Quoted:
So we just had a new home built …
Is it even code to build a house this way?
View Quote
Are you complaining just to complain?
If it was against code to use up all the slots then you couldn’t add breakers laters because it would be… wait for it…. against code to use up all the spots.
But yes, what you describe is common practice these days. It takes less thought/planning and the electricians get to sell more supplies.
My dad renovated his childhood home (an old farm house) around 20 years ago and the wiring is a mess - there is a 40 breaker panel and a 20 breaker sub panel and all are full. The circuits are combined in a thoughtless manner and the only common theme is that they were laid out in the way that requires the most wire. There is a breaker dedicated for under cabinet lights in the kitchen for example - a breaker and separate circuit for about 30w of led lights. After the work was done the breakers weren’t even labeled.
If you need more breakers then consolidate existing circuits, add a sub panel, or use the 2-in-1 breakers.