A stick-built home is one constructed entirely or largely on-site; that is, built on the site which it is intended to occupy upon its completion rather than in a factory or similar facility. This term is used to contrast such a dwelling with mobile homes and modular homes that are assembled in a factory and transported to the site entirely or mostly complete are hence are not "stick-built". Homes that are custom-designed or built according to stock plans are considered stick-built so long as they are constructed on-site.
Stick built homes are also those homes which are built using a more traditional method of home building rather than a modular type. The term stick built may be somewhat of a misnomer, simply because they are not sticks being used but wood planks, at least most of the time. The name may lead some to believe the homes are not well constructed or sturdy. This could not be further from the truth. The "sticks" mentioned usually refer specifically to the superstructure of the walls and roof.
Most stick built homes have many of the same things in common. They are usually built with lumber, though it is possible to use metal poles for the construction as well. This is more expensive, more time-consuming and generally harder for the homeowner to deal with once constructed. These homes also have many of the common features associated with most homes, such as shingles and drywall.