L.A.’s New Project Housing Homeless In Shipping Containers Costs $600k Per Home

[MAGAman]

If you'd read the article you'd know that the primary reason for the outrageous costs are non-construction related. They're 'soft' costs for consultants, architects, lawyers etc...AND of course, the profits for the contractors.

If projects like these could be done directly by government workers entirely, the costs would be way less - probably about 25%.

The problem is the capitalist system - we do not allow the government to do projects directly - they have to hire contractors who milk the government for all they can - and pay the workers squat.

But if anyone suggested that the government hire all the workers directly and design everything, Conservatives would be SCREAMING SOCIALISM! SOCIALISM!

Maybe we need to bring back the WPA:

Works Progress Administration - Wikipedia

But that would be Soooo Socialist!

BS. And really dumb BS, to boot.

The problem is too much government, not too little.

You can name an efficient government program because it doesn't exist.

The idea of having construction workers, architects, and designers all direct government employees has been tried by Progressive Communist countries across the globe. Without success.

You can't hire people for 25% of their current salary without putting a gun to their head and outlawing private employment.

Nice idea, Einstien.

 

[bripat9643]

If you'd read the article you'd know that the primary reason for the outrageous costs are non-construction related. They're 'soft' costs for consultants, architects, lawyers etc...AND of course, the profits for the contractors.

If projects like these could be done directly by government workers entirely, the costs would be way less - probably about 25%.

The problem is the capitalist system - we do not allow the government to do projects directly - they have to hire contractors who milk the government for all they can - and pay the workers squat.

But if anyone suggested that the government hire all the workers directly and design everything, Conservatives would be SCREAMING SOCIALISM! SOCIALISM!

Maybe we need to bring back the WPA:

Works Progress Administration - Wikipedia

But that would be Soooo Socialist!

You should peek out of your parents basement long enough to get a grip.
Just how many construction engineers/electrical/plumbing/structural engineers do you think work for city governments? And how many skilled contractors do they employ? And heavy equipment?
NONE.
And how much do you think it would cost to employ these 100's of people year round?

The government used to build housing projects, and they were all expensive disasters.

 

[Missouri_Mike]

$600,000 for A BOX?

They have been specifically manufactured as modular, prefabricated homes because building codes prevent the developer from using recycled containers.

Which is about 5k of the cost. And a prime example of the stupidity of government regulations.

 

[Flash]

If you'd read the article you'd know that the primary reason for the outrageous costs are non-construction related. They're 'soft' costs for consultants, architects, lawyers etc...AND of course, the profits for the contractors.

If projects like these could be done directly by government workers entirely, the costs would be way less - probably about 25%.

The problem is the capitalist system - we do not allow the government to do projects directly - they have to hire contractors who milk the government for all they can - and pay the workers squat.

But if anyone suggested that the government hire all the workers directly and design everything, Conservatives would be SCREAMING SOCIALISM! SOCIALISM!

Maybe we need to bring back the WPA:

Works Progress Administration - Wikipedia

But that would be Soooo Socialist!

If government workers did what contracted employees do for government services the cost would be ten times as much.

 

[Missouri_Mike]

We obviously need to get the cost down to reasonable but I’m not opposed to setting up communities like this. Set it up as a socialist paradise of equality for all. Get the eco freaks, socialists, communists, antifa types to move there. Once they are settled in lock the doors and use the containers as designed. Load them onto giant ships with their “cargo” and float them assholes to Venezuela. They’re happy, we’re happy, everyone’s happy.

 

[Dragonlady]

If you'd read the article you'd know that the primary reason for the outrageous costs are non-construction related. They're 'soft' costs for consultants, architects, lawyers etc...AND of course, the profits for the contractors.

If projects like these could be done directly by government workers entirely, the costs would be way less - probably about 25%.

The problem is the capitalist system - we do not allow the government to do projects directly - they have to hire contractors who milk the government for all they can - and pay the workers squat.

But if anyone suggested that the government hire all the workers directly and design everything, Conservatives would be SCREAMING SOCIALISM! SOCIALISM!

Maybe we need to bring back the WPA:

Works Progress Administration - Wikipedia

But that would be Soooo Socialist!

You should peek out of your parents basement long enough to get a grip.
Just how many construction engineers/electrical/plumbing/structural engineers do you think work for city governments? And how many skilled contractors do they employ? And heavy equipment?
NONE.
And how much do you think it would cost to employ these 100's of people year round?

The government used to build housing projects, and they were all expensive disasters.

The government has never built anything. They have contracted with private contractors to built housing and I agree that it's a disaster. I will tell you why. Public tendering. Giving out construction contracts to the lowest bidder is the worst idea ever, and its something we insist that governments.

It you look at the adds for bids on big construction projects built by private industry, it will say "Lowest bid may not be accepted'. You never see this disclaimer on government tender documents. They will only hire the lowest bidder. So sleazy contractors cut costs and corners to build profitably within the contract price, so you get an inferior construction or low grade materials that don't hold up.

