Panelization is done indoors with added efficiency of computer automation and quality control by state-of-the-art wall tables, production saws, automatic nailguns, forklifts, etc. This technique allows for large volume lumber, sheathing, window and door purchases to be made at significant cost savings compared to materials purchased for individual "site-framed" homes. Plus, by panelizing indoors, kiln-dried lumber remains dry, instead of being exposed to the elements.

Panelized Homes are built inside climate-controlled factories. Panels are made for walls and sometimes floors, and our panelization package includes roof and floor trusses. Jigs and frames are used to ensure the accuracy of the panels, and computers guide the saws as they cut the boards. Lumber is stored inside, away from the elements - no rain or snow to cause the boards to warp.

When the foundation of the home is ready, panels are trucked to the site. A crane hoists the panels into place and they are bolted or strapped to the foundation, like a traditional "site-built" wall. Roof trusses are placed & covered with sheathing.

Why Panelize?

Placing panels and closing in the house takes less than 1 week, an advantage over the 10 day to 3 weeks it can take to enclose a home built using traditional methods. There's less exposure to the elements and less material theft, which can account for an increase of 10% in the price of a site-built house. The reduced framing time also means the house is finished and ready to move into sooner.

The National Association of Home Builders and the Wood Truss Council of America erected two 2600-square foot homes side by side for comparison. One used trusses & wall panels as components, and the other was built with traditional frame construction. The component home saved 16% more than the stick-built home in total labor and material costs.

It is predicted that within the next 10 years, about 80% of residential construction will involve panelization.

*Cecon Construction's Custom Home Packages include your panelization package, but if our clients prefer the traditional methods to be used, our team can surely accommodate them.

Steps of Panelizing