Plain English with Derek Thompson Why Is It So Expensive to Build Stuff in America?
46 snips
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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Regulations and the Slowdown
- The 1960s and 70s saw increased regulations like environmental laws and OSHA.
- These regulations, while beneficial for safety and the environment, slowed construction.
Construction vs. Agriculture
- Construction productivity has declined unlike other industries, such as agriculture, that have seen significant gains.
- Mechanizing construction is difficult due to the unique nature of each project and variable environments.
Robots in Construction
- Robots excel at repetitive tasks in controlled environments, like car manufacturing.
- Construction sites' variability and complexity hinder robotic automation.