Private business won't accept the lowest bid if they feel the work cannot be done properly for the price quoted, or if the lowest bidding company has a dodgy reputation. Governments must accept the lowest bid and take special care and do extra inspections to ensure the public gets what they're paying for, which slows construction and adds to the costs of the project.

I did a 6 month contract with the Ontario government real estate and construction agency working on big dollar government construction and it was eye opening. At one point, I went to the Director of the agency in frustration saying "All of ABC's projects are in trouble. An entire section of the courthouse in {name of city} has to be torn out and rebuilt. This company has never met a single deadline, they're not paying their subtrades, and all of their projects have need repairs before they're finished. Why are we still doing business with these people", and he looked at me and said "Public tendering".

As long as companies submit the lowest bid, the government has to go with it. By finally put a progam in place to bar companies which didn't meet key performance indicatators, like budgets, deadlines and quality control, for bidding and the company I complained about was the first company barred from bidding on government projects for two years. They sued the government.

Big money construction is the most corrupt business in the world. Bar none. Everybody is on the take. Even the truly good and honest builders pay bribes because it's the only way to get things done. Extortion and bribery are everywhere.

 

[iamwhatiseem]

If you'd read the article you'd know that the primary reason for the outrageous costs are non-construction related. They're 'soft' costs for consultants, architects, lawyers etc...AND of course, the profits for the contractors.

If projects like these could be done directly by government workers entirely, the costs would be way less - probably about 25%.

The problem is the capitalist system - we do not allow the government to do projects directly - they have to hire contractors who milk the government for all they can - and pay the workers squat.

But if anyone suggested that the government hire all the workers directly and design everything, Conservatives would be SCREAMING SOCIALISM! SOCIALISM!

Maybe we need to bring back the WPA:

Works Progress Administration - Wikipedia

But that would be Soooo Socialist!

You should peek out of your parents basement long enough to get a grip.
Just how many construction engineers/electrical/plumbing/structural engineers do you think work for city governments? And how many skilled contractors do they employ? And heavy equipment?
NONE.
And how much do you think it would cost to employ these 100's of people year round?

The government used to build housing projects, and they were all expensive disasters.

The government has never built anything. They have contracted with private contractors to built housing and I agree that it's a disaster. I will tell you why. Public tendering. Giving out construction contracts to the lowest bidder is the worst idea ever, and its something we insist that governments.

It you look at the adds for bids on big construction projects built by private industry, it will say "Lowest bid may not be accepted'. You never see this disclaimer on government tender documents. They will only hire the lowest bidder. So sleazy contractors cut costs and corners to build profitably within the contract price, so you get an inferior construction or low grade materials that don't hold up.

Private business won't accept the lowest bid if they feel the work cannot be done properly for the price quoted, or if the lowest bidding company has a dodgy reputation. Governments must accept the lowest bid and take special care and do extra inspections to ensure the public gets what they're paying for, which slows construction and adds to the costs of the project.

I did a 6 month contract with the Ontario government real estate and construction agency working on big dollar government construction and it was eye opening. At one point, I went to the Director of the agency in frustration saying "All of ABC's projects are in trouble. An entire section of the courthouse in {name of city} has to be torn out and rebuilt. This company has never met a single deadline, they're not paying their subtrades, and all of their projects have need repairs before they're finished. Why are we still doing business with these people", and he looked at me and said "Public tendering".

As long as companies submit the lowest bid, the government has to go with it. By finally put a progam in place to bar companies which didn't meet key performance indicatators, like budgets, deadlines and quality control, for bidding and the company I complained about was the first company barred from bidding on government projects for two years. They sued the government.

Big money construction is the most corrupt business in the world. Bar none. Everybody is on the take. Even the truly good and honest builders pay bribes because it's the only way to get things done. Extortion and bribery are everywhere.

Agree, but even that doesn't meet the explosive overpriced $600,000 per container. It is well beyond that.

 

[Dragonlady]

$600,000 for A BOX?

They have been specifically manufactured as modular, prefabricated homes because building codes prevent the developer from using recycled containers.

Which is about 5k of the cost. And a prime example of the stupidity of government regulations.

Hardly. Shipping containers have no windows, electricity or plumbing, and hence are not constructed with ventilation or the need for electricity, water or sewage connections. The "stupid government regulations" you're talking about require that all construction for human habitation be properly equipped for ventilation and ability to connect with public utilities.

The conservative assumption that all government regulation is bad, once again fails to realize how many people are bilked into paying money for something that isn't very good for them at all, just because it's cheaper. It would be far cheaper to actually build something that is designed for human habitation that it would be to take apart a old metal container and cut windows and doorways into the shell, and retrofit it for water, electricity and sewage. Humans don't live in metal sheds, nor should they.

But again, the problem isn't government investment in housing, it's government hiring large corporations to solve the problem. Giving a corporation $600,000 to build a house for a family is ridiculous. You could give $100,000 to 6 families, and let them build their own houses with the funds.

The US government keeps throwing money at corporations and asking them to solve problems. It's not working. At the same time, they decry giving money to low income people.

