Have been working with an architect on new home plans. He advocates using SIPS for ext. walls and roof.
I was on board at first but the more I learn the more I’m having doubts.
Supposedly the cost is same as conventional framing and insulating. But that doesn’t include cost of all the glulams and the on-site crane needed.
I have gotten prices from one builder who quoted $20K plus cost to build conventional and 30K plus cost to build using SIPS. He figures the precision needed and the co-ordination of trades will require a lot more oversight.
We are building 1950 sq ft ranch on top of full unfinished basement with attached 2 car garage in central KY.
Any feedback on pros and cons and costs of SIPS would be greatly appreciated.
Replies
Is it an option to ask the SIP supplier to recommend a builder?
We are doing poured, partial exposed T-mass foundation; SIP walls; and truss roof/blown insulation on our project. Construction has not started yet, but I will be posting updates on my blog.
As with any alternative method the answer to "is it better?" is answered with "it depends".
The SIP folks will tell you they can do anything (as will the ICF folks, Stick frame folks, Prefab folks, and haybale folks. . . .) but some designs lend themselves better to one method over another. If your archy was thinking SIPs, he just may have designed something SIP-friendly (no guarantee, though).
My SIP mfg knew I wanted to be involved in the construction and recommended a small 2 man show that has been great to work with. Very flexible. If you are a hands-off person, tell them. Also show the SIP mfg the plans. They may know the best person to help you out based on the house design, too.
Adventures in Home Building
An online journal covering the preparation and construction of our new home.
Karl, it sounds like your builder doesn't like SIP's. Find a builder who likes to use them, or as someone already mentioned, ask your SIP manufacturer if they can recommend someone in your area.
The last time I ran a price comparison of SIP's vs stick framing, the SIP's were a bit higher on materials price, but it was a wash with labor. The stick crew might not need a crane, but they will need more hours to put the house together than the SIP crew will. The crane means you can get larger panels which thereby shortens assembly time. The crane can also place trusses. So even though the crane sounds horribly expensive (IIRC $100/hr when I priced it last), it can more than make up the $$ in labor savings. The SIP crew could have all your exterior walls up in a day. You can ask the stick-framers on this site, but my WAG would be that a stick framer could easily take two weeks or more.
Don't let a non-SIP builder spook you.
jt8
"The difference between greatness and mediocrity is often how an individual views a mistake..."-- Nelson Boswell
You've goten good advice so far about contacting a SIP manufacturer. Just to clarify, it seems your builder is giving himself a cushion because of his unfamiliarity with SIP. Has he acutally built one, or is the 30% based on past experiences?
The best value for your money is to NOT pay for someone else's education on a new system.Ithaca, NY "10 square miles, surrounded by reality"
Agreed - if the builder wants to learn, then he'd be willing to "share" in the tuition, no?
It will be interesting to see what Karl27 decides to do.