The Hidden Cost of Studs: How SIPs Save on Build Times & Energy Costs

In conventional stick framing, studs are everywhere. Literally. For every 16 inches of wall, another stud interrupts the insulation layer. Multiply that across an entire structure, and you’re left with hundreds of lumber pieces, hours of labor, and countless thermal bridges that compromise energy efficiency.

What often gets overlooked is how much those studs really cost. It’s not just the material bill; it’s also long-term energy loss, added labor hours, and slower project timelines.

The Hidden Cost of Stick Framing: How Studs Add Waste, Labor, and Energy Loss

Framing a building with dimensional lumber is time and resource-intensive. Here’s how studs chip away at profits:

• Thermal bridging: Every stud breaks the insulation layer, creating heat loss and higher utility bills for owners.
• Labor-intensive installs: Crews spend significant time measuring, cutting, and fastening individual pieces.
• Material waste: Stick framing produces scrap piles quickly, with expensive haul-off and landfill costs.

Stick framing remains the industry default, but its inefficiencies are costing builders, developers, and owners more than they realize.

⇒ Learn More About Thermal Bridging: Why Are Sticks the Bridge to Higher Energy Costs? 

The SIP Solution: Structure, Insulation, and Sheathing in One

Premier Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) replace studs, insulation, and sheathing with one high-performance building system. SIPs streamline construction by delivering structure, insulation, and exterior sheathing in a single panel.

Unlike traditional framing, SIPs:

• Eliminate stud framing in most wall and roof assemblies
• Deliver continuous insulation for superior thermal performance
• Arrive pre-cut and labeled for faster installation and less jobsite confusion

Instead of juggling lumber drops, insulation crews, and multiple trades, SIPs arrive ready to assemble. The result is a simplified jobsite and a much faster dry-in.

⇒ Learn more:  The Integrated Power of SIPs - 4 Products in 1

Cost Savings of SIPs vs. Stick Framing: Less Labor, Less Waste, Faster Build Times

Let’s do the math. Here’s a breakdown using a typical 2,000 sq ft home:

Stick-Framed Construction:

• About 450 vertical studs (~$7 each = $3,150 in studs alone)
• Framing timeline: 5–7 days with a full crew
• Additional labor for insulation and sheathing

SIP Construction:

• Panels replace studs, insulation, and exterior sheathing
• Installed in just 2–3 days
• Requires fewer trades and cuts weeks off timelines

Builders using SIPs report up to 55% labor savings and significantly faster project completion.

Energy Efficiency of SIPs: Cut Heating and Cooling Costs by 40–60%

The benefits don’t stop at labor and scheduling. SIPs outperform stick framing in energy efficiency thanks to fewer thermal breaks, tighter envelopes, and continuous insulation.

Independent studies confirm it:

• Oak Ridge National Lab & Building America: SIP homes use 40–60% less energy than code-built homes. Read the ORNL Energy Savings Study
• SIPs consistently test at 0.3–0.6 ACH50 on blower door tests (compared to 5.0 ACH50 in conventional builds).
• SIP homes require smaller HVAC systems, saving clients money for decades.
  
  

⇒ Dive deeper: Proof in Performance: Energy Efficiency with SIPs & Real World Energy Savings

Sustainable Construction with SIPs: Reduce Jobsite Waste and Environmental Impact

Every stud you eliminate is one less thing to buy, cut, throw away, or haul off.

• Average stick-framed jobsite waste: about 8,000 lbs (NAHB)
• SIP jobsite waste: up to 60% less
  
• Disposal savings: up to 30% lower haul-off costs
  

Beyond cost savings, fewer waste piles mean cleaner jobsites, fewer callbacks from warped lumber, and a reduced environmental footprint—important for builders pursuing green building certifications.  

⇒ Explore More: See how SIPs reduce construction waste and disposal costs.

Why Builders Choose SIPs Over Stick Framing for Cost, Speed, and Performance

It all adds up. With SIPs, you’re not just reducing material costs. You’re simplifying construction, speeding up schedules, and delivering superior energy performance.

With Premier SIPs, builders gain:

• Lower material and labor costs
• Shorter construction timelines
• Energy-efficient building envelopes
  
• Less jobsite waste and cleanup
• Higher-performing, more sustainable structures
  
  

Premier SIPS help builders deliver better performance without added complexity. In fact, they simplify it. Want to see how SIPs can simplify your next build? Contact us for a project review today.