Samantha, The initial material cost of buying panels opposed to stick building may be 10-15% higher, but there is savings in labor with shorter construction time (less money spent in interest during construction) less jobsite waste and also the home will be better insulated and more comfortable saving 40-60% in heating and cooling costs. It does not take long to recuperate the 10-15% when all factors are considered. I work for Suretight Insulated Panels & hope this helps. Good luck with your dissertation.

If this is any help, many of the SIP web sites have cost estimators for you to compare if you build it or if a contractor does the job.