SIP vs Stick Frame Comparison

These comparisons are for a point in time and float in accordance with volatile commodity pricing for the various raw materials and design specifics.

How much does a SIP building cost compared to a traditional stick frame building? There is no definitive answer. The increased raw material cost for structural insulated panels is generally offset by labor savings. Changing lumber prices, jobsite waste removal, callbacks and ongoing energy costs are just some of the additional variables that must be taken into account. Our SIP Project Library includes hundreds of examples demonstrating that building with SIPs costs less than building with traditional stick framing.

Remember that a home built with SIPs is a better, healthier, more energy-efficient home. Check out our Unlocking Affordability with SIPs blog series for more information and even tips on navigating the latest wave of tax incentives to a building envelope improvements.

SIPs vs Stick Frame Cost Analyses

The Proof is in the Savings

The SIPs True Cost Bidding Tool (STCBT) helps demonstrate the added value of a SIP project with every lead that your business encounters. It’s an easy and free way to calculate the additional value included in a SIP structure that conveys more than energy performance – it demonstrates the true cost associated with projects and the real savings in choosing SIPs.

Chief Architect from the U.S. Department of Energy and creator of the ENERGY STAR for Home Program and the Zero Energy Ready Home Program, Sam Rashkin, worked with SIPA to create this tool and the validation case studies. SIPA's Manufacturing Members can help guide interested design professionals on how to use the tool or visitors can fill in the calculator independently.

Download the pilot results below for a cost comparison on three actual projects; one non-SIP custom home, a SIPs single-family home and a SIP multi-family building. Use this study along with the video High-Performance Enclosures: Faster, Better and Greater Value.

SIPs True Cost Bidding Tool

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