Panelized Homes?

Question

Does anyone here have any experience with panelized framing systems? It seems that the benefits are great and would be an excellent choice for spec builds. They appear to be quick build times, have already been through multiple plan checks, and would be more precise than site built. Anyone thoughts?

Jon Klaus · Answer

It's got a Hardi-board facade. First floor shop has 12' ceilings. Loft/apartment is 1200SF.  The recycled SIPs really do make for an energy efficient building.

Jon Klaus · Answer

I have a creative contractor who had an idea to use recycled door panels for building material.  These are 2' x 6' door cut outs made of steel or fiberglass with foam in between. I was planning to go to shop with an apartment over it and he talked me into trying out his new system.

My contractor would go to door companies and pay two dollars for some panels and get other panels for free.  My total cost on panels was around $1500, and a bunch of his time rounding them up. He didn't charge me for that though, because he really wanted to try out the system

We framed with our studs about 30 inches apart then we attached the panels.  We did double thickness with the panels on the roof and on the ends, so that we had about 4 1/2 inches thickness.   We saved expense on building materials, but ended up spending more time overall.  Cutting the panels to size was kind of a pain.

Probably the best benefit was that I didn't have to buy insulation since the panels are insulation.  The structure is 2000 SF (air conditioned) and my high electric bills are just over $100. In Texas.  The structural integrity is also excellent, it's definitely a stronger building than conventional framed construction.

This is on my place in the country, so I didn't have to worry about permitting.  I've considered doing it on spec homes in Austin, but I haven't because I don't want to fight the battle with the city.  I will probably use these again in the future, but I'm not sure about what project yet.

Rusty Thompson · Answer

the company I work for has built them before.  What would you like to know?

Kerry Ross · Answer

Hi @Matt C. definitely benefits to going the panelized route.We partner with multiple panelized home manufacturers as well as stick build contractors, so you can weigh pricing, construction timeline, and process accordingly.  Definitely save on construction time and great design options!

Angel Gutierrez · Answer

I’ll build it for you!

How are you financing this project? :)

Parker H Matson · Answer

I would love to connect with anyone who has experience with SIP panels. I am planning to develop several homes in South Florida using these. I am working with a local manufacturer, but open to any recommendations.

Angel Gutierrez · Answer

What would you like to know other than cost?

Chris Blackburn · Answer

@Rusty Thompson   Are you still dealing with SIPs?  I would love to talk to you about this- We have some great resources for different products right here in Salem!   The Freres MPP is an great local product  https://frereslumber.com/produ...   lots of videos on youtube.   Also we have several business that could adapt or use.   Idea box www.ideabox.com ,  International housing concepts https://www.homesfromihc.com,  Twenty 20

https://www.2020smi.com   Would love to talk to you more about this.

Rusty Thompson · Answer

@Matt C.

We are currently spending ~ 6.50$sqft. for SIPs panels, worse case scenario. The problem with asking how much wall panels cost is that there are a couple kinds of wall panels. We were building wall panels for Japan a long time ago. The were essentially ikea style flat packed buildings. It was done with standard building methods. With the introduction of SIPs there isn't really much demand for it. There a few companies that specialize in them still.

Matt C. · Answer

@Rusty Thompson I'm mainly trying to figure out pros vs. cons. Also I have read a lot about them but can't seem to find prices. The only price I have seen is site prep which they estimate at $100-150k. This doesn't include cost of land. That seems like an awful lot of money. Why does your company build them anymore?

@Kirk R. These are different from modular. It is essentially a stick built home that has the framing and trusses jig-built in a factory to close tolerances with minimal waste. They actually have some floor plans with 10' ceilings.

@Jon Klaus that's forward thinking by your GC. I like it! There is actually a company out of Austin that has some nice looking Panelized floor plans. I can't remember the name though.

@Angel Gutierrez I have heard of tridipanel. It is a very cool idea and would be perfect for areas that have hurricanes and tornados. I think it may be a bit cost prohibitive for a spec build in Southern California but I like the idea for perimeter walls and possibly even retaining walls if they can take the load.

Panelized Homes?

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