BUILDING ACTIVITY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26636, 5 December 1947, Page 6

BUILDING ACTIVITY

DEMAND FOR HOMES RISING COSTS RETARD PROGRESS There has been considerable activity in the building trade in connection with the erection of private residences in various parts of Dunedin, but inquiries made by the Daily Times indicate that the ever-increasing cost of building has had the effect of retarding the actual progress of the construction work.

Shortage of materials has also had a definite effect on the progress of building operations, and many builders have found it necessary from time to time to substitute material? other than those specified under the contract in order that the buildings may be completed within a reasonable period. Bricks are at present being rationed to the extent of 500 bricks a day to each bricklaying firm, and since one man on straight wofk would probably lay 300 to 400 bricks a day, this affords some idea of the restrictions with which builders are faced.

Hardware is in reasonably good supply, but nails are difficult to obtain, and those that are available are said to be of poor quality, the necessary type of wire being unprocurable, at present. The fibrous plaster supply position is also affording concern as far as future building activities are concerned. Hardwood and pinex appear to be in reasonable supply. People find the apparently-necessary building restrictions. very irksome as they are not able to build rooms as large as they would require normally. The majority of persons attempting to build their own homes at present appear to be those with two or three children. Unable to rent premises because of the reluctance of landlords to let their houses to people with families, the latter have been - forced to build their own homes in spite of the increasing costs with which they are faced. A fairly large proportion of returned servicemen are among those who are endeavouring to acquire their own homes. . , The experience to-day is that the cost of building a reasonably-attractive family home of six rooms ranges from £3OOO to £4OOO, irrespective of the cost of the section. Such a house would include a kitchen, dining room, lounge, sun-room, and three bedrooms with the necessary bathroom and other amenities, and would conform with the regulations in regard to floor area. A similar house before the war would not have cost more than £2OOO, and the price Would probably have been lower than that. Further evidence of the terrific rise in building costs is seen in the case of a one storey and a-half dwelling which cost £llOO to build in 1910 and which today would cost anywhere up to £SOOO.