Not To Say…
By Mitch Berg
… that lumber prices are completely out of control…
… but while driving through Dayton‘s Bluff yesterday, I saw a house that had been stripped down to nothing but copper pipe.
16 Responses to “Not To Say…”
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April 23rd, 2021 at 7:19 am
Yesterday, from Menards in St Croix Falls WI —
(8) 2×4 – 8′ — @ 7.99 — $63.92
(4) 2×4 – 12′ — @ 11.49 — $45.96
(1) 3/4 x 2×2 ACX NOM (plywood) — $12.19
Want to talk about prices at the grocery store?
I keep waiting for the price of gasoline to go up, way up. Then watch the price of everything explode.
April 23rd, 2021 at 7:41 am
Saturday at Home Depot in Bloomington, 250 foot coil = $88.00.
4’ X 8’ X1/2” sheet rock = $7.84 sheet, bulk price = 25 sheets or more.
April 23rd, 2021 at 7:41 am
Doh! 250 foot coil of 12 – 2 electrical wire.
April 23rd, 2021 at 8:19 am
I expect it is temporary.
The supply capacity of construction materials is very elastic, especially in teh Midwest.
I am speaking, of course, as a mensa member and a guy who has actually voted on laws and constitutional amendments, so I am super smart and everything.
April 23rd, 2021 at 8:21 am
AS, gas (and diesel) price at this time can go up appreciably only if it gets taxed more. And when it does – everything will go up in price. It is as if we do not have enough issues with moving goods in the US to begin with. And then you know what’s going to happen? Well, let me tell you! Goobernment is going to step in and institute price caps on the dastardly Big Oil to reign in their profits – because they dare charge for gasoline (and diesel) that much! Fuck I hate ALL uniparty politicians. They are so fucking predictable. So predictably anti-American.
April 23rd, 2021 at 8:28 am
I wrote about electrical wire a while back and a commenter who works in the industry set me straight. I can’t recall who it was. A little help, here? Would that commenter explain again what’s happening in the construction industry?
I know it’s not inflation. Inflation is only 2.6% which is pretty much in line with the Fed’s target of 2%. So what’s the explanation?
April 23rd, 2021 at 9:10 am
Joe, it was JPA, I believe.
I’m guessing the spike in prices around the cities just might have something to do with businesses scrambling to protect their windows recently. Might be another political angle, but that’s the obvious thought that comes to mind for me.
April 23rd, 2021 at 9:15 am
Speaking as a mensa member and a wannabe lawyer, I believe the price of electrical wire is set by supply and demand.
FYI, I am a member of Canada Mensa (Yukon Province). I couldn’t pass the American Mensa test. Something about a “standard deviation” that I don’t understand.
April 23rd, 2021 at 9:35 am
Housing input cost trends in a nutshell.
Lot prices +15% YOY
Labor & material costs +13% YOY.
https://www.realestateconsulting.com/
April 23rd, 2021 at 9:41 am
Here’s a link to an industry guy I follow:
“Some interesting housing color from mid-April around the country home builder channel check. Bunch of market commentary to follow…will try to hit most top markets.”
https://mobile.twitter.com/rickpalaciosjr?prefetchTimestamp=1619188249317
April 23rd, 2021 at 12:07 pm
Potato Head confessed: “Here’s a link to an industry guy I follow”
Better hope he doesn’t spot you Tater. Probably mash you, real good.
April 23rd, 2021 at 1:36 pm
It’s not just lumber, or wire. I just purchased steel tubing to build wrought iron railings and gates; price is up 25% from last year and I have to wait 2 weeks for delivery of the 1″ .063 wall tube.
This is the world starting to wake up to the reality of what happens when you shut the world’s economy down for 16 months….it’s gonna get worse, too.
April 23rd, 2021 at 2:51 pm
Anybody know where I can get 6061 T6 aluminum tube and 4130 steel tube, for cheap?
April 23rd, 2021 at 3:44 pm
Actually, I do, JD. Bring a cutting torch to the Duluth harbor….should be able to find everything you need, for free. Don’t forget to bring you looting pass! Better bring a Negro with you just in case.
April 23rd, 2021 at 5:18 pm
Dr. Pete;
😂🤣🤣😂
April 24th, 2021 at 7:33 am
JD, common sense folks are fleeing urban centers causing residential boom in the burbs, hence demand for all construction material prices is up and hence are the prices. Freight rates are out of control – hence prices to move goods are going up. East TX is still feeling the aftereffects of the big freeze so there is increased demand for construction and industrial materials after the freeze, hence prices are up. There are less trees for lumber and paper being cut – they are left standing as Big Oil, Big Chemical, Big Industry, Big Trucking, Big Airline and the Big Woke are paying indulgencies to the Big AGM for carbon credits. Less trees available to cut – more price you pay per tree.
As you can see it is a multi-variate equation and there is no single reason. But what is singular, is EVERY…. ONE… of the reasons can be traced to the Big Left. EVERY…. FUCKING…. ONE!