What is the primary difference between panelized walls and stick-built walls in PEBs?

• A. Panelized walls are built on-site from studs and sheathing.
• B. Panelized walls use only metal studs.
• C. Panelized walls cannot be used in PEBs.
• D. Panelized walls are factory-built wall assemblies installed as units.

Answer: (D)

In PEBs, the key distinction is that panelized walls are built in a factory as complete wall units and then installed on the job site as assembled panels. This means the wall sections—framing, sheathing, and often insulation and weatherproofing—are pre-assembled to precise tolerances, shipped to the site, and lifted into place as single panels. That contrasts with stick-built walls, where the wall frame is constructed on-site from individual studs and components piece by piece, with sheathing and finishes added in place. Using panelized walls in a pre-engineered system speeds up erection, improves consistency, and reduces on-site labor and weather exposure, which is why it’s the preferred approach in many PEB applications.