When it comes to getting ready for a job on a construction site, one of the very first things I ask when bidding a project is about the site conditions. I always ask: Are there overhead wires? Are there trees? What’s the driveway like—will I be able to get in with a truck or a boom truck? You really need to figure these things out ahead of time to make sure the project runs smoothly.
Another important part is how the SIP panels are delivered. When you order panels, you can ask the company to load them in a specific sequence. If they do, it keeps your costs down because you won’t waste time sorting them out on-site. The panels are all labeled based on the shop drawings we create—those shop drawings are absolutely critical. They ensure what’s manufactured at the factory matches exactly what’s needed on the job site.
The labeling system is simple: “W” stands for wall, followed by a number. For example, W12-08 means wall 12, panel 8. If a project has, say, 15 different wall lengths, the panels are numbered accordingly (08, 09, 010, and so on) to match their assembly sequence.
There’s also a 3D isometric view included with the plans to show exactly how the panels fit together. It's important to always double-check your measurements and review your layout before you start installing panels. Taking something apart takes twice as long as putting it together, so careful prep work saves you time and headaches.
As panels are installed, headers are nailed in place with a standard nailing pattern—six inches on center. That precision ensures strength and stability.
Another key to running an efficient job is setting up your crane and workstation smartly. On smaller projects like houses, you want to position yourself so you only have to move once. (On bigger jobs like schools, moving around is unavoidable.) Time is money, and efficient setup saves both.
Over time, we learned that having a good work surface is crucial. We started with simple sawhorses and makeshift setups, but eventually moved to using steel tables. These tables have been a game-changer, allowing us to work like an assembly line—building wall sections or roof assemblies as large as possible, based on what the crane can lift.
One of the most important parts of SIP construction is the sealant around the panel joints. Done correctly, the sealant creates a gasket that prevents air, vapor, and moisture from penetrating the structure. That’s one of the reasons a properly built SIP house is so incredibly energy efficient.
In conclusion, when it comes to SIPs versus stick framing—or any other building method—personally, SIPs are the only way I’ll ever build. They're incredibly efficient, create a much tighter, better-performing structure, and every client I know who's lived in one of our SIP houses has absolutely loved it. They really are the future of building.
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