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[quote=Anonymous]I really think it depends on the quality of the builders.  The codes do improve over time, but the quality of the "builder-grade" materials has worsened.

In our case I can compare a 1960's build locally (unknown builder) to a KB house built in last 5 years.  The '60s house was cinder block below grade/ wood frame with brick veneer above grade and had steel beams running the length of the house.  The wall joists are properly spaced and the window/ door headers are the correct thickness.  All of the inspectors/ tradespeople who have come for renovations before and after the earthquake have complimented the quality of the original construction.  Our brick is sound, nothing has needed repointing and when we replaced our windows, there was no rot from the original windows.

Now the electrical was out of date, but we have been able to correct that.  The home repairs to electrical from the original owner were the worst part.  But there are copper pipes, so that is still good.

Our KB house, on the other hand, did not wear well.  It was up to new CA codes, so that was good.  But it was a mass-produced home and that showed.  After 3 years there were leaks around the windows and doors and the exterior stucco was cracking.  Most of these issues were covered under warranty, but that was a pain. We watched it being built and had to remind the crews about things like proper stud spacing which didn't inspire a lot of confidence in the final product.

But I think that higher quality builders modern would have a better product.[/quote]

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