Cost Of Building Materials Are Up Following Pandemic, Contractors Say It’ll Put Them Out Of Business

ABERDEEN, Md. (WJZ) — Maryland contractors have noticed a steady increase in the price of building materials since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. One contractor tells WJZ at first he thought the pandemic was driving up costs, but now he thinks it’s price-gouging.

“Ten percent here, 10 percent there and then before you know it — it’s just 30 to 50%,” said private contractor Robert Trombero, “and it’s really going out of hand.”

The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports a steady increase in the price of lumber since February 2020.

Robert Trombero, a private contractor, said everything from cement to light fixtures, plywood and sheathing to lumber, steel etc. has seen a price increase @wjz pic.twitter.com/v9GsZLdNIi

— Rachael Cardin (@RachaelCardin) March 15, 2021

Trombero has seen it first hand.

“Two-by-fours are up to $8,” he said. “You could get them for about $2.85.”

The Association General Contractors of America took a poll and reported that 93% of contractors polled saw an increase in the cost of their projects.

According to a release from the Associated General Contractors of America 93% of the survey’s respondents report the pandemic has driven up their costs. @wjz pic.twitter.com/zTW2StTnaB

— Rachael Cardin (@RachaelCardin) March 15, 2021

They are now calling on the federal government, Congress and the Biden Administration to eliminate tariffs on key materials, address shipping backups and boost funding for new infrastructure.

Trombero does not want to get the government involved and thinks contractors should put their foot down now.

“It’s putting people out of business, almost because if things don’t come down it will end,” he said.

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