Kitchen countertops make a strong design statement in your home.  They are highly visible and tactile.  The material you use should be able withstand heat, stains, and intensive use.  And it should be a good fit with your home style.  The cleaner, greener trend in home design today has opened up new choices in kitchen countertops.  A big thank-you to Steve Rymer, the owner of Architectural Tile & Stone, who patiently shared his thoughts on new ideas in kitchen countertops.   

Granite

Steve says polished granite is still the most popular surface for countertops, and for good reason.  Granite is a very dense stone made of crystallized minerals formed at extremely high temperatures.  It is not subject to etching by cooking acids, or to scratching by knives or pots and pans.  Steve says selections today have moved away from busy granite patterns.  This coincides with a housing trend toward modern styling with cleaner lines and simple, soothing colors and patterns.  Although non-shiny finishes are now available, he does not see a strong movement toward the use of honed granites on countertops.  When granites are matt finished, the natural colors and patterns are subdued or lost.  In granites, Steve sees the demand at about 95% for polished material, and 5% for honed.

There are several finishes for granite:

High Gloss Polished – This is the most reflective and the least porous of the surfaces available.  Fine polishing brings out the depth, color, and pattern in granite.  Each piece has it own natural movement of pattern and color. 

Honed Finish – To create a honed surface, the polishing process is not taken to its full potential.  Rather than a 3,000 grit polished surface, it is taken to a soft sheen 600-grit surface.  The result is a less formal, satin finish.  The surface is more absorptive, so it will show stains easier than a closed-pore polished surface. 

Leather Finish – A leather finish begins with a honed surface; then it is swept with diamond tipped brushes.  The process brings back the color and closes pores on the surface. The result is between polished and honed.  It has more sheen and is less porous than a honed finish.

Flame Finish – To create this surface, blowtorch-strength heat is applied to the granite surface.  This causes some of the granite crystals to explode and shatter, leaving a highly textured surface.  This surface is more suited for exterior paving, rather than for countertops. 

River Washed – To create this surface, the granite is first flamed; then it is wire brushed to smooth out the sharpness of the surface.  The result is a rustic texture with an aged, irregular finish. 

Marble

The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, onyx – starts out as sediment from shells and plant matter.  After millions of years under pressure, this forms into stone.  Because its main component is calcium, it will react to acids such as vinegar and citrus.  Marble can be used on kitchen counters as long as there is some tolerance for stains and scratches.  Steve strongly recommends the honed marble surface for kitchen countertops, rather than polished.  This is because the less perfect finish will accept wear and tear more naturally.  The honed surface offers a softer, less formal appearance. 

Slate & Soapstone

A New York designer recently asked for Pietra de Cardosa.  This is a grey stone from northern Italy.  It is a type of slate – but very hard.  It must be cut with granite cutting machinery, rather than tile machinery.  This is a granite alternative that does not have a lot of pattern movement.

Soapstone is also a granite alternative.  It is a very dense stone - more so than even granite. Since soapstone is impenetrable, it will not stain.  It has been used for years as a work surface in chemistry labs.  The colors are mostly grays and blacks.   

Limestone

Limestone is an organic stone similar to marble, but not as hard.  It is readily available and easy to cut.  Limestone can be sealed and used for kitchen countertops.  However, there is likely to be some mottling and variations in color over time, as the calcium in the limestone is exposed to acids used in cooking.  Jerusalem Stone is a type of dense limestone found in Europe and the Middle East that is used for countertops.  It offers a warm, soft look in creams and earth tone colors.  Since limestone is absorptive, it should be sealed regularly.  Some staining and variations in color is a part of its organic, rustic look. 

Engineered Stones

The trend toward cleaner, greener finishes has led to greater use of engineered, or composite, stones.  Engineered stones are made from about 93% quartz, 7% epoxy, plus resin and color.  The use of crushed material is less wasteful, so it is considered a greener choice.  Quartz is readily available.  However, cutting and shaping of the material is done by fabricators.  So the cost is about the same as many granites or stone slabs. 

Engineered stone is more homogenous in appearance than natural stone slabs.  There are no swirls and veining showing its creation over millenniums.  Some familiar names are:

Caesarstone – evokes the look of limestone

Cambria – a mock granite look

Silestone – a very dense, polished surface

Okite – introduces a veined marbled look

Tile   

Ceramic tile continues to be used mostly on backsplashes in kitchens.  On kitchen counters, it is scratch and heat resistant; however, the grout needs to be sealed for optimal stain protection.  Tiles cut from stone, such as granite or marble, can be set tighter together than ceramic tile, keeping the grout joints very narrow.  Stone tiles come in a variety of sizes, and are less expensive than slab material. 

