As mentioned by our previous blog on modular housing, prefabricated homes are growing in popularity. From 2021 to 2027 there is an expected CAGR of 2.6%, resulting in an industry growth from 420 million USD to 490 million USD (360 Research Reports). One of the up and coming modular housing companies is Method Homes. It is a prefab home company based in the Midwest with an emphasis on custom builds. 

In an interview with John Bacon, Method’s Sales Director, we explored the company’s strategy and unique approach to the prefab housing market.

About Method Homes

Founded in 2007, Method operates within a 1000 mile radius of their base in Seattle. They serve most of the midwest and offer a variety of housing options ranging from custom residential to workforce housing to commercial structures. As of 2024, they have completed over 400 projects. They expect to continue to expand their reach and rate of growth over the coming years.

Approximately 90% of Method Homes’ projects are custom-designed, with only 10% using preset blueprints. John Bacon, the Sales and Design Manager, explains, “If you just make something that’s exactly the same over and over again, it tends to not respond enough to the climate, to the client, to other considerations.” Their emphasis on custom builds reflects Method Homes’ commitment to client satisfaction.

Method notes that a good portion of their client base comes from either labor or weather constrained areas. For these clients, the fast building time, predictable build schedule, and quality control of modular housing allows many traditional obstacles like weather delays to be comfortably bypassed.

Designing Your Method Home

Method Homes offers both pre-designed layouts and fully custom builds. Regardless, the process is tailored to site specifications, ensuring continuous dialogue between you and the architect.

Cost and Timeline

• Base Price: $300–$400 per square foot
• Custom Builds: Up to $1,000 per square foot
• Completion Time: 2-4 months from permitting to final build

These costs are comparable to traditional housing, making Method Homes a competitive option in the market.

Sustainable Development at Method Homes

Sustainability is at the core of Method Homes’ mission. The company implements strong recycling practices, particularly with wood and drywall. This reduces construction waste to less than 10% of traditional build-produced waste. They minimize home energy costs by prioritizing efficient insulation and maximize home lifespan by using materials with longevity. For instance, they utilize plywood instead of oriented strandboard (OSB) for sheeting.

Energy Efficiency and Longevity

Furthermore, Bacon emphasizes that Method guarantees their sustainable practices by “working with the most stringent environmental certifications.”  Enrolling in reputable certification programs such as LEED, ENERGY STAR, Passive House, and the Living Building Challenge, they cross-check that their environmental execution meets industry standards

Commitment to Climate Neutrality

Their commitments extend beyond the houses they build to the company itself. Method has committed to achieving climate neutrality and producing entirely net-zero energy homes by 2030. Shifting their factory to solar power, they are solidly on track to meet their climate targets.

Balancing Sustainability and Aesthetics

However, sustainability does not come at the cost of beauty or practicality. Bacon emphasizes, “You can build a perfectly sustainable little box, but if nobody loves it, they’re going to tear it down, even if that thing is net-zero or net-positive.” Method Homes understands that true sustainability also considers the longevity of the home.

Modular Home Hesitation

Despite the benefits of modular, Method Homes still recognizes the stigma against it. Offsite construction is often associated with lower-quality homes or uninspired cookie cutter designs. Younger generations are more open to the idea of modular. Older home-owners are often unwilling to shift away from traditional housing.

Market Outlook: The Future of Modular Housing

Method Homes acknowledges that modular housing is still in its early stages, with significant room for growth. Since its founding 16 years ago, the industry has seen many companies come and go. Method attributes its long-term success to two key factors: “Our people and our approach.”

A Strategy for Sustainable Growth

With a strong core team led by founder and CEO Brian Abramson, Method’s business strategy focuses on deliberate development and organic growth. This approach, they believe, will lead to long-term success in the expanding modular housing market.

Collaboration Over Competition

Bacon expresses a collaborative outlook on the industry: “I look at it less as competition; I want to see them all succeed.” For Method, modular housing represents more than just a business model. It’s a shift toward a more sustainable, efficient housing style that benefits everyone.

Conclusion

Method Homes seamlessly blends sustainability with practicality in the modular housing industry. By focusing on custom designs, fast build times, and environmentally conscious practices, they are paving the way for a more sustainable future in housing.

Disclaimer

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Featured image is courtesy of Method Homes