US Builders Spotlight $132K Regulation Cost | When Experience and Results Matter

A builder group estimates government rules now add ~$132K to a typical new US single-family home, equal to ~26% of final price.
Current builder sentiment stayed subdued at 35, below 40 for a 14th straight mo; ~35% cut prices, while >60% offered incentives.
Industry leaders say the US remains short ~1.2M homes, and easing permitting, density limits, and inefficient zoning could support construction nationwide growth.
Big cost drivers include building-code changes, zoning approvals, permit and inspection fees, environmental studies, traffic studies, land-use rules, labor rules, and delays.
Measuring costs, rather than eliminating all rules, is presented as a way to guide affordability and homebuilding policy nationwide while policymakers evaluate options.