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Comment by alkonaut | Hacker News Reader

Who builds these things and why is BOTH the architecture and workmanship so shoddy? Who opted for this instead of making a well-architected and well built home 2/3rds the size (All you save in fake columns and moldings probably gets you some area back).

Where I live, a new home is always built by the first owner. That is, the first owner together with the architect creates the home including every plan, every material. Is that what happened here, or is it some sort of "developer" that has tried to make a disneyland looking thing to match what they already sold a buyer with sketches in a catalog?

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So I think there are a few issues. First off, this sort of approach _is_ cheaper than using an architect. So if for some reason you really want a 6000sqft house this is absolutely the budget option (of course, you then end up with massive rooms that make little sense; also a lot of examples of those on the site).

But also, some people just want what they want, no matter how absurd it might look to, well, basically everyone.

> Is that what happened here, or is it some sort of "developer" that has tried to make a disneyland looking thing to match what they already sold a buyer with sketches in a catalog?

No architect was involved in most of these.

But an architect is a way of saving money not the other way around. It’s (by comparison to the overall cost) not very expensive, and it can save costs by avoiding costly design mistakes. Also, after architecting a few homes and interiors they are already paid for, the developer can build any number of homes to amortize the costs.

In the US, new single-family homes are typically built by a real estate developer according to a common design. The first buyers are usually allowed some limited input on the design (choice of colors and decorative materials, size of garage, perhaps an optional additional bedroom or bathroom) but the core architectural design is chosen by the developer and cannot be changed.

Usually because a buyer isn’t lined up until the house is half completed. You could always get a builder to do a custom home, but most developers start their projects before the houses are sold, and most buyers are afraid to buy a house that hasn’t been started at all (unless asking for a custom job).

My understanding (from reading this blog) is that the companies that build these homes don't have architects, or don't prioritize their work. They're building large houses for customers who prioritize having more house for less money and don't care/can't identify quality work or materials.

> Who builds these things and why is BOTH the architecture and workmanship so shoddy?

They are the direct result of having more money than taste. If they like it, who am I to criticize?

Wait if criticizing rich people bad taste is off limits why even have an internet?

Became your neighbors are all going to have these monstrosities, and your tasteful, well-built smaller house will mark you as the weird one and be hard to sell.

Actually, Disney built Celebration, FL. It generally looks better than McMansions, IMHO.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celebration,_Florida

https://www.zillow.com/celebration-kissimmee-fl/

People want what they want. Even if what they want is shit.

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