Detached Homes: Lot Width vs. Usable Layout
Updated
A wider lot doesn't automatically mean a better home. This guide shows how to weigh frontage against how the floor plan actually works.
Frontage and depth
Frontage sets how wide the house and garage can be; depth sets the yard. Two lots with the same frontage can have very different yards.
A verified example
Lormel's Balmoral Estates publishes 41' models of 3,530 and 4,355 sq. ft. and 47' models from 4,056 to 4,370 sq. ft. Notice that the largest 41' plan is bigger than the smallest 47' plan — frontage and size don't move in lockstep.
Reading the plan
Look at the main-floor flow, where the stairs land, bedroom count on the upper floor, and whether the basement has windows or a separate entrance. Elevation changes can shift square footage.
Balmoral Estates published models
| Model | Lot | Sq. ft. |
|---|---|---|
| The Crown | 41' | 3,530 |
| The Edinburgh | 41' | 4,355 |
| The Highlands | 47' | 4,056 |
| The Manor | 47' | 4,145 |
| The Cambridge | 47' | 4,280 |
| The Glencairn | 47' | 4,335 |
| The Chateau | 47' | 4,370 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is a 47' lot always a bigger house?
- No. In Balmoral's published plans, a 41' model (4,355 sq. ft.) is larger than a 47' model (4,056 sq. ft.).
- Does square footage include the basement?
- Usually not. Confirm how the builder measures it.