It’s difficult enough that we have to compete with others in our market to build what we build. Now we have to, maybe, tangle with Goliath Corp Amazon too?

We’re going to need a bigger budget.

According to MSN Money:

Housing companies have found a new home: Amazon.

Prefabricated and modular housing — homes that are built in factories — is having its moment. From 2013 to 2018, industry revenue grew by an annualized 8.6% to nearly $10.5 billion, including growth of 4.1% in 2018 alone, according to research firm IBISWorld.

These homes have even hit Amazon and apparently are selling out. Indeed, multiple news outlets like real estate sites Curbed and The Real Deal reported that this 172-sq-ft $7,250 prefab cabin, which the manufacturer claims can be built in eight hours, on Amazon sold out. The house comes with free shipping. Then many again reported that the home was back in stock.

Now, the further you read into this piece, the more it is clear the author either doesn’t know what “housing” is or is taking a click-bait approach to the word, because some of these are closer to sheds and pool cabins than homes, as they’re uninsulated and don’t have utilities, to wit:

The company notes that this 292-sq-ft cabin (square footage does not include the additional sleeping loft) “is large enough to function as a summer house, home office or even a stand-alone retail building” and that “by adding the utility hookups this cabin can be converted to a residence.”

Of course, that will cost extra, and the company notes that if you live in a colder spot, you’ll need to add insulation. Two adults can assemble this home in 2-3 days, the company says.

But it still says “two adults can assemble this home in 2-3 days.”

What?!

Maybe pros. I know adults who can’t assemble a doghouse.

So is there opportunity here for us? A challenge? Both?

Houses have been sold, as most probably know, “online” for a century. Of course, I’m referring to Sears & Roebuck kit houses when Sears used to be Amazon.

But this could also mark a sea change in housing itself. Small, affordable homes you buy and build yourself as a reaction to the McMansioned burbs many millennials (and editors) can’t afford.

I think it bears watching.

Hopefully this trend is an opportunity.

Often bought together: Amazon House and local builder to build it.