When it comes to “how” a home is built there are clearly several options to consider. The most common is typically called “stick built”. Another is commonly called “open wall component building”. Stick builders have all the materials sent to the job site and the on site crew builds everything from scratch. Open wall components are built in a controlled factory setting, delivered to the site on semi trailers, then assembled on site by a “set” crew.
We started as “stick builders” but moved to “open wall components” in the early 1990’s. We saw a number of advantages to the component system.
- The home goes up fast and is exposed to the weather less than stick framing.
- There is far less material on site that can “disappear” (very important as costs rise).
- The factory “engineers” the structure so there more “eyes” reviewing the plan.
- If the component manufacturer is good, the final product is better.
Disadvantages are subject to some interpretation, but here are a few things that cause some resistance to using components.
- Depending on your evaluation, component construction is more expensive.
- Site crews need to be familiar with component construction.
- The builder and the homeowner need to be organized because things happen quickly.
- You can’t “design on the fly” as easily (we view that as an advantage).
- The site is too tight for a crane and large components being swung into place.
- The “perception” that components are like “modules” and it’s “cheap” construction.
We have included below some pictures of one of our component homes in construction. A typical 3000 square foot home will be close to being under roof (plywood) on day two. We generally schedule the roofing contractor 5 to 7 days after the set crew starts (giving them plenty of time to finish their part of the project).
