Are Homebuilders Going Too Far? The Shrinking Lot Sizes in Houston Suburbs

Do you think builders are taking things too far with their floor plans? In the video, we recently explored the Anders and Beckley floor plans by David Weekley Homes, and it's hard not to notice the trend towards smaller lot sizes in the Houston suburbs. Are these new builds worth the trade-off in space? Recently we were touring new constructions for a client and thought to ourselves....

Are these homes and lots getting too small now? Check out the video below to see for yourself & take a look at our review below.

The Anders Floor Plan: Compact Living at What Cost?

Starting Price: $353,000
Square Footage: 2,168 

The Anders floor plan is part of David Weekley’s 35 ft product line, the smallest and most affordable option, but at what cost?

Key Features:

• Office Space: Conveniently located at the front, but it feels like an afterthought.
• Open Living Area: The kitchen, breakfast, dining, and living spaces are crammed together. It's functional, but is it really livable?
• Garage Access: Designed in a townhouse style with an alley behind. It’s not exactly the suburban dream.
• Primary Bedroom: Vaulted ceilings add a nice touch, but the room itself feels tight. There's a decent closet and bathroom, but nothing to write home about.
• Secondary Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Upstairs, along with a tiny game room/loft area.

The backyard is minuscule. People move to the suburbs for space, and this just doesn’t cut it.

Pros:

• Affordable entry into a decent neighborhood.
• Efficient use of space if compact living is acceptable.

Cons:

• Almost no outdoor space.
• Compact living areas that may feel claustrophobic.

The Beckley Floor Plan: Is More Space Worth the Extra Cost?

Starting Price: $415,000
Square Footage: 2350 sq. ft.

The Beckley model is a much larger floor plan with significantly more indoor and outdoor space.

Key Features:

• Primary Bedroom Downstairs: Offers more privacy and convenience, a nice change from the Anders.
• Spacious Living Areas: The downstairs is much more open, providing a breath of fresh air.
• Larger Lot Size: Finally, a backyard that doesn't feel like a joke.
• Secondary Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Upstairs, providing a good separation of living spaces.

This model highlights the stark differences between narrow and wide floor plans. The Beckley’s larger lot size is what people expect when moving to the suburbs.

Pros:

• More space to live and breathe.
• It is better suited for families looking for a true suburban home experience.

Cons:

• Higher starting price.
• More space means more to maintain, but isn't that the point of moving to the suburbs?

Conclusion

So, what’s the deal with these shrinking lot sizes? Are builders pushing too far to maximize profits, or are they simply adapting to market demands? The Anders floor plan feels like a cramped city townhouse, not a suburban family home. On the other hand, the Beckley offers the space and comfort one expects, but at a higher price.

If you’re willing to sacrifice space for a lower price, the Anders might be for you. But the Beckley is the clear choice if you’re moving to the suburbs for space and comfort. It ultimately comes down to what you value more: affordability or room to breathe.

There’s no denying that both floor plans have their merits and drawbacks. As homebuyers, it’s crucial to weigh these factors and decide what fits your lifestyle and budget best. For a closer look at these homes and to compare floor plans, check out the detailed video tours. Don’t settle for less when it comes to your home and lifestyle. Demand the space you deserve, or embrace the efficiency of a compact home—it's your choice.