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Whento plan SIPs in the Building Phase?

Last Post 22 Aug 2008 01:46 PM by cmkavala. 3 Replies.

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hudelhaus

New Member

Posts:9

22 Aug 2008 09:03 AM
Hello, After reading this forum, I'm excited about the opportunity to use metal SIPs in my new home construction (Charlotte, NC). We will be modifying a Frank Betz plan - so at what point do I "fish or cut bait" on whether or not to use SIPs? Do I have the design completed and then figure out how to make it work with SIPs or tell the engineer up front that we're using SIPs and have him/her figure it out? While I understand the cost may not be prohibitive, there's a point at which I would need to say "ummm, that's too much" and I'd like to know the affordability as early as possible. Also, I've seen a few homes with steel studs -- is this becoming any more popular/affordable? Thanks, PS: I do not know if I am the builder's worst nightmare or not -- a homeowner that does all his research may be like a patient telling the Doctor how to treat him! :)

rnortman

Basic Member

Posts:112

22 Aug 2008 09:10 AM
As soon as you have a semi-final floor plan, send it to a couple of SIPs vendors to quote (or at least estimate). Do NOT waste any money on engineering until you've decided on the SIPs vs. stick-frame question -- the engineering will have to be re-done otherwise. If you have a rough floor plan, you have enough for a decent estimate. Steel studs are very affordable. Maybe even cheaper than wood, though it depends on whether you can find people locally who know how to work with it. Don't use steel in outside walls if you go the stick-built route rather than SIPs, unless all your insulation is on the outside of the studs in the form of rigid foam. Otherwise thermal bridging will kill your efficiency and might cause condensation problems as well.

Matt B. Phelps, P.E., R.S. User is Offline

New Member

Posts:48

22 Aug 2008 12:55 PM
Happily you have a couple of choices. Many firms, including my own, will take your conventional structure drawings and convert them to SIP construction. This is done anyway in creating the shop drawings that the manufacture will use to construct and cut you SIPs. Most companies such as mine will also take the shop drawings and create a set of assembly drawings for you as well. Some companies do not charge for this service and it is included in the sale of the SIP package. Good Luck!

cmkavala

Veteran Member

Posts:4327
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22 Aug 2008 01:46 PM
Posted By hudelhaus on 08/22/2008 9:03 AM Hello, After reading this forum, I'm excited about the opportunity to use metal SIPs in my new home construction (Charlotte, NC). We will be modifying a Frank Betz plan - so at what point do I "fish or cut bait" on whether or not to use SIPs? Do I have the design completed and then figure out how to make it work with SIPs or tell the engineer up front that we're using SIPs and have him/her figure it out? While I understand the cost may not be prohibitive, there's a point at which I would need to say "ummm, that's too much" and I'd like to know the affordability as early as possible. Also, I've seen a few homes with steel studs -- is this becoming any more popular/affordable? Thanks, PS: I do not know if I am the builder's worst nightmare or not -- a homeowner that does all his research may be like a patient telling the Doctor how to treat him! :) hudelhaus; your preliminary plans will be sufficient to price the metal sips, once you decide which direction to go then you can gather the engineering and details for your designer/engineer. It would be my recommendation to have a "supply only" and "supply and install quote" from the panel supplier so you will know what the full price of the shell will be. a homeowner that does research is an informed consumer!

Chris Kavala<br>[email protected]<br>1-877-321-SIPS<br />