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Modular Versus Stick Built Homes
Comparing Modular Versus Stick Built
How do modular homes compare to stick built homes?
Here’a a comprehensive look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type of construction.
Cost Comparison
Modular: Typically, modular homes cost 10 to 20 percent less than a stick built home, ranging from $50 per square foot to up to $250 for some luxury builds. Transport costs vary, especially if you live more than 500 miles from the factory, so the price of a modular home will depend heavily on location and size.
Stick Built: A conventional stick-built, non-luxury home costs about $150 to $250 per square foot.
Floor Plans and Design
Modular: Modular homes can be built in various configurations, and can be customized to suit your wants and needs. While there are several models and floor plans you can choose from, the customization options are endless.
Stick Built: Stick built homes offer full customization in every aspect. Whether you work with a custom builder or hire an architect, this type of construction lets you customize every detail to your preference.
Appearance
Modular and stick built homes appear exactly the same once completed. The appearance is customizable to the home owners preference for either type of construction.
Timeframe
Modular: The average timeframe for a modular build is 3.5-4 months.
Time savings begin in the factory and continue on your building site. There is little to no risk of delay due to inclement weather or waiting on materials.
Stick Built: The average timeframe for a stick build is 5-6 months.
Since all construction occurs on-site, work projects have to be scheduled more carefully. The materials for a stick built home may be sourced from all over the country, and each different supplier must get the materials to the builder on time. Weather can also be an issue with a stick built home. If it is raining, snowing, or dangerous outside, builders will have to stop until the weather improves.
Building Process
Modular: A modular home consists of pre-cast and pre-cut parts that are constructed in a climate-controlled factory.
In every building facility, each step of the process is supervised and inspected for quality assurance, ensuring a final product that meets high standards for safety, durability, quality, and energy efficiency. The homes are typically two or three sections, which are transported to the building site once completed to be assembled.
Stick Built: A stick built home is constructed from scratch on site, so all steps and materials are visible to the new owner.
This process also requires more builders and takes longer to erect, exposing materials to weather elements that can cause wear and tear on the house. Unlike the modular building process, stick built homes do not have the same quality assurance checks throughout construction.
Resale Value
In most cases, modular homes appreciate in value just the same as stick-built homes.
However, modular home owners may find there is a negative stigma attached to prefabricated homes when trying to sell. A buyer’s initial reaction can make it harder to sell the home, but as modular builds continue to become more common, this may change.