[Restorer]

Good points.

My dad tried to build and sell well-built homes and couldn't compete with the guys who could slam them up and sell for 5% less. People would look at all the features he would point out, agree that it made the house better, then ask if he could match the 5% less of the guy down the block.

If all you care about is what's on the surface, you're likely to get a building that is mostly surface.

[orfisher]

Much of the problem is that building techniques have changed considerably from years ago. For one, lumber yards kept their stock indoors. Now they are stored outdoors. Houses are now built (framed and enclosed) within a week, locking moisture inside. Making a home airtight (Tyvek) and superinsulation donesn't allow outside air to circulate. All this in the name of enegy efficiency.

[meyer]

If all you care about is what's on the surface, you're likely to get a building that is mostly surface.

I know exactly what you are saying. I've been straightening out as many of the shortcuts that my builder took as I can. The plus side is that I'm accumulating a fine collection of tools in the process. :^)

[snopercod]

My dad tried to build and sell well-built homes and couldn't compete with the guys who could slam them up and sell for 5% less.

That's been my experience, too. That's why I now build only my own houses for my own self.

[error99]

"...tried to build and sell well-built homes and couldn't compete with the guys who could slam them up and sell for 5% less. People would look at all the features he would point out, agree that it made the house better, then ask if he could match the 5% less of the guy down the block..."

Been there - Done that -

I found out real quick that home buyers
(99 % of them) only care about 3 things...
Price, price, and price.

I found out the hard way there was NO MARKET for the use
of quality materials or for quality constuction techniques.