photo sourceAccording to
Wikipedia, a
stick-built structure is "one constructed entirely or largely on-site," as opposed to a
modular home that is "divided into multiple modules or sections which are manufactured in a remote facility and then delivered to their intended site of use."
My experience in chatting with buyers over the past 12 years has been that
there are mixed opinions on modular homes. For example, some would suggest that . . .
- stick-built homes are more structurally sound, as they are built on the piece of land where they will permanently reside --- and fit themselves, structurally, to the contour of the land as they are built
- modular homes are more structurally sound, as they are built in a controlled environment, without being exposed to precipitation, wind, etc. during the construction process
- modular homes allow for a faster construction schedule
- stick-built homes allow for greater design flexibility
However,
an equalizing factor that is important to remember is that there are both high quality, and low quality stick builders and modular home manufacturers.
Overall, my experience indicates that modular homes sell at slightly lower prices as compared to stick built homes -- and some of that is solely as a result of some buyers being hesitant to purchase a modular home.
Google indicates that several companies offer
newly built modular homes in Harrisonburg.