Jason_MI
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- Jul 25, 2007
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Any of you using SIPs or ICFs in your construction projects? I've done some research on both and am curious to hear some feedback from people who have used either method.
I was a builder for 15 years with my own construction company and specialized in SIP construction.
My main questions:
1. Does the labor savings typically make up for the increased cost of materials?
That depends. From a purely financial standpoint, always. Does that mean SIP/ICF contractors 'pass' on those savings to the end-customer? Absolutely not. Just like any other specialized/out of the ordniary construction practice, for the end user, it usually is more expensive.
2. What brand of SIP/ICF did you use and why?
R-Control, WinterPanel. Best sources/local. R-Control plant is only 60 miles from my house.
3. How is the market for selling an SIP/ICF home compared to stick frame? (this is
obviously region biased)
It was poor. The majority of people are first interested in size and anemities. Energy effeciency was not even a consideration for 99% of the people in this country in the 90's and early 2000's. Think of it this way; people who are interested in effeciency are the ones who chose to drive a Prius in 1998, even though everyone else was driving a SUV. I think this will change as energy prices continue to remain high. This is obviously a much smaller market than mass-produced housing; but like anything else; less competition for those fewer customers.
4. Did you notice a significant reduction in waste materials using either method?
Yes. 50% or more less.
5. Would you recommend SIP/ICF over stick frame? Why or why not?
Absolutely. I'd never build stick frame again. Purely from an energy savings standpoint and future energy costs, stick frame would not even be a choice for me.
I'd also love to hear from anyone who owns a house built with SIPs or ICFs
My own home is SIP. Let's see...I spend/spent about $600 annually, in Michigan, for propane for all my heat, cooking, water heating, and clothes drying. The stick frame house next door of similar size spends $250/mo average for the year; that's what....3K?
I was a builder for 15 years with my own construction company and specialized in SIP construction.
My main questions:
1. Does the labor savings typically make up for the increased cost of materials?
That depends. From a purely financial standpoint, always. Does that mean SIP/ICF contractors 'pass' on those savings to the end-customer? Absolutely not. Just like any other specialized/out of the ordniary construction practice, for the end user, it usually is more expensive.
2. What brand of SIP/ICF did you use and why?
R-Control, WinterPanel. Best sources/local. R-Control plant is only 60 miles from my house.
3. How is the market for selling an SIP/ICF home compared to stick frame? (this is
obviously region biased)
It was poor. The majority of people are first interested in size and anemities. Energy effeciency was not even a consideration for 99% of the people in this country in the 90's and early 2000's. Think of it this way; people who are interested in effeciency are the ones who chose to drive a Prius in 1998, even though everyone else was driving a SUV. I think this will change as energy prices continue to remain high. This is obviously a much smaller market than mass-produced housing; but like anything else; less competition for those fewer customers.
4. Did you notice a significant reduction in waste materials using either method?
Yes. 50% or more less.
5. Would you recommend SIP/ICF over stick frame? Why or why not?
Absolutely. I'd never build stick frame again. Purely from an energy savings standpoint and future energy costs, stick frame would not even be a choice for me.
I'd also love to hear from anyone who owns a house built with SIPs or ICFs
My own home is SIP. Let's see...I spend/spent about $600 annually, in Michigan, for propane for all my heat, cooking, water heating, and clothes drying. The stick frame house next door of similar size spends $250/mo average for the year; that's what....3K?