Home Buying: NAHB's Crocodile Tears

The National Association of Home Builders is throwing a temper tantrum over the increase in energy prices leading to higher construction costs. It's hard for me to be sympathetic with statements like these, though:

Because of fierce competition among builders in North Texas, it's been tough to pass along price increases to the consumer.

So, let me get this right--you mean you actually have to do a better job and demonstrate that you can do the work better than the other guy? Heaven forfend.

The article makes a lot of good points, but I'm just aghast at how these guys are complaining over actually having to compete in the market once again. So much for that can-do rugged individualism, eh?

Of course, what's higher costs to some is a sustainable pace to others. Except this is also the NAHB talking. Suddenly I'm hearing the chorus to "War Inside My Head" for no discernible reason....

Posted at February 3, 2006 02:52 PM

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The National Association of Home Builders is throwing a temper tantrum over the increase in energy prices leading to higher construction costs. It's hard for me to be sympathetic with statements like these, though: Because of fierce competition among builders in North Texas, it's been tough to pass along price increases to the consumer. So, let me get this right--you mean you actually have to do a better job and demonstrate that you can do the work better than the other guy? Heaven forfend. The article makes a lot of good points, but I'm just aghast at how these guys are complaining over actually having to compete in the market once again. So much for that can-do rugged individualism, eh? Of course, what's higher costs to some is a sustainable pace to others. Except this is also the NAHB talking. Suddenly I'm hearing the chorus to "War Inside My Head" for no discernible reason....