Plain English with Derek Thompson
Why Is It So Expensive to Build Stuff in America?
Sep 12, 2023
Join Brian Potter, author of 'Construction Physics,' as he unpacks the escalating costs of building in America. He reveals how construction times have dramatically increased due to complex regulations, particularly in urban settings like New York City. The conversation dives into the decline of mobile homes and innovations like 'super trees' that could transform lumber quality. Potter also discusses the challenges facing drywall production and the potential of factory-built homes to reshape the housing landscape.
53:06
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Quick takeaways
- The rising costs of essential items such as healthcare, education, and housing indicate a systemic problem in America's affordability crisis.
- The decline in building speed in America can be attributed to increased regulations, economic downturns, and the complexities of the construction process.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Increasing Costs
The podcast episode discusses the rising costs of essential items such as healthcare, education, childcare, and housing, while other goods like TVs and toys have become more affordable. The affordability crisis in America is highlighted as a source of dissatisfaction and frustration among the population, as people struggle to afford basic necessities while being told that the economy is doing well. The episode suggests that this affordability crisis indicates a systemic problem and calls for a closer examination of why prices for essential items have skyrocketed.
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