I am simultaneously amazed that new homes can be built in any significant quantity and also not surprised at all that new homes in my area are starting at $400k

I am simultaneously amazed that new homes can be built in any significant quantity and also not surprised at all that new homes in my area are starting at $400k plus. Due to the lack of and cost of labor it’s just not economically feasible to build lower cost starter homes. This reality becomes painfully obvious if you try to hire the trades to do anything at all. All you get are fly by night operators, no shows, and the insanely expensive brand names.