| "> | | | | - Higher quality framing techniques, especially when |
| Are you looking for the fastest way to build your | | | | the home owner builder does not have access to |
| home? Panelized walls have been around for years | | | | good framers |
| and have a place in home building. If you understand | | | | - Most companies use superior "kiln dried" wood |
| their advantages and disadvantages, you'll be able to | | | | (steel framing, SIP construction, and others also are |
| decide if they'll work for you. | | | | available) |
| Question: What are panelized walls and will they help | | | | Potential Disadvantages of Panelization |
| me? | | | | The disadvantages include paying extra shipping |
| Answer: | | | | costs, dealing with factory errors that can be difficult |
| Wall panelizing has to do with the framing of a home | | | | to get repaired, and storage and movement of the |
| and is usually used in new construction. These walls | | | | panels on your building site. Balance these potential |
| will also work in a home remodel but the advantages | | | | problems against the advantages before you make |
| are not as apparent unless the project is a major one | | | | your decision to use them. |
| as in a major home addition project. | | | | Good Choice for the Do-it-Yourselfer? |
| When building a home, framers typically will build one | | | | For DIY Owner Builders, panelized walls can be a real |
| section at a time on the floor of the un-built home | | | | advantage. Often, do it yourself home builders find |
| then tilt up the "panel" and nail it into place. This | | | | the time savings and built in framing knowledge |
| serves to speed up the process of framing while | | | | extremely helpful. |
| making it easier to build at the same time. | | | | Journeymen framers on the other hand often prefer |
| Manufacturers, such as Kit and Packaged Home | | | | to build their own panels as they go. They feel that |
| companies offer panelization when you order a home | | | | it's faster than dealing with a stack of panels that |
| package from them. These framing panels can be | | | | have to be unloaded from a truck, inventoried, and |
| real time savers as quite a bit of work is already | | | | moved into place before construction begins. |
| done before the materials hit your building sit. | | | | Deciding on Panelized Walls |
| Here are some of the advantages of building with | | | | So, if you're a DIY Owner Builder and you want a |
| panelized walls: | | | | packaged home, panelized walls can be a big |
| - Pre-measuring and cutting saves you time | | | | advantage. Just be sure to deal with a reputable |
| - Window and door openings are already 'cut in' | | | | company with a good track record of quality as well |
| saving calculations, mistakes, and time | | | | as personal customer service. |
| - Panels are created in "factory jigs" for squareness | | | | Research is vital. Don't rush into a decision. |
| and a potentially higher quality job | | | | |