We are trying to decide between two builders, one who used osb and one who uses fiberboard with metal tie bands in the house corners. I have been told not to do either, but that is not an option. I need to know which is the better if the two evils. Any help or comments will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

I'm not a fan of either, but determining which builder you will use should depend on far more than a Q like this. An acceptable job can be done with one or the other.

The bigger priorities would be which has the better reputation ( Have you seen other examples of their work?) and which has a vision and philosophy similar to yours? Which can demonstrate an ability to listen, communicate, and perform to a scedule? Which has better rapport with subcontractors? Which has the better credit rating at the lumberyard?

Excellence is its own reward!

One of the builders is Patriot Homes, the other is a small individual custom builder. We have spoken to the neighbors in the custom builders development and they seem to love their homes. My concern, and I don't know if it is a rational one, is the structural stability of the walls. He uses the metal bands in the corners, but is this enough? Need I be worried about the seams coming apart under high wind or other stress due to the ability of the fiber or foam board to hold fasteners?

The metal bacing if installed right, is fine for wind bracing. In seismic zones like Calif, it would not be acceptable alone.

Excellence is its own reward!

Thanks for the help.