Post and Beam vs. Stick Built Cost
Post and Beam vs Stick Built Cost
The average cost of a home today can vary drastically. According to the US Census Bureau, the construction of new homes has fallen 18.4% in a comparison between February 2023 and 2022. Of course, there are several reasons contributing to the national housing shortage, but this information is helpful when deciding options when considering Post and Beam vs stick-built cost. Today, we will be discussing the differences between the two styles of homes, including the cost of Post and Beam vs stick built, the pros and cons of both, and expectations for the years to come.
Let’s dive into the costs associated with building Post and Beam homes versus traditional stick-built homes. We’ll explore the different factors that impact the cost of construction for each type of home, including materials, labor, and design considerations, as well as land and lot considerations.
Traditional Stick-Built Cost Considerations
When it comes to building a home, there are many options available. One common approach is the traditional stick-built method, where the home’s framing is constructed with 2×4 or 2×6 framing (sometimes referred to in the industry as “sticks”) lumber. When building a stick-built home, there are several costs to consider, including:
- Materials: The cost of materials is the first major factor that most home buyers think of when considering a stick-built home. Materials include the cost of materials such as lumber, roofing, windows, doors, insulation, drywall, electrical wiring, and other materials needed to construct the home.
- Labor: The cost of labor is another major factor in the cost of building a stick-built home. This includes the cost of hiring contractors, builders, and subcontractors to complete the work. Of course, this can vary depending on the contractors chosen and the level of workmanship and experience put into the home.
- Foundation: The cost of the foundation is next on our list of costs, and this cost is not something to cut corners on when building a stick-built home. Depending on the type of foundation chosen, such as a basement or slab foundation, the cost can vary greatly, but the foundation is, well, the foundation of the home. When building a foundation, it’s important to have it done correctly for a long-lasting home.
- Permits and fees: There are various permits and fees required when building a home, including building permits, zoning permits, and impact fees. These costs can vary depending on the location and size of the home. Additionally, any homes built on a steep grade or on a mountainside will need additional expertise and permits.
Overall, traditionally stick-built homes are costly no matter how you slice the pie. This cost can be compounded when building challenges arise, like foundations, permits, or the rising cost of materials. For this reason, Post and Beam vs stick-built cost is sometimes a hotly debated topic since both sides offer pros and cons to their respective methods.
Post and Beam Cost Considerations
The cost of building a Post and Beam house can be a much more competitive option compared to stick-built homes. Post and Beam homes have been growing in popularity in recent years as the construction process becomes steadily more efficient.
Post and Beam homes feature a framework made of heavy timber posts and beams, with various materials such as logs, stone, or straw bales used to fill in the spaces between them. This classic type of construction creates a unique and rustic look and feel while also offering open space and natural light.
Post and Beam homes are generally more expensive due to the specialized labor required as well as the higher quality of Timbers and Tongue and Groove material needed to build the home. That’s where Logangate Timber Homes is different. Logangate offers a panelized Post & Beam house package. Panelized means the walls are pre-framed and the posts of the “Post & Beam” are pre-built into the wall. The time and cost savings vs. traditional Post & Beam is why our cost of Post and Beam vs stick built will be about the same even though you are getting superior quality and look.
While the cost of building a Post and Beam house is generally more expensive, they are also classic and sturdy. For example, the Fairbanks House, located in Dedham, Massachusetts, was built in 1641! While the Fairbanks House is a timber frame home and not a Post and Beam, these two build styles are very similar and easily comparable.
Another factor to consider when comparing the cost of Post and Beam vs stick built is the use of modern building practices. High-quality builders can save on the overall cost of Post and Beam homes by using a panelized home-building kit process. At Logangate, this means building pieces of the home inside a climate-controlled warehouse and shipping the completed pieces to the site. Building inside of an enclosed warehouse means the lumber and raw home materials are minimally exposed to the elements while the home is being built.
Using this style of building also means getting tighter-fit homes that reduce the draftiness inside of the finished home, which increases the home’s energy efficiency throughout the year. Finally, building inside of an enclosed warehouse means reduced overall wasted materials. Traditional stick-built homes where contractors cut lumber and materials down to size mean a lot of lumber goes to waste. Inside a facility, the lumber can be recycled and used elsewhere.
Build Post and Beam Homes With A Pro
In the Post and Beam vs stick-built cost debate, we recommend going with modern Post and Beam homes that are built to last. Building a Post and Beam home can be a wonderful investment by providing a beautiful and durable home that will stand the test of time. When it comes to choosing the right company to build a Post and Beam home, Logangate Timber Homes stands out as a top choice!
At Logangate, we work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and preferences, and we use only the finest materials and craftsmanship to create a home that is truly one-of-a-kind. Contact Logangate today to build your dream home!
