Construction costs are currently skyrocketing

We were just able to observe or rather eavesdrop during the lunch break. Someone cut through a metal bracket for 15 minutes with some kind of grinding tool. His companion stood next to him half the time and just watched. So much for productivity outside of [Homeoffice]...

We were just able to observe or rather eavesdrop on this during the lunch break. Someone spent 15 minutes cutting through metal brackets with some grinding tool. His companion stood next to him half the time and just watched. So much for productivity outside the home office...

I see this all the time around here. In every town, the streets are torn up for fiber optic expansion. Half of the people are constantly standing somewhere leaning and scrolling on their phones. At first, I thought it was just a coincidence and figured "they're probably on a break," but by now I'm surprised how often they seem to be on break. :D

Oh, and I thought that was only the case in Berlin. Forget about fiber optics. They have been building an elevator for the subway for two years. Also sensible, but why does it take two years... Then they have been working on Tauentzien since 2014. Feels like the same spot but not all at once, instead they tear it up again a month later for three months. etc. I wonder if they really have uncoordinated planning or if someone has to keep fixing things over and over again.

Today an article was published in Saxony. I’ll copy it here to get back to the topic. According to a statement from the Statistical Office of the State in Kamenz, which was released on Thursday, the price surge has somewhat eased but still remains at a very high level. Compared to the same month last year, the costs for constructing a new residential building increased by 11.6 percent in May. For office buildings, the increase was 10.7 percent, and for commercial buildings, it was 10.4 percent. (mit dpa)

Whereas "costs for the [NeuBau]" do not necessarily mean rising construction prices, but can also be due to financing costs. Or does this become clear from the further context?

Where "costs for the new construction" does not necessarily mean rising construction prices, but can also be due to financing costs. Or is that made clear from the further context?

Unfortunately not. Words Words Words