I need your help to determine if I still have a business doing SIP panel designs for panel fabrication or as some call it shop drawings.  My work comes very useful for roof layouts since they involve complicated compound angles.  The SIP workshops I have worked for have automated many of their processes that read the SIP drawings directly to control robotic tools that fabricate the panels, thus obsoleting my services.

My appeal is if there is a business to the DIY persons who are looking to save money and to do the fabrications themselves. I can convert or generate SIP wall fabrication drawings from existing house plans for $500 - $700.  SIP roof plans prices vary on the complexity but run about another $200.  My plans are very accurate since I build the home in a 3D model and take an imaginary knife to cut it up to SIP panel sizes.  My drawings will give all dimensions on how to cut the SIP panels, windows and door openings, as well as, all necessary structural components like headers, post and tie-downs.

Based on the feedback I get to this post, I will build a website featuring my services and provide videos and tools on fabricating your own panels from my drawings.  I built my own home with SIP panels but had them fabricated.  If I should ever build another home, I would fabricate them myself to save money.  I had to pay for shipping the panels twice (once from the SIP supplier to the fabricator and then from the fabricator to my building site) and the labor to fabricate them.  If I build again, it would be on cash bases, no more home loans.  Who can afford them in this economy? 

These automated systems that SIP fabricators used to produce their panels have a huge licensing fee as well as ongoing maintenance fees.  Thus if there were any cost savings to the fabricators, the end buyer or customer does not benefit from a price reduction.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated,

Warren

Hometech;

We only deal with steel SIPs for walls, roofs and floors. 4" thru 12" , 45.5" wide  x lengths up to 53 ft..
Mainly operate in the Southeast US but, will ship anywhere in the US or abroad ( currently shipping to Guyana)

And yes we will convert from conventional to steel SIP shop drawings free of charge. Our packages include panels, base channels, custom pitched top caps, window and door channels, fascia/ridge& corner covers, all fasteners, steel box beam material and hip/valley integeral beam materials.
All interior materials by others

Chuck07;

that is old info and has been disclosed over the last 2 years the most recent post is http://www.greenbuildingtalk.com/Forums/tabid/53/forumid/5/postid/53117/view/topic/Default.aspx

hey are 2 separate corporations and warrant 2 seperate identities

Maybe I am really JC with panelcrafters and I have this inner conflict over osb & steel?