Icestone

IceStone is a slab product made from recycled glass in a cement base.  It offers a clean, modern look, in a variety of colors.  Because it makes use of recycled glass, it is considered a green choice.  The cost is similar or higher than many natural stone slabs.    

Concrete

Concrete is a porous material that absorbs stains easily.  A good fabricator can build a beautiful, soft colored, well sealed countertop.  Although it is sealed, the homeowner should expect some mottling and staining over time.  That is a part of the more organic look of concrete.  A professional fabricator must be able to pour and finish the counter in place.  There is a lot of art and craft to making a concrete counter.  Although concrete is inexpensive, the labor brings the cost up to that of some stone slabs. 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a good fit with today’s chic, contemporary look.  It has been used for years in professional kitchens.  Steel is stain resistant and durable, but does scratch and can be loud.  There are brushed or textured finishes that help camouflage scratches.  And, when attached to a wood under-layer, it is more sound resistant. 

Happy holidays to everyone!

Thank-you to all of you who have sent us friends and associates who need to buy or sell houses!  Keep sending!

Please join me on  Facebook and Linkedin 

Thanks,

Roselind Hejl, CRS

Coldwell Banker United

512-327-0385 office

512-789-4563 cell

www.weloveaustin.com

Jennifer and Tony Latto, and their two girls, have a 1970’s vintage home in a very nice neighborhood of Austin.  Jennifer, who is a registered architect and interior designer, has made some interesting updates to their home. 

Roselind:

Jennifer, first of all, thanks for sharing your ideas on the ongoing remodel of your home.  What have you done so far that has made a difference? 

Jennifer:

We arrived from Boston just over two years ago and moved into a 70s home in Bee Cave Woods.  We loved the open floor plan, the private yard, the existing trees, and the location.  The home was smaller than those we’ve had in the past but we recognized the potential!   

We tackled items that were relatively inexpensive first, just to get the house to where it felt like “ours.”  Since I earn a living improving environments, I have a hard time staring at the ordinary or run down!  This trait drives my husband crazy because I constantly want to make upgrades! 

Most of the work we have achieved thus far was outside; however, one of the biggest impacts was to reface the stone fireplace with gradient glass tile on the vertical surface and a quartzite slab hearth to match the kitchen.  This is a focal point for our living area and always extracts comments!  I’ve included a photo (even though we have yet to grout it!).

Roselind:

I’m glad to hear that you are like most folks – remodeling is something that does not get done all at once.  It can go on for years – and that is OK.  Shaping a home takes time. 

Tell me a little more about gradient glass tile.  I can see that is goes from a more intense color at the bottom to a lighter shade.  Where did you find this tile?  And, quartzite slab?  What is it, and where do you find it? 

Jennifer: 

This is our fourth home remodel in ten years.  We’re a bit tired but there’s still always a project around here and we attack them when finances and schedules allow!  It’s really a lifestyle!

There may be other resources for this but the tile on our fireplace is from Hakatai, www.hakatai.com.  I loved their program for customizing the blend from their glass tiles.  You can select the tile colors used.  By adding the same color twice, the intensity of that color is increased.  A minimum of two colors is required but a maximum of ten can be used.  Their custom design tool will allow you to preview the design and it generates a price.  The same tools are available for a custom “blend” which are popular for kitchen backsplashes and bathrooms.

The slab is quartzite, which is a man-made material composed of about 90% quartz combined with pigments and polymer resins. It is stain, scratch, and heat resistant and doesn’t require sealing like natural stone.  It can cost just as much, or more, than granite and marble but I love the modern monolithic look and you can’t beat the durability.  Vivid colors are also more readily available than in natural stone as well.   CaesarStone and Silestone are two brand names. 

Roselind:

Your backyard is amazing!  I remember when you bought the house, I was pleased with the big back yard – but it was pretty boring.  What a difference now!

Jennifer:

Tony and I both grew up in the Southeast.  We have been corporate gypsies landing in Raleigh, NC, Portland, OR, and Boston, MA.  When Tony received an offer from Dell, we couldn’t wait to get back to the South and found Austin to be everything we were looking for with the weather, people, and lifestyle.  We gave away our snow shovels and made a commitment to a better life outdoors.  We agreed that the backyard was our favorite place and we were lucky that it was a “blank slate”. 

