Posted By cmkavala on 13 Sep 2015 08:33 PM
This quote from the Builder/Developer DuraVilla USA to the owner ..............
“The structure: The panel system and design worked out well. All components were delivered and ready for assembly. There were no issues with panel size, fit and finish. All fasteners, channel and track were here and ready for assembly. The design worked out exactly as anticipated and meets the scope of work agreed to. The rooms are very nice and practical just as designed. All windows and doors work out as planned and were easily installed. The balconies and stairs work as planned and met the needs for access and egress.”

Posted By vh2q on 26 May 2016 10:52 AM
This must be a government project because the heavy import duty on SIPs in the Bahamas negates all of the economic advantage in that country. Government does not care about duty obviously, from one pocket to the other. A pity because it's a great solution for that climate (need A/C) and the prevalence of termites. The other factor though is you have to make it hurricane proof and that requires a LOT of heavy structural lumber between the panels and complicates assembly (the studs have to be fastened both sides to the bottom plate with L brackets and to get access to both sides of the stud you have to cut the SIP). That really slows the construction and adds a lot of cost. Finally some types of SIP are going to call for hardibacker type screws ... these are made from tool steel for hardness but they rust through the paint on the exterior unless deeply countersunk and sealed with waterproof spackle or stucco.