I don't think this is correct at all, and this perception is probably largely due to survivorship bias. I have several relatives who are home builders and have

I don't think this is correct at all, and this perception is probably largely due to survivorship bias. I have several relatives who are home builders and have acted as my own general contractor in building a home, so this is an area of interest to me. Comparing the average home today (yes that shitty McMansion included) to the average home 100 years ago, today's homes are way more efficient and comfortable in terms of amenities, climate control, being draft- and vermin- free, and safe.