In the high-tech approach known as panelized construction, pre-engineered wall sections are produced for a new home in factory-controlled conditions, then shipped complete to the building site for final construction. A panelized home can be weather tight in just a few days.

Leading panelized home manufacturers offer tremendous flexibility in design, and can provide any amenities desired in a new home. Some panelized manufacturers work through networks of general contractors (professional home builders). Others deal directly with home buyers looking to build their own home.

Pre-building roof and floor trusses in a factory is the most common application of panelized construction in home building today. Recently, the National Association of Home Builders reported that complete home panelization is the fastest growing segment of residential new construction. Built with the aid of cutting-edge automation and in factory-perfect conditions, complete exterior and interior wall panels, trusses, decking, etc. are loaded onto panelized manufacturers’ trucks and delivered to the homesite. Materials are marked at the factory with a code to eliminate any confusion at the jobsite (i.e., wall "A-1" joins wall "A-2".)

For some panelized manufacturers, their involvement in the construction of the home is finished when the materials are delivered, with all field work completed by the general contractor. Other panelized manufacturers provide a crane and "set crews" when the materials are delivered to work with the general contractor in getting the home framed in. There are even some panelized manufacturers who will supply all necessary labor to complete the home.

Labor Savings

• Builders can build more homes with less staff.
• Builders can use less expensive labor for framing in the home.
• Builders are dealing with one major supplier, greatly reducing estimating/purchasing and bookkeeping staff needs.
• The panel manufacturer pre-determines how everything goes together and components are marked for ease of assembly on the job site.
• Carpenters don’t waste time sorting through piles of lumber which are exposed to the elements and the risk of damage and theft.
• Every hour taken out of the field reduces a builder’s liability, overhead costs, and amounts paid to workmen’s compensation insurance.

Reduced Construction Times

• Home buyers move in more quickly.
• Completion and move-in dates are easier to predict and meet.
• Costs associated with construction loan interest are reduced.
• Delays caused by labor shortages and scheduling problems are eliminated.
• Delays caused by materials shortages, late deliveries or wrong items shipped are eliminated.
• Construction becomes more feasible year-round (particularly for colder climates).