A Redditor has been left stunned after a house-building project in their community replaced a charming home with a monstrous mansion.
Before-and-after pictures were submitted to the r/McMansion forum, which showcases "large, cheaply built, suburban homes with design flaws and a lack of architectural integrity."


The original poster had shared the image on the forum previously without the "before" picture, and they noted that the "after" construction "looks like a bank."
Indeed, the "before" house had tons of charm — a classic American suburban house surrounded by bushes, shrubs, and trees. The replacement looks soulless, more like an office block than a place to live. Not only that, but all that lush greenery was removed to make space for the excessive new floor plan.
The new building is an affront for a number of reasons. First, those plants would have helped improve the air quality of the local area by absorbing harmful pollutants, and they also would have kept local temperatures down by trapping heat — which concrete, brick, and stone don't do.
Those shrubs would have also encouraged the presence of beneficial insects, small mammals, and pollinators, which are all vital for healthy biodiversity.
Can't afford solar panels? Here's how to get them without paying for purchase or installation![]() Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach program gives you all the benefits of solar power without the upfront costs. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it easier than ever to lock in energy savings. Palmetto assumes all risk and responsibility for the panels you lease, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and learn how much you can save. Learn more → |
What's more, the previous house didn't have anything obviously wrong with it. Leveling it for a huge new property is a massive waste of resources, and the construction process would have burned plenty of dirty fuels. It's also impossible to imagine anyone needing quite as much living space as the new house offers.
In fact, "tiny house" living is becoming increasingly desirable, with folks looking to reduce their consumption of wasteful products and keep only what they need — which living in a small space encourages.
Redditors were equally appalled by the new construction.
🗣️ Do you think America is in a housing crisis?
🔘 Definitely 🙁
🔘 Not sure 🤷🏽♂️
🔘 No way 🏘️
🔘 Only in some cities 🏙️
🗳️ Click your choice to see results and speak your mind
"That should be a felony," one user said.
TCD Picks » REI Spotlight
💡 REI's Re/Supply program makes it easy for REI Co-op members to shop and trade in high-quality used gear and apparel for massive discounts
"Why, why, why would someone do that?!" another added. "That house was adorable."
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.