I would add government requirements to the list of problems. You can't just build a house the way you like/can and live there like you could in the past. Today

I would add government requirements to the list of problems. You can't just build a house the way you like/can and live there like you could in the past. Today you have to get the authorities approve every detail in your house construction design, hire licensed builders, use certified materials etc. This makes sense in cities but is required in rural areas too, all over the developed world. As a kid I spent some time in a number of houses built by their owners out of scrap and "hobby market" materials with just their hands, simple tools and no serious design and that was great.