You won't normally find me in the rough framing thread, but I'd appreciate your expertise. Has anyone had experience with a panelized home?
One of my good customers is talking about buying some land, selling his current house, and building a new home. He asked me if I'd build it for him. I am a general contractor, normally do additions, remodels, and finish carpentry. I have built four complete homes over the course of time -- from a hole in the ground to front door key. He asked me my thoughts on a panelized home because he'd seen an article about a particular company that specializes in the style he (and I) like , but I've never had experience with one.
I'm curious whether anyone has had experience and what the con's might be -- things you might have run into. I understand the supposed pro's based on sales litereature. I told him that I think I'd lose the ability to adapt or make his/his wife's changes on site since exterior and interior walls, and exterior trim are pre-planned, measured, and pres-assembled. I know plans can be changed and altered, but once they start building the panels my impression is there is little room for alteration. The foundation has to be dead on.
Does anyone have any thoughts on costs comparison vs. stick framing based on their experiences? I know a good framing crew can stick-build in about the same time as the sales literature claims the house can be assembled -- about 5000 sq ft including garage. I saw the article in the May issue of JLC.
I, personally, lean to the flexibility of a stick-built house...but I'm keeping an open mind, since I'd have control of the whole job anyway. Any insights positive or negative would be welcome.
Thanks.
RJ
One of my good customers is talking about buying some land, selling his current house, and building a new home. He asked me if I'd build it for him. I am a general contractor, normally do additions, remodels, and finish carpentry. I have built four complete homes over the course of time -- from a hole in the ground to front door key. He asked me my thoughts on a panelized home because he'd seen an article about a particular company that specializes in the style he (and I) like , but I've never had experience with one.
I'm curious whether anyone has had experience and what the con's might be -- things you might have run into. I understand the supposed pro's based on sales litereature. I told him that I think I'd lose the ability to adapt or make his/his wife's changes on site since exterior and interior walls, and exterior trim are pre-planned, measured, and pres-assembled. I know plans can be changed and altered, but once they start building the panels my impression is there is little room for alteration. The foundation has to be dead on.
Does anyone have any thoughts on costs comparison vs. stick framing based on their experiences? I know a good framing crew can stick-build in about the same time as the sales literature claims the house can be assembled -- about 5000 sq ft including garage. I saw the article in the May issue of JLC.
I, personally, lean to the flexibility of a stick-built house...but I'm keeping an open mind, since I'd have control of the whole job anyway. Any insights positive or negative would be welcome.
Thanks.
RJ
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