Eagles Nest Homes

[aline]

I saw an ad in the Hilo paper for these panelized homes. Look much like MF homes. Has anyone seen these built or know anything about it. I looked it up on line and their 2000 sf home is much cheaper than MF's smaller version. They also have more traditional homes too. Interesting but would need to know a lot more

[David M]

Memory a bit foggy here as it's been 5plus years since I checked them out. Of course, prices etc have changed in that time as well. I personally found it difficult to get really good numbers applicable to building in HI at that time, perhaps with a Hilo contact, things are better. Shipping is(was) a major cost issue. Back then, there seemed to be a very heavy emphasis to build as a means to sell to others locally. That still seems part of the pitch on their web site: http://eaglesnesthomes.info/google/index...0601-Brand
I wanted to visit the site outside of Atlanta, but for reasons that have slipped memory, was never able to and I eventually changed my focus.
Let us know how it works out.

David

Ninole Resident

[aline]

I got that impression too. I would like to have seen more info on what's included than on becoming a representative. But their houses are nice looking and lots of choices.I can imagine the shipping costs from Ga.

[robinhugh]

Have a look at platinumadvanced.com. They are a fairly new texas/Florida based company that very much would like to get some projects built in Hawaii, and they are structural, so there is no need for sheathing. they are made from better than average patented, light guage steel framing, are filled with urethane foam with a layer of fiberglass cloth on either side, can be ordered with outlet boxes, conduit, any rough plumbing chases needed, and all it takes to erect is one person witha brain, a skilled monkey or two, screw gun and socket set. These are not panelized kits. Any plan can be panelized.. The initial cost of the panels is more than traditional materials, but there is almost no labor cost until you are ready to finish everything. They are also working on using soy based foam so the panels are completely green. A couple of people without big skills can have a roof walls in in a week.

All fo this said, I have not built one personally, am not in any way associated with them professionally or personally, but am in the process of putting a project together, have been looking at panel companies for 4 years with the same result you are having, inaccurate, inconsistent information. Platinum has been rated for 200 mph winds. The insulation qualities, which are huge for the thickness of the panels, may not really be needed here, but no reason for bugs and no way for water to really permiate, I suspect offsets the cost of the insulation. I'm no panel expert, but do have a masters degree in architecture and almost 40 years of carpenty/artisan experience, boat, small residential and commercial projects and if I was building my own house, even though I love the textures and character of wood, I'd go this way, just have to be creative to build in a new character.

Robin

[Hotzcatz]

Matson is supposed to be asking for a 10.5% increase in shipping prices this year so factor that into your planning.

If the house is designed to use inexpensive off the shelf supplies from local hardware stores they can be built really inexpensively. If you are doing an owner/builder construction and only have to pay for the cost of materials, beer for your friends and the plumbers and electricians, it is probably less expensive to build traditional framed houses than to buy a kit or a panelized house. If you are using a contractor, then you may have difficulties finding contractors willing to learn a new construction style. Although, with the housing slowdown and construction slowdown, you'll have more choices in contractors now.

[Kapohocat]

Ten and 1/2 percent??? WOW!

What do they typically get? Wasnt it 2% a year ago?