The tile problem seems like it just HAS to be possible to improve the manufacturing process to get more precise output. I suspect once you invested in creating the appropriate machines and techniques, the per-unit variable cost of production would not even be all that different. I guess you might have some additional cost for shipping, if current conditions involve letting the materials be handled kind of roughly in a way that can chip the edges.... Question is whether the R&D to get more-precise tile production would be worthwhile -- do builders save enough time, being able to rely on tiles that are precisely the same to within (say) 0.01 inch, that it's worth it to pay a premium to buy "ultra-rectified" tiles?
Having just built an entire new dwelling (two bedroom ADU).... oh G*d the contingencies. We're _still_ running into some speedbumps now, a couple months after a friend moved in. :-/
The builder-urbanist is my favorite type of urbanist.
We also did a remodeling project this year and everything you wrote resonates. Glad your project was a success!
The tile problem seems like it just HAS to be possible to improve the manufacturing process to get more precise output. I suspect once you invested in creating the appropriate machines and techniques, the per-unit variable cost of production would not even be all that different. I guess you might have some additional cost for shipping, if current conditions involve letting the materials be handled kind of roughly in a way that can chip the edges.... Question is whether the R&D to get more-precise tile production would be worthwhile -- do builders save enough time, being able to rely on tiles that are precisely the same to within (say) 0.01 inch, that it's worth it to pay a premium to buy "ultra-rectified" tiles?
Great questions, I should ask Brian Potter
Having just built an entire new dwelling (two bedroom ADU).... oh G*d the contingencies. We're _still_ running into some speedbumps now, a couple months after a friend moved in. :-/