Sigh.. the outdated, devalued McMansion

[JaneV2.0]

I don't have anything against large houses in general--many of them, especially the old ones were handsome, lovingly crafted, and stand the test of time. My grandparents' house was like that; it housed a family of seven plus live-in help, so they really needed the space. It's the "Mc" part of McMansions that indicates cheaply made, poorly designed, and destined to be torn down before its time, I think.

[ToomuchStuff]

It's the "Mc" part of McMansions that indicates cheaply made, poorly designed, and destined to be torn down before its time, I think.

I always took the Mc part, to mean something like going into an existing area, tearing down current, slamming up the maximum size possible to the neighbors, using quick and proven building methods. (aren't necessarily cheap, but typical commercial construction)

[JaneV2.0]

I always took the Mc part, to mean something like going into an existing area, tearing down current, slamming up the maximum size possible to the neighbors, using quick and proven building methods. (aren't necessarily cheap, but typical commercial construction)

Portland is being overrun with these cheesy infill houses these days, and it isn't sitting well.

[pinkytoe]

We have so called McMansion rules in Austin but I can't tell that they have helped much with infill size. Most are still 4 bed, 3 bath or larger and fill up a good chunk of a lot. I call them metro boxes as they look like shoe boxes turned upwards. No light, shadow or character as so many older homes have. Also a lot of faux Tuscan houses out in fields and far away from everything. I concur that we all get to decide what we are attracted to but The simple side of me doesn't get overly large due to related expenses.

[ctg492]

I wonder how the average person felt back in the day when the large Victorian Homes were being built in the cities? I bet they felt they were over top too for the era. Every city USA has areas of town where these huge homes were built. Detroit is the saddest when looking at the old mansions. Talk about devalue.

[iris lilies]

I wonder how the average person felt back in the day when the large Victorian Homes were being built in the cities? I bet they felt they were over top too for the era. Every city USA has areas of town where these huge homes were built. Detroit is the saddest when looking at the old mansions. Talk about devalue.

Yep, that is true. I live in a neighborhood where the merchant class lived and built houses 150 years ago, and the houses are, for the most part, 2800 sq ft and up. But my own house was built as a rental,with upstairs and downstairs units. They were quite modest.

There has always been a 1%.

[Tybee]

ctg492, that's a great question. I guess for the answer, watch The Magnificent Ambersons and watch how the Greek chorus of the townspeople watches and waits for Georgie Amberson "to get his comeuppance."

[jp1]

Yep, that is true. I live in a neighborhood where the merchant class lived and built houses 150 years ago, and the houses are, for the most part, 2800 sq ft and up. But my own house was built as a rental,with upstairs and downstairs units. They were quite modest.

There has always been a 1%.

If you can't afford furniture for your McMansion you're not the 1%. You 're a poser.

[lhamo]

Portland is being overrun with these cheesy infill houses these days, and it isn't sitting well.

Seattle, too. I actually like a lot of modern designs, if they are done well. But many are not. And the people who build houses in the PNW with flat roof decks? Asking for trouble.