Tract House: Standardized Dwelling in Development

Tract houses, often found in suburban developments, are dwellings with similar style and floor plan to others in the same area. Frequently constructed by volume builders, these homes offer uniformity and affordability. They stand in contrast to homes built by custom builders, who provide unique designs tailored to individual preferences.

A tract house is a type of residential housing unit that refers to a dwelling with a similar style and floor plan to those of all other houses in a development. These homes are typically constructed en masse by volume builders using repetitive designs, which enables cost savings and standardization.

Characteristics of Tract Houses

Standard Design and Layout

Tract houses are known for their standardized design and layout. This homogeneity in construction allows for quicker building processes and often comes with the following features:

• Identical Exteriors: The outer appearance of tract houses within a development is usually very similar, with minor variations.
• Uniform Floor Plans: The internal layouts are standardized, offering the same structure, room dimensions, and placements.
• Cost Efficiency: Mass production techniques lower the costs per unit, passing savings onto homebuyers.

Common Features

Tract houses share many common features due to their standardized production:

• Basic Amenities: These homes include essential amenities and facilities but may lack upscale or unique architectural details.
• Suburban Locations: Frequently found in suburban settings, providing a uniform look to residential neighborhoods.
• Community Planning: Developments often include shared public spaces such as parks, playgrounds, and community centers to foster a sense of community.

Historical Context

Tract housing became particularly popular in the United States following World War II. During the post-war boom, there was a massive demand for affordable housing to accommodate returning soldiers and their families. This period saw the birth of iconic suburbs such as Levittown in New York, a famous example of mass-produced housing developments.

Comparison with Custom Builders

Tract House vs. Custom-built House

While tract houses are uniform and part of larger developments, custom-built houses are unique, designed to meet the specific tastes and needs of the individual homeowner. Key differences include:

• Design Flexibility: Custom-built homes offer extensive flexibility in design, layout, materials, and finish.
• Construction Time: Custom homes typically take longer to build due to their unique requirements and detailed craftsmanship.
• Cost: Custom houses tend to be more expensive due to bespoke materials, design, and individualized labor.

Applicability in Modern Real Estate

Tract housing developments continue to be relevant in modern real estate for a variety of reasons:

• Affordability: They offer first-time homebuyers an affordable entry into homeownership.
• Efficiency: Economies of scale allow for faster construction and lower costs.
• Planned Communities: They contribute to the creation of planned residential communities with shared amenities and cohesive design aesthetics.

Related Terms

• Volume Builder: A volume builder is a construction company that specializes in the mass production of housing units, often using standardized designs and layouts across projects to achieve economies of scale.
• Suburban Development: Suburban development refers to the expansion and building of residential communities on the outskirts of urban areas, typically characterized by lower density and larger home lots compared to urban centers.
• Community Association: A community association is an organization that manages and maintains common areas and facilities in residential developments, and enforces community standards and regulations.

FAQs

What is the main advantage of a tract house?

The primary advantage of a tract house is affordability and the ability to provide uniform, efficient housing solutions to a large number of people quickly.

Are tract houses customizable?

Tract houses generally offer limited customization options compared to custom-built homes. Buyers may select from a few predefined finishes or minor layout adjustments within the constraints of the standardized design.

Why do builders prefer tract houses?

Builders prefer tract houses for their cost efficiency, ease of construction, and predictability in the building process, which streamline operations and reduce overall risk.

References

1. Hayden, Dolores. “Building Suburbia: Green Fields and Urban Growth.” Pantheon Books, 2003.
2. “Levittown: The Archetype for Suburban Development.” National Building Museum.
3. “Volume Builders and Their Impact on Real Estate.” Journal of Housing Economics.

Summary

Tract houses represent a significant segment of the residential housing market, characterized by their standardized designs and alignments within planned developments. They offer benefits of affordability, efficiency in construction, and a sense of community through shared amenities. While they contrast sharply with custom-built homes in terms of design flexibility and uniqueness, their role in providing accessible housing solutions remains vital, particularly in suburban real estate landscapes.