I expect to begin my new build this year of a modest 2,200 SF ranch home with a finished, walk-out basement (another 1500 SF of finished space).  I'm going with ICF for the basement and SIPs for the exterior walls and roof.  While I'm not particularily handy, I do know about contracts, trades, building coordination, scheduling and budgets (I'm a nerd-engineer that hasn't swung alot of hammers).  I had considered being my own GC for the entire build but decided against it (time, knowledge, sanity, etc.).  Recently, I found a very reputable builder who does what he calls "dry-in packages".  Essentially, he builds the home from basement to roof, only.  This includes, excavation/backfill, footers, ICF (he subs out with no markup) for basement, house wrap (no siding), SIP walls and roof (his company builds them in the field), and doors and window installation (I purchase, he installs).

This would then allow me to GC the rest on my own and take as long as I want.  I have the same concerns about being a GC even for the remaining phase of work but I have excellent trades selected so I think I can handle it.

The company his a very good local reputation and I was impressed with their knowledge of the products they use and represent.  They are a small company that typically build 4-6 "dry-in" homes a year and an additional 4-6 turn-key homes.

Any thoughts on this idea?  Advantages, pitfalls, opinions are greatly appreciated.  I've learned a ton from this forum and have much respect for the opinions of the members.

Thanks in advance.

Garth

depending on pricing. its a great way to build your first home. its how i did my first one. the only thing i would change is do a conventional truss roof. im not sold on the cost benifit of a sip roof.

Garrh, you said "SIP walls and roof (his company builds them in the field)" Do you mean that he assembles them, or that he actually fabricates the SIPs at your building site? If it is the later, that would definitely be unique.

Dick

That would be pretty cool, wouldn't it? As you probably guessed, he doesn't fabricated them in the field, he assembles them. He coordinates the plan drawings with the factory based upon my design and orders the SIPs. He takes receipt of them at the site, inventories, stores, insures, and then installs them.

Thanks for the question.

It would really be cool, but I would think that your insepctor would be a little concerned about quality control, and specs.

Not as unique as you might think. There are a few builders that I know of that just use 'raw' panels and fabricate onsite.

It would be interesting to know how their prices compare to using fully fabricated(lumber installed) panels and an assembly crew.

hi garth,

where are you building?  i am looking into doing the same thing in a few years.

i would be interested in picking your brain sometime.

good luck -joe

Hi Joe:

I'm in East Lansing, MI. Home of Michigan State Spartans. My work email is [email protected] and I would be happy to share my thoughts and ideas (in fact, I love to talk about it!).

Thanks,
Garth

gshouse, I belive i have talked to the same builder out of East Lansinq about the same dry in package. seems like a good idea, I really want to go sip just not sure about the cost. I plan on GC the rest of the house also but might do some my self. Havent done much shopping around yet, I have loooked at modulars (not trailers) and for 1900 sf the price was about $47/sf for a basic finished home with carprt and vinyl floors no basment or site work. I just dont want to build the shell and run out of budget to finish. I also plan on building this year.