Construction costs are currently skyrocketing

Clay roof tiles the same 12-18 weeks delivery time and at least 25% more expensive.

We searched today (by phone) for 18mm OSB for the attic. Prices ranged from €9.88 to €20 + VAT (67cm width with tongue and groove). The offer for the front door has now also arrived....the doors cost between €1500 and €1800 about 2 years ago. Now it is supposed to be €2900 + VAT. So we still have to look around a bit.....

At two of the best known, large hardware stores for €12 net each.

The biggest problem is or will be construction steel. Even reinforcement for foundations will soon hardly be available anymore. A large bending plant has currently shut down operations. There is almost no steel left and only at extremely high prices. Some manufacturers have shut down their furnaces due to energy costs. I know two large property developers who only receive steel for projects already started. After that, the situation is unclear. Wood is available again in larger quantities, but prices have not yet fallen to the old level. Many construction projects will stand still by May at the latest if the trades do not already have the steel on site.

Many construction projects will come to a halt by May at the latest if the trades do not already have the steel on site.

Crazy. Very crazy. As of today, most house-building companies are quite fully booked for this year. As of today, when you go to the initial consultation with the companies. A foundation slab in late summer or similar is still possible. Who can still afford to build with the current moon prices and the increased interest rates? Everyone who has a loan and a signed construction contract in their pocket is already set (apart from the 12-month price lock and the nasty surprise afterwards). But those who come as of today? With currently about 1.2% increased nominal interest rate on a loan amount of 500,000 euros, that means an additional 500 euros/month (or 6,000 euros per year) in interest. And the screw keeps turning almost weekly at the banks.

From what I have heard, many potential builders have already put their planned projects on hold. That should at least bring some relief towards the end of the year, at least regarding material availability.

. That should at least provide some relief towards the end of the year, at least in terms of material availability.

The sweet few cubic meters of reinforced concrete are nothing compared to 1000+ cubic meters and the incredible amount of steel for, for example, the foundation of a wind turbine. Or bridges, etc. Just as an example.

Some manufacturers have shut down their ovens due to energy costs.

I just received a call from the tiling company and learned that many plants in Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic sourced their clay from Ukraine before the war, which is now no longer available. Additionally, some factories in Germany have closed due to high energy costs.