We evaluated joining a local pool versus building our own.  In an ideal world, we’d have both but having our own pool was more attractive because it would make our backyard the private escape and social place we wanted.  And when those temperatures soar, we gather outside and enjoy our investment (although Tony still calculates the dollars per dip)!

This spring we added a limestone patio with a fire pit.  This is used a lot, especially in the fall.  Tony was an Eagle Scout and loves to make fires and even cooks in a Dutch oven out there! 

The kid’s trampoline and swing set is in a mulch bed and disguised behind palms.  This area serves a more durable space for our pets too.  There is a storage area where pool supplies and equipment is kept.  We hid this behind a wire fence and flowering vines.  We stained the existing wood fireplace a dark brown for a dramatic background. The Tiki torches, string lights, and pool lights liven the atmosphere and show my passion for lighting.  Essentially, our outdoor space has been subdivided into comfortable “rooms”.  Each area has casual seating in groups perfect for entertaining. 

Roselind:

Are there parts of the interior that you want to tackle in the future?

Jennifer:

The next steps are refinishing the hardwood floors with a darker stain and a glossier finish to go with our décor. Then, we are replacing an old sliding glass door to the pool with a window and a bar counter for serving food and drinks from inside.  I hope these will be done in the next six months. 

Here’s my wish list (Tony rolls eyes): 

I’d like to expand our kitchen.  We usually eat at the kitchen island table and when the kitchen has all four of us and two big dogs nearby, navigating the room for the forgotten condiment proves challenging.  We have an enormous pantry that is great for storage but by expanding into this and a garage workroom, we gain about 7 more feet of floor space and another window in the kitchen. 

We would like to replace the ceramic tile in the kitchen and baths although my husband and I have not agreed on a material yet.  We own some basalt and granite slabs and copper sinks for the bathrooms and are just waiting on funds for the installation!  We would like to replace the standard fiberglass tubs with something more modern as well. 

Eventually, we plan to add a master suite over the garage to gain a guest bedroom.  This addition will serve to modernize the ranch exterior as well.  We’d like to build a pool house that serves as an office and bathhouse.  The entry will be off the limestone fire pit patio.  This is our forever home so we’ll build as we need instead of moving!

Roselind:

As an architect and interior designer, are you open to helping others who are thinking of remodeling? 

Jennifer:

Although I specialize in commercial work, specifically corporate and medical offices, during these times, I’m finding residential work is more readily available.  I used to think that the residential market was so different from the commercial world; and in way they are - different codes, materials, and client approach. But it’s all still design and it’s what I love to do!  I’m working on a kitchen remodel and overall facelift for a neighbor now.  My website is www.reddesignstudios.com.  I’m new to the area and am still building my practice, so I think I offer a great value on consultations. 

Roselind:

What advice do you have for people who are thinking of undertaking a remodeling project?

Jennifer:

I have found that many people may overspend on a project if they don’t have a professional partner.  Not “overspend” like they’re being overcharged but “overspend” because they spend money on things that don’t give them the biggest impact.  Many people are also missing out on real estate bargains or investment possibilities because they cannot see potential in the available property.  Having a professional shop with you can help the buyer understand how easily their goals and style can be obtained. 

Jennifer and Tony Latto, and their two girls, have a 1970’s vintage home in a very nice neighborhood of Austin.  Jennifer, who is a registered architect and interior designer, has made some interesting updates to their home. 

Roselind:

Jennifer, first of all, thanks for sharing your ideas on the ongoing remodel of your home.  What have you done so far that has made a difference? 

Jennifer:

We arrived from Boston just over two years ago and moved into a 70s home in Bee Cave Woods.  We loved the open floor plan, the private yard, the existing trees, and the location.  The home was smaller than those we’ve had in the past but we recognized the potential!   

We tackled items that were relatively inexpensive first, just to get the house to where it felt like “ours.”  Since I earn a living improving environments, I have a hard time staring at the ordinary or run down!  This trait drives my husband crazy because I constantly want to make upgrades! 

Most of the work we have achieved thus far was outside; however, one of the biggest impacts was to reface the stone fireplace with gradient glass tile on the vertical surface and a quartzite slab hearth to match the kitchen.  This is a focal point for our living area and always extracts comments!  I’ve included a photo (even though we have yet to grout it!).

