So for years I use to work selling building materials (lumber, doors, windows etc.). I am a machinist now but still have friends who are still doing it. Today one of them sent me a text telling me about the insanity going on right now.
When I get a chance I'll update this with everything he told me but as a good example of what's going on. 7/16 OSB 4 x 8 sheets (used on roofs, exterior walls among other things) will soon be $33 a sheet. The price always fluctuated and sometimes quite a bit. I remember selling it 20yrs ago for $4.95 a sheet (yes I know 20yrs is awhile ago), but in a year or two after that, it would be up to $12 a sheet. Sometimes it changed close to that much in the same year. It is all about supply and demand. Well, because of COVID, there have been supply issues and demand has gone nuts because everyone was stuck at home so we all got the great idea of getting that remodel done we've always talked about. What does that mean? Now is a TERRIBLE time to remodel or build. I know contractors here in Utah who have told me they are turning away work because they're booked solid for most of the next year (yes NEXT year).
When I get a chance I'll update this with everything he told me but as a good example of what's going on. 7/16 OSB 4 x 8 sheets (used on roofs, exterior walls among other things) will soon be $33 a sheet. The price always fluctuated and sometimes quite a bit. I remember selling it 20yrs ago for $4.95 a sheet (yes I know 20yrs is awhile ago), but in a year or two after that, it would be up to $12 a sheet. Sometimes it changed close to that much in the same year. It is all about supply and demand. Well, because of COVID, there have been supply issues and demand has gone nuts because everyone was stuck at home so we all got the great idea of getting that remodel done we've always talked about. What does that mean? Now is a TERRIBLE time to remodel or build. I know contractors here in Utah who have told me they are turning away work because they're booked solid for most of the next year (yes NEXT year).