People that are considering doing a new build are often wondering whats’ the difference between a stick build and a modular home.
First of all, let’s acknowledge the obvious–“stick built” just sounds funny. It sounds like someone is literally out there trying to put a house together with some random twigs and tree limbs.
Despite how it sounds, there are a few main differences between Stick Built and Modular Homes:
- Stick Built homes are built on site
- Modular homes are built within a factory–then shipped to the home site
- “Stick Built” can refer to many different home styles where the home is built on site
Some folks also refer to wood frame houses as “stick built” to contrast that type of on-site build with homes that are concrete block framed houses.
No matter what way you slice it–the main difference between stick built and modular is the method of construction.
Now, there’s a lot that goes in to whether stick built or modular is right for your build. Let’s dive in to the specifics so you can decide which one is right for you.
Stick Built vs. Block Houses
Some folks refer to wood framed houses as “stick built”–which makes good sense since stick are made out of…wood.
Given that, I wanted to include a section here on wood frame vs. block homes for folks that are looking for answers there.
Wood framed houses are great for customization later. It’s much easier to add an addition to a house after it’s built if it’s wood framed. Block houses are harder to change after the fact.
Block houses are built to last and are able to withstand more “mother nature”. Block homes are a popular choice in Florida, for example, where extreme weather is common.
Blocks are not impacted by wood-destroying organisms like termites and carpenter ants–which leaves less that can be harmed by those annoying critters (although all houses contain wood that can turn into bug food if you let it).
Block houses will typically cost more to construct than wood frame houses–so cost is definitely a consideration.
At the end of the day–a fine home can be built with either a wood frame or block–it all depends on the builder!
Stick Built vs. Modular: Costs
Modular homes have a cost advantage over stick built thanks to the factory efficiencies when the home was constructed. There are still set up and shipping costs which level the playing field–but you’re likely to find a lower overall cost by going with a modular home vs. a custom stick-built home built on-site.
The cost savings can come in any where from 10-20% on modular when compared to a stick-built counterpart.
Modulars will also have some cost savings benefit after you move in: energy-efficiency is easier to achieve within the factory and is typically an emphasis with most modular designs.
There are definitely some hidden costs for modular homes that you’ll want to keep in mind when pricing them out though, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC set ups once the house is delivered to the homesite.
When it comes to cost–you’re likely to come out ahead with the modular home.
Stick Built vs. Modular: Build Time
When it comes to build time–modular homes will have the advantage. During normal times (when there isn’t some crazy supply constraints), you can typically have a modular home delivered to the home site in 4 months or less. Homes built on-site can take more like 6-9 months or longer. Of course, both home styles will require permitting, land prep, utility hookups, and some on-site work to get everything move-in ready.
If speed is the absolute most important thing–you might find that you have better luck getting a factory-built home shipped to the homesite.
Design Flexibility
This is where stick built homes really shine vs. modulars. A stick built house is completely custom to the lot it sits on–which means even two identical model homes can have certain aspects that are customized and changed during the building process.
A modular home is coming a factory–and while you can definitely customize them and there are a lot of model to choose from–stick built homes are going to give you the most flexibility–particularly if you change your mind and want to alter something during the building process.
Remember, the modular home needs to shipped to your home site–which restricts the dimensions of the house. There are ways around this of course–but it’s still a consideration when compared to stick built that doesn’t have those limitations.
Modular vs. Stick Built: The Garage
Now, some folks in the market for a garage want to know the differences for them when it comes to stick built and modular.
The reality is, a lot of the same considerations apply to garages that apply to homes.
A garage built on site will come with a foundation, architect and crew, and will have a huge amount of customization options.
A modular garage on the other hand will be quicker to build, cheaper to build, and can have a foundation but will require extra work on site to make that happen. Customization will be limited to the options provided by the factory.
Both can be good options depending on your needs.