One thing I really like about Long Island...it seems to be relatively free of McMansions, at least in parts I've seen. (Levittown: real estate)

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by Rachael84

What's the difference between a McMansion and a mansion? I thought McMansion was just a negative word for any kind of mansion.

My definition:

A McMansion is an outrageously oversized house in a planned development of the same, generally on small parcels which further exaggerate the size, or a renovated house on steroids.

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by Chrisk327

Hey those are the nicer of the houses with columns, turrets etc. There are plenty out here that just put a big box and two reverse gables with no transition between stories and no shutters, or detail.

I understand what you're writing, unfortunately a lot of these houses are overdone with details, many of which don't provide continuity of features.

[monkeygorilla]

Originally Posted by OhBeeHave

My definition:

A McMansion is an outrageously oversized house in a planned development of the same, generally on small parcels which further exaggerate the size

That's how I would define it too. But I'd add a few points. While they're designed to look impressive from the outside they are often cheaply built. Also they are a crazy mix of architectural styles...basically, they take the most "impressive" design elements from various architectural styles & put them all into one house. Its all about giving the outward appearance of being a "mini-mansion".

[ClarkStreetKid]

Here's what's in the next neighborhood over, would it be considered a McMansion?


They have 5 left that they haven't been able to unload for the last year. That's not counting the stray foundation or two that went in before they stopped building.

Must see inside! Classic Dumont Home! Warm hardwood floors in this sunny home with transom windows, french doors and arched openings! Balconcy overlook with columns to two-story Family Room with gas fireplace! Gourmet Kitchen with oversized graninte island for entertaining, Kitchen office plus walk-in pantry! Come home to spacious owners suite with sitting room! Incredible luxury bath with Jacuzzi tub, shower with seat, double vanity and LARGE closet with built-in shelves! Third level finished with bathroom! 5 Bedrooms! 4 1/2 Baths! 2/10 Warranty! Main Floor Bedroom and Full Bath, plus spacious walk-in closet!

Type: Single Family Residential for Sale
Floors: Two or More Stories
Parking/Garage: 2
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 4
Half Baths: 2
Square Feet: 3,772
Lot Size: 0.4702
Year Built: 2007
$684,000

[Rachael84]

Yeah, give me some pictures of a so-called "McMansion" LOL I'm still confused. That would be helpful.

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by Rachael84

Yeah, give me some pictures of a so-called "McMansion" LOL I'm still confused. That would be helpful.

First I offer up an essay with photos:
Culture Shock! - Essay: "McMansion: Over a Billion Served"

A blog concerning the McMansion Phenomena in Woodbury. Great pictures! *cough*
The Big Picture | RE Speculation on Long Island

Another article from MSNBC about McMansions with one really good before and after photo. SAD.
‘McMansions’ creep from ’burbs to cities - Real estate - MSNBC.com

Bayside Queens Mcmansion: Notice the tiny lot it is shoe-horned onto.
Bayside Photos: McMansion in Bayside, Queens

Is it the Alamo or is it a home?
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...Mcmansion3.jpg

Florida McMansion: Save money at the early bird special and you, too, can own one!
http://www.homefinders.com/images/Fl...xury%207-l.jpg


Hi! I wanna live in a catering hall/Taj Mahal:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/20/ny...=1&oref=slogin

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by ClarkStreetKid

Here's what's in the next neighborhood over, would it be considered a McMansion?


They have 5 left that they haven't been able to unload for the last year. That's not counting the stray foundation or two that went in before they stopped building.

Must see inside! Classic Dumont Home! Warm hardwood floors in this sunny home with transom windows, french doors and arched openings! Balconcy overlook with columns to two-story Family Room with gas fireplace! Gourmet Kitchen with oversized graninte island for entertaining, Kitchen office plus walk-in pantry! Come home to spacious owners suite with sitting room! Incredible luxury bath with Jacuzzi tub, shower with seat, double vanity and LARGE closet with built-in shelves! Third level finished with bathroom! 5 Bedrooms! 4 1/2 Baths! 2/10 Warranty! Main Floor Bedroom and Full Bath, plus spacious walk-in closet!

Type: Single Family Residential for Sale
Floors: Two or More Stories
Parking/Garage: 2
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 4
Half Baths: 2
Square Feet: 3,772
Lot Size: 0.4702
Year Built: 2007
$684,000

DING DING DING!

We Have A WINNER!

[omigawd]

I remember seeing my first "McMansion" out here about 10 years ago. I thought it was such a pretty house.... then I saw another and another and another.... and realized they were just sprouting these things up like weeds.

A couple of years later, there were local news reports about these houses being built very shoddily, with cracks in the foundations, leaks, bad wiring, mold from the leaks, etc.

Back then was when the rates started going down and housing prices were just starting to go up so the developers were buying up every empty lot, every wooded area, and every old & dilapitated house and either building McMansions or adding on to the dumpy houses and making them into McMansions.

[ClarkStreetKid]

For a developer it really doesn't take much more money to build a McManch than a regular house and they make a lot more money on them.

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by ClarkStreetKid

For a developer it really doesn't take much more money to build a McManch than a regular house and they make a lot more money on them.

There's increased cost for foundation, framing, sheathing, roofing, siding, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, insulation, drywall & mud, windows, doors, flooring, exterior trim, interior trim, etc. If the McMansion is 1,000 sq ft larger than it's non McMansion counterpart, that's easily (NY pricing) $200K (or more) than the non Mc.

I don't know about you, but to me, that is much more money

If the developer is unscrupulous and cuts corners (as well as using illegal laborers) he can shave a few bucks off the cost. Then the question is: why pay $$ for a shoddy home?