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Getting Started

Now that you are ready to get started with your project, it is important to identify the multiple key-points and/or variables for the scope and timeline of your project. You will need to gather and specify this information in a set of plans or documents. These documents will be used for gathering proposals from your different sub-contractors and/or suppliers, as well as an installation map for the different parties working on this project.

Here are a few questions to better identify the scope and timeline for your project-

• Have you purchased the land?
• Are there any building restrictions on this plot? Wetlands? Easement issues? Height restrictions?
• Where is the land located? Will additional equipment and/or parties be needed to get the materials to the jobsite? Will the different seasons effect the construction?
• Do you have a funding plan? It is critical to set a budget for your project. What are the long term goals for structure? Is this to be used as your dream home, a rental, etc?
• Most future custom home owners will rely on a lending firm to assist with the financial portions of their project. If this structure will be immediately sold after construction, do some homework on the neighboring lands. You may want this structure to certainly stand out, but if the neighbors are a trailer-park or garbage dump, you have instantly noted your cap value.
• Have you identified your working parties?
• Do you have any plans currently? Some of the best structures were started from an idea on a napkin. The complexity of the project will determine what drawings are to be provided by that projects governing building department. Typically for a residential project, drawings at ¼”=1’-0” minimum. Site plan, Floor plans, Roof plan, Foundation plan, elevations and sections are the minimum to obtain a building permit. Whether you have plans to be converted to SIP drawings or would like some assistance generating the drawings for your own ideas, DNDD can help you put these materials together.
• Who will act as the General Contractor? Make sure you outline all aspects for your G.C. Your projects complexity + the square foot value in addition to a reasonable timeline for the completion of this structure will give you and your G.C. an idea of what the budget will look like. Also finding a G.C. that is comfortable working with SIP’s. Any time you introduce a product that is unfamiliar to a builder, there will be a learning curve. Having a builder that is positive, ready and eager to be prepared with this learning curve is again important to the success of your structure.
• If you are building with SIP’s, planning again is one of the most important variables. Being sure that you spend time with each party working on your project is important. Will the electrician and HVAC teams have enough area to work and run their material for a professional and clean installation? In addition to unexpected or unforeseen costs, not preparing for these items in the planning stages may result with protruding conduit, venting, or additional eye sores that will cause regret in the future.

Again, one of the most important ingredients to a successful project is planning. So what key elements will drive your planning to success?

Budget- Sure SIP’s are a premium product and may run a bit more for material costs than some of the alternatives, but consider the function of your project’s design. As a mental experiment, picture running hot water as your project’s heating source. Now experiment with containing this heat into different containers. First, picture a metal type container. You could imagine that the metal would quickly absorb the heat releasing to the other side (burning your hand at the same time). The moment you turn off the water or (heating source), the container as well as what’s in it will begin to lose heat. Sure steel buildings are strong and will certainly last a long time however, it is this reason in addition to cost that in colder areas you will find that other than commercial use, they are rarely used in residential construction. Next, picture a container composed of Popsicle sticks. Not exactly 2x studs at 16” o.c., but stay with me. Now, line this container with a layer of fiberglass insulation. You could imagine that the container would probably leak as fast as it was filled. As a result, the insulation is not only inconsistent, but it is only as good as the container it occupies. In some stick framed homes, you can put your hand over an electrical outlet located on an exterior wall, and feel cold air coming in. This means that hot air is escaping on the other side. (Or vise versa in opposite climates where a.c. is desired)

Finally, picture under your faucet a container composed of a rigid foam. Not only is the container holding the liquid, but the foam is insulating the heat from burning your hands. In addition, expanded polystyrene (rigid foam used in SIP's) has a consistant R-value that will not lose value over time.This variable with proper planning and correct installation closes your envelope for a well planned project.

Sure these mental projections may be a crude comparison of only a few building materials that are currently being used today, but probably some of the more frequently used.

Feel free to research other ingredients for your SIP project. Including an air exchanger, low-E windows, or other energy saving items into your project will not only help our world in the future, but provide you with a dollar saving dream.

 

Hopefully these notes and questions will get your project in the right direction.

Dennis Nelson

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