Here's a question for all the stick builders out there (cost, houses)

[joee]

what's your opinion on traditional stick built vs. using all metal framing, cost, strength, etc,

[rescue1]

Wood is cheaper now than it was 20 years ago. Metal framing is strong, costs more and is harder to insulate. I think ICF poured wall construction with a SIPS panel roof will be the houses in the near future.

[joee]

Just an idea to toss out there but it wouldn't surprize me that future houses will all be built in a controlled environment/factory such as modular to save on labor cost & lower the entire cost of putting up a shell.

build the assemblies, ship them, then use a crane to assemble it.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by joee

Just an idea to toss out there but it wouldn't surprize me that future houses will all be built in a controlled environment/factory such as modular to save on labor cost & lower the entire cost of putting up a shell.

build the assemblies, ship them, then use a crane to assemble it.

I agree, and modular homes today are a lot more sturdy and energy efficient than they used to be.

One advantage of a metal-framed house is that the exterior walls are strong enough to support the roof, so the interior walls are not load-bearing. That means you can have any floor plan you want, or have no interior walls at all if you want.

[cassy1]

This may sound stupid, but what is the difference between a stick built house and a modular? I mean is one more superior just because it is built on site?

[Muhnay]

Im all for building a house with hay. Have you seen some of the houses built this way?

As a Former timber framer, im all about the wood. but then again I also did some sheet metal work.. but I am still all about wood framing.