US Construction Spending

Posted on September 7, 2025 by DRenegade
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Big Ruckus D
Big Ruckus D
2 months ago

I believe it. I’m not in new construction, but do repair and remodel work, and can tell the demand is falling off quite noticeably. Started to become “detectable” about 3-4 months back now, and has gained momentum since mid-July. Guys I know in various trades are echoing that sentiment.

Patriot_One
Patriot_One
2 months ago

Yeah they kinda screwed themselves. Construction prices are inflated because of material and labor costs in part, but mostly from inflated real estate values, over builds and standard luxury options. I mean does every new house need a granite countertop and a tile roof? Remember the old 900sqft 3 bed 1 bath home our parents bought and raised 5 kids in? It had a no frills wall heater, wood or Formica countertops, linoleum bathroom floors, a swamp cooler and a economy water heater. There was no dishwasher, garbage disposal, dual pane windows, or vaulted ceiling but it was affordable. Now our kids and grand kids are slaves to the rent trap all because we have forgotten modesty and frugality.

Rich people had nice homes because they could afford them. The bankers, politicians and realtors and simpleton attitudes of having it all created this mess. Now we have to wallow in it for awhile.

Sorry for the rant. It was twice as long but I spared you my thoughts about the convenience of our fingertip world and how it makes us all dumber for it. Or the contractor lobby making anything worthwhile a permit job.

Big Ruckus D
Big Ruckus D
2 months ago
Reply to  Patriot_One

No argument with any of that. Fundamentally, American expectations of what constitutes the “minimum standard” for homes (and most anything else, really) have gotten way too excessive. They couldn’t afford it, so everything was done as cheaply as possible. Now new homes are built like disposable garbage, and yet still come at outrageous prices. I remain incredulous that the scam has been propped up as long as it has. All I know is that the rat race is over, and the rats won.