A testimonial from a SABS homeowner who built his own home using the SABS technology in Phoenix AZ:
- Nesrin Karam
- May 9
- 4 min read
Taj, Wendy (contractor) and Kenneth (SABS homeowner) discussed Kenneth's experience with building and living in a home using SABS techn
ology in Phoenix, Arizona, focusing on the building process, living experience, and potential challenges or changes they would make. Kenneth shared his experience with his energy-efficient home, including his low utility bills, minor issues with water pooling, and the effectiveness of his roofing solution. The group also discussed Kenneth's experience working with alternative building materials, his passion for sustainability, and the comparison between SABS construction and traditional stick-built construction.
Summary:SABS Home Building and Living Experience:Wendy and Kenneth discuss Kenneth's experience with building and living in a home using SABS technology in Phoenix, Arizona. Kenneth moved into his home in February 2023 and was intimately involved in the building process. Wendy, a contractor from California, is gathering information on behalf of homeowners who want to rebuild their homes using this technology, focusing on the building process, living experience, and potential challenges or changes they would make.
Strata System Home Building Challenges:Kenneth describes building his 2,800 square foot, two-story home using the Strata system. He faced challenges during construction, including difficulty finding labor and obtaining materials during the Covid pandemic. The exterior Sabscrete work was completed quickly by a seven-man crew in about 8 days, but the interior work took much longer due to labor shortages. Kenneth mentions experiencing some minor hairline cracks around windows and corners, which he considers normal and easy to address.
Kenneth's Energy-Efficient Home Experience:Kenneth discusses his experience with his energy-efficient home in Phoenix. He reports low utility bills, with his last electric bill being only $86, despite not having solar panels. Kenneth mentions a minor issue he had with water pooling on a patio above the master bedroom, which he resolved by installing a sloped Trex deck. He also describes his roofing solution, using a metal roof on the upper level and an elastomeric coating on the lower level. Kenneth explains how he attached the metal roof to the Styrofoam structure using wood sleepers with adhesive and mechanical fastening, a method he consulted with Amir and Nasser about.
Strata Panel Home Roofing PerformanceKenneth discusses his experience with his Strata Panel home, confirming that the roofing has held up well during storms. He describes the house as having a slab foundation, no attic space, and high ceilings where the bottom of the panels forms the upstairs ceiling. Kenneth mentions that the interior walls have a smooth finish of painted Sabscrete, and the house uses a traditional HVAC system with two high-efficiency split systems, one for each floor.
Alternative Building Materials Installation Techniques:Kenneth discusses his experience working with alternative building materials in his home construction. He mentions that attaching trim and carpets required a different approach, using adhesives in addition to nails. Kenneth's son, who owns a cabinet shop, built the cabinets and stairway treads, which were installed using toggles and glue. For ceiling fans and light fixtures, Kenneth describes oversizing the cutouts and using spray foam adhesive to mount the boxes. He also explains that tile was installed directly onto the SABS panels without the need for cement board backing. Kenneth notes that electrical wiring was channeled through the roof foam or floor and covered with Sabscrete. He is considering adding lights above his coffee bar and plans to channel out the Sabscrete to run the wiring.Kenneth's Sustainable and Efficient Home Design:Kenneth discusses his passion for sustainability and how it influenced the design of his current house. He explains that the house was built with energy efficiency in mind, including its orientation, window selection, and potential for solar panels. Kenneth expresses great satisfaction with the house, stating that there's nothing he would change about it, although he mentions plans for future additions like a covered walkway and a garage. When asked about potential changes, he suggests making the master closets bigger and improving the drainage of the upper deck, but overall, he considers it his "forever home" and is very content with it.
SABS House Construction and Insurance:Kenneth discusses his experience building a Sabs house, comparing it to traditional stick-built construction. He believes there are no significant cost savings in construction, as most components like electrical, plumbing, and finishes are the same, with the main difference being in framing and wall finishes. Kenneth notes that energy savings are the primary benefit of SABS construction. He completed his 2,800 square foot house in 10 months, though he initially aimed for 6 months. The discussion also covers insurance, with Kenneth paying about $125 per month for his Allstate policy in a high fire risk area.
Styrofoam Panels in House Construction:Kenneth shares his experience with building a house using Styrofoam panels, stating that they started construction 24-48 hours after pouring the foundation and completed the structure in 4 weeks. The group discusses the importance of curing time for the foundation and exterior coating, with Kenneth waiting about 4 weeks before applying the exterior finish.
Nesrin and Edwin mention recent improvements in construction techniques, including the use of mesh tape and expansion joints to prevent cracking. Kenneth expresses satisfaction with his building method and the lack of cracks in his home.
To watch the full interview with Kenneth, please visit:
