Construction costs are currently skyrocketing

Place an ad in the local newspaper maybe?

We live in a big city. Nobody looks at ads there with the obviously still very good order situation, unfortunately.

Well, but maybe the plumber has a tip?

I can't get through to him at all. Only his secretary, and she always just apologizes. And at other companies, no one answers the phone, not even secretaries, who always want an email and then never get back to you. I also told my husband now that after almost 5 months of searching, I’m throwing in the towel. I really don't have the nerves for this anymore.

I can only think of one solution. Search nationwide for an (Polish) all-rounder. Probably still difficult for solar thermal, but someone might be able to handle the rest. Rent a caravan and put it on the property and let them work hard for four weeks...

I can only think of one solution. Look for a (Polish) all-rounder nationwide. Still probably difficult for solar thermal, but maybe someone could cover the rest.
Rent a caravan, put it on the property, and let them work hard for four weeks...

That's exactly the idea we had too. Hire a Polish or Romanian crew, pay half the German price, and be happy. But I think we might still prefer to do it ourselves. And we can probably forget about solar thermal for this year. Mind you, I have been working on the heating issue for 11 months already. We have two other renovators in the area with exactly the same problems. So at least it's not just us. You start to doubt...

Unfortunately, German driving license law has also developed into a true bureaucratic monster. There are currently almost 40 driving license classes in the most senseless gradations. Even some police officers are no longer able to keep track of it.

How absurd this driving license law is is shown by the following incident. For example, a 16-year-old is allowed to get the tractor license L. Thus, he is allowed to drive a 40-ton trailer combination with a total length of 18.50 m and 500 hp on public roads.

However, with a speed limit of 40 km/h. From the age of 18, the young man may drive at 60 km/h with the driving license class T.

However, he is not allowed to drive a car. Not even an unbraked trailer up to 750 kg. But he could drive to school with a 500 hp tractor without accompaniment and already at 16. And although he is easily allowed to tow a 12 m long 25-ton trailer with the tractor, he still has to get the car trailer license at 18.

Regarding the costs, whether for tractor, truck or bus license, it is no wonder in the transport industry or agriculture that there are no more professional drivers.

Hardly anyone wants to put up with this anymore.

Unfortunately, German driving license law has also developed into a true bureaucratic monster.

I am currently demolishing a house and rebuilding it. The development plan requires archaeological supervision. Neither the archaeologist nor the office sees it as useful – but it’s stipulated, so it has to be done, costing 500-1000 euros.

Conversion of an attic: regulations require a fire escape on the house.

Fire protection requirements: demonstration in the local school auditorium – by now, 6(!) personnel plus a fire truck have to be employed.

Digital electricity meters: it should all be totally secure – end of the story: the meters come in sealed boxes and may only be installed under the four-eyes principle, including documentation on thousands of levels. Endless costs.

GDPR: ... no words.

In summary: In principle, good ideas are inflated until the core idea is completely brought to absurdity. This costs time and money – and in the worst case, an entire swamp of profiteers forms who keep putting their hands out for some certificates.