The current state of the construction industry and slow real estate sales has finally slowed the demand of building materials to the point where prices are dropping. Between January 2007 and January 2008, framing lumber fell 15.6 percent, insulation 3.6 percent, and wallboard a whopping 22 percent. Some markets have seen even sharper drops in material costs.
What does this mean for you? Well combine the dropping material costs with slower demand on construction crews and still historically low interest rates and now is a great time to build a new home, remodel and existing one or add that addition you've been putting off for years.
A couple of years ago you would have had a very hard time getting contractors to return your call. Now if you call a contractor he or she is likely to show up at your door step the same day to discuss your project. In addition the slow down in construction has weeded out quite a few of the smaller less established contractors. Contractors are sharpening their pencils and keeping prices very competitive to keep enough work for their crews.
The only fly in the ointment that I see is the ridiculous fuel costs. Those costs will be passed on to the customer which will ultimately offset some of the savings due to lower material costs. Even so it's a great time to build your next project before the market stabilizes and contractors get busy again.
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