[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by MightyDog

Let's start with this reality, which I think a lot of people don't consider or realize. A developer is producing a product to SELL. Period. Same as a manufacturer of jeans, cookies, tires, etc.

A relevant difference is that the maker of the last 3 products mentioned would really prefer you to be a lifelong customer so, they likely won't cut corners too sharply. A housing developer (not speaking about TV with this comment b/c it's a bit different than general housing) will very possibly only make one sale to an individual/couple, ever. So, their motivation for great quality is not as high. Especially if their buyer demographic is economically moderate or lower - they don't expect superior quality.

So, the bottom line is: the developers primary concern is SELLING the product, secondary concern is having it be good enough to withstand the warranty period without costing too much along with it not being so junky that negative reviews get around the community and make it tougher to sell new developments.

All of that lines-up with using the most inexpensive products that will still have a reasonable lifespan and getting the houses built as fast as possible (time is money) but, that sometimes means the build-quality is not the best because of haste or using lesser experienced subcontractors.

When I lived in Western NC, I had a 1963, 4-sides brick, raised ranch. The drive-under garage along with the large, daylight basement area was unfinished. When I had a contractor and framers there to do some finishing they marveled at how well-built the house was because they could see the raw undersides, foundation, etc. One of them said, "This era was when tradesmen still had pride of workmanship." I asked him, "What era doesn't evidence that?" He whipped his head around and replied, "New builds." Then he ranted for a minute about a fairly fancy newer development in town. He said, "the designs and details all look nice but, materials and workmanship are junk."

In today's economy, fewer than 1% would be able to afford a home of the quality to which you refer. Instead if $400k, the cost would exceed $2m.