I just purchased property in central Indiana that we want to build a SIP home on.  I know that Thermacore is close to us and I did e-mail them and they referred us to one architect they have worked with.  Other than that, I am not sure where to start.  We have plenty of friends who have built moderately priced custom homes near us (200,000 to 300,000 price range) but they have been done using traditional stick framing.  I really like the idea of SIPs.

Is it reasonable to think that I can find a designer/architect/builder in the central Indiana that could help me design and build a SIP home in the 200,000 to 230,000 price range?  I can sacrifice finishes, etc to get me a better home structurally.  We would even entertain the idea of taking over the contracting of the project once the house was framed if necessary.

Thanks for your help!

It all depends on what you consider 'necessary' in your new home. The changeover to SIPS should not add that much to the cost of a home. When you add an 'architect' to the mix, you sometimes add more than just their fees to the final costs. Someone once asked if I could build a house for $60 per sq. ft., and I answered yes, but no one would want to live in it. The final cost of a new home is up to you and how well you can hold to your convictions, when everyone around you is trying to upgrade their part of the process. If you start with a simple house plan, and build with strong bones, and keep the finishes simple you can build it for a reasonable price. You have many desicisions to make, and many arguments to win, before the process is complete.

You don't mention what size/style home you are considering. We design and build timber frame, hybrid, and panelized homes. We're based in NC, but work nationwide. We'd be pleased to visit with you. As Wes mentioned, there are so many decisions in the design/build process. We work closely with our clients to work through those specifications so the budget works. Let me know if we can help.

Bonnie Pickartz
Goshen Timber Frames
[email protected]
828-524-8662

We are looking at building a home that is approximately 2500 to 2800 square feet.  We would like a partial second floor - enough for 2 bedrooms and maybe a bonus room over the garage.  We are also hoping for a daylight basement.  I love the look of an arts and crafts style home.  I am willing to sacrifice finishes in the home for better construction and design.  I can live with formica countertops, etc.  Those things can be upgraded later as tastes and styles change.  I can' t upgrade to better design later so easily!

It sounds like you have a great long term plan. Let me know if we can help with the design of your new panelized home. You'll find lots of plans on our website...we can revise one to be your panelized home or custom design a home for you. We love the efficiency of our own home that is enclosed in polyurethane panels. Bonnie http://www.timberframemag.com 828-524-8662 [email protected]