BUILDSMART
Last Post 21 Nov 2017 03:11 AM by greentree. 4 Replies.
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JubalUser is Offline
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16 Nov 2017 04:50 PM
Howdy All Does anyone have experience with or care to appraise this modular wall and slab foundation system ? There is an installation manual under the resources header. https://www.buildsmartna.com/features/ Thank you, Bob
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18 Nov 2017 05:37 PM
Ive set wausau homes and blenker panelized wall systems. Tool of choice would be the sledgehammer if that tells you anything. You pay more for the package and make up for it in labor savings theoretically but you need a lift or crane. You can spend 20 minutes futzing with a 4' wide panel when you could be hammering out a one piece 40' long wall built right on the floor deck.

Buildsmart is nothing you couldnt due onsite and you'd have a higher r value at less cost, every panel puts at least 2 extra studs in the wall. Windows were not preinstalled in the component sets I have done, and I'm not sure I would want them to be, definately not wood clad units.

Timing for build comes into play, you are at the mercy of the factory and they are not very forgiving for some of the inconsistencies that can start with the floor deck where in stick building you can either split the difference or gradually bring things were they need to be.

Ive also done full modulars and those have issues as well. The built in a factory argument sounds good, but what they dont tell you is the low wage dude off the street that is building them in the factory that doesnt really give a flip about what he's doing. Thats coming straight from sales manager.

Also, component makers are usually somewhat regional, freight can add up fast.
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20 Nov 2017 11:30 AM
I agree. It looks like someone is trying to reinvent the wheel.
JubalUser is Offline
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20 Nov 2017 09:03 PM
Thank you for sharing your experience ! Have you actually assembled and installed the BUILDSMART panels ? I live in N. Indiana and am trying to build in Colorado. Attempting to build an air tight and well insulated house, a pretty good house. I cannot frequently visit the job site and determine if the details are being implemented. Preassembled wall panel system would eliminate some of the details that could be overlooked and speed assembly. If you have read the assembly instructions you would see how well the wall panels integrate with the slab foam foundation forms. Alpen windows are used and are vinyl clad not wood as you have alluded to. The windows and doors are flashed and well sealed to the Zip exterior sheathing. I know how fun it is to swing a sledgehammer, but you might consider using better techniques for panel assembly such as leverage and clamping to draw the panels tightly together. More details can be provided if requested.
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21 Nov 2017 03:11 AM
I haven't put together a Buildsmart package, that's irrelavent as long as someone has done component sets, same thing. Keep in mind our different perspectives. You are the "I'm going to fly to Paris", and I'm the "going to get you to Paris." (Weird analogy, I know) So most of my perspective really applies to whomever would be assembling this system, not the person that is paying for it.

1. This system is geared to passive house standards, not "pretty good house" standards.

2. Because of above there are WAY more details to attend to than traditional building, details you wont be able to oversee. This is true whether you use Buildsmart or stick frame the same thing or use any other system when trying to achieve above average, since above average is about the details.

3. With panelized construction sledgehammer, leverage and clamping are all the same thing...wasting time getting proper alignment of panels.

4. its not a horrible idea, yet not earth shattering either. It won't be as perfect as you imagine it though.

5. I can see the homeowner appeal, people like slick packaged systems like this, they seem polished, assembled with a purpose under ideal conditions to tight tolerances, so I get your excitement, but take a hard look, visit a site if you can and inspect their panel quality.

6. If you do this and put it on a slab and you want a good finished product as intended, you better make sure the slab is perfectly flat on the edges or the contractor will be fighting panels all day.

7. If this is by colorado springs I know a licensed general who could do it to the level you need and probably would do it just to try it out if timing worked.
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