Disadvantages of a Stick Home

Settling

• Construction crews sometimes employ green lumber when building a stick-built home. As the wood drys and settles, problems can arise. The drying of the wood can result in shrinkage or twisting. The owner of a stick-built house can face decades of problems, including nails popping out of walls and cracks in the sheet rock or wall coverings. The home can take on the appearance or feel of being not level.

Weather

• Exposure to the elements can warp or ruin the wood during construction. Replacement wood and materials drive up the cost of the home. Pinpointing a finish date is difficult or impossible. Building materials need to be covered or moved if rain or snow occurs. Extreme weather will cause construction to stop completely.

Increased Cost

• Stick-built homes require substantial and accurate measuring to ensure all pieces fit together. This process is time consuming and can lead to problems. If wood is cut incorrectly, a new piece must be cut, increasing cost. An excessive amount of waste often occurs. Inappropriate nailing of lumber can result in areas being ripped out and redone. Man hours increase, as does the need for additional building materials.

Additional Problems

• Stick-framed homes can suffer from bug infestations, mildew or mold. These problems can occur years after the home has been built. An accumulation of mold and mildew on wood can cause health issues and be expensive to remedy. Bugs, such as termites, can infest the lumber both before the wood is used or after the home's completion. Bugs cause considerable damage to wood, which may need replacement.