Roselind:

I’m glad to hear that you are like most folks – remodeling is something that does not get done all at once.  It can go on for years – and that is OK.  Shaping a home takes time. 

Tell me a little more about gradient glass tile.  I can see that is goes from a more intense color at the bottom to a lighter shade.  Where did you find this tile?  And, quartzite slab?  What is it, and where do you find it? 

Jennifer: 

This is our fourth home remodel in ten years.  We’re a bit tired but there’s still always a project around here and we attack them when finances and schedules allow!  It’s really a lifestyle!

There may be other resources for this but the tile on our fireplace is from Hakatai, www.hakatai.com.  I loved their program for customizing the blend from their glass tiles.  You can select the tile colors used.  By adding the same color twice, the intensity of that color is increased.  A minimum of two colors is required but a maximum of ten can be used.  Their custom design tool will allow you to preview the design and it generates a price.  The same tools are available for a custom “blend” which are popular for kitchen backsplashes and bathrooms.

The slab is quartzite, which is a man-made material composed of about 90% quartz combined with pigments and polymer resins. It is stain, scratch, and heat resistant and doesn’t require sealing like natural stone.  It can cost just as much, or more, than granite and marble but I love the modern monolithic look and you can’t beat the durability.  Vivid colors are also more readily available than in natural stone as well.   CaesarStone and Silestone are two brand names. 

Roselind:

Your backyard is amazing!  I remember when you bought the house, I was pleased with the big back yard – but it was pretty boring.  What a difference now!

Jennifer:

Tony and I both grew up in the Southeast.  We have been corporate gypsies landing in Raleigh, NC, Portland, OR, and Boston, MA.  When Tony received an offer from Dell, we couldn’t wait to get back to the South and found Austin to be everything we were looking for with the weather, people, and lifestyle.  We gave away our snow shovels and made a commitment to a better life outdoors.  We agreed that the backyard was our favorite place and we were lucky that it was a “blank slate”. 

We evaluated joining a local pool versus building our own.  In an ideal world, we’d have both but having our own pool was more attractive because it would make our backyard the private escape and social place we wanted.  And when those temperatures soar, we gather outside and enjoy our investment (although Tony still calculates the dollars per dip)!

This spring we added a limestone patio with a fire pit.  This is used a lot, especially in the fall.  Tony was an Eagle Scout and loves to make fires and even cooks in a Dutch oven out there! 

The kid’s trampoline and swing set is in a mulch bed and disguised behind palms.  This area serves a more durable space for our pets too.  There is a storage area where pool supplies and equipment is kept.  We hid this behind a wire fence and flowering vines.  We stained the existing wood fireplace a dark brown for a dramatic background. The Tiki torches, string lights, and pool lights liven the atmosphere and show my passion for lighting.  Essentially, our outdoor space has been subdivided into comfortable “rooms”.  Each area has casual seating in groups perfect for entertaining. 

Roselind:

Are there parts of the interior that you want to tackle in the future?

Jennifer:

The next steps are refinishing the hardwood floors with a darker stain and a glossier finish to go with our décor. Then, we are replacing an old sliding glass door to the pool with a window and a bar counter for serving food and drinks from inside.  I hope these will be done in the next six months. 

Here’s my wish list (Tony rolls eyes): 

I’d like to expand our kitchen.  We usually eat at the kitchen island table and when the kitchen has all four of us and two big dogs nearby, navigating the room for the forgotten condiment proves challenging.  We have an enormous pantry that is great for storage but by expanding into this and a garage workroom, we gain about 7 more feet of floor space and another window in the kitchen. 

We would like to replace the ceramic tile in the kitchen and baths although my husband and I have not agreed on a material yet.  We own some basalt and granite slabs and copper sinks for the bathrooms and are just waiting on funds for the installation!  We would like to replace the standard fiberglass tubs with something more modern as well. 

Eventually, we plan to add a master suite over the garage to gain a guest bedroom.  This addition will serve to modernize the ranch exterior as well.  We’d like to build a pool house that serves as an office and bathhouse.  The entry will be off the limestone fire pit patio.  This is our forever home so we’ll build as we need instead of moving!

Roselind:

As an architect and interior designer, are you open to helping others who are thinking of remodeling? 