In Canada, we give money to low income people and let them spend it in the marketplace. Low income parents get a "child tax benefit" of up to $5000 per year per child, for families with income of less than $72,000. This isn't a program where the government gives billions to the day-care industry and asks them to create day care spaces. They wiould spend millions on fancy new facilities at a cost of thousands of dollars per space. This is a benefit where they give poor working parents money for day-care, and the private industry completes to fill the demand the money helps create.

Giving the money to the people and letting them buy the house, will encourage the builders to build homes these people can afford, with their grants. And the cost per unit will come down drastically.

 

[Flash]

$600,000 for A BOX?

They have been specifically manufactured as modular, prefabricated homes because building codes prevent the developer from using recycled containers.

Which is about 5k of the cost. And a prime example of the stupidity of government regulations.

Hardly. Shipping containers have no windows, electricity or plumbing, and hence are not constructed with ventilation or the need for electricity, water or sewage connections. The "stupid government regulations" you're talking about require that all construction for human habitation be properly equipped for ventilation and ability to connect with public utilities.

The conservative assumption that all government regulation is bad, once again fails to realize how many people are bilked into paying money for something that isn't very good for them at all, just because it's cheaper. It would be far cheaper to actually build something that is designed for human habitation that it would be to take apart a old metal container and cut windows and doorways into the shell, and retrofit it for water, electricity and sewage. Humans don't live in metal sheds, nor should they.

But again, the problem isn't government investment in housing, it's government hiring large corporations to solve the problem. Giving a corporation $600,000 to build a house for a family is ridiculous. You could give $100,000 to 6 families, and let them build their own houses with the funds

I have a great idea that will save a lot of money.

How about you paying for your housing and I will pay for mine and the friggin government not get involved?

 

[eagle1462010]

Which political asshat pocketed the money for that project.........Anyone going YIPPIE for connex box homes for 600 k needs their heads examined.

AL Models - S. S. STEELE HOMES

Price
AL: $146,700
FL: $149,900

 

[eagle1462010]

Lowe’s Makes “Katrina Cottages” Available Nationwide

Katrina Cottage plans can be purchased from Lowe’s for $700, with the lowest priced “building kit” starting at $17,000. The kit includes all the materials needed for the construction of the cottage. More upscale customers can choose more upscale finishes.

 

[eagle1462010]

Modular Expandable Prefab House Expandable Container Home For Sale - Buy High Quality Expanable Prafab House,Prefabricated Container House Made In China,Prefabricated Expandable Container House Product on Alibaba.com

1500 a piece when you buy 20........

30 k for the shells that fold up and down for almost instant assembly

 

[Thinker101]

Which political asshat pocketed the money for that project.........Anyone going YIPPIE for connex box homes for 600 k needs their heads examined.

AL Models - S. S. STEELE HOMES

Price
AL: $146,700
FL: $149,900

Yep, but do they have $10,000 toilet seat covers?
Senator demands answers on Pentagon’s $10,000 toilet seat

 

[eagle1462010]

 

[eagle1462010]

Which political asshat pocketed the money for that project.........Anyone going YIPPIE for connex box homes for 600 k needs their heads examined.

AL Models - S. S. STEELE HOMES

Price
AL: $146,700
FL: $149,900

Yep, but do they have $10,000 toilet seat covers?
Senator demands answers on Pentagon’s $10,000 toilet seat

NOPE...............

Next......

 

[bripat9643]

Modular Expandable Prefab House Expandable Container Home For Sale - Buy High Quality Expanable Prafab House,Prefabricated Container House Made In China,Prefabricated Expandable Container House Product on Alibaba.com

1500 a piece when you buy 20........

30 k for the shells that fold up and down for almost instant assembly

Alibaba. That's interesting. Are they primarily for the Chinese market?

 

[eagle1462010]

Modular Expandable Prefab House Expandable Container Home For Sale - Buy High Quality Expanable Prafab House,Prefabricated Container House Made In China,Prefabricated Expandable Container House Product on Alibaba.com

1500 a piece when you buy 20........

30 k for the shells that fold up and down for almost instant assembly

Alibaba. That's interesting. Are they primarily for the Chinese market?

Not a clue............you can get a container for around 2 to 3 k here............

We are in the wrong business............

So who got all that money for all those cheap ass sheds in LA...................

 

[bripat9643]

Modular Expandable Prefab House Expandable Container Home For Sale - Buy High Quality Expanable Prafab House,Prefabricated Container House Made In China,Prefabricated Expandable Container House Product on Alibaba.com

1500 a piece when you buy 20........

30 k for the shells that fold up and down for almost instant assembly

Alibaba. That's interesting. Are they primarily for the Chinese market?

Not a clue............you can get a container for around 2 to 3 k here............

We are in the wrong business............

So who got all that money for all those cheap ass sheds in LA...................

two or three of those stuck together would make a pretty nice home.

 

[Toddsterpatriot]

How much would it cost to pack a dozen in a shipping container and send it to Guatemala?

 

[eagle1462010]

How much would it cost to pack a dozen in a shipping container and send it to Guatemala?

depends on shipping cost.........probably not that bad....

LOL