Panelization: A Step Toward Increased Efficiency in Homebuilding

Somik Ghosh
Ben F. Bigelow
Vivek S. Patel
University of Oklahoma

This paper examines the current use of panelized components in homebuilding in the Oklahoma City (OKC) and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) areas. Panelization is a type of prefabrication in which certain framing components are built off site and then transported to the site for assembly. This technique has been reported to make homebuilding more efficient and affordable. Further, panelization may be one strategy to cope with the growing labor shortage. However, adoption in the United States varies and is relatively limited. To better understand the benefits and challenges of panelization, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 production homebuilders from the OKC and DFW metropolitan areas. Although most of the benefits (faster, more consistent, and less waste) and challenges (cost, logistics, and labor issues) were consistent with previous research, new benefits related to warranties and new challenges relating to transportation and delivery were identified. In addition, the study concludes that national and regional production builders differ in their priorities and perceptions of panelization: national builders are trying to increase their use of panelization, whereas regional builders are moving away from it.