The down side of stucco and plaster is that it is very labor intensive, and if hired out to subcontractors, quite expensive. Also the amount of stucco and plaster material used can be much greater than that of conventional stucco finishes because of the natural undulations that even the most straight bale wall has. In straw bale walls, pipes which could leak or sweat are carried in sleeves as a precaution. Electrical boxes and fixtures can be attached in a variety of ways. Flexible and rigid conduit may be used, and romex, particularly UG romes, is often laid between courses of bales.
Electrical inspectors are generally more tolerant of such wiring techniques.
A number of studies have been conducted related to structural, moisture, and fire safety issues. 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.