Applying The Wal-Mart Model To Housing

D.R. Horton Inc. is the nation's largest home builder, and has achieved success by emulating Wal-Mart's efficiency techniques.

1 minute read

December 6, 2004, 11:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"By adapting the discount retailer's concept of low overhead to housing, Arlington, Texas-based D.R. Horton has taken on small and medium-sized builders that can't match its economies of scale. What's more, the company has stayed more nimble than its rivals because its operations are decentralized.

...In large measure, D.R. Horton grew very big very fast because of its aggressive push into California, where it focuses on entry-level and "first-time move-up" homes priced at less than $600,000. About 40% of D.R. Horton's $975.1 million in annual profit comes from the Golden State."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Building From a Giant's Blueprint

Sunday, December 5, 2004 in The Los Angeles Times

Housing California

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.