r/newbrunswickcanada • u/Downtown-Storage1536 • 1d ago
Modular Vs Stick Build Home Builders: Experiences and Companies
Hello,
I'm looking at building a house (1600-1700 sq ft bungalow with side walk out basement) in the next two year since we finally purchase a large parcel of land this past winter. Im trying to figure out if we should build modular or stick built. We designed our own plan (which is modular compatible) so the process of finding the perfect home builder for us is what we need to do next.
Has anyone on here built a modular home? If so, what was your experience? would you do it again? what company did you build with?
Modular companies we are/ have looked into include prestige (too few options available, no custom build option, have to select from plans then modify), ironwood/Vincent Homes (based in SJ, custom built modular option), Supreme Homes (based in Fredricton, custom built modular option)
Has anyone build the traditional stick build route? If so, what was your experience? would you do it again? what company did you build with? We have yet to look at any traditional building companies but would like to know the best companies to contact to get a quote.
Lastly, Any tips & advice for things you missed out on doing, regret getting/doing or not getting/ doing would be great to know.
Thanks in advance for your answer!
****After reading answers, I want to clarify that I’m NOT looking at getting a manufacturer home (mini home, home that is not on a permanent foundatio) I am looking at getting a modular home (stick built made in pieces in a factory that follows stick built regulations then is put on a permanent foundatio)
Also going rate that I’m aware of right now is 350sq ft.
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u/LinoleumFulcrum 1d ago
Talked to a modular home company about three years ago and they wanted $375k for goddamned mobile home.
Coupled with their slackassed presentation: 100% nope.
Hope you have better luck!!
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u/SteadyMercury1 19h ago
Just going to echo what a few other people said. I haven't quoted it in the last year but we had two separate companies, Disher Homes in St Stephen and Oak Hill in Saint John quote 350 sq/ft for their builders grade bungalows. Not including basement, site work, sewer etc.
The stick build that we are planning to do this summer is not builders grade and is more like $250 sq/ft for a much nicer house.
My understanding is stick builds are often harder to finance though. We're lucky enough to have enough for a 20% down payment... I think banks can require up to 30% for stick builds. They also often require a contingency above and beyond the down payments. So it might still be easier for someone who is cash strapped to build something modular even if it's ultimately not as good a value.
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u/sunnydaye_91 17h ago
I’ve had both. Mind you, the modular was a mini home, but my stick built is way better quality. I love this little bungalow 🥰
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u/CommercialLimp9629 6h ago
Have built 3 stick built homes since 2018. Before each build we spoke with Oak Hill and Kent.
My experience is that with the Modular homes, they get you into a meeting, and then every little thing is an extra. That coupled with the fact that you are very restricted in the layout of a modular home, due to supporting beams that cannot be moved because of their modular design. The last home we built ended up being slightly cheaper stick built, not much, but it allows you freedom ro make changes as you go, within reason. My personal opinion is stick built is always better. Our last build was with MCI Hodgin in Fredericton, and we were pleased. A good relationship with a builder is essential, having budgets and allowances established before the build is paramount. Be careful, we have had a poor experience prior in a stick build. It seems anyone in NB can slap a "fine homebuilder" decal on their truck, and produce garbage. Research your potential builder, ask for references and ask to be shown homes they've built. Other builders I'd recommend in the Fredericton area would be Robin Foster Mike Hodgin (MCI) Wilde Brothers
Hope this helps
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u/CommercialLimp9629 6h ago
For reference, we built a stick home on outer city limits on slab, 1650 ish sq foot, on 1.75 acres in 2024, was in vicinity of 550k for house, and 50k for lot.
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u/Realistic-Leading-50 5h ago
Like everything, Building material, Trades, ( A lot with inadequate training, Knowledge popped up early covid) Same with Modular builds, Irving owned , Northrup, these big Companies spikes in some case 100+ % in prices. And although materials costs decreased, these inflated prices remain. I have built many prefab, stick homes over past 40 + years. Stay away from city lots( if You can find), Please DM , I will share My thoughts, Easier, more cost efficient ways, and still have a quality build, for under $225 per sq ft, btw, I am building smaller home now, much less, top quality hardwood cabinets, stairs etc
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u/badstuffaccount69 1d ago
Not really any savings in modular when I priced it out. Also quite a long wait to get one, unless things have changed recently. Where you are is a factor. I’m in SJ and had no issues finding contractors to stick build my house. I was able to GC myself and saved a lot more compare to what I was quoted by Kent.