Increase in construction costs from 2017 to 2018

And what’s the point of the discussion?

“Hey home builder, the forum says that the statistics say only 4% is reasonable”? What kind of argument is that supposed to be?

He wants 10% more. Just haggle over it, but if it’s too expensive for you, you have to find someone else. It’s that simple.

Well, if he sees a 10% surcharge compared to a general increase in construction costs of under 4%, then I definitely think it’s appropriate to a) ask about it and b) get an alternative offer. If his construction company doesn’t agree to that, there’s not much he can do. But trying seems warranted to me.