I am looking to build in the next few years. I have a ranch plan picked out that will be about 2100 - 2200 sq ft. I am in Missouri. I wanted to investigate all of my options. I had a SIP company give me a estimate as follows. I believe this is for 6 inch panels. I have not called to discuss the proposal yet. Just wanted to get some feedback if this seems reasonable before doing so. Also, any questions I may need to ask when i call to discuss. THanks in advance.

SIP package.........................................................$ 50,500
includes all exterior walls of house and entire roof
includes wall between house and garage
does not include garage exterior walls or roof
does not include porch roof
includes all structural lumber necessary to support SIPs
does not include subfloor or interior framing

Installation Labor Allowance................................................ 12,500
this number will not go any higher, and may come in less

Crane Allowance................................................................. 4,000
this number will not go any higher, and may come in less

Total SIP package, installed on site......................................$ 67,000

If you wish to send us the plans and specs, I will be happy to give you a quote for comparison.
However, to comment on your current quote, with only the info you have provided would not be very professional, on our part. There are way too many variables that we are not privy to, to make an informed judgement.

Wes. I gave this company a mock up of our actual plan to get a ball park figure for SIP's at a home show. My actual plans are getting drawn up currently. Once I have those I can forward those to you for a estimate. I am just trying to figure out at this point if SIPS are going to fit into my budget.

Cards,
If the budget won't support SIPS, the change the budget, or change the plan.
SIPS are too important to a sound, energy efficient structure to be pushed aside because they cost a FEW dollars more than the cheaper alternatives.
A home is like your hand. With strong 'bones' it will last forever. Without the strong bones, forever becomes a lot shorter.

I agree with Wes. I sent you a note on the Private Messaging so please bounce back when you get a chance. Don't let the sticker shock of the package drive you away until you have gotten a few quotes that will protect you from some of the price gouging that unfortunately goes on in our industry.

Thanks!

Cards,

Not to jump on this bandwagon too hard, but I agree with Wes and Greg. As a manufacturer, we have quite a few reputable contractors throughout MO that we deal with. We too would be happy to provide you with a full-install comparison so at least you know where you stand. A SIP envelope is hard to beat, and will allow you to downsize on other areas (i.e.- mechanical systems) to acheive an overall better and more affordable home for years to come.

Joe Quinn
Enercept SIPs
(800) 658-3303
[email protected]

Thanks everyone.  I basically wanted to get a quote to get a basic idea of what SIPS cost since I had no clue.  Once I get my completed plans i will have him re-estimate and would be more then happy to share with others here to provide a estimate.  With this being a new technology for me. and new experience in building what will be probably my first and last home.  I want to see what all my options are to make this a energy effecient home.  Are there anythings in particular I should look for or not look for while desiging to make the use of SIPS easier?  Or any other infomration anyone would want to share in general?  THanks.

When designing any home, simpler is better. Most of the homes being built today are magnificant wastes of materials, labor, and therefore, money. Keep the sq. footage as small as possible, keep the footprint as simple as possible, and put your money into the bones of the house. Remember if it can be seen or touched when the house is finished, it will probably get updated within 10 years, anyway. So put your money into energy efficient design, structure, and mechanicals. These are the things that will pay for themselves over a few years, and then keep paying forever. Remember, if you put lipstick on a pig, its still a pig.

Doing a TF in northern Mass( Dracut, Mass. 01826). area, near NH line..about 3000sf of roof and same for walls...want mid R 25's wall and mid R 38's for values....everyone talks about how cheap the labor to install these Sips are, then i get bids that add huge $4-10,000 for shipping, and $2-4,000 for cranes and then basis install for $8-14,000, plus crew meals and board...all on top of price of Sips...where is the savings??...don't seem to have any real competitiion in the New England area...am i better just layering up slabs of 4.5" Eps and screwing it all to the TF posts after applying an Osb sheet panel to the Eps??? heck, i could do that all by myself with buddies and no crane would be required...Any opinions/competitive bidders out there?? Steve M.

