Well after looking at this forum and reading the posts, I decided to go with a SIP home. My first choice was ICF but with concrete and rebar prices skyhigh, and the time to get it to a dry shell, we decided to go with SIPs. I sent out contact information and after waiting several weeks (LISTEN ALL YOU COMPANIES THAT WANT TO SELL YOUR HOMES)  I was only contacted by three or four companies. I contacted several companies through the internet and still no replies, so I decided that if someone wanted my business it was going to be one of the companies that contacted me. After some research and traveling to one of the companies in Grass Valley, I went with (I hope I can say the company name here) Valubuild out of Florida. I realized that this is clear on the other side of the country, but after comparing product, price, BBB check, owner/builder references and all that I feel I have made the right choice (for me). I ordered a 3,500 sq.ft. 2 story dry shell. This includes TGI floor trusses, subfloor, rafters, and roof sheathing and a 24X24 garage. I got a very good price as this was a kit that was ordered along with 5 other homes and deposits were put down on them, then the contractor bailed out on the whole thing. Valubuild had to find homes for their homes and I was in the right place at the right time. I won't tell you the price but I checked with several contractors and they wanted to know if there were anymore available. (BTW the garage is included at their cost and they are including shipping).
Now things seem to keep falling into place as I was looking for a  draftsman/engineer/archetect to help with the floor plans. I could use valubuild's services but  I wanted someone local  so I could have hands on input. I  interviewed  several,  and one day I was going through  Sonora  Ca.  about 25  miles  away  and happened to pass by a  little  storefront called CalTech design.   I whipped around and  went in.  I met the owner and we clicked.  He has built with SIPs and besides doing floor plans he also coordinates ownerbuilder projects. He is a licensed contractor and due to health reasons has gone into semi-retirement. He is doing the "wet stamped" plans, and submitting them to the county for under $5,000. He will coordinate my project and help me get subs as I need them on my approval if I don't know who to get. We will be finalizing our floorplans this friday (June 8, '07).
Now I need to get bids on windows and doors etc.

While not making excuses for anyone in selling SIPs, you have struck a chord in the industry. Unfortunately their is little incentive for companies to provide incentive for those that want to actually market SIPs. Facotries tend to sell at the same price whether you are a retailer or a builder. And if you become an educated buyer and start putting your project out for bid, there is so little margin that you will get just the kind of service that you expect. Although there are great people in the industry, most are not real interested in what looks to be an opportunity for little markup.

It sounds like you have a good deal goig, but I would be concerned about getting your project in CA from FL. What happens if you are short? Hopefully all the i's are dotted and t's crossed with the project you are helping them out of.

They've been running that scam for years...I wish you luck my friend.

JC,

That seems like a rather harsh post. Do you have a basis for saying this about Valuebuild or are just assuming this is the case?

I questioned this and was assured this is not a common practice. I talked to three other owner builders of Valuebuild and only one other had a similar situation. The other two were purchased through normal transactions. The company in Grass Valley quoted me an approximate price of over $800,000. I figure I can have a turn key house for around $250,000 including permits. My well and septic are already in as we are already living on the property in a doublewide mobile right now. My county fees will be offset by the squarefootage of the mobile so my fees will be about half of what it would cost if I were not replacing an existing dwelling. I am sorry if I am taking this wrong, but it seems that the posts I have read from panelcrafters tend to be on the negative side. BTW panel crafters never contacted me that I can recall. I looked over my contact log and I don't see Panelcrafters on my list. As far as the delivery, the panels are being shipped from the factory in Oaklahoma. Concerning customer service, I talked to the other Builders in Calif. that used Valubuild and they reported good service.

Why would I assume something? Yes, I have a basis.

God bless anyone using Valubuild, I've heard some bad reports from their customers in Florida

The owner/builders I talked to here in Calif. that used Valubuild 1. was a contractor who hired a contractor to build his SIP home because he was too busy to do it himself. He reported no major problems and would do another Valubuild home if the opportunity arose. 2. They did it themselves. The husband didn't really have much to say good OR bad, but he would choose stick frame next time. One panel that wasn't right was replaced within a week.

Out of curiosity, what manufacturer in OK has their Title 25 for California?  We are building extensively throughout the state but have found very few SIP mfgs. that have their necessary Title 25 to be able to supply in CA. 

