- One fixed written estimatepriced from your final design and our trades' bids
- Payments follow the workeach payment tied to a finished milestone
- An update every Fridayprogress, photos and what's next, in writing
Why we offer SIPs
Built tighter
Continuous insulation, minimal air leaks.
A SIP wall is a solid foam core bonded between structural sheathing. There are no stud cavities to leave gaps in, so the whole envelope performs the way it was designed.
Built faster
Panels go up in days, not weeks.
Panels are cut to your plan before they arrive. The shell goes up quickly and is weathertight sooner, so interior trades can start earlier.
Cheaper to live in
Lower energy bills, more even comfort.
Better insulation and air sealing mean less heating and cooling, which matters even more when an ADU is a rental and the energy bills are part of what makes it attractive.
Straight and strong
Engineered panels, precise walls.
Engineered panels give you straight, square walls that hold their shape, which makes cabinets, tile and trim go in cleaner.
SIPs by the numbers
We build with Premier SIPS structural insulated panels.
Whole-wall R-value of a 3.5" SIP wall, vs. R-9.58 for a 2x4 stick-framed wall, in Oak Ridge National Laboratory testing
more airtight than stick framing, based on U.S. Department of Energy testing
lower heating and cooling costs
faster to put up the building envelope
less jobsite construction waste
Figures are published by Premier SIPS, the panel manufacturer we build with, citing Oak Ridge National Laboratory and U.S. Department of Energy testing. "Up to" figures are best-case results. Actual performance depends on the design, climate and how the home is used. Premier SIPS
Side by side
| SIPs | Stick framing | |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Continuous rigid foam core across the whole wall and roof panel | Batts between studs; every stud is a gap in the insulation |
| Air sealing | Few seams, so far less air leakage | Hundreds of joints to seal by hand; quality varies by crew |
| Comfort | Even temperatures, fewer drafts and hot or cold spots | Depends on how well insulation and sealing were installed |
| Energy bills | Lower heating and cooling costs for the life of the building | Higher over time in most climates |
| Build speed | Factory-cut panels go up fast; the shell is dried in sooner | Framed piece by piece on site |
| Precision | Straight, square walls cut to the plan | Lumber can twist, bow or shrink as it dries |
| Jobsite waste | Minimal, since panels arrive cut to size | More offcuts and debris |
| Up-front cost | Usually higher, offset by speed and lower energy costs | Usually lower to start |
| Design changes | Layout and openings are locked in before panels are cut | Easier to change late in the project |
SIP questions
Why choose SIPs for an ADU?
SIPs give an ADU a tighter, better-insulated shell, a faster build and lower energy bills for the life of the building. For a rental or a home for family, that means a more comfortable unit that costs less to run.
Are SIPs more expensive than stick framing?
Usually somewhat more up front. Faster framing and lower energy costs over the life of the building offset part of that, and many homeowners consider the comfort and efficiency worth it.
Are SIPs approved by building departments?
Yes. SIPs are an accepted building system under California building codes. Your plans are engineered for SIPs, and we coordinate with the inspector.
Can any ADU be built with SIPs?
Most can, but the lot, the plan and the jurisdiction's approval path decide. Our design partner confirms it when reviewing your site.
Which SIPs do you use?
We build with panels from Premier SIPS, a structural insulated panel manufacturer whose panels are tested for whole-wall R-value by Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Does Elkins Build Group still build with stick framing?
Yes. We build with both. SIPs are our premium option, and stick framing makes sense when budget or likely design changes lead.
Get a recommendation for your lot
Start with a consultation. Once our design partner has reviewed your site, we recommend the framing method that fits it.