Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
Land & New Construction
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated 12 months ago, 01/02/2024

User Stats

218
Posts
111
Votes
Raju Balakrishnan
Pro Member
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Santa Clara, CA
111
Votes |
218
Posts

Buying SIP panels directly from Suppliers in China.

Raju Balakrishnan
Pro Member
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Santa Clara, CA
Posted

I am in planning phase for a cottage style small resorts in California. Planning to use OSB SIP building for small units of size 900 sq: ft, primarily for fast build and energy efficiency. Sourcing directly from China is cheaper, though more complex. But  effort is worth it as once the first unit is done it will be a copy-paste.  This will be like a normal site built home on foundation (not modular) going through regular inspections and permits, but using SIPs instead of sticks. 

1. Any experience/thought on buying directly from China, (The panes seems compliant with IRC, etc and probably can make sure that they are complient with Californa Residential Code  etc also)?

2. OSB vs Other type of SIP panels (fiber/steel), pros and cos?

  • Raju Balakrishnan
  • User Stats

    203
    Posts
    188
    Votes
    Mike Smith
    Pro Member
    • Boise, ID
    188
    Votes |
    203
    Posts
    Mike Smith
    Pro Member
    • Boise, ID
    Replied

    I'm sure you didn't make a post to debate the pros/cons of SIP panels, but there is a reason that SIPs/ICF construction is less than 1% of starts in the US.  The reason is that the energy savings aren't worth the additional costs.  Especially the additional costs by electrical, HVAC and plumbing.  Most of the trades aren't used to working with SIPs and will charge additional.

    The sales people for both SIPs and ICFs will tout the labor savings, but they simply don't exists.  Otherwise, builders who build 100s or 1000s of homes per year (and work really hard to save $100 on any one trade) would start building with them.

    I'm sure many similar arguments can be made for any revulutionary product (electric cars) but SIPs and ICFs have been around for decades without gaining any traction.

  • Mike Smith
  • User Stats

    5
    Posts
    0
    Votes
    Arturo Herrador
    Pro Member
    0
    Votes |
    5
    Posts
    Arturo Herrador
    Pro Member
    Replied

    @Raju Balakrishnan did you get the panels from China? I am also considering this type of construction, but I am looking at SCIP specifically. I have lots of experience with this type of construction, as it is very common where I come from, Guatemala. 

  • Arturo Herrador
  • CV3 Financial logo
    CV3 Financial
    |
    Sponsored
    Fix & Flip | DSCR | Construction Loans Up to 90% LTV - Up to 80% Cash Out - No Income Verification - No Seasoning Requirements

    User Stats

    5
    Posts
    0
    Votes
    Arturo Herrador
    Pro Member
    0
    Votes |
    5
    Posts
    Arturo Herrador
    Pro Member
    Replied
    Quote from @Mike Smith:

    I'm sure you didn't make a post to debate the pros/cons of SIP panels, but there is a reason that SIPs/ICF construction is less than 1% of starts in the US.  The reason is that the energy savings aren't worth the additional costs.  Especially the additional costs by electrical, HVAC and plumbing.  Most of the trades aren't used to working with SIPs and will charge additional.

    The sales people for both SIPs and ICFs will tout the labor savings, but they simply don't exists.  Otherwise, builders who build 100s or 1000s of homes per year (and work really hard to save $100 on any one trade) would start building with them.

    I'm sure many similar arguments can be made for any revulutionary product (electric cars) but SIPs and ICFs have been around for decades without gaining any traction.


    Mike what you are saying is something I had not considered. By any chance have you seen any construction with SIP and how much more expensive was it?

  • Arturo Herrador
  • User Stats

    218
    Posts
    111
    Votes
    Raju Balakrishnan
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • Santa Clara, CA
    111
    Votes |
    218
    Posts
    Raju Balakrishnan
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • Santa Clara, CA
    Replied
    Quote from @Arturo Herrador:

    @Raju Balakrishnan did you get the panels from China? I am also considering this type of construction, but I am looking at SCIP specifically. I have lots of experience with this type of construction, as it is very common where I come from, Guatemala. 


     I did not get to do this project. Overall it looked feasible in my analysis. But county permit may be the tricky part, though panels can be made confirming to the all the CA state regulations. Good to talk to the county in advance. 

  • Raju Balakrishnan
  • User Stats

    340
    Posts
    71
    Votes
    James McGovern
    • Flipper/Rehabber
    • Bloomfield CT
    71
    Votes |
    340
    Posts
    James McGovern
    • Flipper/Rehabber
    • Bloomfield CT
    Replied
    Quote from @Raju Balakrishnan:

    I am in planning phase for a cottage style small resorts in California. Planning to use OSB SIP building for small units of size 900 sq: ft, primarily for fast build and energy efficiency. Sourcing directly from China is cheaper, though more complex. But  effort is worth it as once the first unit is done it will be a copy-paste.  This will be like a normal site built home on foundation (not modular) going through regular inspections and permits, but using SIPs instead of sticks. 

    1. Any experience/thought on buying directly from China, (The panes seems compliant with IRC, etc and probably can make sure that they are complient with Californa Residential Code  etc also)?

    2. OSB vs Other type of SIP panels (fiber/steel), pros and cos?


     Import taxes are much higher than you would imagine. best to support the American economy and buy local.

    User Stats

    17,130
    Posts
    14,656
    Votes
    Chris Seveney
    Lender
    Pro Member
    • Investor
    • Virginia
    14,656
    Votes |
    17,130
    Posts
    Chris Seveney
    Lender
    Pro Member
    • Investor
    • Virginia
    ModeratorReplied

    Buying anything direct like this from china is a bad idea h less you have flown over their, inspected the plant and qc process and they have a us office where if you know what hits the fan you have someone to deal with

    • Chris Seveney
    business profile image
    7e investments
    5.0 stars
    15 Reviews