I've tracked down a variety of sources of information on SIPS including most information readily available on the web. This book has been an essential tool for me, and I would heartily recommend it to anyone considering building with SIPs. It addresses all of the common objections and misperceptions (and there are many), and it does so in a methodical and comprehensive manner. I can see where some folks might consider that to be promotional, but I believe there is still a stigma to panelized construction, at least in the minds of a large segment of the population, so perhaps it's appropriate that a little promotion or cheerleading is included. It also addresses a number of practical considerations you'll have when building, such as electrical, plumbing and hvac considerations. It's not a manual, but I wasn't looking for a manual. After reading it, I feel that I will be better able to find and work with a builder and accomplish my goal...to build a quality, affordable house that is structurally superior, energy efficient and will last the rest of my life. Most importantly, I have yet to find another source on the subject that provides so much information with so little effort. As a result, it gets five stars.

"Informative, though promotional"
Three years after it was published, this is still the only book that I'm aware of that offers comprehensive coverage on the subject. Luckily, it is a very informative one -though a bit promotional. If you are looking to build or have someone build an SIP home, read this book first then you'll know at least as much as your SIP sales person does -a good position to be in when shopping for anything.

"Just what I was looking for"
This book filled every expectation and more. I am a builder looking to possibly transition to SIPs. This book answered all my questions and some I hadn't thought of yet. If you are a builder looking to start using SIPs, buy this book.

"A dissapointing offering from the Taunton press"
While the Taunton press has published some quality books, I certainly don't feel this is one. As a professional contactor looking for an introduction to SIPs, this book did provide a cursory overview of the product and its use. I was, however, disappointed to the point of annoyance with both factual and editing errors. I found terms introduced but not defined, misplaced paragraphs of text, and no mention of areas of real concern that someone considering using this system should be aware (perform internet search using the keywords: Structal Inslated Panel, failures, Alaska).
Perhaps I am too hard to please, and the book is right up your alley. In its favor, there are a lot of glossy photos, clear line drawings, and sidebars showing related tidbits of information. For the reader that likes to browse through a book in no particular order just to get the feel for a topic, this is probably right on the money. For someone looking for a more rigorous and substantive view of SIPs, or for one accustomed to higher editing standards, I would recommend looking elsewhere.

"Comprehensive new book to cover emerging building technology"
While SIPs have been arround for 60 years, the author believes the time is now for explosive growth of this technique for residential and commercial buildings.

The book covers all steps in the fabrication and assembly of SIP panels and buildings in a way that isn't overly technical. The emphasis is for professionals, and indeed SIPs present a challenge to the do-it yourselfer since some of the panel elements are so large a crane or forklift is essential. SIP building as presented, however, seems very simple, and otherwise suited to self-builders. In essense each panel when complete can stand in for many other elements: the studs, plates, the sheating , insulation, vapour barrier, fasteners, plumbing and electrical chases, and interior rough or finished surfaces.

The book gives lots of information on different SIP types, and tools.

The book covers structural panels almost exclusively, in other words the simmilar panels used for timber frames etc..., which are not load-bearing are addressed, but are not the subject of this book.

My only dissappointment is that as an amateur builder the book doesn't deal with that aspect of the subject at all. The field is relatively unfriedly to non-commercial participants. SIPs are relatively hard to find in small quantities, and even though the process is simpler that stud building, for instance, they don't want to deal with you but your architect. Not the book's fault.

The author seems a sincere advocate for SIPs, if at times a little closed to other alternatives, which would present less of a cultural, financial, or technical barrier to the average buyer or user. I'd like to believe him, but so far SIPs haven't made an appearance at the local Home Depot. Most people have hammered a nail into a 2x4, but your going to have to buy into this system sight unseen, unless the SIP industry gets a little more democratic about its distribution.

This book was probably a three star or four star effort for me, given my focus, but fully five star for the intended audience: Contractors stepping up to the system for the first time.