If you’re ready to build a new home, one big question you have to consider is stick-built or modular? Modular homes are built in a factory setting, on an assembly line, while stick-built homes, on the other hand, are built from scratch on location. There are certainly pros and cons to both options. It’s up to you to decide which option is right for you and your family. Let’s explore what each option has to offer for customization, cost and quality.
Customization
Stick-built homes can be fully customized from the ground up, allowing for flexible layouts with unlimited designs and options. And most home builders will work with you to make recommendations on material and other options while helping build. Additionally, stick-built homes are more efficient, using every inch of space. Being able to completely customize a home can ensure that it’s meeting every need for your family, not just working with what you have.
While modular homes have come a long way in recent years, and customizations are available, the options for these customizations are limited. Modular home options are limited to what’s available in the factory. These limitations are welcomed by some home buyers that would prefer to not make choices about every aspect of their home.
Another frustrating aspect of modular homes is that they have some wasted space from their marriage walls. Because modular homes are often transported to the lot in pieces, needing to be assembled, the walls can have thick (often 12 inches) marriage walls that eat away at your square footage.
LOT AVAILABILITY
Another factor to consider is lot availability. Some lot zoning will not allow modular, or prefab, homes to be built on those lots. Stick-built, custom homes face no such restrictions.
Cost
Because modular homes are prefabricated and assembled in a factory, they are often cheaper to build than stick-built homes. But that initial build isn’t the only cost factor to consider. The resell value of modular homes is significantly lower than stick-built homes, and potential buyers can be turned off when they learn a home was prefabricated. (If you’re looking for tips on selling your custom-built home, check out this post!)
Additionally, replacement materials for modular homes can be costly and difficult to acquire. Stick-built home builders use local materials that make service and replacement parts easier to obtain.
MORTGAGE PROCESS
Many modular home manufacturers will offer financing options for home buyers, eliminating the need for a bank. This can be attractive to new home buyers, but keep in mind that modular home mortgages are a little more complicated than traditional mortgages. The builder may require full payment before the home is finished, requiring you to take out an additional loan.
With stick-built homes, your mortgage options are much more straightforward. At Fortin, for example, we offer a turn-key construction option that puts most of the burden on the builder, not the buyer. (Here’s more information on stick-built loan options.)
Quality
When it comes to quality, stick-built homes have the upper hand. They use better construction materials and methods and are built on site, not elsewhere and then transported to the location. Licensed contractors work on stick-built homes, and local code enforcement officers are involved, ensuring everything is up to code and well done. Building construction all together, instead of attached as separate units like modular homes, allows it to conform to one cohesive plan.
By now it’s probably clear that we strongly believe stick-build homes are the better option for home buyers. That’s why all our homes are custom built, with quality materials and contractors. We want only the best for our customers.
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