Do-It-Yourself Builder Info FAQs

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1. What exactly is a panelized framing system—and how does it help me as an owner-builder?

A panelized framing system means that your home’s wall sections, floor components, and roof trusses are manufactured offsite in a factory environment, then shipped to your site labeled, flat-packed, and ready to stand.
For Do-It-Yourself and owner-builders, this means:

  • Less time spent framing on-site
  • Fewer mistakes
  • Less need for skilled labor
  • A faster path to getting your home “dried-in”

Yes. Many of our customers are acting as their own general contractors. They have construction skills and experience but have never built an entire house project.

Framing the house yourself but the thought of transforming a load of lumber into the structural shell of your house seems overwhelming? Worried about passing your framing inspections? If you have framing skills, are organized, hardworking, and able to follow a step-by-step plan, Green-R-Panel is the answer.

Owner builder not planning on framing the project yourself? Save tens of thousands of dollars on your framing subcontractor with Green-R-Panel.

Yes—before finalizing your plans or starting your quote, you’ll need to have a piece of land. Your lot will determine important factors like foundation type, required setbacks, wind/snow loads, and zoning requirements, all of which affect your home design and engineering needs.
We don’t get involved in the financing process directly. However, we can provide detailed quotes, material specifications, and plan documentation that are often required by lenders. While securing financing is your responsibility, we’re happy to supply the information you may need to support your loan application.

Absolutely. Green-R-Panel provides a package price that includes drafting your building plans

Each package is tailored to your home’s design, but generally includes: 

  • Prefabricated wall panels (framed, manufactured to spec, openings included)
  • Optional engineered floor systems (I-joist or open-web truss)
  • Pre-engineered roof trusses with state seals
  • Framing layouts and shop drawings
  • Labeled, flat-packed nationwide local delivery, ready for fast assembly
  • Phone/email support before, during and after your build

Note: Sub-Floor and roof sheathing, as well as other incidental materials, are not included in Green-R-Panel packages. That’s by design. The manufacturing facilities we partner with specialize in precision-built structural framing systems for large production builders, focusing on delivering high-quality, precision-manufactured wall panels, roof trusses, and floor systems fabricated to your exact plan specifications. They’re not traditional lumber yards and do not stock these materials.

Most owner builders find it faster and more cost-effective to source standard materials like sheathing locally. It gives you more flexibility and helps avoid extra shipping costs or delays.

Yes, many Green-R-Panel owner-builders take on the framing themselves—often with help from friends, family, or a local carpenter. 

Since everything arrives pre-manufactured, labeled, and organized, assembly is straightforward. You’ll just need some basic framing or construction experience.

Prefer to hire help? A small local crew can get the job done quickly—and our team is always here if questions come up along the way.

Yes. Green-R-Panel framing systems are compatible with slab-on-grade, crawlspace, basement, Superior Walls and other precast panel foundation designs. Green-R-Panel can also add wall panels if your design includes a daylight basement. We’ll confirm your foundation during the planning phase and align all framing specs accordingly.

Owner-builders save 2 to 4 weeks—or more—on framing and dry-in. By virtually eliminating measuring, cutting, and fixing mistakes on-site, your project moves faster and smoother. 

Our clients also cut down on waste, cleanup, and disposal—saving time, money, and keeping your job site cleaner and safer.

Yes! Our Panel home kit is built around your plans—not a fixed template. 

Start with a sketch, a standard model, or permit-ready blueprints—we’ll make it work. Want vaulted ceilings, custom windows, or a unique roofline? No problem.

Every owner-builder’s timeline is a little different—but if you’re ready to go with a building permit, here’s what to expect:

  • Estimate: ~2 weeks
  • Design & approvals: ~2–4 weeks
  • Manufacturing & delivery: ~6 weeks

In total, most projects take about 10–12 weeks from quote to jobsite, depending on your scope and how quickly things move on your end. 

Emergency situation? Need it fast?
If you’re in a pinch, we’ve helped many customers go from first contact to delivery in just a few weeks. Let us know how we can help—we’ll do everything we can to make it happen.

We don’t submit permits for you, but we do provide drawings, layouts, and stamped truss plans that most permitting offices require. If your local building department requires specific documentation, let us know—we may be able to help you gather what’s needed.
Our coast-to-coast local factory network facilitates low-cost delivery nationwide, including rural, remote, and hard-to-reach locations. If a flatbed truck can access your site, we can deliver. Your framing package arrives flat-packed, clearly labeled, and ready for unloading and staging. We’ll coordinate delivery with you to make sure everything arrives safely and on schedule.
You’re never on your own. Our experienced team is just a call or email away if you need help during assembly, have a question about layout, or want to double-check component placement. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it. Every Do-It-Yourself project is different, and we’re happy to have a no-pressure conversation about your goals, your skill level, and your build plans.
Just call us at (800) 871-7089 or Get Help Here

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to submit your plans, we’re here to help—no pressure, just straight answers.

  • First-time builder friendly
  • Customizable designs
  • Support throughout your project
  • Delivered nationwide

No, as long as the half-load restrictions in your area allow for 5 tons per axle, our trucks will be in compliance. If you’re unsure about local road weight limits, it’s always a good idea to double-check with your municipality/state DOT.

Plan for a clear, level area large enough to accommodate a tractor-trailer and forklift maneuvering. Ideally, allow room to stage the flat-packed components in a dry, accessible location near your build site.

Let us know in advance! We’ll coordinate with you to find the best delivery approach. In some cases, smaller flatbed transfers or off-site staging may be needed.

Costs vary depending on size, design complexity, materials, and location. A typical Green-R-Panel prefab residential framing system cost around $15 – $20 per square foot for the structural shell. Submit your plans by email or uploading on our contact form to request a custom quote for the most competitive pricing.

Yes! Almost every customer customizes their home. Our Standard Models are a great starting point, and you can adjust the layout, openings, ceiling heights, or even square footage to match your goals and lot conditions.

We understand that projects evolve, so we’re happy to provide preliminary quotes. Whether you have rough sketches, are considering our standard models, or are still finalizing architectural plans, our team can work with you at any stage. Contact us to discuss your vision, and we’ll guide you through the next steps to get an accurate estimate.

Most owner-builders find that using a panelized system saves 2–4 weeks or more on the framing timeline compared to traditional stick framing. The full build time depends on factors like weather, crew size, permit delays, and finishing selections.

Panelized homes optimize the construction of custom-built stick-framed homes, where wall panels, floor, and roof components are manufactured off-site and assembled into the building envelope or framing shell on site. Modular homes are factory-built finished sections assembled into a full house, often with transport limitations and more design restrictions.

Yes. Green-R-Panel components are built to the plans specifications required to meet or exceed state and local building codes, including wind/snow loads and seismic zones. Stamped engineering drawings for roof and floor trusses are included, and additional engineered drawings can be provided upon request.

Whether you have existing plans or working with Green-R-Panel to draft the plans They must meet building code and local requirements for you to receive a permit. All component systems are manufactured to each project’s exact design specifications. To assist with permitting we provide layout drawings, structural specs, and truss engineering as needed by your local jurisdiction to approve your application.

Yes. Green-R-Panel systems are manufactured indoors in a controlled environment, so weather doesn’t affect production. The quick assembly process means less time exposed to the elements during construction. Many of our projects are successfully completed in winter conditions across northern regions. To enhance energy efficiency, visit our sister company EZ SIPS for Do-It-Yourself superior insulation performance that’s ideal for cold climates.

We schedule the shipments in logical build order and coordinate with you to streamline jobsite logistics. However, if you experience a delay, simply store your panels off the ground, under cover, and properly supported.