It’s also a difference in belief of quality. From what I’ve heard, some places in Germany (and I presume other parts of the EU) just don’t carry the cheap home

It’s also a difference in belief of quality. From what I’ve heard, some places in Germany (and I presume other parts of the EU) just don’t carry the cheap home construction goods that are abundant in the US. This is primarily because the cheap ones require more fixing, replacing, and don’t last as long. It’s only perceived to be better for cost of the good itself (which really gets into if it’s better when you still have to pay for labor somehow!). I think Europe is just more of a build once cry once type of region whereas the US is the polar opposite. I’ll also say that if you bring up your construction standards to European levels, the costs rise substantially. Somewhat due to the goods needing to be shipped in, somewhat due to just more expensive goods overall, somewhat due to more niche labor required, and somewhat due to builders knowing they can charge more. (Cause if you can afford European construction - you’re probably loaded)