Why are American homes so big? (2019)

Discussed at the time:

Why Are American Houses So Big? - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20990409 - Sept 2019 (73 comments)

Why are American homes so big? - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20972741 - Sept 2019 (1 comment)

Why Are American Houses So Big? - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20955341 - Sept 2019 (5 comments)

I live in a tiny house on wheels with my significant other and our daughter. 200 square-foot footprint + two lofts. With clever furniture and a minimalist bent, it's totally adequate. ...Although a tiny space gets claustrophobic quick if there's squabbling.

Because big is cheaper than good.