The Process
In response to questions concerning steps required to have a home constructed under the Systems Built technology, Mariner Homes has set forth THE PROCESS .
For those individuals who do not own a lot, the information Mariner Homes provides on our web site relative to base pricing, options and Construction Specifications are enough data at this stage. The most important thing the client can do at this point is to FIND A LOT. Once you either settle or have a lot under contract you can contact us and we can proceed to the next step.
For those either under contract or who already own a lot, Mariner Homes requires a pre-approval letter from their lender. The lender should indicate an overall construction and their ability work within Mariner Homes' construction contract and draw schedule comfortably.
Should the customer not yet have a lender selected- Mariner Homes recommends Sandy Spring Bank (Cindi Stone) to be the lender of choice. Her contact info is 301-617-4234, email: cstone@sandyspringbank.com
A short phone conversation with Cindi will accomplish several things: She can discuss the advantages and details of a Construction/Permanent Loan for your project and assist you in determining your financial parameters for which you are qualified. Either Cindi Stone or you lender will provide Mariner Homes with the results of this inquiry and then Mariner Homes can proceed to set up the SDCA (Site Development Cost Assessment).
A Representative of Mariner Homes will contact you to schedule an appointment to meet at your lot. This includes Mariner Homes's Excavator and the customer. We would like to obtain a copy of any plat, preliminary site development plan, well and/or septic report and/or topographical study which might be available.
The purpose of the SDCA is to estimate the cost to develop the site to support the desired house model type. Within the base pricing of Mariner Homes there is an allowance for a typical site development expense and should the specific site costs exceed this amount an excess charge would be required. Any extra expense for site work is made known prior to contract signing so there are no hidden surprises for these items.
The SDCA initially determines whether the Crane and Modular Components can be brought onto the site. Items of concern for this phase of the evaluation include overhead lines, topography of the site, soil conditions and rock issues. Other site considerations include access to utilities, driveway length, driveway apron, clearing, grading and placement of the house with regards to orientation on the lot and whether a walk-out basement is requested.
The site inspection with you, a rep from Mariner Homes and the excavator takes up to a hour. You will receive our current pricing, options, construction specifications and a CD ROM with a video interview with Josh Margulies, President of Mariner Homes, discussing the Modular process.
Our excavator prepares his proposal for the site work and submits his proposal via email to Mariner Homes within several days. During this time we recommend that you submit you "WISH LIST" to us at josh@marinerhomes.com. This includes any requested Options not on our web site and any other questions/concerns you want Mariner Homes to address. Once Josh Margulies has the Excavator's bid and has had time to prepare responses to your inquiries you have emailed him- he will call you to arrange a meeting ( THE INITIAL SALES CONFERENCE).
During this face to face meeting the following will be discussed:
Regulatory Costs, Impact Fees, Hard Costs based on the Model chosen. We recommend at this stage that 1 or 2 models be chosen since we will be providing you detailed architectural drawings of the model type(s) for your review. References will be provided, a sample construction agreement will be provided and photos of the house type will also be shown to you. A discussion of the SDCA findings will be gone over with you and any impact on overall costs will be discussed. This Initial Sales Conference can take up to 2 hours.
The next step is to arrange for a SECOND SALES CONFERENCE.
Costs are reviewed, ideas/options are refined, drawings are red-lined for specific floor plan changes and option inclusions, etc. and time tables are discussed. All this work generates an exact, detailed, lump sum price (with a provision made for unknowns) that we can take to a lender in the form of a contract.
Next Step is WE GO TO CONTRACT.