Olander General Contracting is always on the cutting edge of building technology, here are two examples:  

SIPS  

Over the last few years we have come to realize the benefits of building with the SIP systems such as better efficiency. The Structural Insulated Panel system is an excellent alternative to stick-built homes as they are thermally and structurally superior to traditional construction and are destined to become the premier building system in the years to come. The possibilities of SIPS are endless and it is becoming more and more apparent that to meet the consumer needs, SIPs are a favorable solution.

Cost Savings

A good team leader with 2 workers can erect the system from foundation to ridge in typically 2-3 days (not including the roof. Some homes have complex roof designs and may require an additional amount of time.) Delivered in an RTA (Ready to Assemble) fashion, the process of assembly is uncomplicated as structures are engineered for assembly as pre-numbered units.  Installation time and construction costs are reduced, as is the time the structure is open to changing weather.

Strength

A SIP panel is typically 5 times stronger in racking than a Timber Frame Structure, and significantly stiffer. When subjected to loading, a Structural Insulated Panel acts like a steel I-beam.  The Tensile strength of the skins resist the stretching and crushing forces of tension and compression.  The cores and super high-strength adhesion spread forces across the surface area of the panel while resisting shearing and slippage between the skins. Because of the superb structural properties of a SIP panel, it becomes possible to create arches, vaulted ceilings and shapes that would be too costly to produce in traditional methods. SIP panels are designed to provide a gap-free blanket of solid insulation.  This allows for a tighter than average wind seal, eliminating drafts while retaining insulating ability over the life of the structure.

Ease of use

Perhaps one of the best features of the SIP system is the simplicity of the construction process. As the skilled labor pool decreases, we need to make up the quality with product systems we choose. A manufactured system like SIP can help in many ways.  SIP’s are prepared in a controlled environment, which has better quality control and less dependence on the schedule of the weather. They are not reliant on the diminishing qualities of dimensional lumber for their fabrication. Their basic strength characteristics are stronger than standard 2x wall framing.  So even before they hit the job site, SIP’s offer a higher quality wall system than jobsite built. SIP’s tend to be straighter and flatter. Because of the dimensional and structural stability there tends to be less drywall seam cracking, leading to less call backs.

TECHNICAL DRAWINGS: If you already have architectural drawings for a stick-built home, we can modify your plans to accommodate SIPs. Initially, we can provide a service where you create your own layout and we will work together with you to get your plans ready to SIP specifications.

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Panelizing

Pre-building roof and floor trusses in a factory is the most common application of panelized construction in home building today. But recently, the NAHB reported that complete home panelization is the fastest growing segment of residential new construction. Built with the aid of cutting-edge automation in factory-perfect conditions, complete exterior and interior wall panels, trusses, decking, etc. are loaded onto panelized manufacturers trucks and delivered to the job site. Materials are carefully marked at the factory with a code to eliminate any confusion at the jobsite (i.e., lettering or numbering sequences).
For panelized manufacturers, their involvement in the construction of the home is finished when the materials are delivered. All field work is completed by the framing contractor.

Foundations for panelized homes are no different that those for traditional "stick-built" homes. However, once the foundation is in place, panelized floor panels and walls can be erected in a matter of hours, rather than days or weeks. "Closed" exterior wall panels are shipped complete with windows, electrical, plumbing, insulation and drywall installed at the factory. "Open" wall panels typically come with windows installed and exterior sheathing applied at the factory, leaving insulation, wiring, plumbing and drywall to be added at the jobsite (a necessity when local building officials need to inspect and approve electrical, etc.). A panelized home can be weather tight in just a few days.

CONSISTENT QUALITY
With their carpenters working indoors, under factory controlled conditions and with the aid of computerized technology, panelized manufacturers and panelized home builders are elevating "quality" to measurable levels. Walls are straight. Tolerances are minimized. High levels of fit and finish are the standard. Measurements are more exact.
Panelized builders benefit from another area-the weather. Especially during framing, home buyers cringe when they see their home getting rained on, and fear future weather-related problems. Being weather-tight in just a few days greatly minimizes this problem for panelized homes. 

MATERIALS SAVINGS
Reported in the November, 1996 issue of Nation's Building News, the NAHB Research Center estimated that 8,000 pounds of "waste" end up in the dumpster in the construction of a typical 2,000 square foot home, and that builders pay an average of $511 for construction waste disposal. The panelized construction process virtually eliminates waste and human error on the jobsite. Save even more when you include the fact that less "scrap" to clean up reduces that associated labor cost.
Material savings are also realized by panelized builders because the panelized manufacturer pre-determines the most efficient use of materials when building the panels, trusses, etc. in the factory. No longer will 10-foot studs be used just because they were dropped off at the jobsite when 8-footers were all that was needed.

REDUCED CONSTRUCTION TIME FRAMES
Buyers almost always want to move into their new home sooner than it can be ready. For some, delays in closing can mean thousands of dollars in interest rate risk, particularly in their mortgage which is only "locked" for a few months.
Panelized builders report that reducing or eliminating costly delays caused by labor shortages (or labor that simply doesn't show up), scheduling problems, material shortages, late deliveries or having wrong items shipped, dramatically improves their construction time frame. Particularly in colder climates, construction becomes more feasible year-round, and everyone involved benefits from completion and move-in dates that are easier to predict.

OGC is an Energy Star Partner.  We are comitted to building energy efficent homes in Maine; homes you'll be more comfortable in and homes you'll save money on.