Construction costs are currently skyrocketing

Yes, because even though energy prices will remain critical, in my opinion there is a lot of potential for price reductions due to the clearly and significantly declining demand. The demand-driven increases of the last 5 years have certainly contributed well to the industry's margin; these are the reserves that will be tapped when the market turns. Ultimately, one has to adapt, possibly make sacrifices & rationalize wisely. Energy-intensive building materials will probably no longer be sourced locally but imported – transport capacity will be available next year.

Basically correct that the margin of the construction industry will decrease. However, I do not see this happening through lower prices for the end consumer, but rather through increased labor and procurement costs. I think something will happen starting in October regarding the wage-price spiral; it will also not be easy for the construction industry to remain inactive, even if they have so far been above the new minimum wage.

Basically right that the margin of the construction industry will decrease. However, I don't see this happening through lower prices for the end consumer, but rather through increased wage and procurement costs. I think a lot will happen from October onwards regarding the wage-price spiral; it won't be easy for the construction industry to remain inactive, even if they are already above the new minimum wage.

Certainly, but as is often the case in Germany, it's forgotten that someone has to pay for the higher wages & prices - and if the state builds less, commercial developers hit the brakes, housing cooperatives and many, many building families can no longer afford it, things will get exciting. And then there are the banks and their valuations & conditions..

Certainly, but as is so often the case in Germany, it is forgotten that someone has to pay for the higher wages & prices - and if the state no longer builds, the commercial developers are slowing down, the housing cooperatives and many, many building families can no longer afford it, it will get interesting. And then there are the banks and their valuations & conditions..

Well, actually it is quite simple. In the end, the rising costs are ALWAYS paid by the end customer. Since wages will rise significantly both at the construction company itself and at the suppliers, both the supplier and the construction company will have to pass these on, as well as rising energy costs, to the end customer. Those who already have barely any margin will thus inevitably have to become more expensive, others who were previously more expensive because they had better margins cannot lower their prices, but can only maintain them at best. (what a nested sentence :-P!?) It then also plays a secondary role how high the demand is. No one will be able or willing to afford to lose money on a project. Rather, some will have to close, which in turn leads to the supply of those who can implement a project becoming smaller and thus more expensive. Low material availability and supply chain problems, which are additional price drivers, are not even considered here. Then there are also things like photovoltaic requirements,... Conclusion: I do not see how prices are supposed to fall in the foreseeable future. Building as a private person is thus becoming increasingly difficult to impossible, unless you inherit or otherwise accumulate a high level of equity. Sad but true.

I could rather imagine that one would then see vehicles from another EU country on the construction site more often again. We also had a very friendly Romanian with his girlfriend once on a Saturday who had installed a few battens for us, but I think he was only paid according to the national standards.

I could rather imagine that vehicles from another EU country would be seen more often on the construction site again. We also had a very friendly Romanian with his girlfriend once on a Saturday who placed a few battens for us, but I think he was only paid according to the national standard

Then that would be a clear violation of the minimum wage and would be sanctioned by customs if they became aware of it. The minimum wage applies to all employers, not just the Germans.

If he is a sole proprietor, no. Then he is a company and can offer the work to be performed at the price he considers appropriate.