If you are planning to build with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS), I highly suggest you attend the two day owner builder SIPS school that is taught by Al Cobb in Shepherdstown, WV.

Here is a link to the site: http://www.sipschool.org/

I just attended the 2-day (class 201) owner-builder sips workshop that was held June 15 & 16 (2008).  I learned more about SIPS in those two days than I have in the past two years of reading and researching.

Previous to attending this school, I had been working on getting bids and I found that it was like comparing apples to oranges. In the first morning of the class, Al had me up to the point where I could understand what was being sold by the different companies.
 
Al has been involved with sips building for the past 18 years and has designed many of the tools currently used in sips installation. Al is also a member and is on the board of directors of the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA).

The class is taught in an UN-BIASED format. Al knows his stuff when it comes to SIPS and he tells it like it is. He does not recommend one company or one type of sips over another. He presents the facts in an understandable format and lets you make the decisions.

It's obvious from the start that Al knows what he is talking about. There is never any hesitation when he is asked a question. If someone brought up a question, he almost always had the answer and could give you a reference. If he didn't have the answer (which was almost never) he was honest and quick enough to admit it.

The handout for the school was exceptional. There were lots of photos and diagrams and plenty of space to make your own notes. This was probably the best handout that I have ever received at any seminar (building or non-building) that I have attended.

The class was held in a very nice facility and a great lunch was provided for both days. Al also included a tour of his workshop on the second day and showed us many of the types of sips available plus most of the tools used to install sips.

I give this class an 11 out of a possible 10! There was not one bad thing I could say about this class and the staff.

I definitely feel that I got much more than I expected from this class.

Jack DeHaven   

Just read your msg. I am in the initial stages of comparing SIP/ICF/timber. I live in VA so I could make a trip to the SIP school. If I bring a set of plans would this help. What were some of your Q's. I want to be a hands on owner/builder but know my limitations. My long range plan is to get it under a roof and then take over doing the rest. I plan on using geothermal and would think this is an important part for the prework for any structure.   THX Lisa I plan on checking out your recommended link for the school and sign up!

Lisa,

You won't regret attending the sips school. I'd recommend the same course I took: the owner builder two day course. I did take my plans and they went over them with me and gave me suggestions that helped. I attended because there is soooo much data on sips and so many different opinions... that I wanted to see what to do from someone who knew what to do.

I'm doing the same thing you are as far as getting my house under roof. I'm acting as the GC and will have the excavation and foundation done by subs. Then I'll have a sips installer do the shell. After that I'll hire subs to do much of the rest of the work. My wife and I will also do some of the work to save money. I also suggest you check out the www.ownerbuilderbook.com website. There are tons and tons of info there for you.

Jack