How Eric Benavides built a code-compliant panel system—and what offsite builders can learn from his journey
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Published July 2025 | By Offsite Builder
When Texas-based builder Eric Benavides set out to design a new type of wall panel, he wasn’t just trying to innovate—he wanted to solve the real problems holding back offsite construction: permitting delays, inconsistent inspections, and scalability.
After years of design, testing, and determination, his company, Component Construction Systems LLC (DBA Fornidos Construction), achieved ICC-ES certification for its HomeSystem panel solution. The certification simplifies the local permitting process and treats the system as a code-compliant building product—opening doors for national use.
From Stick Builder to Offsite Pioneer
Benavides has spent four decades as a traditional homebuilder in Dallas. But the COVID-19 pandemic, housing affordability challenges, and a shift toward remote work sparked a major shift in his thinking.
Initially experimenting with container homes and SIP-based ADUs, Benavides quickly ran into scalability issues. That’s when he pivoted—using his background in stick-built framing to develop a new panelized system from conventional materials.
“I didn’t come from the modular field, so my approach was from a different angle,” Benavides says. “But once I figured it out, making the panels was straightforward.”
The Hidden Challenge: Inspections
The real roadblock wasn’t technical—it was regulatory. With over 30 municipalities in the Dallas metro area alone, each with its own inspection requirements, scaling a factory-built system was nearly impossible.
Every inspector wanted visibility into what was inside the panels.
“That was my first taste of learning that the real challenge of offsite has a lot to do with inspections,” Benavides explains.
Solving for Code Compliance: Enter ICC-ES
A chance conversation with a former inspector led Benavides to the International Code Council – Evaluation Services (ICC-ES). After two years of design, testing, engineering, and provisional patents, the HomeSystem earned ESR certification in March 2024—and an updated report and Equivalency Evaluation Report (EER) followed in 2025.
The result?
ICC-ES EER-5284 certification under ESR 5284—official recognition that the system complies with international building and residential codes. The system is now treated as a single, code-compliant product, significantly reducing local permitting friction.
“We’ve seen a lot of innovative offsite products in recent years, but many fail certification,” says Vincent Chui, VP at ICC. “Benavides took a viable pathway that others can follow.”
The Secret? Use Standard Materials
Benavides’ design is proprietary, but not mysterious. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, he used conventional, code-compliant components and materials that ICC engineers could easily evaluate.
This strategy not only made certification more attainable—it made adoption by local officials more likely.
Still a Long Road to Acceptance
Even with national certification, it took time to convince local officials. But in April 2025, Benavides received a game-changing letter from the City of Dallas: inspectors were instructed to treat the system “essentially as stick-built construction.”
“It’s not modular. It’s not manufactured. It’s a building product that makes houses,” Benavides says.
Scaling the Vision: Partnerships and Micro Factories
With certification in hand, Benavides is now focused on growth. He plans to partner with:
- National homebuilders
- Building supply companies
- Existing factories with excess capacity
His bigger vision?
Micro factories near rail lines or disaster zones, where housing is needed fast—with minimal capital investment.
“We’re not here to build every home—just the ones that make homeownership possible for families priced out of the market.”
About the Author
Stacey Freed is a freelance writer based in Pittsford, NY. She covers construction, remodeling, sustainability, and wellness.