Production-Built Homes: The Cost Advantages of Smart Growth (2008), by Jason Miller, MFA, CNU, compares the cost efficiencies of housing components, construction and design techniques, and other construction issues that apply to production-built, single-family, detached housing units in smart growth communities (also called traditional neighborhood development) and conventional suburban development.
The overall analysis finds that smart growth houses are either cost neutral or more cost efficient than conventional suburban houses when the elements that influence construction costs are examined closely. The primary difference in cost efficiency between the two house types is found in their overall design.
This paper was produced as part of Smart Growth: The Business Opportunity for Developers and Production Builders, a series of papers that present a "business case for smart growth" to help builders and developers considering whether to pursue smart growth projects.
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