What Are Tract Houses in Construction?
What Are Tract Houses in Construction?
Tract housing is a type of residential subdivision where multiple identical or nearly identical houses are built on a tract of land that has been subdivided into smaller lots.
This idea of mass-produced housing originated with the “Levittown” concept and can involve large areas of dozens of square miles. Tract houses offer uniformity in design, cost efficiency in construction, and greater affordability for potential buyers.
They are most commonly found in suburbs but can also be seen in other residential developments. In general, they provide a convenient way to acquire a home without customization or added risk.
When Did Tract Homes Start?
Tract homes began to become increasingly popular after the onset of The Great Depression in the late 1920s, as people began seeking cheaper housing options.
Desperate families had been left homeless and destitute after the crash of 1929, and there was a need for a mass-produced, inexpensive home option.
Thus, tract homes – houses built in groups or clusters on land owned by developers – started to proliferate. By the 1940s, these trends had become commonplace across America.
Tract homes usually consist of several similar ones built in a grid pattern with an access road running through them; they have often been considered an efficient use of space and resources.
Today, tract housing remains an attractive option for those looking for affordable housing solutions; despite its past associations with poverty, it is now seen as an affordable and convenient way to own a house.
Why Are They Called Tract Homes?
Tract homes are so named because they are typically built on a tract of land that has been subdivided into smaller lots.
This type of housing development is much more inexpensive than a custom build, as all the houses in the tract are normally similar and built en masse.
They often come with amenities like parks, shops, and schools, which make them an attractive option for families looking for affordable, quality housing.
In addition, they create more efficient use of resources since the same amount of land can have multiple dwellings rather than just one single home.
What Are Tract House Advantages?
Tract homes offer many advantages over custom homes, the most noteworthy being their comparatively lower price point. This is due to the fact that builders can purchase materials in bulk and pass on any savings to homeowners.
Additionally, tract homes usually have more factory-made components than custom homes, which reduces the amount of time needed for construction as well as labor costs incurred by builders.
Lastly, tract homes are often standardized designs, meaning they come with warranties from builders upon purchase. Altogether, these benefits make tract houses an affordable option for those who want to own a home without having to incur large upfront costs or wait a long period of time for a custom build.
What Are Tract House Disadvantages?
Tract houses have a number of disadvantages including a lack of individuality, limited customization options, and decreased resale value.
- One of the biggest drawbacks to tract homes is that they are usually mass-produced and therefore lack any individual character or charm which can make them appear less attractive than more unique homes.
- Additionally, there is often limited customization allowed for these types of homes, meaning homeowners must make do with what is already provided.
- Lastly, the resale worth is one of the biggest disadvantages, as there is a lot of competition when buying a tract home and cost, is usually what makes one more appealing than another identical house down the street.