New Maine Research: Can Construction Technology Improve Housing Affordability?
Working with research consultant, Sarah Sturtevant, the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition is pleased to share this brand new research on how construction technology can play a role in one of many approaches required for Maine to meet its need for 80,000 new homes by 2030.

Please note, as MAHC supports housing research to help improve statewide housing affordability, the analysis, opinions and views expressed in that research are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MAHC or its members.

Executive Summary: The answer is a qualified “yes”. Newer methods can reduce costs to an extent. However, there are many barriers. Construction technology alone, will not completely solve the problem. New(er) technology is an important tool in the tool kit and it is worth addressing the remaining barriers to broaden adoption.

Uninsulated exterior wall panels are widely used, and therefore no additional cost savings is likely. Insulated panels, where framing inspection is done at the factory by Maine-licensed Third-Party Inspectors (TPI), does have room for additional adoption and therefore cost savings. The largest hurdle to broader adoption is industry knowledge – for example greater training around the nexus of factory TPI, local code enforcement officers (CEO) and reliance (and costs) for structural engineers’ on-site support. Both cost savings and reducing barriers to broader adoption are possible should MOCA engage in training and coordination between state and local building officials.

Modular components have the most promise and the most barriers. Depending on whether the state is able to reach a higher level of standardization, Maine could see cost savings of 10-35% of total costs from the greater utilization of modular. Barriers are extensive, including the same code-enforcement issues as insulated-panel construction; double sales tax is charged on modular units and the licensing requirements have Exterior wall panels(framing, moisture barrier and sheathing)Insulated Panels:(exterior panel + interior insulation and chase for mechanicals) framing inspection done in the factory Modular components Factory Components: not coordinated with training programs resulting in lack of human capacity. Overall, there is a lack of industry knowledge about the opportunity of factory-built components and a related substantial inertia.

Full report available here.

Celebrating the Start of 2025 and Reflecting on 2024
Beginning 2025, there are challenges and tremendous opportunities. A new budget climate and legislature means we need to streamline and reduce barriers to housing production to make building housing more efficient and affordable for all Maine people. Even with uncertainty, we do know there is significant bipartisan support to move the needle on housing in communities all throughout Maine. Elected officials must get back to basics—unlocking Maine's capacity to build, in dense downtowns and assigned growth areas, create transparency in approval processes, eliminate wasteful and time consuming hoops, and make Maine livable for everyone. 

MAHC is ready to face 2025 with a strong and agile advocacy team, data-driven and evidence-based policy resources, and bold priorities for tackling Maine's 80,000 home shortage.

• Record support and participation at our Housing Policy Conference to support our advocacy work year round.
• Boldly advocated and secured an additional $20 million investment in housing production in the 2024 supplemental budget (on top of the $80M in 2023).
• Advanced the State Historic Tax Credit Expansion bill, securing committee and legislature passage. While this bill was ultimately vetoed, MAHC is ready with lead sponsor support to get this passed in 2025 with bipartisan support. 
• Led Federal advocacy initiatives to engage partners and educate policymakers on how Build America, Buy America will have devastating impacts on affordable housing development.
• Provided unique and industry specific educational opportunities for members to support our ability to meet Maine's housing affordability challenges.
• Kicked off the work with partners on a multi-year pro housing campaign for Maine. You'll be seeing more on this in the coming months!

• Engage our network through our every other month member meetings. 
• Unify the state pro-housing movement with a shared message, education, and solutions that engages more communities and businesses outside the housing industry.
• Advocate for policy that cuts the red tape, funds housing development, and builds a fair Maine where we can all succeed.
• Expand influence in with policy makers by proactively providing research, data, stories and technical expertise on all housing matters.
• Empower member leadership by providing new opportunities for you to engage in through advocacy, thought leadership, and collaboration.
• Your support is vital to our success, and I can’t thank you enough. I invite you to deepen your involvement or increase your contribution to help us seize this moment. Interested? Reach out to me and we can talk!