annie..I've never heard of any builder doing that. What a nuisance for sure.

Codes require access to underfloor spaces and these can be through the sidewall of the foundation or the thru the above floor.

It is often easiest and cheaper to install the access through the floor.

Locating the access is most often done in a closet so that it is not obvious.

Master bedroom closets are usually the largest and prime location for access location.

If it's that bothersome to you, have an access installed through your foundation wall with entry from outside the house.

Funny, I feel the same way about my personal backdoor, which has increasingly become the access hatch for a variety of medical practitioners, all equipped with shiny snaky devices, lights and cutters and whatnot. If only my Creator had built in some better access!

Annie,

I had a condo with that type of trapdoor, and didn't like it, either. But it does sound more secure than access from the outside of the house.

Very odd. you must not have a basement. ?

Just a crawl space. In my condo it was about 5 feet deep and had a light. I could have stored a lot of stuff there.

Our house has the same, but I don't have to move anything for repairmen to access it, which is seldom.
My guess is these areas are chosen because they have more space and can easily be hidden from view. Putting the access in a laundry room would leave it in full view during your daily chores......something I wouldn't want to see.
Another reason MB closets are chosen for access is because carpet is more commonly used in closets, which makes sealing and hiding the opening a little easier.
My laundry rooms have been either vinyl or tile, 2 materials which wouldn't look great with a hole cut into them.

Garage floors are usually slab, so no way to put in a crawlspace.

worthy..........very funny! Had to read it a second time to catch it! :)