Technology

I think you're not wrong about modular being the ideal result but at the end of the day that's... Kind of what we already have if you take a look at construction materials.

Not every part of a house needs utilities everywhere. Water, electrical, gas, HVAC, they all need to be specific about where they are and how they go there.

The parts that can be modular already kind of are. You buy kits for everything, modular toilet, modular flush valve in the toilet, modular sink, modular door, standard modular size, modular knob on the modular door because the client wants X door and Y knob, and Z marble top to their C color sink, modular top that fits modular sinks that fits modular handles.

Have you ever replaced a knob? You just go and buy a knob and it magically fits. Replace an HVAC vent? One of two standard sizes usually.

Modular shower with modular hookups to modular water. Everything to modular common specs.

Practically everything is already kinda plug in and screw together.

The thing is... None of this solves cheap housing we need. At best it makes it way easier to replace common parts that break, but even the cheapest replacements are expensive costs to the home owner. It's money you didn't intend on spending, surprise expenses.

And if it's not, it's luxury remodels. Which aren't really at all related to solving the housing crisis. That makes a cheap home more expensive. And you have to understand while it makes a ton of sense to upgrade your property and investment... Almost any sensible homeowner is looking to do that and take a cheap home off the market and replace it with a less cheap or even expensive one.

there is very little capitalistic drive to build cheap homes. There's a drive to build new luxury homes and upgrade cheap homes to less cheap. Modular exists, and it can help you do both of those things which isn't creating cheap housing. It's kind of just fucked imo. You need subsidies for cheap housing.