How do builders decide to use a panel building system?

Plunging Into Panelization
How do builders decide to use a panel building system? That's the question asked in a recent survey of 24 builders in the Southeastern and Southwestern United States, conducted by Steven Winter Associates (Norwalk, CT) for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's PATH (Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing).

Builders interviewed employed a variety of panel building systems, including open wall (the most popular), SIPs and precast concrete. Builders who have never used a panel system were also surveyed to understand their reasons for not using panels. Generally, they admitted to not knowing enough about the benefits of the technology or how panel systems are used.

Cost Benefits
Ironically, cost was not a negative factor for the builders actually using panel systems. Builders tended to the view costs on a more long-term basis. By using panels builders could use fewer on-site laborers and construction time was shortened considerably, which saves significantly over site building. Less construction site waste was another savings.

Builders cited construction quality and efficiency as the biggest factors in deciding to use panels. The promise of better energy efficiency due to higher quality construction and boosted levels of insulation (particularly in SIPs) was also a deciding factor in some cases.

Common Challenges
Half the builders surveyed experienced resistance to panelization from local building code officials. But this negative reaction was not enough to change their minds about using the technology. Fabrication errors, miscommunications with the panel manufacturer, late delivery, resistance from subs such as electricians and plumbers, and the training of installation crews were the most common problems mentioned by builders in using panel systems.

Good communication with the fabricator—detailed drawings and careful management of any changes in the house's design—is essential in heading off problems on site, many panel builders reported.

Conclusions
Among those who have taken the plunge into panelization, cost savings in the long term, shorter construction times and better overall quality are the major deciding factors. A copy of the full research report is available at: www.pathnet.org.

Blog content courtesy of: Michael J. Crosbie, who is a senior associate with Steven Winter Associates, Inc., a building systems research and consulting firm.