Jennifer:

Although I specialize in commercial work, specifically corporate and medical offices, during these times, I’m finding residential work is more readily available.  I used to think that the residential market was so different from the commercial world; and in way they are - different codes, materials, and client approach. But it’s all still design and it’s what I love to do!  I’m working on a kitchen remodel and overall facelift for a neighbor now.  My website is www.reddesignstudios.com.  I’m new to the area and am still building my practice, so I think I offer a great value on consultations. 

Roselind:

What advice do you have for people who are thinking of undertaking a remodeling project?

Jennifer:

I have found that many people may overspend on a project if they don’t have a professional partner.  Not “overspend” like they’re being overcharged but “overspend” because they spend money on things that don’t give them the biggest impact.  Many people are also missing out on real estate bargains or investment possibilities because they cannot see potential in the available property.  Having a professional shop with you can help the buyer understand how easily their goals and style can be obtained. 

Remodeling Decisions That Add Value:  Better Living Areas

The main living room is the central core area of your home.  It is both a private and public space that you share with family and guests.  The main living room should easily connect with dining areas, kitchen, and hallways to bedrooms.  This space should be given top priority in the hierarchy of rooms.  However, too often it is not. 

Sometimes the front door opens right into the living room, and the passage deeper into the house cuts right through it.  Please!  Before you go a step further, stop to imagine how you would furnish and enjoy being in a room like this.  If you home has this layout, consider some serious surgery to correct this problem.  Never allow walkways to cross through the middle of living areas.  This creates an unsettling division within the space which no furniture placement will solve.  If you have this floor plan, face up to it, and make the necessary changes before moving on. 

Most buyers today prefer two or more living areas.  In addition to the main living room, these may include a family room or den, a study, and a game room.  The trend today is to avoid wasted space.  Rooms that are used primarily for display have very little actual use and value.  Consider converting an unused formal living room into a study.  Sometimes a wall can be opened up to bring a seldom used room into a real relationship with the house.  This is much cheaper than adding on more space.  Remodeling tip:  Make better use of the space that you have.  It is cheaper than adding on.

The “greatroom” is a popular layout that combines the living-dining-kitchen space.  This open style is efficient in its use of space, combining multiple uses.  The house seems bigger than it would if divided into small rooms.  You will be able to work in the kitchen and talk with family members and guests in the living area.  If you can open a wall to allow a better connection and more light to flow between spaces, you will be making a change that most buyers prefer.

If budget allows, a gameroom is a space that serves a multitude of functions.  It is a more private living area that is often used for TV watching, computers, pool table, or children’s toys.  The gameroom is often an upstairs common area that connects to bedrooms.  Special media rooms are sometimes added, although the trend today away from extra rooms that receive infrequent use.  Consider combining a media room with pool table, ping pong, or other gathering room functions.

You cannot think about living areas without considering the traffic flow through rooms.  A natural and logical flow will guide people from the front door into the heart of the home – the main living area.  The pathway should not cut through the middle of rooms, or make you skirt around furniture.  Visitors should not be confused as to where to go.  A logical floor plan is crucial to making visitors feel welcome and comfortable in your home.  A great living area draws people into it in a natural way, and provides a center for common activities.  Remodeling decisions that place great importance on the main living area add value to the home.   

Austin Texas Real Estate and Homes For Sale

If you are planning a remodel, consider keeping the original design features of your home.  Historic elements contribute to an enduring style and will be more valuable to buyers if you decide to sell.

A sense of historic connection is valued by buyers. Build your improvements around the best original features of the home. Historic features endure and will give a sense of timelessness to your home. People love clues to the past. Don’t be afraid to blend old finishes with modern ones. The one-of-a-kind, eclectic look is much desired, instead of a mass produced sameness. Sometimes folks rip out interesting old finishes and replace them with bland, standard issue cabinetry or tiles. They miss the chance to create a truly unique combination of new and old.

Wood windows and doors, period door knobs, old stone steps, original baseboards, and refurbished fixtures can add a touch of historic significance to your home. People are delighted by retro bath tiles combined with a splash of new wall color. Consider working with the old fireplace tile or stone before tossing it into the dumpster. Retro wallpaper can be a great find. These touches of original character can be incorporated into your design to create a unique final product.

The Craftsman style, built in the early 1900's, is in very much demand. Rustic stonework, deep eaves, tapered columns, stained woodwork, and wide trim reflect the handmade look that people love.

Farmhouses are a great style choice for today. Reclaim the basics of this style - simple floor plan, hardwood floors, wood windows, local stone, and muted colors that connect with nature. Like farm buildings, the rooms are informal, somewhat sparce and provide just what is needed.

