Methods of New Home Construction

Not all new homes are built the same way. Here’s what to know before you break ground.

Most Popular New Home Building Techniques

Stick-built homes dominate the U.S. market – over 90% of new homes use this method.

• Stick framing (or platform framing) uses stick-by-stick assembly of the skeleton of the home including wall studs, floor and ceiling joists, and roof trusses or rafters.

• Panelized framing uses factory-built wall panels trucked to the site – same materials, just pre-assembled in a controlled environment.

• Modular homes are built in sections in a factory, transported to your lot, and assembled there.

• Light-gauge steel, Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), thick foam panels sandwiched between OSB board, and Concrete systems are gaining popularity in specific regions or for performance builds.

Stick-Built vs. Prefabricated Homes

Pros and Cons

Concrete Construction Methods

Used more in hurricane zones or for ultra-durable homes. Variants include:

• CMU (Concrete Masonry Units):

  Common in the South; slower heat transfer keeps homes cooler.

• AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete):

  Lightweight blocks with built-in insulation; costs more.

• ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms):

  Foam blocks filled with concrete—high insulation (R-20+), excellent storm resistance, quiet interiors.

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost, heavier walls

• Still usually combined with wood roof systems

Cost Comparison of Construction Methods

Note: Regional costs, materials, and labor availability can swing pricing significantly.

Environmental Impact

• Best: SIPs and ICFs – tight envelopes mean lower energy usage long-term

• Good: Modular – less waste, factory efficiency

• Moderate: Stick-built – more on-site waste, but recyclable lumber

• Watch for: Steel – high embodied energy unless offset by performance gains

Best for Energy Efficiency

• Top choices: SIPs, ICFs, high-quality modular builds

• Why: These methods create tight, well-insulated homes that need less heating/cooling

• Pro tip: A tight envelope matters more than the structure alone. Pair any method with quality insulation, windows, and mechanical systems.

Common Problems by Method

• Stick-built: Warping lumber, poor air sealing

• Modular: Inconsistent quality, shipping damage

• Steel: Complicated insulation, harder wiring/plumbing

• SIPs: Limited flexibility for changes, requires precision

• Concrete: Slower builds, higher initial costs

Concrete vs. Wood Frame

• Wood: Flexible, familiar, lower cost

• Concrete: Stronger, more durable, better thermal mass

Verdict: Concrete offers long-term durability and storm resistance, but wood still leads for cost and availability.

How Long Does It Take?

Weather delays are less likely with prefab methods.

Next step: Talk to your builder about which methods they’ve mastered and what fits your priorities best.