Government Accountability Office outlines housing technology options

The Government Accountability Office said housing construction technologies could improve production, reduce costs and potentially increase supply and affordability. The technologies were grouped into three categories: planning and design, construction means and methods, and building materials and components. Some technologies were mature but not widely adopted, while others were new or emerging.

The agency identified faster construction and enhanced efficiency as potential benefits. Building houses or components off-site in an efficient, controlled environment could reduce overall project time. Automated technologies that cut lumber to precise dimensions could reduce costs by minimizing waste. Software tools using land and regulatory data could help planners understand how local policy decisions affect housing construction outcomes.

Adoption was limited by regulatory, workforce, education and financial challenges, the agency said. More than 20,000 jurisdictions administer residential building codes, requiring significant time, labor and money to comply. Builders may lack the staff, time and money needed to train on new technologies. New technologies can also have high up-front costs for builders and consumers.

The agency identified five policy subgoals and 14 associated policy options for increasing housing supply and improving affordability. The options covered state or regional building code authority, regulatory pathways for new technologies, oversize load permitting, zoning and development conditions, and preapproved housing design libraries. Other options addressed financial incentives, education and training, public acceptance, government support and housing construction data.

Policy options also included financial incentives and products for consumers. The agency identified expanding vocational and technical education pathways, engaging labor unions and training and certifying building inspectors and code officials in innovative construction methods. It also identified support for public education campaigns, a national housing construction data infrastructure, and prioritized federal research and development activities.

The Government Accountability Office published the report Tuesday 10 November 2026. It said housing affordability was a top concern for many Americans because high housing costs could lead to adverse economic and social effects. Owners and renters had seen housing costs increase faster than other consumer prices and income, straining household budgets. The agency conducted the assessment through literature and document reviews, interviews, site visits, conferences and a 2-day meeting of 17 experts.