“What does that have to do with the price of tea in China?” was a common retort to any comment that seamed unrelated to the discussion at hand. So, today the topic is “steel” which is definitely not a “steal”. About 18 months ago, I got an estimate on the shell for my building project. It wasn’t going to be cheap, but I built a budget around it. It’s now 18 months later and I’m ready to start. So, I went back for an updated estimate. I expected about a 10% or even 15% increase given fuel costs and materials. I got sticker shock with a 25% increase in the cost of the basic building. I don’t know how I will manage to pull this one together. I’m all for creative financing (just not sub-prime loan creativity). I hope the bank is feeling generous !

There are some things that can’t be deferred. The rule is …

If it is an addition to the project and does not replace or require demolition, then it is a candidate to be deferred.

Using this rule, things like windows, doors, radiant floor heating tubes, and upgrades to the roof are all fixed items. Things like the porch deck, a nice driveway, plantings, or “hook up” of the radiant floor heating are all options and open for the budget chopping block. I’m betting a lot more will be on the chopping block than previously planned … oh well. Getting the building up and sealed and moving my workshop in will be a big move in the right direction.

Related tangests ...   House Prices falling ?!   Supply and demand   The kitchen is "in the book"

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