The results of this study and testing has shown that strawbale construction is a viable alternative to stick frame construction and has also shown where its limitations are. Several states have adopted strawbale specific permitting guidelines which make it easier to use this building technique. Non-loadbearing buildings are much easier to get through code approval since bales are not used in a structural manner. There is at least one national insurance company that will insure strawbale homes and many people have had success with their local insurance agent. The fire testing that has been done is generally enough to convince most insurance companies to insure strawbale structures.
Financing is less straight forward but many people have obtained mortgages on strawbale homes.
Often a larger downpayment is required or other restrictions are put on the loan. Small, local banks are often a good place to start since they are more likely to develop a personal relationship with the people they loan to. If ignited, strawbales tend to smolder and burn slowly, greatly lessening the risk to life. However, they are difficult to extinguish, as embers tend to slowly tunnel through the bales. However, since plaster applied to the uneven bale surfaces tends to be thicker than normally found on buildings, the bales can be said to carry an extra layer of protection.