What's the Difference Between a Stick Home and a Masonry Home?

Although there are many building materials that can be used to make a home, two of the most common types of building materials are stick and masonry. These two types of homes are very different from one another. Knowing the differences between stick homes and masonry homes can help you decide which type of High River home is right for you.

Stick Home Characteristics

Stick homes are homes that have been built from wood. They have a wooden frame and wooden siding. Wood is a common material used to build homes because it is relatively inexpensive. Stick homes are built in all parts of the country. Wood is a traditional building material that has been used for hundreds of years.

Pros and Cons

Wood is common primarily because it is inexpensive and readily available. Wood is also easily customizable, as wooden siding must be painted every five or so years in order to be protected from the rain. This means the appearance of the home can be changed every 5 to 7 years when the house is painted.

However, this regular need for maintenance can be a downside, as painting a house can be time- and labor-intensive. Paying to paint your house regularly can be expensive, and if the paint is not applied on a regular basis, the house may deteriorate fairly quickly. Wood is also vulnerable to wood-eating pests. Homeowners must diligently inspect their home for termites and carpenter ants to ensure their home is safe.

Masonry Home Characteristics

Masonry homes have also been around for a long time. Many years ago, homes were routinely made of brick. Today, masonry homes are not usually made from solid brick but are instead made from a wooden frame that is covered by brick or stone veneer.

Pros and Cons

Brick is solid and fire-resistant, which makes it a good material to use in some parts of the country where wildfires are common. Masonry is also easy to maintain, as it never needs to be painted or sealed in order to be maintained.

Occasionally, brick needs to be "tuck pointed," which means the mortar between the bricks needs to be re-applied in order to hold the bricks together. Though tuck pointing does not need to be done often, it can be expensive. Another downside of a masonry house is that the appearance of the house will not change over time, as brick remains the same colour throughout the years.

Which is Right for You?

If you're a home buyer who is trying to decide whether a stick or mortar home is right for you, ask yourself how much maintenance you want to perform and whether it's important for you to be able to customize the appearance of your house. If you can afford to paint your home regularly, and if you want to change the colour of your house on a regular basis, a stick home is right for you. If a low-maintenance home is more important, then a masonry home may be more appropriate.

Work With a Real Estate Professional

If you're a homeowner in search of a masonry or brick home, contact a real estate professional today. Your real estate agent can help you find a home that is right for your budget and personal preferences. Once you've found the home you want to buy, your real estate professional can also help you negotiate a fair price.