About Brian McElroy Expertise I am a home builder in the Tampa Florida area specializing in energy-efficient homes built with precast concrete wall systems that are hurricane resistant to 235 mph. I have researched and used many methods of new home construction and find this the most cost-effective, environmentally-friendly method of home building for this area. I am also investigating other alternative methods to improve my products. I am a member of the Florida Green Build Coalition, EPA Energy Star Program, and have other affiliations involving energy savings, safe building practices and quality construction practices
Experience
Past/Present clients Many happy homeowners and repeat customers.
Question hi ... I want to ask about any technology to build low cost house
Answer Right now, honestly, there is no such thing as low cost housing in my humble opinion. Regulation alone accounts for 10% of the costs to build. Impact fees, permits, surveys, waste management, and reporting are costly. Then add the costs of labor and materials and you add another 70%. That leaves 20% profit for a builder. Realtors get 3% and Uncle Sam takes 30% of that, The builder is left with less than 12% porfit assuming no slippage. As homes become more hi-tech, the costs go up.
If I could find a method to build low costs homes and still make a profit, I would be all over it. As it is in my market, a 2,000 s. f. home without the lot costs over $200,000 to build without profit or over head. It is sad that so many cannot afford new homes. I am also open to any ideas to work toward affordable housing. Thanks for the question. Brian
