Panelized home builders - Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Is it Modular, Manufactured, Panelized or Stick Built?
As Factory built homes grow in popularity, buyers are often confused as to what makes a
Modular home different from a Panelized home, or what makes both of these different from
a mobile home or a stick built home. Here I will try to shed some light on that subject. In the
near future I will also be adding a section on panelized homes to this site to provide people
as much information as possible on the options that are available.

First of all Modular, Panelized, and Mobile homes are all considered factory-built homes,
because they are all built in a controlled environment. Conversely, a stick built home is
built entirely on site. Mobile homes, or Manufactured homes are similar to Modular and
Panelized homes in that they are built in a factory environment. The main difference is
they are built on a non-removeable steel chassis that can be used with or without a
permanent foundation.

Now some comparisons of Modular and Panelized homes.
One of the main differences between Modular and Panelized Homes is that Modular Homes
are generally built in large sections at the factory, whereas Paelized Homes are built in wall
sections or "Panels". Modular homes are usually 90% complete when they are delivered to
the site. Modular homes are made of wood like stick built homes but in a controlled
environment. Panelized homes can be made of wood or metal. Both Modular and
Panelized homes can be completed in a short amount of time, giving them an advantage
over stick built homes by reducing labor costs. Both are subject to the same State and
Local Building Codes. Both Modular and Panelized homes can be customized, but one
advantage Panelized homes have is the ease with which the owner can add onto the
house later. The way the panels fit together allows a builder to simply detach one wall and
add an entire section onto the house. I realize these explanations are simplified, but
hopefully I was able to clear up some of the misconceptions surrounding the different kinds
of factory built homes.

Find Panelized builders in your state

The links below will take you to a directory of Panelized Home builders in your state.
Panelized home builders are builders that use Structural Insulated Panels (or SIPs) in the
building of your home. These Panelized homes are more energy-efficient because the
walls create a tighter building envelope which saves money on heating and air conditioning.
The Panels are usually made from OSB panels with a foam core. In states like Florida or
Hawaii where the climate is more favorable for humidity and insects, some panelized home
builders use Steel in the construction of SIPs instead of OSB. These steel framed
panelized homes are even more sturdy and energy-efficient than SIPs homes using OSB.

Structural Insulated Panels or SIPs

Structural Insulated Panels are building materials made from an insulating layer of foam
between two layers of board . The board is generally OSB and the foam polyurethane,
but there are variations in the makeup of SIPs. For example, the boards can be made
from steel, sheet metal, plywood or even cement. Structural Insulated Panels can be
used in the construction of walls, roof, floors and the foundation of the house.

Homes built using SIPs can provide benefits over other forms of construction. They can
reduce the construction time of your new home because once they are delivered to the
home site the home can be completed in less time than traditional site built homes.
Although SIPs may cost more initially to build, the time savings can save some on overall
construction costs. More importantly, homes built with Structural Insulated Panels have
such a tight building envelope they can significantly reduce energy costs for the life of
the home.

There are many experienced Panelized Home Builders in the U.S. that can build your
dream home with Structural Insulated Panels. Some home builders also buy the SIPs for
their home project and have them delivered to the site, then complete the construction
themselves, usually with the help of a construction manager.

SIPS Manufacturers

The directory above has links to builders in each state that use Structural
Insulated Panels. If you are building your own home or acting as your own
contractor you and plan to use SIPs you may want to research several
manufacturers to see what they offer. Click the link below for a directory of
SIPs manufacturers in the United states with links to their websites.
SIPS Manufacturers