The American Elevator Explains Why Housing Costs Have Skyrocketed

The high costs of housing in America can be partly attributed to the challenges surrounding elevator construction and regulation. Elevators in North America have become expensive and over-engineered, leading to a lack of new affordable housing construction. The regulations governing elevator sizes and designs in the U.S. differ from global standards, adding to costs and inefficiencies. Additionally, the construction industry faces labor shortages, with strict immigration policies limiting access to skilled workers. The influence of special interests, outdated regulations, and a lack of political will contribute to the mounting housing crisis. To address these issues, reforms such as adopting European elevator standards, easing restrictions on immigrant construction workers, and improving vocational training for native-born workers are suggested. Furthermore, calls for a more streamlined and efficient regulatory system at the federal level are made to reduce construction costs and increase housing affordability. The complex interplay of regulations, labor shortages, and industry practices highlights the need for comprehensive reforms to make housing more accessible and affordable in America.