We're planning to build a home this summer in Southern Vermont and have done a lot of research on efficient homes.  We are leaning toward an ICF basement and SIPs outer walls.  Probably also a SIPs roof.  Cost is a real concern, but we're pretty convinced about the payback based on energy savings.

So, a few questions (I'll also cross-post this in the ICF panel):

1) Does anyone have any particular thoughts or concerns about an ICF basement and SIPs walls/roof?  Most of the info on ICFs is about full ICF buildings, but the couple of SIPs manufacturers I've spoken with say an ICF basement and SIPs panels is no problem.

2) I've read that most house plans (we're planning a relatively straightforward design) can be pretty easily translated into SIPs.  True?  I'd rather not be limited to existing SIPs plans.  Anything in particular we should keep in mind during design?  Are the span issues/costs similar to stick-built?

3) We work in the building trades (lightning protection), and are fortunate to have a wonderful GC/Builder friend, one of the best in the area, helping us out with siting, design, etc.  But he has little experience with ICF or SIPs.  We plan to GC our own build.  Does anyone have a recommendation of a good SIPs and/or ICF installer in the Southern Vermont area?

4) There seem to be few trades people in this area with much, if any, SIPs experience.  Because of that, most trades feel they'll have to jack up their price quite a bit because they'll be working with something unknown.  Does anyone have experience with working other trades through the SIPs "learning curve"?  Any recommendations?

5) Can anyone recommend a particular SIPs company/manufacturer to service the Southern Vermont area?

Thanks for any and all advice!

Alexa,
It is very easy to combine ICF basements and SIPS above grade. I have been doing it for years and it is my preferred method of construction. The transition from ICFs to SIPS is very easy, your suppliers should have detail drawings available. Just about any homeplan can be translated into SIPS. For simple, straightforward plans, the only factor would be the variations in exterior wall thicknesses. These are easily accounted for in layout.

Hello Alexa,

1) Does anyone have any particular thoughts or concerns about an ICF basement and SIPs walls/roof? Most of the info on ICFs is about full ICF buildings, but the couple of SIPs manufacturers I've spoken with say an ICF basement and SIPs panels is no problem.

Icf below grade and sips above grade are a wonderful combination. the Icf will condition the area below and allow the space to finished so that it can be useable. the sips will give you the efficiency that you are looking for. in all sips are not the much more than traditional build because of the time that it saves in construction. most sips homes will save you 30%-40% in construction time and money allowing you to complete the home in a much quicker time frame. We just put one up in Freemont NH, and the walls went up in two days and the Roof went on in a day and half.

2) I've read that most house plans (we're planning a relatively straightforward design) can be pretty easily translated into SIPs. True? I'd rather not be limited to existing SIPs plans. Anything in particular we should keep in mind during design? Are the span issues/costs similar to stick-built?


most plans are transferrable, if you are designing it is best to incorporate the plans and sips layout in one shout. We have done some very complicated structures with sips and when that get looking to tough we involve the engineer to determine what should be done.

3) We work in the building trades (lightning protection), and are fortunate to have a wonderful GC/Builder friend, one of the best in the area, helping us out with siting, design, etc. But he has little experience with ICF or SIPs. We plan to GC our own build. Does anyone have a recommendation of a good SIPs and/or ICF installer in the Southern Vermont area?

We can provide you with the traiing so that your crew coiuld do the install of we can reccomend a crew for you. we have a few that we work iwth closely. Where in Southern VT are you building?

4) There seem to be few trades people in this area with much, if any, SIPs experience. Because of that, most trades feel they'll have to jack up their price quite a bit because they'll be working with something unknown. Does anyone have experience with working other trades through the SIPs "learning curve"? Any recommendations?

when is comes to sips you will see that the lack of will bring the cost up becasue of their own uncertainies in what needs to be done. if you get panels that are manufactured properly with wire chases then the eletricians won't hav enay problems running iwres, if the builders use ring shank nails then siding and other mountiongs go much easeir and pulling out is not an issue. plumbing should never go to the exterior walls especially in the northeast. roofing can be done a couple of different ways, vented build up or a direct apply, there are two shingle manufacturers that will warranty their products to a direct application, certainteed and elk. we can work iwth any of the trades in accomplishing these with you. if you need convectional materials built into the panels we can do that also.

5) Can anyone recommend a particular SIPs company/manufacturer to service the Southern Vermont area?

we are located in Hooksett NH, we have shipped all over the northeast region. feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss further,

Ralph Lord
New World Panels, LLC
Hooksett NH, 03106

603-209-4857

[email protected]

combining ICF and SIP walls/roof is a solid combo; we believee the best approach requires a solid team involvement.  We have good contacts in NEw Hampshire area that could possibly offer real value.  Let me know if I can help.

Hi Joe,

Where are you located?

Ralph

Alexa,
Call Winter Panel Co. 802-254-3435 in Brattleboro, VT they have been in the SIPS business since the early days

Hey Alexa, just wondering if you got the PM i sent you,

-SIPS manufacture in Southern VT