> Are houses in the US still built with 2x4's and drywall? You'd think they would move to what we have here in the Netherlands, mostly sturdy concrete blocks
Do you mind explaining why you feel this way? There are definitely benefits to reinforced concrete such as durability and resistance to certain natural elements, but as far as I can tell modern fire-treated wood construction tends to be nearly as safe in fires or superior in earthquakes, has better insulation, and is more ecological during the construction process. Overall, I would prefer reinforced concrete, but it’s more for the “qualitative advantages” as it feels more reassuring to the touch.
Speaking of electrification, one complaint I have of most construction in at least continental Europe is the consistent dearth of electrical outlets in residential settings. Living in Switzerland for years and visiting other countries, it seemed like an extension cord across the bedroom or living room was nearly always needed due to awkward and very limited outlet placement. The fire code in a state like California seems to have much stricter mandates to prevent this sort of thing.
On new constructions, a minimum number of outlets is required (3 per bedroom, 5 to 7 in the living room, 4 in the kitchen, 1 in every other room). This is in addition to dedicated circuits (washing machine, oven, dishwasher, heating, lighting...) which may have their own outlets. RJ-45 networking is also required (1 per room) but unfortunately, it is often designed poorly and barely usable except for a phone landline.
These are minimums. And it is typically what you get in standard apartment buildings. But you can have more. I have about double. A friend of mine has an outlet every 50cm!
Probably because the housing stock in continental Europe is older and therefor much more often retrofitted with modern electricity. Newly build houses won't have that problem. Although I'm not aware of fire regulations having an effect on the number of outlets in a room, in my region (Belgium).
Do you mind explaining why you feel this way? There are definitely benefits to reinforced concrete such as durability and resistance to certain natural elements, but as far as I can tell modern fire-treated wood construction tends to be nearly as safe in fires or superior in earthquakes, has better insulation, and is more ecological during the construction process. Overall, I would prefer reinforced concrete, but it’s more for the “qualitative advantages” as it feels more reassuring to the touch.
Speaking of electrification, one complaint I have of most construction in at least continental Europe is the consistent dearth of electrical outlets in residential settings. Living in Switzerland for years and visiting other countries, it seemed like an extension cord across the bedroom or living room was nearly always needed due to awkward and very limited outlet placement. The fire code in a state like California seems to have much stricter mandates to prevent this sort of thing.