movielover said:
concordtom said:
HearstMining said:
This could be pretty intriguing. This ownership group might push some innovative thinking to drive down construction cost and possibly energy usage. Factory_OS modular home builders is just over the hill on Mare Island and they've collaborated with Autodesk and Google on some projects, so are used to working with the tech industry. From what I've read, they focus on multi-unit construction. There are plenty of folks who would stay in the Bay Area if they could afford to be in a decent quality location.
Bingo.
This is along the lines of what I'm thinking.
There are incredible new ways to do things, from transportation to energy to manufacturing.
A well financed, forward looking, group of people, in a market (read: overpriced) that allows for mistakes, could usher in big societal changes.
Where do I sign up?
Examples?
I have a vision.
1. Electricity:I see PG&E as a big long term financial disaster. They are liable for fires everywhere because their equipment spanning thousands and thousands of miles fails with wind and it's installed in ever re-growing timber country - which is nearly everywhere. Nature is a battle they can't win. They are limping trees, and claiming to be retro-under-grounding everything. This is too expensive. The sooner one disengages from this the better. Both my homes are tied to endless PG&E rate increases. Yikes!
Alternatively….New transmission lines go underground.
New generation and storage is coming online. Solar and wind are abundant in the area south of Travis AFB. Tesla battery storage has proven successful.
2. Building Production:There are many firms which are developing prefab housing faster and cheaper than traditional stick buildings. Modular. To the centimeter. Energy efficient, air tight boxes.
3. Rancho Santa Margarita:Have you ever driven there?
Wide sweeping boulevards with walking jogging trails on either side of the roadway and a planted median between directions. It's quite pleasant, and quite the contrast to 6' cement sidewalk LA or Oakland or SF or…. Basically, urban planning keeps improving for our American style of development, which means Cars. In the old days, a road was drawn, and people built as close as possible. Suburbs like Concord have setbacks to the street, sure, but the street are often inadequate and unpleasant. DiabloWags will agree with here.
There are MANY Rancho Santa Margaritas everywhere. These folks would build it out similarly. Maybe they'll even add a modern public transportation option as well. Go dense. Not likely, though. No $ in that for them.
4. Put it all together:A housing developer should start their own utility company. Not only would the environmentally friendly aspect attract people, but it would be cheaper
AND
they not only make their money back on the initial sale of real estate up front, but they effectively lock in a long term revenue stream for all their customers. Call this an annuity.
Double financial win.
I'm available for hire, thank you.