Nearly Half of Americans Would Buy a 3D-Printed Home—Here’s the Catch

Nearly half of Americans are open to buying a 3D-printed home—and, at least 49% would consider one that fits their location and budget, according to a recent survey by LendingTree.More than one-third (36%) also think these types of homes would make homeownership more affordable within the next 10 years.“3D-printed homes are the future, and the future is here,” explains Lance Thrailkill, co-founder at PRINT3D Technologies in Allen, TX.While a 3D-printed home might sound fascinating, it may not be the right fit for everyone. That’s why it’s a good idea to educate yourself on how it compares to a traditional home and weigh its potential benefits and drawbacks.What is a 3D-printed home?Put simply, a 3D-printed home is a property with walls that are created by a 3D printer. In traditional construction, workers would frame the house, install sheeting and drywall, finish the drywall with a smooth or textured surface, and add an exterior finish which is typically masonry.With a 3D-printed home, however, a 3D printer squeezes out specialized concrete layer by layer. It shapes durable walls quickly—usually in a matter of weeks—directly from a digital blueprint.It’s important to note that a 3...