Panelized Construction

[Tom Bukacek]

Is anyone familiar with Panelized Construction? It is where they construct the walls and shell of the house in a plant somewhere and ship the property. The benefits appear to be fast construction time (lower labor costs) and less waste of materials & theft. I have searched online and haven't really found a downside. Looks like you can construct a house fast and inexpensive. The final product looks good in the pictures. Has anyone seen or built one of these types of homes?

[Bill Patterson]

The biggest benefit that I have found is in winter or late fall framing. The panels are built in the factory and I can frame and dry in the home in less than half of the time. In Michigan snow and rain can cause lots of problems for framing! Sam is correct about the quality control. I have had panels built as a mirror image! Make sure you review your panel drawings carefully for openings, dimensions, etc. Another consideration is access to your site and lay down area. You need to sort and store the panels as well as use a fork lift or crane to set the bigger ones.
Bill