The Premier SIPS Process:  What to Expect for a Successful Build

Thinking about building with SIPs? You’re in the right place. If you’re exploring options for a stronger, more energy-efficient, and sustainable building system, Premier SIPS offer an advanced solution worth considering.

Building with SIPs is different from traditional construction, and proper planning is essential for a smooth project. By familiarizing yourself with the process in advance, you’ll be prepared to fully leverage the benefits of SIPs—from faster installation to superior performance.

The following guide outlines what to expect at every stage and provides the resources you need to ensure a successful experience. Whether you’re an architect, builder, or building owner, you’ll learn how to confidently move from planning and design to delivery and installation with Premier SIPS.

What Are SIPs? A Brief Overview

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are an innovative building system that integrates structure, insulation, and an air barrier into a single, exceptionally strong, durable, and sustainable high-performing product. Compared to traditional stick framing, SIPs are:

• Faster to install.
• Significantly more energy-efficient.
• Stronger and more durable.

Read more about the basics of SIPs and check out our SIPs vs. Sticks Installation Video to see how SIPs simplify construction. 

Building & House Plans: Custom, Not a Kit

Let’s set the record straight: While there are many building kit manufacturers who use SIPs in their packages, Premier SIPS are not a DIY kit - they are a building system or component. Like windows or cabinet packages are custom made for most buildings, our panels are designed and engineered to meet the unique specifications of every custom project. This precision is critical to their performance and installation. Learn more about the benefits of this integrated system in The Integrated Power of SIPs: 4 Products in 1.  

No Plans? No Problem

If you’re a home or building owner/developer looking to use SIPs, we work directly with architects and builders to make your vision a reality. Simply refer your architect or contractor to us, and we’ll collaborate to take advantage of the benefits of SIPs for your building. We have extensive design resources and details at hand to make the process easy. Need a designer recommendation? We have a long list of experienced architects ready to assist.

Timeframe: What to Expect in 10 Steps

⇒ Stage 1: Planning and Design

1. Collaborate on SIP Plans:  Work with your architect or designer to finalize your SIP house plans and submit them to your local Premier SIPS Representative. You’ll receive a detailed Project Estimate tailored to your design within 5–10 business days. The estimating process is thorough and requires significant resources, as we optimize and panelize plans for factory production. Even with extensive work required on our end in the estimating process, we offer complimentary estimates just as we have since our inception in the 1980's.

Tip: Accurate plans mean fewer delays.

2. Approve the Project Estimate:  Review, sign, and return the estimate, which outlines pricing, terms, and conditions. A specified non-refundable deposit initiates drafting and project management.

Tip: When comparing SIPs vs Sticks costs labor, time and trade savings that SIPs offer make it impossible to compare straight materials/bid packages for an accurate comparison. Explore the considerations for evaluate estimates accurately here. Scroll to the resource area at the bottom of this article for more on comparing SIPS vs Sticks costs.

3. Meet Your Project Manager:  A dedicated Premier SIPS Project Manager will provide custom SIP Layout Drawings within 10 business days of estimate approval.

⇒ Stage 2: Production and Delivery

4. Review and Approve Layout Drawings:  Work with your architect or contractor to carefully review the drawings. Two rounds of revisions are included, with additional changes subject to extra fees.

Tip: Review Basics - includes confirming provided dimensions and details, and signing each page for production approval. 

5. Finalize Production Details:  After approval, your drawings become Production Details for fabrication. You’ll also receive a Contract of Sale (COS). To proceed, sign and return the COS with a 50% down payment.

Important: Changes after this point can delay shipment.

6. Enter Production:  Once the signed COS and payment are received, your project enters the production schedule. Each SIP is custom-fabricated to your exact specifications.

Tip: At this point a Contractor/SIP Installer should also review our installation videos (linked below), as well as our Contractor Resource Guide - which outlines recommended tools, tips for getting started, best practices for installation basics and more. Any questions can be directed to the Local Rep or Project Manager to be well prepared. 

7. Coordinate Delivery:  Within 10 business days of entering production, our Shipping Manager will confirm your delivery date. The final balance must be paid before shipment.

⇒ Stage 3: Delivery and Installation

8. Prepare for Delivery:  SIPs take up more space than traditional framing materials. Review your COS for delivery details and make sure your jobsite is ready.  Review our SIPS Delivery Preparation Guide for steps to take before your SIPs arrive, including:

• Recommended tools.
• Installation best practices.
• How to inventory your shipment upon delivery.

Tip: Watch our Installation Video to see how to set up your job site and prepare for SIPs installation.

9. Inspect Your Shipment:  A representative must be onsite to receive and inventory the SIPs using the provided packing list. Report any missing or damaged items within 15 days.

Tip: Note issues immediately on the Packing Slip, and contact your Project Manager.

10. Begin Installation:  Your SIPs are now ready to install! Keep your Layout Drawings onsite for reference throughout the process. 

Pro Tip: Proper planning ensures a smoother installation. See our full installation video series, and share with subcontractors spend time reviewing ⇒ SEE PREMIER'S INSTALLATION VIDEO SERIES NOW

SIP Installation: Leave It to the Pros

While SIP installation is simpler than stick framing, we recommend using a trained SIP installer—just as you would hire a professional for electrical, plumbing, or concrete work.  Many owner-builders feel like they can tackle the SIP installation job themselves; however, it’s essential to understand the basic nuances of SIP installation to get it right.  Proper training ensures maximum system value.

The learning curve isn’t steep for framing crews, and our team can provide pre-scheduled onsite training to ensure success. With pre-manufactured panels and minimal onsite cutting, SIPs significantly reduce the need for skilled labor. 

Connect with your Premier SIPS Representative for recommendations on SIP installers or training resources.  Explore our builder resources 

Cost Expectations: More Than Materials

When comparing SIPs to traditional stick framing, it’s essential to consider more than just material costs. SIPs save money by:

• Reducing construction time. [Learn more]
• Lowering labor costs. [See how]
• Offering long-term operational savings through superior energy efficiency. [Explore Savings]

Check out our Cost Comparison Guide to dive deeper into the financial advantages of building with SIPs. Then check out these three real world projects comparing the costs of SIPs vs Sticks.

Builder Resources: Helping Prepare for Successful SIP Installs

• Building with SIPs:  Need to Know - download our free guide and learn best practices for building with Structural Insulated Panels
• Installation & Job Site Prep as detailed in our Contractor Resource Manual
• Resources for our 3 most asked questions:  1. Electrical  2.  Sealing  3. Taping of your SIP structure
• Extensive YouTube Channel - Includes more installation videos, animations, how-to's and more!
• Technical Bulletins to dig into design and installation nuances

PRINTABLE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE BUILDING PROCESS

• Detailed Premier Project Lifecycle

• Ordering & Production Process

• Installation Guidelines - SIPs Delivery Preparation

• Detailed Installation Recommendations

Have questions about the Premier SIPS process, reach out to your local Sales Representative to schedule a chat.