As a custom home builder, one of the most common questions we get asked by potential customers is, “What is the difference between a stick built and a modular home?” It’s an important distinction worth noting especially as we see more customers imagining the possibilities of a custom home journey after the uncertainties of the last two years.
Let us begin by saying Schumacher Homes is a proud and committed, traditional stick builder. This allows us to include the infinite customization options and benefits that come with this type of tried and true construction. Plus, we source our materials from millwork experts at Carter Lumber and 84 Lumber, known for their quality lumber and production process.
But it isn’t enough just to tell you that we are proud stick builders and tout the advantages, as one of the largest custom home builders in the nation we see the value in educating potential customers with a basic knowledge in the various types of custom home building options available to them.
Let’s look at the differences and start with the basics of home construction while comparing their similarities.
Stick Built Homes
Stick built, traditional, site-built, or conventionally framed – they all refer to the same type of construction. And while the term “stick built” might sound a little dated or arcane, its grounded in the process of a home’s frame construction taking place on site with basic lumber and nails. The history of home building suggests the term came from a literal place as construction workers assemble the home board by board (or “stick by stick”) from the foundation up, starting with a frame and moving onward until the home is ready for move-in. This is the most traditional method for building a home, likely what you picture when imagining your custom home being built, and the way in which Schumacher Homes builds all their custom homes.
Modular Homes
Modular home construction, while not the process that we use at Schumacher, is still a very popular construction method. In fact, according to NAHB, of the 912,000 new build single-family homes constructed in 2020, almost 30,000 of those were built using some form of modular construction.
This method of fabrication was developed in the early 20th Century and came into popularity in the U.S. after World War II, as the troops coming home from service were in search of affordable, and obtainable, housing opportunities. These were the days before Schumacher made custom stick built homes attainable. The construction method is a true testament to the early 1900’s, when factories and assembly line processes were changing the way that the world worked. The process involves building three-dimensional sections of a complete home dwelling in bulk in a factory, and then transporting those sections across the country where they would be combined and assembled based on the homeowner’s specifications into a permanent foundation. With modular homes, the homeowners can choose specific modules that they want in their home – like a particular bathroom or bedroom layout – almost like designing a dollhouse.
Even today, erecting a modular home can be seen as a fascinating process. Modular homes must meet the same local building codes as a stick built home, however most of the construction process is done off site. When the pieces arrive, they normally have wiring, plumbing, insulation, flooring, windows, and doors all in place. The contractors on property have little actual finishing work to do beyond connecting those pieces together like an enormous, three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle.
Manufactured Homes
Like modular homes, “manufactured” homes are also built in a factory. The main difference being that these homes are constructed completely off-site and are formed atop a metal chassis with its own wheels. You may have seen these while on a highway with a large “oversized load” tag hanging off the back. These homes normally only abide by Federal HUD building code rather than local code and aren’t a permanent structure, simply having a bib that hides the wheels once settled at their final location.
Manufactured homes typically aren’t considered real estate property and are titled as personal property in the same way as a car or boat would be titled. They are less expensive than a modular home, can be used as a vacation home, and can even be moved in the future, although this isn’t a very common practice.
Foundation and Location
When considering the pricing of your custom home, be sure to note if the foundation costs are included in your quote. At Schumacher Homes, we always include the foundation, excavation, materials, and positive grade in our pricing, so you can rest assured we won’t be throwing hidden fees your way. It's also important to note the actual viability of each home type for the property you’re considering. While stick built homes can be erected on any plot of land, as it is the traditional method, not all home sites have access to modular delivery given the equipment and space that is needed to make the process come together. Your municipality may even have restrictions on modular homes, so it’s important to check on this while making your decision. For example, certain regions of the country may govern the type of modular floor plan (single story) that can be built or prohibit certain size specifications due to transportation regulations required for material delivery.
Customization and Valuation
Stick built homes are by far the most customizable option and appreciate the most value over time. Stick built homes are constructed right on site, and the customization processes are literally endless.
Just to begin, at Schumacher, we frame our interior walls 16-inch on center, whereas many modular homes might be framed 24-inch on center. This is basically an industry way for saying how far apart the wooden beams used for framing are set from each other. It means a Schumacher home provides greater structural strength, giving you more possibilities for things like oversized windows, French doors, and storage solutions. Logically, the closer together, the stronger the build.
Admittedly, the customization options for a modular home have increased greatly over the years. There are a wider array of choices in the variety of modules available for homeowners to choose from than ever before, but it still pales in comparison to the level of customization afforded by a stick built home with no limitations to what our builders can create seeing as they aren’t bound by a factory floor.
Sure, stick built homes don’t win on every facet of the decision process. Modular homes can typically be built faster as most of the pieces are already prepared or can be prepared quickly due to their assembly line processes and off-site machinery. On this same note, modular homes are typically lower cost compared to stick built homes since they are often built in bulk and shipped out to customers across the country. However, depending on where the modules or pre-engineered sections are being fabricated and transported from, the costs of getting the modules to your construction site may have an inverse effect on your bottom-line. Although there are exceptions to any rule of thumb, stick built homes typically require less maintenance over time. Some people attribute this to the construction process being completed on site from scratch instead of a factory where multiple supplier accountability and the potential of transportation-defects can become a factor in quality and integrity.
Built For Tomorrow
Leading us into a final consideration towards the advantages of a stick built home that plays into both customization and home value. When you build with Schumacher you can rest assured you are working with a team of designers and architects that adhere to the latest trends and building technologies on the market. Whether this is represented by our constant pursuit of new durable materials or installation of energy-saving windows and doors, insulation, or light fixtures, we are building a home with structural integrity for your today and your tomorrow. Because modular homes are built in bulk, the curve towards new and improved building techniques may lag based on current trends, supply, and demand.
Understanding Value
It goes without saying, a home is a big investment, and the public perception and perceived value of a modular home is often less than a traditional, stick built home. But every area is different, and the market is always changing. Be sure to speak with a trusted home advisor or realty expert to understand the appreciation rates specific to your neighborhood and to understand how your investment in different types of homes will gain value over time.
Do you want your next home to be your next home or your dream home? Building dream homes is the business Schumacher’s been in for three decades.
For more custom home building ideas, get inspired by one of our house plans or see for yourself and visit a Schumacher model home today.
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 30 markets in 12 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award winning company has built over 20,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends. Stop in today, be inspired and receive your no obligation price quote.