Very true. People like the idea, but are unwilling to pay anything extra to get it.
But how many of these people do you think will be willing to assume any of the responsibility when their home develops a problem?
I really don't understand it. We're perfectly willing to pay more to get higher quality in cars, clothing, restaurant meals, coffee, etc. But for some reason homes are considered to be generic, except for visible features.
Exactly, people need to educate themselves with the basics of the "bones and organs" of a house, not just the skin. The most fabulous looking home will be an utter nightmare to live in if the envelope and systems of the house are not properly designed and constructed. And of course, all buildings must be maintained. Structures are dynamic creatures which change over time.