New Home Construction

**mjlane** · 02-26-2008, 08:38 AM

Has anyone ever looked into building a house using SIPs (structurally insulated panels)? I think, in essence, they are panels that consist of solid, insulating foam sandwiched between two sheets of OSB. I've read a little bit about them, and they are apparently very energy efficient. One of the comments was that a home built with SIPs is virtually airtight. Any of you construction guys care to comment? Thanks in advance.

**isuarch80** · 02-26-2008, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by weR138

C'mon you architects out there quit lowballing. You know Dave Block says to get 10%. You're not going to get a passive solar design out of a magazine or off the web. Our Cyclone brothers need to know that the up front investment can pay huge dividends down the road and you get a truly custom built home.

Always good to see a shout out for DB...and when you're as good as he is and have the experience he has (over 40 years), you can get that fee - I just want to get to where he is, so why not do some of these type of projects for little or no fee to get the portfolio where you want it, and then get a client who wants to spend the amount of money that 10% really fetches a ##

**CYVADER** · 02-26-2008, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by mjlane

Has anyone ever looked into building a house using SIPs (structurally insulated panels)? I think, in essence, they are panels that consist of solid, insulating foam sandwiched between two sheets of OSB. I've read a little bit about them, and they are apparently very energy efficient. One of the comments was that a home built with SIPs is virtually airtight. Any of you construction guys care to comment? Thanks in advance.

i have used them before on a commercial project and hated them. sound good on paper, but everyone involved thought they would have been better off using regular construction methods. we even had roof panels and now you can see the sweat lines on the shingles and siding where the seams of the panels match up.

**kgreeny** · 02-26-2008, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by jtaconutz

Why would you not buy a spec or build a custom right now?

I agree. If you find a builder that you like and are not really picky, you can get a great deal on a spec. My advice is to contact the builder and ask him what specs he has to get rid of. If you tell him that you need a 4bed/4bath, he and his bank may have a house or two that they will cut a great deal on to move....If your wife is anything like mine, and not willing give up any "wants", then you may want to build it.

**Phaedrus** · 02-26-2008, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

Something like that.

But in seriousness, it took a lot of our time and we were very frustrated with a few subs a few times - and we didn't have to deal with them on a day-to-day basis.

By the way, if you have any questions on how to get a great looking house, take a look at ISUFan22's pictures in the gallery. That is an AWESOME looking place. Love the Bavarian "look".

**singsing** · 02-26-2008, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by mjlane

Has anyone ever looked into building a house using SIPs (structurally insulated panels)? I think, in essence, they are panels that consist of solid, insulating foam sandwiched between two sheets of OSB. I've read a little bit about them, and they are apparently very energy efficient. One of the comments was that a home built with SIPs is virtually airtight. Any of you construction guys care to comment? Thanks in advance.

I'd stay away from them. Nothing but problems and your structure will have moisture problems as the system doesn't allow the walls to breathe properly.

**CycloneTony** · 02-26-2008, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by mjlane

Has anyone ever looked into building a house using SIPs (structurally insulated panels)? I think, in essence, they are panels that consist of solid, insulating foam sandwiched between two sheets of OSB. I've read a little bit about them, and they are apparently very energy efficient. One of the comments was that a home built with SIPs is virtually airtight. Any of you construction guys care to comment? Thanks in advance.

It probably may just depend on the builder some may prefer it some may not. I whatched an episode of This Old House and there was nothing but praise for them it probably just depends on the builder.