Both stick-built and modular building systems offer unique advantages. Stick-built buildings allow for a high level of customization and quality control on-site. Modular constructions, on the other hand, can provide faster, less expensive, and environmentally beneficial building options. Let’s dive in and list some features of both options.
What Is a Stick-Built Home?
A stick-built home's roof trusses and walls are made of wood sticks, commonly known as dimensional lumber. While some stick-built homes may use floor plans that the builder has previously used, the contractor most often meets with the homeowner and produces a blueprint with their input. Stick-built homes are created using traditional, from scratch methods. This differs from manufactured or prefab homes, which are built on a production line and then on a plot of land. Here is the answer to “What is a stick built home”, now let’s understand what a modular home is and bring out their differences and similarities.
What Is a Modular Home?
A modular home (or prefabricated home) is produced in a factory to around 80-90% completion and then trucked to the construction site. A modular home, unlike its manufactured counterpart, does not arrive fully erected or built on a chassis. The home arrives at the job site in parts, and a crane operator sets each part on the foundation. Once completed, a prefabricated modular home is indistinguishable from a traditional home. When comparing modular homes vs. stick-built homes, the key difference lies in the construction process.
Modular Homes vs. Stick-Built Homes: Key Differences
When talking about stick built vs modular there are many factors to draw out but both options are very popular and can serve a very long time. Depending on your family’s priorities both options can be a great home! Here are some differences:
1. Appearance
Modular: The same as any traditional site-built home. You can add any style of window, door, wall, or architectural feature you prefer. Once completed you cannot tell the difference between modular and traditional homes.
Stick Built: The appearance can be customized to the homeowner's preference. Traditional homes can accommodate any architectural preference.
2. Floor Plans and Design
Modular: Modular homes are normally highly customized in their interior and exterior appearances. Full custom modular builders, while rare, offer the ability to design from scratch or accept private architect’s renderings for conversion by the factory to modular.
Stick Built: Most custom builders can provide sample plans they’ve built, offer design services, or direct you to plans. You can also hire an architect to design your home according to your preference. In either case, full customization is standard.
3. Timeframe
Modular: The normal timeframe is 3.5-4 months for turnkey projects. There are some time savings since construction can begin in the factory at the same time your foundation is being created on your site. The weather has almost no impact on the schedule.
Stick Built: The normal timeframe is 5-6 months for turnkey projects. Since all construction occurs on-site, work projects have to be scheduled more carefully. The work schedule is dependent on weather conditions.
4. Building Process
Modular: The building process for modular homes begins in a controlled factory environment, where the home is constructed in sections, typically to 80-90% completion. These sections are then transported to the site and assembled on a prepared foundation using cranes.
Stick Built: Stick-built homes are constructed entirely on-site, starting with the foundation and framing, followed by interior and exterior work. This traditional process offers greater flexibility for customization but can take longer to complete and is more susceptible to weather-related delays and material waste.
5. Resale Value
Modular: Modular homes generally have a good resale value, comparable to stick-built homes, as long as they are well-maintained and built to high-quality standards. Since they are constructed to the same building codes as stick-built homes, they appreciate similarly over time.
Stick Built: Stick-built homes often have a slightly higher resale value due to their traditional construction method and perception of being "custom-built" on-site. However, the difference in resale value between modular and stick-built homes continues to narrow as modular construction gains popularity and recognition for its durability and quality. Want to find out more about modular homes vs stick built?
Read also: What Is A Prefab House? Pros, Cons and Cost
Cost and Value Considerations
The cost of modular homes vs building houses is frequently a crucial consideration in determining which type of home to build. Manufactured homes cost about 20% less than stick-built homes. Modular homes often have lower land, material, and labor expenses. Furthermore, because the construction process is short and simple, you will save money on interest payments if you are financing your home.
Stick-built homes can cost more than modular ones. Stick-built homes frequently have greater land, material, and labor costs. Additionally, the longer construction time frame means you'll have to make interest payments on your home for a more extended period.
Here's a cost breakdown:
Modular Home Cost: $130-$145/ sq ft
Stick Built Home: $210/ sq ft
When you're building a home, you'll work with a contractor or modular home company to determine your budget. At Homes Direct we will assist you in determining the major elements of your house, including the overall square footage and floor plan, as well as any additions you want to make. This is where costs can vary considerably based on your overall construction strategy.
Modular homes are the way to go if you're looking to save money on the cost of your home. However, stick-built homes can offer some advantages if you're willing to spend a bit more money. Stick-built homes can be customized more easily, and you'll have more control over the construction process. Ultimately, the cost of modular homes vs building houses comes down to your personal preferences and budget.
Customization and Design Flexibility
When it comes to customization and flexibility modular vs stick built homes have a lot more similarities than expected. Modular homes are a cost-effective and customizable alternative to traditional stick built homes. Constructed in factories, they adhere to the same building codes as traditional homes with the advantage of added quality control.
They can be designed to be energy-efficient, resulting in long-term savings on utility bills. In this blog, we'll look at modular homes, how they differ from other prefabricated structures, how they're constructed, and the multiple benefits they offer. Indeed we know that in terms of customization and flexibility stick homes have it all. You can choose any structure or customize any part of your home.
Conclusion
Choosing between modular homes and site-built homes ultimately depends on your priorities, budget, and timeline. Modular homes offer speed, cost-efficiency, and eco-friendliness, while site-built homes provide more customization and a traditional approach. Both options can deliver a high-quality, long-lasting home when built with care. By weighing the pros and cons of each, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and vision for your future home.
