gn asks:
“how can one visually differentiate the between the different qualities of construction ? Can a lay person learn to do this ?”

Yes…10 years after they buy it!

Just kidding gn. That is a very good question. I don’t want to make generalities about “lay people”. The topic is pretty broad if you take it from the lot through structural all the way to finish materiales. Then for every budget there are going to be quality comparision nuances just like with cars. Yes the lay person can do it if they have grown up around discerning people or search out a modest education on the subject and know how to ask about the items that can’t be seen.

Quality construction usually a more dense feel to it if you can get a good sense for that and then that is half the battle. That goes for the walls, floors, cabinets, door & window and their jambs ect. Most the houses we study on this blog are either slapped together production houses, or a little better, with different qualities of interior finishings and exterior hardscape.
The best houses are custom built for high end clients and are of the type featured in magazines. You might want to get an annual subscription to “Fine Home Building” It features a beautiful well built house now and then and the building techniques employed in various types of custom houses. The “Journal of Light Construction” is another that covers standard building practices for residential construction. Maybe you can just find a book out there for “lay people” who want to know?
Best wishes