I’ve been inside a number of units from each of these subdivisions at varying stages of construction and it never ceases to amaze when people buy into the lines being fed to them by the marketing machines of these builders.
I always cringe a little when I see the word “luxury” or even “good” quality bandied about in reference to ANY of these homes. I’ve seen a lot of properties in my day and I know 2×4 framing, minimal depth foundations, minimal insulation packages and prefabbed interior buildouts when I see them. About 90% of the construction in any of these subdivisions is performed by NES (Non-English Speaking) indivudals of very questionable immigration status. None of these guys have ever set foot inside a union training hall or for that matter, any other training hall. Anyone who thinks of these guys as custom craftsmen or the product they put out as being of high quality must be high themselves.
A little wood molding, tile floors and granite countertops do not make for custom or even good quality construction. We can see that in ever remodeled apartment/condo conversion in San Diego – it doesn’t change the fact that the core of the structures are of average quality at best.
As far as I’m concerned these overgrown tract homes are of no better quality construction than the acres of subdivisions selling in Riverside County for half the price.
The “Carlsbad has great schools” rationale really cracks me up. I’ve lived here for 15 years and sent my kids through their schools. My experience is that there is as much teacher apathy here in Carlsbad as in any other town in the region. As far as I’m concerned, it is the attitudes of the parents and the values taught at home that make for a successful student, not what public school they are enrolled in.
Spend your money how you will, but don’t kid yourself into thinking you’re getting anything other than a tract house on a small lot in a community with fairly mediocre schools. Carlsbad works for me because it’s been convenient for my extended family and my business. Under different circumstances I could be just as happy elsewhere.
