You're wrong about those houses, Grishka. In fact, the building materials are much cheaper than those used at the time Malvina Reynolds wrote the song. Drywall and particle board and PVC have
replaced most of the more durable building materials in the big developments, and what may appear to elegant, solid exteriors are generally thin layers of facing,stuccoor PVC siding. Hardwood floors tend to be expensive options, with carpeting over poured concrete flooring or particle board being pretty much standard. And lots of veneer.

Though these houses may seem solid and imposing, they often begin to deteriorate even before they are finished.