Woodpeckers, Tariffs, and Housing Woes: Eric G's Wild Update

Eric G dives into the current housing crisis, and let me tell you, it’s a doozy. With the Trump administration stepping in, we’re all left wondering what that even means for us homeowners. Is there actually a plan here or are we just watching a circus unfold? Eric breaks down the absurdity of the state and local regulations that are driving up housing costs. Urban growth boundaries? More like urban growth nightmares! Imagine owning a chunk of land you can’t build on just because it’s not on some arbitrary line drawn by the government. Classic. It’s a tug-of-war between skyrocketing land prices and the desperate need for affordable housing. Spoiler alert: it’s not looking good. Eric digs into the crazy fees associated with building, like $70,000 just to get a house on the market. Who knew permits could cost more than my first car?

Then we get into lumber prices, and wow, hold onto your hard hats. With tariffs on Canadian lumber, prices are on the rise and it’s making everything feel like a bad joke. Eric shares some wild stats about how framing lumber is up nearly 20% year-over-year. That’s right, folks, lumber is now a luxury item. But wait, there’s more! The prices of gypsum board are through the roof too—$20 a sheet! Seriously, do we have to start trading in gold now? Eric’s sarcastic take on the absurdities of the construction industry keeps it light as we navigate through these serious issues. He wraps it up with a call to action about the importance of trade education in schools because apparently, we’re not allowed to learn how to build things anymore. What a wild ride!

Takeaways:

• The Federal Government is stepping in on the housing emergency, but don't hold your breath waiting for miraculous solutions.
• Local zoning laws and urban growth boundaries are driving housing prices through the roof, making it almost a joke.
• Tariffs on Canadian lumber are raising costs, so good luck finding affordable wood for your next project.
• Eric shares his personal home improvement woes, like battling a persistent woodpecker—because who doesn't love a good DIY disaster story?
• The housing crisis is the worst it's been in decades, and Eric discusses why a single federal solution isn't likely to happen any time soon.
• Eric's deep dive into the absurdities of permit fees shows just how much red tape can screw up home building.

Links referenced in this episode:

• aroundthehouseonline.com
• youtube.com/aroundthehousewithericg

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Eric G.
• Around the House
• Fox Business

To get your questions answered by Eric G give us a call in the studio at 833-239-4144 24/7 and Eric G will get back to you and answer your question and you might end up in a future episode of Around the House.

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Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

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