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Forums > Green Building Technologies > Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) > Subject: SIP construction for individual homes

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David SUser is Offline
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10/09/2000 8:59 AM  
I'm planning to build a house and I was wondering if SIP construction is economical for building a single house of a unique design, as opposed to commercial work where the builder would be ordering a large number of panels for similar houses? Also, is SIP construction suitable for do-it-yourself construction by a person with reasonable carpentry skills?
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SIP186User is Offline
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10/10/2000 12:50 AM  
Dear David,
Our company is a SIP builder (with our background as a Traditional Framing contractor)dedicated to 21st Century building technology which will replace 18th Century methods and materials in the very near future. Although initial cost of construction is a little higher the economic benefits far out weigh the costs over the years in operational costs.

Unique design is the current main stay of most SIP builders. With a good piece of computer software such as 3D Home Architect you can design your own floor plan at home. Take this plan to your architect and he can verify that your plan will work and turn these plans into blue prints at a very reasonable cost. Most SIP suppliers will make panel drawings of your blueprints for your approval before fabrication begins. In most cases each house custom designed.

Yes! We know of a lady in Texas who used 2 mexican laborers, who could speak no English, to build her own house. The most important skill needed is knowing how to be your own General Contractor. It takes more than carpentry skills to build a house!

Most cities and towns have building codes that have to be followed. Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC trades normally need to be licensed before your building inspector will let your home pass final inspection. If you plan to build in a county which has no building code authority it is still your best bet to let professionals handle these areas.

Your best bet is to find a good general contractor. Take his building contract to your attorney. Negociate a good contract and let the General Contractor put up with all the headaches. Your General Contractor usually will charge you 15% to 20% of the cost of construction to act as the GC.

If you want to save money ask your contractor if he will work on a "cost plus" contract. This allows you flexability. You establish a "Target Budget" which the GC's fee is based on, if he brings your job in on time and under budget he gets to keep the difference. If you job comes in over budget you pay the difference but the GC's fee stays the same.

Remember homes are built by the square foot. The average cost nation wide ranges between $55 to $65 per square foot. SIP homes cost a little more. A 2000 square foot home at $55 per square foot would cost $110,000. Our company charges $75 per sq ft and up to build SIP homes. Land cost and financing costs are not included!

We hope we have answered your questions and hope this information helps. Be careful! Building a house is a tricky business. Know what your goals are and set up a plan.

If you are planning to build in Texas we would like to bid on your job. Good Luck!

Spencer K. Smartt
President
Labranza Homes, Inc.


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Forums > Green Building Technologies > Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) > SIP construction for individual homes


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