Contractors who bid on big dollar projects like a home addition, ADU (accessory dwelling units), or a custom home may be asking themselves: what is the best way to build with the least amount of risk.
Panelized assemblies offer one viable option. If you’ve worked with prefabricated wall, ceiling, floor, and roof assemblies, you know the streamlined simplicity can transform project speed, performance, safety, and sustainability. If you’re new to panelized construction, it’s a building system that deserves serious consideration. At the factory level, it can offer many of the same benefits as modular construction, in particular where the project design, site, and location don’t work for modular.
An expert on this topic is Dennis Michaud, Managing Director of Offsite Solutions at CertainTeed. Michaud leads CertainTeed’s business and R&D activities around Offsite construction, including One Precision Assemblies, a panelized wall, roof, and floor system. What advice does Michaud have? He recently shared his thoughts:
What should a contractor be mindful of in transitioning to larger construction projects?
Building a home, major home addition, or an ADU may introduce construction challenges like supply disruptions, weather, and labor issues that can upend even the most careful construction plan. That’s one big reason why offsite modules and components have gained so much traction in recent years. It eliminates a lot of risk and makes life easier for builders.
How so?
Prefabricating major parts of the projects indoors in a clean, safe, climate-controlled environment supports consistently high-quality construction. Such assemblies are built to the same — and in some cases higher — standards of traditional constructions, and by the very nature of their process, they can eliminate concerns related to evolving codes, jobsite safety, and project deadlines. For example, because CertainTeed has developed all included materials to work together, One Precision Assemblies also supports contractors with an exceptional warranty.
What about customization? Are there design limitations?
That’s the beauty of panelized construction. A panelized assembly can be configured to nearly any size or shape, allowing a vast range of architectural freedom, from contemporary to traditional aesthetics. The insulated and often clad panels are manufactured to your plans. The end-result doesn’t look any different from a traditionally constructed home, and contractors can avoid the logistical challenges and longer project timeframes of traditional construction.
How much time? What does a typical timeline look like?
In traditional construction, building a home takes about nine months. One Precision Assemblies shaves about four months off that schedule. Finished panels, including windows and doors, are manufactured in a week. CertainTeed takes care of everything, from manufacturing to safe panel transit, crane arrangements, and onsite assembly. Panel assembly takes just one to three days. And CertainTeed’s scope isn’t complete until you sign-off on the quality and blower door and tests, validating expected HERS performance.
I have a project in mind. How does quoting work?
You’ll work with one of CertainTeed’s expert sales representatives as well as a dedicated project manager, who will gather as much detail as possible, including design plans and jobsite logistics. Your PM is at your side throughout the project, ensuring there are no surprises.
Quoting is comprised of two stages. A rough quote takes about a week, which will be plus or minus 10% of the actual. With final drawings in hand, you receive a firm quote that won’t change.
I have questions. Who do I contact?
Give us a call at 800-233-8990. Visit certainteed.com/OPA to learn more. Or reach us by email or live chat.
