So, you want to buy a new-construction house, but you’re unclear about the difference between a tract home and a custom home.
Don’t worry! These types of housing are often discussed in the same context, so you aren’t alone in being confused about how they differ.
In this blog post, we’ll take a quick look at tract homes vs. custom homes, and hopefully you’ll get a clearer picture of which one is right for you.
Tract Homes
Have you ever seen a subdivision or housing development where all the homes looked strikingly similar? (Think Stepford Wives.)Those are tract homes. They’re called that because they’re all built on one tract (area) of land by the same construction company.
In general, tract housing developments are designed and built for economies of scale, meaning they’re constructed in nearly identical fashion to save time and money. This is why most tract builders offer a limited number of pre-designed floor plans and features to choose from.
However, the fact that tract homes are built with economy in mind can be a downside. Often, to ensure a fast turnaround and modest price, the construction company will use cheaper materials and build on smaller lots. For buyers who aren’t restricted by budget, these economical features can turn into deal breakers.
Custom Homes
Custom homes, by contrast, are, well, custom. Unlike with a tract home, you can uniquely design your custom home from the ground up. Plus, you get to choose your own lot!
In other words, with a custom build, every aspect of your home exterior, layout, flooring, and interior design can be tailored to your own personal tastes. So, if your heart is set on a home with natural hardwood floors, granite countertops, and lavish lighting—situated on a sprawling, private lawn—then a custom home is what you want.
Fortunately, at John Falvella Construction Services, that’s our specialty! We design and build custom homes for folks in the lower Hudson Valley all the way to Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island. With our savvy in-house architect and experienced general contractor, your dream home is only a phone call away.
Get started today!