DIY Homes that Outlast Conventional Buildings

The basic whole house package starts with the Secure-Lock wall and roof system. We included permit-ready plans with the Secure-Lock system. We can add windows, roofing, solar water heating, solar and water-cooled air conditioning, solar electric, batteries and wind power to make the home as energy efficient as you want, including up to making the home “Zero Energy” with virtually no electric bill.

Secure-Lock is a steel-skinned structural insulated panel system that creates hurricane, seismic, fire, pest and mold-resistant buildings. The speed of construction is much faster than conventional concrete block or wood framing, saving weeks to months of construction time and inspections, as one crew replaces a number of conventional trades. A 2000 square foot home can be “dried in” in only one week (going from the concrete slab completion to walls, roof, windows and doors installed).

We have a number of factory-designed plans from which to choose, from 500sf to 4000sf, single and multi-story. We can also quote from customer’s house plans, but the roof design plays an important role in keeping costs down with SIP construction – complex “hip” sections of the roof will require support from below, adding costs and are not necessary for wind resistance as in conventional roofs. So, simple “gable” roof designs or single slope roofs are the most cost effective.

The SIP walls and roof will typically cost around $35.00 to $40.00 per square foot under roof. The solar water heater cost is around $4000.00, the metal roofing that looks like tile cost is around $5.00 per square foot, the air conditioning and solar electric systems are quoted based on the house size and design, but Eco-$mart has very competitive prices for all our mechanical / electrical systems.

Once a design and quote are approved, production time for the Secure-Lock SIP walls and roof is running about 90 days. That should coincide with getting permits, site work, concrete slab poured.

Eco-$mart typically supplies the materials and installation instructions to the home owner and their local contractor and subcontractors. Secure-Lock is very easy to install, requiring only a carpenter type crew, using only a power drill. If requested, Eco-$mart can offer local supervision for the Secure-Lock installation, for a fee. The other systems offered in the whole house package are very standard in its installation methods (AC, water heating, roofing, solar electric) so can be installed by local licensed contractors. Eco-$mart can assist with identifying local subcontractors such as solar installers if requested.

The Secure-Lock SIP shell system carries a 10 year warranty. The solar water heater offers a 10 year warranty. Solar Electric systems carry a 25 year warranty. The metal roofing (that looks like tile, shake, shingle) carries a limited lifetime warranty. The other Eco-$mart systems such as HVAC and windows carry standard industry warranties.

The first step is a free consultation by phone / zoom to learn your goals, location and timing. This leads to a decision on the home design, from which Eco-$mart will provide a detailed quote for the Secure-Lock SIP shell system, and any other elements of the Whole House Package the customer desires. That quotation will include permit-ready plans with engineering to submit to your local building department. Once the quote is approved by signature and deposit (typically 50%), the production of the Secure-Lock shell system is ordered, along with the other desired elements. Eco-$mart coordinates delivery of all systems with the homeowner and their contractor, providing all installation instructions, and on-site supervision if requested (for a fee).