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Comment by clock_tower | Hacker News Reader

Is it possible to buy good craftsmanship these days? I'm asking this in all earnest, not to make a rhetorical point; does anyone know of businesses in the US today that can build a house that will endure like a 1920s Craftsman?

If so, who are they, and where do they operate -- what businesses should I contact?

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Absolutely. The key is in the general contractor (GC). One accustomed to doing better work will know the right subcontractors (subs). For instance, those that specialize in restoration, remodeling, and repair in historical districts.

Thank you!

> a house that will endure like a 1920s Craftsman

I haven't looked into how home age and how many of these are left, but could this be survivorship bias in the 1920's home left?

The issue is that craftmanship means time & experience (experience like tens of years). Think compagnons. This is fading away since the end of WWII, and especially since all manufacturing was moved to Asia. There are still a few artisans standing, but it's expensive work and they are hard to find.

Check This Old House (both the magazine and the PBS episodes). It's a pretty good starting point.

Thanks -- I'll look into this.

I have a 1928 craftsman bungalow. Not especially good quality. The architectural style has experienced a revival of sorts now. The build quality of 1920s bungalows varied a lot, just like it does for houses now.

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