Model home told to lose weight
NATIONWIDE—You see them in the ads in glossy magazines, on billboards, even beckoning from the side of the road: the model homes. They call to you with their sleek exteriors, impressive curb appeal and fancy upgrades.
But there is a distressing reality underneath their alluring, neutral-toned siding: more and more model homes are being told to lose weight to fit a dangerous norm.
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"It used to be that strong was beautiful," explains Forest Glen, a retired model home from the 1980s. "People wanted durability. But it's a lot harder with these new builds. Thin is in."
Buyers expect a lot from model homes, but are industry standards the root cause of this concerning trend? We caught up with foreman Trevor Halpern on a residential construction site to get his take.
I'm not fat. I'm big-beamed.- Tori, model home
"We've got less money and fewer materials… so yeah, we like 'em skinny. With a big juicy backyard, though," he says, licking his lips. "Plus a good set of windows," he adds. "Some real honkers."
Talking to current model home Tori from Sweetdale Townhomes, it's clear that these expectations take an enormous toll.
"I'm not fat. I'm big-beamed," she explains. "But developers told me I had to trim down. I mean, this neighbouring model's only 15 feet across and she's still got a kitchen, sauna, bedroom and dining nook. Sure, she's got no vapour barrier, but they don't care what's in the attic."
Architect and activist Cindy Woo worries about the long-term implications. "You can only lose so much before it gets serious… What's next? Watering down concrete? Skimping on load-bearing walls? Not offering marble fixtures?!?!"
And this drive to be ever thinner isn't just affecting model homes.
"Have you seen all those news stories about the glass falling from condo buildings?" Tori whispers conspiratorially. "They're all just trying to shed a few pounds."
Meanwhile, incidents like the Water's Edge model home toppling over in a strong breeze continue to make headlines.
"Yeah, I knew her," Tori sighs. "Sure, it's sad that she's gone… but at least she got to be a YouTube star."
Asked about these concerns, Halpern is defensive. "Hey, we're just giving people what they want," he says, leaning against the side of the two-storey home his crew has just completed. "You get what you pay for, right? And besides, people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."
There is a rattling sound from above, and Halpern jumps back as a hail of objects clatters down around him: several pieces of wood, some roof tiles and a collection of metal brackets.
"Don't worry about it," he says, adjusting his hard hat. "Happens all the time."
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