Looking for input from people who have experience with both Standard Insulating Panel (SIP) and stick-frame construction
Brief background:
We're at the very early stages of house designing in climate zone 6 (and we're not far from Zone 7). We want a smallish (~1500sqft) home that's super-insulated and can be heated primarily with a wood-burning stove. We've had short consults with two different firms, one that pushed SIPs and another that was completely dismissive of the idea for our uses.
I like the idea of using SIPs for three reasons - higher R-value, much faster framing time, smaller HVAC and better structural strength.
I'm concerned at how SIPs might limit modifications down the line, including adding outlets and windows or doors years later. The 'pro-stick' firm also stressed how it allows changes mid-construction, but I like spending my time having everything designed in CAD before executing the plan quickly and efficiently.
The added cost of SIPs seems pretty moderate (much of hte added cost of the panels will be saved in lower labor costs) and the 'pro-SIPs' guys think it would be an extra $3-4k but with an almost doubling of the real R value.
Who has real-world experience and what are your opinions?