Housebuilding in Transition

Based on Studies in the San Francisco Bay Area

Sherman J. Maisel

• Publisher: University of California Press
• Year: 2023
• Print ISBN: 9780520349384
• eBook ISBN: 9780520349391
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Business
• Subtopic: Construction Industry
• Index: Business

Housebuilding in Transition: Based on Studies in the San Francisco Bay Area offers an in-depth exploration of the housebuilding industry's structure, operations, and potential for improvement. By focusing on the San Francisco Bay Area, the book provides a detailed examination of how houses are built, the challenges faced by builders, and the broader implications for public policy and economic stability. Grounded in extensive field research, including case studies, cost data, and statistical surveys, the study seeks to dispel myths and untested assertions about the industry, replacing them with reliable insights into its performance. It analyzes the interplay between market forces, technological advancements, labor practices, and public policies, providing an objective assessment of the industry's efficiency and its impact on housing affordability and economic stability.

Through its rigorous approach, the book highlights opportunities for innovation and improvement, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making by both industry leaders and policymakers. It explores ways to enhance resource utilization, reduce costs, and stabilize housing production, ultimately aiming to raise living standards and address pressing housing needs. Positioned as a broader critique of the free enterprise system, the book underscores the importance of adapting competitive practices to meet societal demands. Housebuilding in Transition is a compelling study that not only evaluates the present state of the housebuilding industry but also charts a path for its future development, offering practical recommendations for stakeholders across the economic spectrum.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1953.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• 1 Introduction
• 2 The Housebuilding Industry
• 3 The Small Builder
• 4 The Medium Firm
• 5 The Large Firm
• 6 Supply of Factors
• 7 Evaluating the Efficiency and Performance of Housebuilding
• 8 How Efficiency Grows with Size
• 9 Effect of External Restrictions
• 10 Performance of Housebuilders
• 11 The Future
• APPENDIX A. GENERAL METHOD OF PROCEDURE AND RELIABILITY OF THE ESTIMATES
• APPENDIX B. HOUSEBUILDING PRODUCTION
• APPENDIX C. SIZE AND TYPE OF HOUSEBUILDING FIRMS
• APPENDIX D. HOUSEBUILDERS’ OPERATIONS
• APPENDIX E. INFORMATION ON FIRMS’ AGE, CHARACTERISTICS, OWNERSHIP, AND FINANCIAL OPERATIONS
• APPENDIX F. THE PRODUCT
• APPENDIX G. STRUCTURE OF THE TRADE-CONTRACTING INDUSTRIES Because general ignorance of the number, type, and operations of trade contractors was, if anything, greater than that concerning housebuilders, this study included a detailed mail and interview survey of trade contractors. The method followed was identical with that used for housebuilders. A universe was established, and questionnaires were mailed to each firm in the universe. After mail replies had been received, a sample of nonrespondents was drawn, and these firms were called on in person. The editing, tabulation, and analysis also followed similar lines.
• APPENDIX H. PRICING OF THE COMPOSITE HOUSE
• APPENDIX I. MATERIALS SUPPLY
• APPENDIX J. DATA ON THE LABOR FORCE, ENTRY, AND PROFITS
• INDEX