Why Owner-Builders Prefer Prefabricated Kit Homes (And Why Some Builders Don’t)
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Mark Hayward: What’s the cost savings generally doing stick build yourself?
Antonie Marian: Stick build is cheaper. It’s more work on-site. The difference is if you’ve got good access and speed.
Antonie Marian: Prefabricated wall frames turn up. If it’s a mass-built house that never changes and has good site access, it’s a fairly simple construction. It’s a trade-off between cost and speed.
Antonie Marian: Some builders still choose to stick build on-site because it’s far cheaper.
Antonie Marian: The advantage of prefab walls really came when there’s a shortage of trades on-site, especially in the middle of winter – you try to avoid all of that.
Antonie Marian: For owner-builders, the components are put together. All you need to do is join the pieces. From there, 90% of the work is done.
Jackson Yin: Prefabricated wall frames appeal more to owner-builders who aren’t experienced. They probably worry about the cost of making mistakes with stick build.
Antonie Marian: Yeah.
Jackson Yin: More likely than not, you’re going to make mistakes. With prefabricated kits, someone else – like iBuild – takes care of that part for the client.
When building a kit home, you’ll often face a choice between prefabricated wall frames and stick-built construction. For owner-builders, the decision is usually simple: prefabricated kits make the process faster, easier, and less risky. However, for experienced builders, stick building may still offer advantages in cost and control.
Prefabricated Wall Frames a Better Fit for Owner-Builders
Prefabricated kits from iBuild arrive with wall frames and trusses already made to measure. For owner-builders, the process is straightforward – the components are pre-manufactured and simply need to be joined together on-site.
This approach is particularly well-suited to less experienced builders, as it significantly reduces the likelihood of errors during framing. Inexperienced builders may otherwise make costly mistakes. Prefabrication enables iBuild to handle the complex structural components, providing clients with greater peace of mind and reducing the risk of rework.
For more details, check out our guide on what’s prefabricated and what’s not in timber and steel frame kits.
Why Stick Building Still Works for Some Builders
Despite the benefits of prefabricated kits, stick building – where wall frames are assembled on-site using loose, pre-cut timber – remains a preferred method for some professional builders. It can be more cost-effective for those with the skills and labour to manage the process efficiently; however, it also requires more time, coordination, and on-site effort.
Why Prefabricated Kits Are Ideal for Owner-Builders
Prefabricated kits make the building process more accessible and accurate. For owner-builders, this means a lower learning curve, fewer errors, and a more streamlined experience. With much of the framing completed at the factory, owner-builders benefit from reduced complexity and a higher-quality outcome.
Although prefabrication doesn’t always guarantee a faster build – due to potential wait times for factory delivery – it becomes especially valuable during trade shortages or adverse weather. Prefabricated wall frames reduce dependence on on-site labour and help your project progress more smoothly under challenging conditions.
Flexible Framing Options with iBuild
At iBuild, we understand that every building project is different. That’s why we offer both fully prefabricated wall frames and a stick-based prefab option to suit varying needs.
While our fully prefabricated kits simplify on-site assembly, our stick-based prefab system offers greater control and flexibility – particularly useful when site access is limited or layout modifications are anticipated. This option supplies pre-cut components that can be assembled on-site, without starting from raw materials.