There’s a common belief in the building industry that Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are more expensive than traditional timber framing. On the surface, timber can look cheaper. But when you look at the whole build – time, labour, efficiency, and performance, the numbers tell a very different story.
Why SIPs Can Cost Less Than Timber
- Faster Build Times
SIPs are precision-manufactured offsite and arrive ready to assemble. This means your walls and roof can go up in days, not weeks saving significant labour hours compared to timber framing. - Early Weathertightness
Because SIPs go together quickly, homes become weathertight much earlier. That reduces the risk of costly delays, site damage, or weather setbacks, keeping your project on track. - Precision Manufacturing
With SIPs, every panel is engineered to exact specifications. That reduces on-site cutting, minimises waste, and eliminates many of the rework costs that can creep into timber construction. - Built-In Performance
SIPs provide high levels of insulation as part of their structure, and their design makes achieving airtightness far easier than with a traditional timber frame and membrane. The result is long-term energy savings, lower running costs, and a home that performs to a higher standard without expensive add-ons.
The Bigger SIPs Picture
Yes, the material cost of SIPs may look higher than timber at first glance. But when you factor in reduced labour, faster build times, fewer delays, and the built-in performance that’s effective and durable saving you money year after year, SIPs deliver better value overall.
SIPs: A Smarter Investment
Timber framing is familiar, but it often comes with hidden costs in both construction and long-term energy use. SIPs are not only faster and smarter to build with, they can also be the more affordable choice when you take the whole picture into account.
👉 Want to see how SIPs stack up against timber for your project? We’ll walk you through the numbers and show you the difference.
📢 Come and see a SIPs home at the mid build stage and talk to our experienced team at our next event on Wednesday 15th October in Rangiora. You can find out more and register here.