Steve M.,

no doubt freight greatly affects total cost and is about $2.75 per loaded mile/ per truck. depending on panel lengths your job is 1 - 2 trucks
installation is in the right range, but a crane is not needed for all SIP installation, in the last 17 years I have yet to need one

Posted By [email protected] on 15 Apr 2011 10:24 PM
..am i better just layering up slabs of 4.5" Eps and screwing it all to the TF posts after applying an Osb sheet panel to the Eps??? heck, i could do that all by myself with buddies and no crane would be required...Any opinions/competitive bidders out there?? Steve M.

Just wondering, but if you have the capability to do that why not do SIP's with your buddies, seems like it would be easier?

Posted By [email protected] on 15 Apr 2011 10:24 PM
Doing a TF in northern Mass( Dracut, Mass. 01826). area, near NH line..about 3000sf of roof and same for walls...want mid R 25's wall and mid R 38's for values....everyone talks about how cheap the labor to install these Sips are, then i get bids that add huge $4-10,000 for shipping, and $2-4,000 for cranes and then basis install for $8-14,000, plus crew meals and board...all on top of price of Sips...where is the savings??...don't seem to have any real competitiion in the New England area...am i better just layering up slabs of 4.5" Eps and screwing it all to the TF posts after applying an Osb sheet panel to the Eps??? heck, i could do that all by myself with buddies and no crane would be required...Any opinions/competitive bidders out there?? Steve M.

I don't know who you got your quote from, but there's several SIPS manufacturers in New England.  Not trying to step on any toes, but all I'm saying is that there are lots of SIPS here in New England, many of which are primarily in support of the Timber Framers here... Here's just a few to start with.  Not trying to recommend any one, just provide some NE sources...

Foard Panel:  http://www.foardpanel.com/

Foam Laminates of Vermont:  http://www.foamlaminates.com/index.html

Winter Panel:  http://www.winterpanel.com/

:

Thanks Ken T, i have contacted the top two on your list..foard never returned my emails for an estimate, foam laminates uses some fuzzy math to rate their Sips higher in R value without telling you what temps it was achieved at, and may have some more fuzzy math on sf estimates(lower) on my frame...then contract language states that " ...overages or shortages are buyers responsibility..."...in other words, they may estimate on low side to win the bid, but when a shortage comes up, it's not THEIR estimators fault...it is my fault and i must pay more for any shortage...that doesn't quite seem kosher....then, the last company, i have heard is in some financial troubles, hate to give up a warranty if company doesn't survive long enough.....
any input on Panelwrights of WV, Murus or Thermocore????

Posted By [email protected] on 19 Apr 2011 10:32 PM
Thanks Ken T, i have contacted the top two on your list..foard never returned my emails for an estimate, foam laminates uses some fuzzy math to rate their Sips higher in R value without telling you what temps it was achieved at, and may have some more fuzzy math on sf estimates(lower) on my frame...then contract language states that " ...overages or shortages are buyers responsibility..."...in other words, they may estimate on low side to win the bid, but when a shortage comes up, it's not THEIR estimators fault...it is my fault and i must pay more for any shortage...that doesn't quite seem kosher....then, the last company, i have heard is in some financial troubles, hate to give up a warranty if company doesn't survive long enough.....
any input on Panelwrights of WV, Murus or Thermocore????

I've heard good things about both Murus and Thermocore, especially Murus -- though I've also heard that they're very expensive.  No firsthand experience with either... Haven't heard anything about Panelwrights.

On the Vermont Laminates "legalese" I think that they're simply saying that they deliver based upon the panel drawings and/or specis that they're provided by your architect/designer.  IMO, that is pretty standard.  I've talked with the designer that they often refer people to (Davis Weigand), them, and with Vermont Frames also.   I'm trying to figure out if I can afford to build a true timberframe, or just "fake it" with a combination of some structural timbers and the rest SIPS.  I've been impressed with all three parties, actually...