Omaha daily bee., 1888-07-29
WHAT IT COSTS TO BUILD.
. Comparison Of Prices of This and
Last Year.
MATERIAL SOMEWHAT CHEAPER.
A Drop IN Prices on Brick, Lumber and
General Matter Used in Build
ing-A Rise in Doors
and Sash.

After a man attains his majority, and DO
thinks himself of getting married, his frst
thought is, generally, "How am l to pro.
vide a cage for my birdl "a great number
usually solve the problem by renting q DOM
icile, while some build one of their
own. To those who contemplate the latter
action it will doubtless be gratifying to note
that this year a house can be erected much
cheaper than last, and whyl Not be cause
labor is very much cheaper, although it is,
but because material is lower in price than q
year ago. In Omaha houses are either brick
or frame, and in the majority of cases the
cellar walls are brick, very few are stone.
When stone is used, rubDle is the exception
and not the rule, and the price asked this
year is the same as last, while rates in cut
stone are the same as for the past two years.
1aii at se'S 81 year and are so 1a'a per IN th sns
sand, while last year the price paid was
from $40 to sl2. This of course applies to
ordinary brick. Pressed brick which ara
seldom used except in the more expensive
residences are more costly. The reason as
signed for this reduction in price is that
there are more brickyards in operation than
there was one year ago and the demand is not
quite so great. Ordinary brick can now be
purchased at $3.50, 81 and s. per 900. In
regard to lime, lath and sand all three ar.
ticles are now much cheaper than before.
Last year lime was sold at 90 cents per bar.
rel while at present 1t can be purchased at
IS cents. The price of sand depends upon
the quantity purchased, but for ordinary
purposes or for ordinary dwellings sand can
be bought at S1.25 per load. This figure
does not materially differ from the price
paid last year.
Lumber is a commodity the price of which
is regulated to a great extent by the prevail
ing rates on railroads, but the following
comparison shows that at present the price
asked is much W than that paid in 1887:
Joist from 2x4 to 2xl0 varying from IA to
90 feet In length sold IN 1887 at from SIT. so to
$23 per IN, 2xl2 of the same length sold at
SlS.25 to S24 per m; timbers AKA and SKIS Of
the same lengths as quoted above varied in
price from $3.50 to S23.
The prevailing rates are as follows: For
the first four qualities mentioned SIG. SO to
S21. 80, a general difference of S1.25 per IN, in
some cases more, 2x2, Sl1.2 90 and s22.5O, diff
ference of $50; AKA and sxs, $3.50 and s2f,
a difference of 81 so average.
While No. | boards sold last year at SlS.5 80
! per m, the price now is SIS. All others in
proportion, q difference of 81 all around.
Siding sells this year at S1l. rs to $40. so,
while last year the price was S12. so to S21 80.
Ceiling, which was then quoted at s14 to ssa,
according to quality, can now be bought for
| $3.50 and S33. Flooring which now sells at
$3.50 and S34, then brought $3.50 and S35.
Finishing last year sold at S37 and sol, this
year S36 and $50. The difference on lath
and shingles is about 5 per cent in favor of
the present years prices.
The only articles which have advanced to
any extent are sash, doors and blinds. Last
year ordinary grades of sash sold ut 81 and
Sl.5O; blinds were quoted at the same figure;
doors sold at 81. 80 and S2.25. The price this
year is 10 per cent in advance. Minor
material is somewhat lower than at the time
referred to. Paints, oils and glass are all o
fraction lower in price.
Contractors are building this year much
cheaper tina n last, owing to the competition
being more lively and material cheaper.
Frame houses can be erected at least 10 per
cert cheaper this year, according to the
statement of a leading contractor.