7 Differences between Modular Homes vs Stick Built Homes

Modular Homes vs Stick Built Homes what is the difference? This is the most asked question by the people who are going to build their house.

What is a Modular Home?

A modular home is manufactured in factories, in sections, transported to the site, gets assembled at the site, and installed on the foundation by the builder/owner. It is built to the standards equal to or higher than the stick-built home.

These homes are built off-site in climate-controlled factories in sections called modules. These modules are then trucked over to your site. At the site, it gets assembled using cranes. They are installed over the foundation already built by the owner and these are not mobile. Meaning they cannot move. It is very similar to traditional built or stick-built homes.

What is a Stick Built Home

A stick-built or traditional home uses wood frames to create the walls and roof truss. This wood frame supports plywood/drywall or other material. They are built over the site from scratch.

Traditional built or stick-built houses are those houses that are built by the owner on-site. The owner/builder prepares the foundations and then constructs walls, roofs, etc.

Modular homes vs Stick built homes

You must have thought what is the difference between Modular Homes vs Stick Built? The major difference between modular homes and stick built is how they are built. A modular home is produced in sections in the climate-controlled factories (off-site) and then trucked over to the site where it gets assembled. However, a stick-built home is completely built on-site from scratch.

They both follow the local/regional/state level building regulations. Once it is built there is no difference between the modular homes and stick built. A modular home can’t move this is very different from the mobile homes.

There are not many differences between modular homes and stick-built homes. They both follow the same building code. The only difference is that modular homes are built in sections in factories and transported to the site while stick-built homes are built at the site itself.

Land development charges in both the case is same.

Modular Homes vs Stick-built Appearance

Both modular homes and Stick built homes look similar. Once constructed you cannot tell the difference between the two. They both follow the same building code. Thus appearance wise there is no difference.

Modular Homes vs Stick-Built Cost

Modular homes are generally 10-20 % less expensive than stick-built homes (source). But the price really depends on the material specifications. More expensive materials can increase the cost of modular as well as stick-built homes.

Although the modular home costs are lower transportation charges bring them to par with the stick-built cost. In stick-built homes, it is easier to do customization thus builders/owners often spent a higher amount than estimated while with modular homes you have limited customization options.

Modular Homes vs Stick Built Floor Plan

Modular homes are manufactured in the factories in sections called modules and they follow the local rules/regulations thus there are limited options for the floor plan. Also, most manufacturers do not allow custom-made floor plans because any cancelled order can only be sold to the area for which it was built because they follow the local/regional building code.

However, in the case of stick-built, you have the liberty to choose whatever floor plan as per your budget and requirements. Sometimes the homeowner gets carried away and it is very much likely that he chooses the bigger/fancier plans which ultimately increases his cost.

Time to Build Modular vs Stick Built

The entire process of receiving permits, designing a modular home, preparation of the site, foundation, and installation takes 16 to 31 weeks typically. It may go higher sometimes whereas a site-built home takes a little longer about 28 to 37 weeks.

Modular Home vs Stick Built Resale Value

Once constructed there is practically no difference between a modular home and a stick-built home. Their value appreciates over time. But a major difference is that it is easier to do customization in stick-built buildings which is difficult for modular homes.

Modular Homes vs Stick Built Durability

Since both stick-built and modular homes follow the same local/regional/state building codes thus durability of both is the same. However, the modular homes need to be trucked over to the site. Also, it is manufactured in climate-controlled factories with better control over the environment. Thus they are stronger and more durable.

What is the difference between Modular Homes and Stick Built?

Point of differentiation– stick built vs modular homes	Modular	Stick built
appearance	Once constructed there is no difference between the modular and stick built home.	Once constructed there is no difference between the modular and stick-built home.
Building code	Local/regional/States building code same as stick built	Local/regional/States building code
Floor Plan	As this is manufactured in the factories therefore you have limited options for the floor plans.	You can customize the floor plan as you want within the local/regional/States regulations.
Time duration	The entire process of receiving permits, designing a modular home, preparation of the site, foundation, and installation takes 16 to 31 weeks typically. It may go higher sometimes.	Site-built home takes a little longer about 28 to 37 weeks
Cost	A modular home is 10–20% less expensive.	Traditional stick-built cost $150 to $250 depending on the specifications
Resale value	The resale value is somewhat similar. Its value appreciates over time.	The resale value is somewhat similar
Durability	A modular home is as durable as a stick-built home. Since both stick-built and modular homes follow the same building codes thus durability of both are same.	Since both stick-built and modular homes follow the same building codes thus durability of both are same.

FAQs

Do Modular Homes Last as Long as Stick-Built Homes?

Yes. Modular homes last as long as stick-built homes. Even modular homes last longer than stick-built homes.

Because modular homes are built with high standards in a controlled environment and also it is a fact that modular homes have to be trucked over to the site thus they are made with high standards thus they are as much durable as stick-built homes are if not more.

Are Modular Homes as good as Stick Built Homes?

Yes, modular homes are as good as stick-built homes. Why? They both follow the same building code. They both are made to the same standards. Once they are built you can not even tell which is which. Their value appreciates over time. Thus modular homes are as good as stick-built homes.