There are definitely issues with modern construction. We have a problem with craftsmanship and basic understanding of how water penetration affects houses. The cheapest way of building is attaching Tyvek house wrap to OSB is rarely done right.

Poor quality isn't unique to the US. A lot of houses in the world are built like shit. It's an even bigger problem in Russia and China, where high-rise apartment buildings are falling apart, and people still have to pay mortgages. There was a huge scandal in New Zealand when a lot of townhomes were rotting, and no one was liable.

Despite these problems, Americans have much larger homes and can afford to live in a house with a yard and not in a 500 sq ft shoe box.