3 ms·
The materials and labor required to build them gets more expensive though. So while the materials wear down over time, those same materials get more expensive.
by nemo44x 6y ago
The materials and labor required to build them gets more expensive though. So while the materials wear down over time, those same materials get more expensive. And some of those materials, especially structural, will last a long time if taken care of.
Furnaces, water heaters, etc go to 0. But foundations, framing/walls, flooring, etc can last hundreds of years.
- Ekaros 6y agoPart of it is increased size of properties. And increased regulation. But I wonder what are we doing as civilization if the building materials aren't cheaper. Why haven't we gained significant efficiency gains there? Labour really should be in inflation though...
- nemo44x 6y agoThere’s a lot more global demand than before. Homes are made of natural resources like wood and there’s only so much we can harvest and use for construction. I think we have made some improvements though. It isn’t necessary to build with copper pipes any longer. New construction relies on PEX piping which is cheaper, should last longer, is easier to install and to replace. But this is just the structure. The cost of flooring, tiles, fixtures, and appliances adds a lot too.