CAD
I agree that the process needs improvement. We design in 3D. But the design -> panel layout-> routing should be all seemless and in 3D. Unfortunatly the CAD industry ins't quite there yet - maybe once icfXML is universally supported.

Unfortunatly the SIP company I'm working with claims that despite a huge investment on their part in HSBCad, that the software isn't quite there yet - too many problems. What is your experience?

SIP costs
What is their price? I'm unfortunatly in the west, so its probably not an option. All of the SIP companies I've talked with are around $4/SF of wall area for a 6" SIP.

I think this points out a major problem with SIPs - they haven't hit comodity pricing yet. I can go down to the hardware store and buy the foam and OSB for $1.20/SF retail! That is a huge markup for gluing the OSB to the EPS - Not much value added.

It makes it hard to compete with stick framing when the materials are starting at such a high markup before shop modification and on-site labor.

you can buy 6inch foam 4x8 sheets at your local hardware store, for $30's a sheet? Really?????????????????????????????????? who is your local hardware store? Can i have their phone number?

I have been using sips for about 12 years. I have used numerous manufacturers. I experienced the same problems that you have with pre fab panels and manufacturers. I liked the concept too much to give up on it, so I started oredering stock panels and fabricating on site. I design my structures to use as much sip as possible including the roof. I took the engineering to a local engineer and draw my own panels splits. I want as much control over the project as possible. In the past I came to the conclusion that most manufactures were their own worst enemy. Making claims of reducing time of framing is nearly impossible to substantiate. Most sip homes are custom and custom homes even stick framed will have unique problems to solve. If I did the same house over, then yes it would be quicker, but so would stick framing. Speed is not the reason to use sips. "Quality" is the best reason. I don't know anyone who can stick frame to the same quility as sips, and I have been building houses for 37 years.

I build metal SIP buildings.Wreally like to work with a panels.We had some problems wtih them(wrong cuts mostly), but its fixable.
More and more people like those kind of houses. I think thats the way to go now.
If you need help, you can contact me at [email protected]
We have almost 3 yaers of experience in metal sips. Can check out the gallery at photos.yahoo.com/bzconstruction_inc

TAH,

It seems you have very valid points... and I think others need to not be so damn defensive. I think it helped once you detailed the actual issues.

I'm no builder or SIP expert, but I like to think I'm trying to do what you are doing in a couple of years. I've only been at this "dream home" (SIP, too) for about 10 years now. Although SIPs have very obvious benefits, the biggest thing I realized quickly was how relatively inflexible it is compared to stick construction. Actually... short of putting up a thatch hut or tent, I doubt anything is as easy going as stick, but then stick does have various negatives, too. Luckily for them the main issue is being solved with spray insulation products.

Anywho... with any 'precise' product, you need a good foundation (you got that in your square foundation, which is my biggest worry). After that... it seemed to me that if anything could slow you down, it WOULD be the actual SIP Mfr or an inexperienced crew (you had no choice) or the difficulty of routing utilities through the SIPs, but then even those issues normally are lessened because SIPs inherently require some added planning/detailing for those utilities, which stick could almost care less about.

It is not a perfect product, but none are. I hope you don't get too discouraged from the product as it seems like a good one so far in my research. Like any other choice, the result is only as good as the weakest link. Unfortunately it was the SIP MFR in this case. But then, you could have gone through something similarly painful if you went with stick panelized and the panelizer screwed up with the details, too.

Just curious, but what did you mean exactly when you said your project was done in 3D CAD? I'm modeling my house in 3D and making drawings from it for the SIP installer/retailer (to hopefully ease the cost and be a secondary check... it also helps me KNOW exactly what I'm building since I will also GC it). What issues did Premier have with your CAD? Does the software they use to cut to not recognize your CAD? Translation bugs?

Yes, I would. Was great fun to plan and put up the walls. The hardest part was unloading the truck!!!

it pays to rent a all-terain fork lift for 1 day ($500.) to off load trailer and posisition stacks