[CatoRenasci]

It is undoubtedly true that middle class houses in Norway are better built than is typical in the US. However, given our weather in most places there is no need to spend the additional money to build in such a manner. There is no question that construction costs substantially more in Norway, or that housing is substantially more expensive. My wife is Norwegian, and I have seen Norwegian society literally from the farms and coasts to the academic world, the world of Oslo shipping magnates, and the extended royal family. I like Norway because it's pretty, but I must say that as friendly and decent as the Norwegians are among family, they are without doubt among the most eng people I have ever met. If Americans can be accused of being ueberheblich (a trait by the way which I think is probably generally considered German - at least in the sense of the word meaning "overbearing"), the Norwegians are smug, convinced (as they sit rich primarily because of oil) that the Norwegian way is not only the best way, but the only sensible way, of doing anything.

[wolf78]

"However, given our weather in most places there is no need to spend the additional money to build in such a manner."

Houses are better built in most parts of Europe than is typical in the US. But that also has to do with our lack of oil and natural gas. Better insulation and thicker walls are simply cheaper over the years than the additional heating costs ;-).