Backed-up contractors

Don is involved in a local organization which, among much else, needs to get an older historical building rewired. Don took on the task of getting quotes from electricians, after which the organization would decide which contractor to use for the project.

Well my goodness, this has turned into a months-long ordeal. Of the seven electrical contractors he contacted, only three returned his calls. Of those three, only two gave him quotes. Now that the decision is made as to which contractor to use, it’s a matter of scheduling.

This week Don contacted the contractor to see when he might be able to start work on the project. The contractor told him he has numerous other projects scheduled already, so he’s going to split the rewiring project for the older building into three parts and shoehorn the work in between his other projects.

Interestingly, rather than accept any money up front to seal the deal (which is normal), the electrician said he would bill the organization. Why? Because prices keep going up for the supplies the electrician needs (junction boxes, wiring, switches, etc.) to do the job according to code.

Similarly, we had a plumbing emergency that arose a couple months ago. Don called around to plumbing services, but every last one said it would be three months before they could come take a look – and this was for a plumbing emergency! Fortunately we were able to get the issue resolved, and it’s a good thing, too. Three months?

Ditto with concrete. The electrician told Don he knows a number of concrete guys who said they’re already three months out for new projects, and it’s barely April. Oh and big surprise, the cost of concrete is rising.

We have several neighbors either actively trying to build homes, bring in manufactured homes, or otherwise get housing established. The trouble is, everyone and everything is so backed up – and prices keep rising, and supply-chain issues keep cropping up – that people are living in trailers or alternate quarters for the foreseeable future (months or even years) before they can anticipate housing to be built. Additionally, the original budget these neighbors might have had for building is now out of date because of skyrocketing costs of lumber, roofing materials, drywall, insulation, and every other component that makes up a home.

This is the new reality, apparently. For those looking to relocate, this is a critical point to factor in.