Large Tract Homes

Large Tract Homes (LTH) can also be referred to as cookie-cutter homes or McMansions. LTH typically make up an entire subdivision and have only a handful of variations in design and layout between them. These single-family homes are typically greater than 2,000 sq. ft. and are built after 1990. LTH are production-built homes that are large in size similar to High Value Homes but have features and finishes similar to Main Street Homes. It’s because of sheer size and design that a LTH can often be mistaken as a High Value Home. Differences between a High Value Home and a LTH are:

  • The High Value Home will have an attached garage or carriage type garage while the LTH is built in, having living space above the cars.
  • The High Value Home has large custom windows generally on all sides of the building. The LTH has fewer windows and are primarily only located in the front and back of the home.
  • The roof of a High Value Home is often complicated and unique with many ridges and angles. The LTH is more common and is repeated by many homes in the same area.
  • High Value Homes are generally all brick or native stone or uses a combination of the two. LTH incorporates these materials but primarily uses fiber cement, stucco or other less expensive building materials on the sides and back of the home.
  • Both homes may have a large grand entry with a tile floor. However, the tile work in the High Value Home will generally be more intricate in its pattern or have no seems and grout showing at all. The LTH will have a nice quality tile but general place in a common efficient pattern requiring very little waste.
  • In general, the LTH finishes will be the same as other Main Street Homes that are only 2,100 to 2,600 sq. ft. High Value Homes use higher-end materials that often require a higher level of craftsmanship and productivity rate to install or construct.
  • Because High Value Homes have more specialized finishes and building requirements the productivity rates and waste associated with similar functions will cost more in a High Value Home compared to a LTH.
  • Contingencies, architect work, engineering fees, subcontractor markups are all more predictable and less expensive in a LTH compared to a High Value Home.