SIPS Help Combat What Builders Fear Most – Labor Shortages

While the construction and housing markets are certainly recovering, Builders are still faced with many challenges. The two they fear most are (according to a Jan. ’13 survey from the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index) increased building material prices (71%) and cost/availability of labor (54%). Notably, this is not just a fad, both of these top concerns are up at least 30% over 2012.  Less Required Skilled Labor

As a result of these fears coming to fruition, along with rising lumber costs, many tried and true building methods are being tested – and alternatives considered (see article and findings at ProSales Magazine here).

Affordable senior housing in Flagstaff, AZ consisting of 60 units uses Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). The SIPs were installed in just a couple days.

Enter SIPS: Structural Insulated Panels. Perhaps the most advanced framing method, SIPS panels come pre-fabricated, pre-cut, and pre-insulated per floor plans, and don’t require special training for framing installation.

“I don’t understand why anyone would build a stick frame house ever again. This was affordable, looks amazing, and was easy to do.” C. Walker, Owner

With just one experienced foreman and a few less experienced laborers help working together with good labor production rates due to how panels are assembled together (much like a puzzle, slide the lightweight pieces together by a numbered installation guide specific to each project).

In addition to solving the labor shortage issues, builders who choose to frame with SIPS may also pocket more on their bottom line, both because of fewer framing hours on the job (speed of construction), reduced loan interest to pay, and for offering a better engineered product (think energy efficiency for the end owner). What’s not to like? See how this will work for your projects, contact Premier.

See the speed of construction in action in this 2 minute clip – 1900 sq ft installed without major equipment in 1 day.

You can also check out why SIPS are a better product on this entertaining clip on framing from the DIY network’s Deconstruction show.