Good for you Trader Jack....it sounds like you've done a lot of homework and I'm sure it'll work out great. I've been entertaining the idea for about 3 years and I'm getting close to doing it as well. I'm up here in Humboldt County and have found a nice lot with utilities in a good area. How involved are you going to be in the actual building process? Are you subbing out most?

Trader Jack...since you're in California also.....land of insane building prices. And for any of you thinking the average joe is making a killing on housing prices think again. We're the ones getting killed. Back to my question.....in your estimates including foundation, electrical, plumbing, finishing that you are coming in around $75 per square foot like the estimate generators are saying? Of course basic landscape, fencing, and garage has to figure in as well.

EZ. I think you mean title 24 energy Calcs. Valubuild meets the title 24 codes. Title 24 also takes into consideration windows, doors, HVAC and other various items.
To Johnnysasquatch... Do the homework and check out the companies. Make a list of the companies who contact you, or call back right away. I am actually living in a double wide on the property so I am on the jobsite. Three local High Schools have building programs and I am going to contact them to see if I can get help and also give some students exposure to SIP building. My plan designer is also a licensed contractor and although he has backed off of hands on construction, he can do project coordination. There are also some companies that help you build it. Right now I am getting take offs on windows, doors, lumber and sheetrock to finish the interior. We have A LOT of windows so I am looking at $7,000 to $9,000 just for windows. I will be getting the interior doors from the Habitat for Humanity's Re-Store outlet and framing them in my self. It may sound weird, but I enjoy framing in interior doors. I also like to hang sheetrock. Maybe I should change jobs LOL! I hope to keep the project BELOW $75 sq.ft. Most of the landscaping is in...I have two dogs who have "redone the entire front yard and are now working on the side of the house where it is shady!" Fencing is in already, and my neighbor brought in a 22 Hitachi Backhoe and completely ripped out our adjoining fence along with a huge mound of Russian Blackberries and invasive cottonwood trees. I put up a temporary wire field fence and when he gets back from Minn. we will do it up right ourselves. Seems my neighborhood somebody has the right equipment to do a job and is willing to help. A 27th cousin twice removed to my wife lives down the road and has quoted me $60.00 an hour to dig the foundation (about a day). A lot of it is looking around, asking guys in parking lots that look like contractors for their card, listening to conversations at building supply companies, and doing a whole lot of ground work. I have spent several days going to window and glass companies with copies of my floor plans. BTW if you need large size copies, look in the phone book under blue prints. I got 4 large copies for less than $5.00. If you are reading this at your computer, then you have a valuable research tool right there. I also use the "yellow pages" to find a specific supplier. Many of our fixtures like bath tubs and sinks we picked up at building salvage or architectural salvage companies. We went with a vintage art deco tub for $50.00 rather than a $1,000 plus corner unit. We have claw foot tubs for the two other bathrooms, and are getting vintage Pedestal sinks for around $75.00. Although some of these are different colors, we found a guy who can re glaze these to match. Each bathroom will have a different color theme. I suggested to my wife that we could have a coral pink tub, sky blue sink, country green sink, and ivory commode...She didn't go for that one. As you can see I will be very involved with the building, but I do know when to call in the subs to do the stuff I can't, or need help with. Always make sure to see the sub's insurance binder, or proof of insurance, and NEVER accept a bid by the hour...ALWAYS by the job. I know, my wife's cousin is charging by the hour, but I know him and know when he gets a job, he gets it done so he can get on with the next job, or have a beer;). There are many books at the library that talk about being your own contractor. Hope this helps. I know I feel like a little fish swimming in a big pond sometimes, but having these forums helps put things into perspective. Best wishes and remember what is right for one person isn't necessarily right for you. Jack

uhhhh no, he means Title 25.  If the panels you  bought are not certified and labeled under Title 25 and you get the wrong building inspector, you will be removing the panels.   This is probably why your responses on the SIP package were limited because not all manufacturers are covered.  I would make sure Valubuild is.

I suppose this does not apply to me since I do not live in California. Title 25 is for CA only is the question and to what design specification is it aimed? Does each state have similar issues? Will be building SIP home soon in Louisiana (God help me) and do not want to run into this sort 'ha shit' when a few 18 wheelers pull up to the slab.
Thanks to those who comment in advance.
Michael_T

Michael T

All states have various issues, we are licensed in La. but not currently building there.
If you haven't selected a builder yet. You could try Hercules Structures, LLC.

herculesstructures.com

[email protected]

they build with both OSB and /or STEEL SIPs which I reccomend for your climate and the severe termite issues in South LA.