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Forums > Green Building Technologies > Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) > Subject: Cost of SIPS per sf of wall/roof

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robinncUser is Offline
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08/18/2008 11:36 PM  
I did a search and basically came up empty. What is the approx. cost of a SIP wall/roof per sf? This is 'not' per sf heated area.  I know it will vary from house to house but just trying to get an 'average' per sf cost. I know what it is for an ICF but can't seem to find one for SIP's.
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08/19/2008 7:48 AM  
Posted By robinnc on 08/18/2008 11:36 PM
I did a search and basically came up empty. What is the approx. cost of a SIP wall/roof per sf? This is 'not' per sf heated area.  I know it will vary from house to house but just trying to get an 'average' per sf cost. I know what it is for an ICF but can't seem to find one for SIP's.

Rob,
I use $6 per sqft for a 6.5" OSB/EPS SIP panel that is fully fabricated and that price includes all lumber. And, in reality, that price may be slightly high, but it's good for estimates.

....jc
If you're not building with OSB SIPS(or ICF's), why are you building?
Louie FischerSIPsUser is Offline
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08/19/2008 3:24 PM  
At my company the size of the panels you use determines the price per square foot. Panels in the 4x8, 4x9, and 4x10 sizes are usually lower. I am scared to give an actual cost as I compete in the market with some of the people in this forum but please feel free to call me at 1-502-442-5922 and I would be happy to give you some ballpark prices. Thanks
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08/19/2008 5:02 PM  
This information is hard to come by, as you've found.  The only way to do it is to contact a few different manufacturers and ask them for ballpark figures.  Some are willing to do it, and others may not be.  If they're not willing, don't get upset -- it's really very legitimate to be reluctant to give ballpark estimates, because things can vary so much once you get down to the details.  So some people are going to fight you on getting ballpark figures until you've got something approaching final plans for them to quote from, just so that they don't set expectations wrong and have you be upset with them down the road when they gave you a ballpark figure, but it turns out you actually wanted to play football.

Of course, this is a chicken-and-egg problem for people in the early stages of a project.  You can't work up detailed plans until you know what you can afford.  You may not even have decided for sure to use SIPs or a different technology, and cost is a big part of that decision.

As another poster mentioned, your cost will be lowest per sqft if you use the standard panel sizes efficiently.  OSB comes in certain sizes; if you want something different, it has to be cut down and material is wasted.  The number of rough openings is also a factor, as well as electrical chases if you're going to have those pre-fabbed.  If you really want to optimize cost, consult with your SIPs manufacturer about how to lay things out to use material most efficiently.

Don't forget to asked for delivered cost -- depending on your distance from the manufacturer, delivery can be expensive.  Ask about installation services and support as well.

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08/19/2008 8:42 PM  
Posted By PanelCrafters on 08/19/2008 7:48 AM

Rob,
I use $6 per sqft for a 6.5" OSB/EPS SIP panel that is fully fabricated and that price includes all lumber. And, in reality, that price may be slightly high, but it's good for estimates.

Bravo! Thank you JC for giving a straight answer.
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08/19/2008 8:44 PM  
Posted By rnortman on 08/19/2008 5:02 PM
This information is hard to come by, as you've found.  The only way to do it is to contact a few different manufacturers and ask them for ballpark figures.  Some are willing to do it, and others may not be.  If they're not willing, don't get upset -- it's really very legitimate to be reluctant to give ballpark estimates, because things can vary so much once you get down to the details.  So some people are going to fight you on getting ballpark figures until you've got something approaching final plans for them to quote from, just so that they don't set expectations wrong and have you be upset with them down the road when they gave you a ballpark figure, but it turns out you actually wanted to play football.

Of course, this is a chicken-and-egg problem for people in the early stages of a project.  You can't work up detailed plans until you know what you can afford.  You may not even have decided for sure to use SIPs or a different technology, and cost is a big part of that decision.


Amen to that, brother! You put the problem into words very well. It is very frustrating, indeed. And I guess it probably has turned more than one customer away from SIPS altogether.
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08/19/2008 9:21 PM  
This is the formula we use to help clients make the choice. It's been on our site for many years and has proven very helpful for budgeting.

http://www.panelwrights.com/pricestructure.htm?
Hope it sheds some light
Al
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08/20/2008 5:54 AM  
Posted By PanelCrafters on 08/19/2008 7:48 AM
Posted By robinnc on 08/18/2008 11:36 PM
I did a search and basically came up empty. What is the approx. cost of a SIP wall/roof per sf? This is 'not' per sf heated area.  I know it will vary from house to house but just trying to get an 'average' per sf cost. I know what it is for an ICF but can't seem to find one for SIP's.

Rob,
I use $6 per sqft for a 6.5" OSB/EPS SIP panel that is fully fabricated and that price includes all lumber. And, in reality, that price may be slightly high, but it's good for estimates.

jc,

when you say lumber, is that including supporting roof beams, sub-fascia, , connection hardware & roof screws?
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08/20/2008 8:08 AM  
Posted By TFreidman on 08/20/2008 5:54 AM
jc,

when you say lumber, is that including supporting roof beams, sub-fascia, , connection hardware & roof screws?

The $6 rough estimate price was for 6.5" walls only. The lumber included would be top/bottom plates and window and door wraps. For roofs I use a higher number.

I would caution everyone about buying on price alone. The lowest price may not be the best deal. You need to do an Apples to Apples and feature evaluation to be able to make an accurate comparison.

....jc
If you're not building with OSB SIPS(or ICF's), why are you building?
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08/20/2008 11:14 PM  
Great info! I really appreciate it!
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