Panelization
1) What is a panelized home?
Panelized homes have been around for many years now and, over the past number of years, both builders and consumers are coming to realize its true benefits. This has been a result of a number of factors including the increasing cost of labor, the serious skills shortage in many trades, the short construction season in many locations, the adverse weather conditions at certain times of the year and the high quality of the panelized product.
The major difference between traditional stick built houses and panelized homes in terms of the process is that for the latter, the exterior walls and the internal partitions are pre-assembled at the factory and shipped as individual wall panels. This also allows for the instillation of related components such as windows, insulation, vapor barriers, exterior wall sheathing, interior/exterior wall strapping and related items. All materials used are engineered and pre-cut in our plant allowing for greater flexibility and customization.
But the differences in terms of benefits to both the builder and consumer are quite significant as detailed below
2) What are its benefits?
The benefits experienced from panelization are many and far reaching as follows:
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Labor savings:
- Considerable labour & time savings on site in terms of constructing the wall sections and internal partitions.
- Panelization determines how everything goes together and panels are clearly marker for on site assembly.
- Little time spent sorting through piles of lumber.
- Less exposure of construction materials to the elements.
- Less risk of damage and theft.
- Less time on site reduces liability and overhead costs.
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Reduction in construction times:
- Home built much quicker as a result of savings in labor.
- The owner can usually move in much sooner.
- Completion dates are easier to predict and manage.
- Some delays caused by labor shortages or scheduling are significantly reduced.
- Delays caused by materials shortages, late deliveries, etc. are significantly reduced.
- Year round construction or an extended construction season a real possibility.
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Materials savings:
- With in factory assembly, many problems can be resolved prior to shipping.
- Less wastage and less site clean up.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Reduces significantly the human error factor on site.
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Consistent quality:
- Factory assembly results in a consistent fit and finish.
- Measurements more exact as a result of assembling indoors under controlled conditions.
- Closing panels in factory prior to shipping reduces significantly problems of materials being exposed to the elements.
- Better insulation and air tightness is achieved.
- A better fit and seal during wall assembly.
- Better engineering & quality.
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Better business practices:
- Construction loan interest costs reduced.
- Quick and accurate pricing.
- Excellent value for the price.
- Detailed drawings and plans.
- A better built home in less time.
- Dryer lumber means less warping, shrinking, twisting, rotting or swelling.
- Walls straighter.
- Less home builder stress.
- A cleaner job site is a safer job site.
- Guaranteed pricing.
- Design flexibility.
More detailed information on Panelization can be found as follows:
- The process - http://www.nlbic.com/process.asp
- See a house assembled - webpresentation.pdf
- What is or is not included - http://www.nlbic.com/whats.asp