Younger folks are breathing new life into their parent's ranch style and split level houses from the 1950’s and 1960’s. Mid-century modern furniture, paint colors, fixtures, and rugs are all the rage, and help to bring this style back into top form.

Urban modern has been around since the 1950's, with experimental use of space, color, glass, plastic and metal. Simplified spaces with clean lines and fresh colors are an antidote to today's complex lifestyle.

When planning a remodel, take care to reinforce and build on the design strengths that it already has. Your results will achieve greater value and stand the test of time.

Austin Texas Real Estate Guide

SIPS Roof:  A Quest for Sustainability in Hill Country Home

By Roselind Hejl

When Cheryl and Eric Cosway decided to build their dream home in the hill country south of Austin they teamed up with Bill Moore, Austin’s original green builder.  Their passion for building green, combined with Bill’s technical knowledge, led to a truly sustainable home - built with sensitivity to the health of it occupants, use of energy, cost factors, footprint on the land, and to its impact on the environment as a whole.  

  This is a blog series on the green elements of this “5-Star Energy Rated” house. Thanks to Cheryl Cosway and Bill Moore for sharing their thoughts.  

   
Roselind:  I understand that you used a SIPS roof ?  What is this?  Why was it selected?

  Cheryl:  Yes, we decided to use a SIPS roof, which stands for Structural Insulated Panels. These panels are usually made from expanded polystyrene sandwiched between two sheets of OSB.  Bill Moore recommended that we consider the SIPS roof because it is extremely well insulated and sealed.  There is also very little waste since the panels are pre-cut by the fabricator.  The SIPS roof appeared to be our “greenest” option.

  Bill:  Every custom job has its own set of design variables. The site location dictates the view, the direction of cooling winds, and how the passing of the sun relates to the house design. In this case the view was to the north and the breezes came from the south.  So, the roof was designed with a shallow pitch that mostly faced south.  

  The south facing roof design prepared the home for future photo voltaic panel placement.  It also shades the interior from the summer sun by putting the ends of the house on the east/west axis.  When viewing the plan, I noticed how the simple roof design and the vaulted ceilings were well suited for a SIP (Structural-Insulate-Panel) system for the roof.  This system was developed to reduce the energy load of the house, and shorten construction time.  

  I prefer to only use a metal standing seam roof on these panels because they are a structural unit.  If the roof leaks, the structural strength can be compromised, and replacing a panel is extraordinarily difficult.  But the standing seam metal roof was already a part of the design parameters, so that was not an issue.

  Also this site is on a bluff with the potential for severe wind storms.  This interlocking roof panel system is designed for high wind speeds.  After Cheryl and I discussed the benefits of this greener approach, she agreed to go this route.  

 

Roselind: So, the long, simple roof design made it a good candidate for a SIP system.  Cheryl said that SIPS are made from rigid foam insulation sandwiched between two sheets of OSB.  OSB is oriented strand board - made from wood strips laid in cross orientation, similar to plywood.  The foam insulation core makes it very efficient in keeping a stable temperature inside the house.  

  What about the cost?  How do you compare between SIPS and conventional roofs?  

      Bill:  As is usually the case with comparisons – it is a difficult question. The SIPs panels are expensive and were ordered months in advance.  We needed a forklift to unload the delivery truck, and we needed a small crane for a couple of days to put them up.  But, it only took a few days to install a very large roof system.  And, all the high value foam insulation was part of the system, with no waste and much less labor.  All total, it may have cost a few thousand more total, but the energy savings should make up the difference in a few years with a return of continued savings after that.

Roselind:  I can see that it is not possible to make an apples-to-apples comparison.  In a standard roof system, you would buy lumber for roof rafters or trusses, plus a layer of plywood over the rafters, plus the insulation on the floor of the attic.  In the SIP system the structural and insulation components are combined. 

Although they provide excellent insulation and stability, they may not work well for complicated roofs.  In order to realize the maximum benefit of the SIP system, you would build a simple pitched roof, with a vaulted interior ceiling, and a standing seam metal cover.  The panels are pre-made, so they can be put up faster, but there is some cost for machinery to lift them up, since they are heavy.  Also, I imagine there is a learning curve to installing the panels, so you would want a seasoned contractor.

Roselind Hejl, CRS

Coldwell Banker United

512-327-0385 office

512-789-4563 cell

www.weloveaustin.com