WC Jerry,
As housing starts (production) increased, the demand for workers (yes, "workers") increased beyond the number and availability of "craftsmen" and legitimately qualified "skilled workers" to the point where "unskilled workers" began assuming the duties and jobs previously performed only by "skilled workers".
That began the downturn in construction quality, probably starting in the mid-1960s, getting worse in the 1970s construction boom which would put any able bodied human to work as a skilled worker if they could stand erect and hold a saw or hammer, declining further in the 1980s and even further in the 1990s as illegal laborers began to fill the ranks of what was previously skilled workers.
Also starting in the 1970s were advanced building and technology seldom done or seen in construction outside the very high end architect designed custom home (when such were truly "custom" designed and built).
Combine the declining ability of the worker/now laborer with the increased demand to know more, and you end with what you described.
Builders unable to build water tight homes.
Workers unable to follow basic construction practices or use common sense.
Builders more interested in design appeal than in the use of basic construction practices or common sense.
Just letting you know it is not any different on this coast than it is on your coast. I doubt it is much different anywhere else either.
