Inflation has really affected all industries in the past 3 years. We have experienced increased prices on all materials in the construction industry.Some costs are out of sight, some costs not so bad, but all increases affects everyone.
When receiving an estimate, please keep in mind the costs that has affected the industry. As a contractor I cannot scale back on materials, unfortunately, some will just to get the job, be careful with this.
I usually outline exactly how we will construct your project, it’s very important when comparing estimates from one contractor to another. Please compare apple to apples.
Smaller wood sizes on a patio cover will make the project less expensive, but down the road a couple of years, you’ll begin to see wood warping on your patio cover.
Pouring a smaller concrete foundation for a retaining wall will make the wall show cracks a year or two later, but looks the same in the beginning. When pouring a patio, 3 inches thick, instead of 4 inches thick means less concrete to order, cheaper for the contractor, but then cracks appear a year later.
This list of compromises with material is endless, please be careful.
Labor cost are on the rise, like anyone else, food & goods cost more for everyone.
One thing to consider, scale back on your project so it’s affordable, you can always add to the project once the economy straightens out. I’ve been contracting for over 40 years, the economy at some point always gets better, prices level out or drops back down.
