Know all about the design and cost of a stick built house

When it comes to finding your dream home, you have plenty of choices in real estate. One popular option is the stick-built house—a traditional construction method where homes are constructed piece by piece directly on a plot of land. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of a custom stick-built home versus other options such as manufactured homes, mobile homes, or modular homes, this guide is for you. Let’s dive into what makes stick-built homes special and why they might be the right choice for your family.

Keep in mind that a stick-built home is a good choice for those who prefer customizing their home (be it the master bedroom, the bathroom design, or the kitchen layout) according to their needs and preferences. This type of home style is constructed with a wooden frame. It then supports the building materials, usually plywood or lumber. And hence the name!

So, what is a stick-built home?

This traditional stick built construction method entails building a new house – piece-by-piece at the intended location – by skilled construction workers and custom home builders. The construction materials are meticulously put together on-site. And, the house floor plan is curated by an architect, a builder, or a real estate designer. It’s the perfect plan for homeowners looking for significant customization in terms of both interior and exterior design—giving homeowners the flexibility to design floor plans that fit their unique needs. Everything—from the foundation to the framing, walls, and roof—is built on the property using raw materials such as lumber, drywall, and shingles.

How are stick built homes different from prefab homes?

Unlike prefabricated homes, which are manufactured in a factory and then assembled on-site, stick-built homes are built from the ground up on a plot of land. What’s more, these manufactured homes are produced on an assembly line and then placed on a piece of land.

For instance, modular homes are prefabricated in sections and then assembled on-site and manufactured homes are built entirely off-site and transported to a location. 

While these alternatives can offer convenience, stick-built homes stand out for their quality, longevity, and customization potential.

Stick built vs modular homes: What is the difference?

One huge difference is that modular homes are constructed using pre-built modules that are assembled like building blocks. Another difference is that a stick built property design depends on the homeowner’s requirements. However, a modular home design doesn’t leave room for much customization. This is because there are limitations in how the modules can be arranged.

A custom stick built home offers nearly endless possibilities, from energy-efficient features such as energy-saving windows to tailored layouts and designs. Modular homes, while often quicker to construct, can have limitations in customization because of the pre-built sections.

Another key factor is home value. A stick-built home typically appreciates more over time, while a modular and mobile home may depreciate, depending on the construction and location.

The thing to note is that both home styles are different but they must adhere to the same local building codes. That is to say, they will have to maintain the same high quality and standard in the roofing system, HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical systems.

How are stick built houses different from mobile homes?

Stick-built houses are constructed on-site using traditional building methods and are permanent structures attached to a foundation. They offer customization, higher quality, and greater durability. In contrast, mobile homes are factory-built, transported to a site, and typically rest on temporary or semi-permanent foundations.

Did you know a factory-built house made before June 1976 is considered a mobile home? And, if it’s made after that date it’s a manufactured home? 

Read more: How to build the cheapest house?

How much do stick-built homes cost?

Stick-built homes are generally more expensive than mass-produced homes. This is because constructing a stick-built home requires more planning, time, and often pricier materials.

According to real estate experts, the average price per square foot for a custom stick-built home ranges from $100 to $200. This is almost double the average cost for a mass-produced home. That price is approximately between $50 and $100 per square foot.

The resale value of a stick-built home is generally between $150 and $250 per square foot, depending on the style, size, building material quality, location, and inclusions. When comparing how homes cost, keep in mind that stick-built homes often provide better resale value and lower maintenance costs than modular or manufactured options in the long run.

What are the pros and cons of a stick built home?

Advantages of stick-built homes

• A major advantage of a stick-built house is how well it can be tailored to local weather conditions and building codes. Your home builder can use materials and designs that withstand the specific climate of your area, whether it’s heavy snow, high winds, or scorching heat. 
• This home type offers the opportunity to create a personalized home. Since these homes have no pre-existing modules, homeowners can collaborate with home builders to negotiate the best floor plan based on lot size and individual needs.
• This type of housing option often exhibits greater energy efficiency compared to older homes or manufactured houses. They can incorporate eco-friendly features such as energy saving windows and appliances.
• It’s easier to finance stick-built homes as compared to financing manufactured homes.
• Owning the land allows for quicker home equity growth under favorable real estate market conditions.

Read more: Pole construction house

Disadvantages 

• Wooden frame homes may be less resilient in certain weather conditions than solid-built homes made of brick or cement. You need to be extra careful of any pest infestation, mold growth, and water damage.
• Such homes are found more in suburban areas due to the availability of more space. Finding one in a densely populated metro area can be challenging.
• Building such a home is generally expensive – what with customization, high material costs (mostly lumber prices), and high labor costs.

Last thoughts

If you’re looking to build yourself a customized home that doesn’t cost you a bomb, you can think of a stick built home. 

This conventional style of constructing houses involves laying a framework that provides support for the walls and roof. In the older days, builders utilized 2x4s wooden planks. But today, it’s not uncommon to find metal posts and poles in such structures. 

If a stick-built home sounds like the right fit, the next step is finding a reliable home builder. Look for someone who understands local codes, has experience with custom stick-built home designs, and can help you create a layout that suits your lifestyle. A custom stick-built home isn’t just a house—it’s the perfect canvas for your dream home.

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Written by Ramona Sinha. July 8, 2023

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.