Finding cheaper construction labor is hardHistorically, manufacturers have reduced their labor costs by moving their operations to places where labor is cheaper. Autovol does boast that its construction costs are lower than conventional construction in the high-cost California metros that it builds in. Lowering material costs is hardThe other strategy for reducing input costs is to lower material costs, either by using less expensive materials or using fewer materials. If using fewer building materials isn’t an obviously winning path, what about using less expensive building materials? ConclusionOverall, prospects for lowering construction costs by way of finding a cheaper “recipe” — cheaper or fewer ingredients like materials or labor — are something of a mixed bag.