The structural characteristics of SIPs are similar to that of a steel I-beam. The OSB skins act as the flange of the I-beam, while the rigid foam core provides the web. This design gives SIPs an advantage when handling in-plane compressive loads.”
“Structural Insulated Panels Win Against Extreme Weather
Structural insulated panels withstand Mother Nature's power on a regular basis. Fire, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes demolish thousands of stick-frame homes every year. These same storms leave structural insulated panel homes with little-to-no structural damage.”
If I build a 700-900 square foot home out of SIPS and planned to do most myself how much am I looking at? I did a lot of research on SIPS last night. What about a stick home? I read building a stick home isnt actually that hard and I shouldn't be intimidated.
I have always been very good at building things on my own. I have made some very complex projects in the past and that's why I feel confident enough to try this. I always do a ton of research before instead of experimenting, and jump all over the place so that's why I ain't trying to narrow down the easiest options here. I liked earthbag cause it is DIY friendly. SIPS seems that way at first, but if you mess up even a little it adds up. Stick frame is pretty forgiving, and getting a permit would be easier as well.
don't let sip fool you. those panels are heavy. two sheets of osb is about all you want to lift and push around. and that much foam does have some weight, too.
look into a double wall stick built for insulation value.
In cold climates it is the way to go. IDK much about warm climates.
Size of structure matters a lot if you ever get to the point where you might want to sell.
stay away from two story and split level . You are not always going to be young and stairs will kill you..
.....jiminwisc....
If the issue with an earthbag home is not enough insulation, why not do a double wall concept, where you have two walls and fill the cavity between them with insulation? The two earth bag walls should be plenty by themselves, with the empty space acting as a thermal break, or if they ended up being not enough, you could easily use blow in insulation. If your local dirt is good enough for it, I don't think you'll get cheaper than using it.
If the issue with an earthbag home is not enough insulation, why not do a double wall concept, where you have two walls and fill the cavity between them with insulation? The two earth bag walls should be plenty by themselves, with the empty space acting as a thermal break, or if they ended up being not enough, you could easily use blow in insulation. If your local dirt is good enough for it, I don't think you'll get cheaper than using it.
I was thinking that, but with just two people I feel making a second wall will take a super long time. After searching all day and reading the local zoning laws extensively, I think converting a 16Ă—50 shed to a home sounds good. I can have plumbing and electric hooked up already for less than 20k, and having lofts of either side of the structure adds space. I'd just have to hook up utilities and insulate it.
I think Earthbag construction is a inexpensive method and natural homebuilding technique that help temporary flood-control dike building. Earthbag home is really very attractive.
Few yrs ago I work with a guy that was from India or one of those hot as heck countrys. I had ask him how they deal with the heat,he had told me that their dirt walls are 3' thick and the inside stays nice.So insulated,is there a need?
Stick framed walls seem like the easiest part of the house to diy. The hard part is the foundation, roof, and utilities. I fear that many alternatives to walls will make those other things harder.
If you don't feel comfortable stick framing exterior walls, what will be done on the interior? 18"+ thick bath and bedroom walls will eat away at your space real quick. Not to mention where pipes and wires will go. Stick framing is likely going to happen regardless of what the outside walls are made of.
My plan is to use tried and true high R value stick construction on top of a special 16x20 floating wood foundation on a rubble foundation. No foam as bugs love it. Rockwool
The trick to this is attention to base leveling, and keeping it dry. I will build a separate pole barn type "roof only structure" much larger than the 16x20 room or rooms, and direct all rain water away.
My hilltop location will stay dry, but my main motivation for these "skid houses" are property taxes and diy. I figure I can save at least $2k annually by living in structures that don't have permanent foundations like my old mobile home. But build structures twice as energy efficient and on level ground with only one step up.. Mechanical's may be a little tricky when the ground heaves in winter, but I only need one bathroom and heave should be minimal if done this way. You could connect a series of rooms together with a flex connector between each.
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