What is a Cookie Cutter House?

A Cooking Cutter House is built in a cookie-cutter neighbourhood. In cookie-cutter neighbourhoods, every one of the houses looks the same. They have similar structures and are made from the same materials. Even the landscape of such neighbourhoods appears to be the same, with the same lawn and backyard and equally spaced houses. 

If you have been to a neighbourhood where all the houses look the same you know what I'm talking about. These houses are popular in the US, especially in suburbia. Let's take a look at the history of these types of houses.

Origin of Cookie Cutter House 

Where did a cooking cutter house start from? Well, these neighbourhoods first started in the 60s. After World War 2, there were millions of displaced residents who were in need of homes. These people had found jobs but their incomes did not meet the cost of the real estate market. Purchasing homes was an expensive feat that was difficult with meagre income. 

To tackle this issue, Levit and Sons started building houses on track. Since these houses were similar to one another, their rental cost was low. After two days, more than half of the houses were already booked. After that, more and more cookie-cutter neighbourhoods were created as there was a sudden increased demand for them.

Pros of a Cookie Cutter House 

One can understand why a cookie cutter house was popular in the 60s but why do they still exist today? Let's take a look at some of the pros of cookie-cutter residential homes.

• They are affordable as compared to the rest of the available houses 

• Many homeowners like the suburban feeling of living in the US 

• These houses are cheaper and faster to build

• One does not have to spend too much time making decision

• Buyers know what to expect. They are familiar with the layout and exterior designs

• These houses are low-maintenance  

Cons of a Cookie Cutter House

While there are many benefits of a cookie-cutter house, there are also some disadvantages

• All the houses look the same. Some people prefer unique layouts and designs

• These houses offer limited customization. One cannot have everything they want 

• Buyer cannot have a custom layout but will need to adjust the living space provided 

• After renting a home, if the residents want to make changes in the design there are limitations as to how much one can change

Is it a Good Real Estate Investment?

Are cooking-cutter neighbourhoods worth the investment? If you are in the real estate industry you may be wondering if cooking cutter homes are still a thing nowadays. 

The answer is yes! Cookie-cutter houses are still in demand today, mainly due to their affordability. Many people prioritise low cost over customizations. This is because the economy is not very stable. With the rising inflation, a cookie-cutter house is still in demand to this day. In fact, several neighbourhoods in the US have these types of houses.

The key to building a successful cooking-cutter neighbourhood is to control the cost while maintaining the quality of the homes. 

How to Manage Expenses of Constructing Cookie Houses?

The best way to construct an affordable housing system is to create a budget.  Residential Estimating Services are experienced firms that can give you an accurate financial plan for your project. They calculate all the direct(material, labour, equipment) and indirect expenses(permits, utilities, office supplies, marketing, administrative expenses) related to the project. A cost estimator utilizes advanced software to provide efficient estimates.

One of the best Construction Estimating Services providers in the US is Bidding Estimate. They use various software such as Planswift, On Screen Takeoff, STACK, Quest Estimating etc to come up with a precise budget. They provide zip code-based pricing by using real-time pricing guides.

Many real estate agents and contractors are now relying on cost estimators to streamline their construction projects. It increases probability while ensuring quality control. Some people also prefer to calculate costs themselves but it can be an extremely tiring and frustrating process. So most people find it easier to find a reliable cost estimating company.

Conclusion 

The concept of a Cookie Cutter House came into being because it was the demand of that time. It stayed due to its affordability and practicality. While some people prefer unique designs, many people are still opting for these types of housing systems. There are many benefits of constructing or owning a cooking house. If you are considering a cookie-cutter residential home, then don't be worried! Such a housing system never goes out of date. Some construction experts even say that the demands for cookie-cutter neighbourhoods will only increase!