. The Local General Contractor (LGC) oversees these tasks, coordinating with skilled tradespeople to ensure quality and adherence to design specifications.

Garage and Porch Construction

Following the completion of interior finishes, construction of additional structures such as attached garages, porches, or patios begins. These elements are built to complement the home's design and are constructed in accordance with local building codes. The LGC manages this phase, ensuring that these additions are seamlessly integrated into the overall structure and meet all regulatory requirements.

Driveways, Walkways, and Final Grading

The final phase involves exterior site work to ensure functionality and curb appeal. This includes pouring concrete or asphalt for driveways and walkways, providing safe and convenient access to the home. Subsequently, final grading is performed to ensure proper drainage away from the foundation, preventing potential water damage and promoting the longevity of the structure. The LGC coordinates these tasks, aligning them with your landscaping plans and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Phase 6: Warranty and Ongoing Support

Warranty Coverage

Your LGC will handle any craftsmanship warranty claims related to the home and its components. This includes the structural elements of the home, as well as any optional features you may have selected, like specialty bathtubs or cabinet selections. Keep in mind that individual product manufacturers provide warranties for specific items (e.g., appliances, windows, etc.), so homeowners should register their warranties directly with those manufacturers.

Clean and Move-In

After construction is complete, the LGC will conduct a thorough cleaning and perform a final inspection to ensure everything is in move-in condition. Once this process is finished, your home is ready for you!

Further Assistance

If you ever need support or have questions after the move-in process, your LGC remains your primary contact for warranty-related issues. However, if you have difficulty reaching your LGC or need additional assistance, the Rochester Homes sales department is always available to help.

Landscape

With the interior gleaming and the structure finalized, it is time to bring your personal touch to the outdoors. Whether you envision a lush green lawn, vibrant flower beds, or tranquil garden paths, this is your opportunity to transform the exterior into your oasis. Engaging in landscaping not only enhances curb appeal but also allows you to create functional outdoor spaces tailored to your lifestyle.

Building your dream home with Rochester Homes is a seamless process that combines quality construction, customizable options, and personalized service. With the expertise of your Local General Contractor and the precision of our modular construction, we ensure a home that meets your vision, your budget, and your timeline.