Evening star., 1919-05-12
PRESENT BUILDING
PRICES STABLE
Commissioners Committee
Reports Nothing Gained by
Postponing Work.
CONDITIONS SUMMED UP

That the present level of prices of
both material and labor represents
stable basis from which to figure con-
struction work for the year 1919 and
that nothing will be gained by fur
ther postponing building operations,
the central stabilization committee
said in it's report to the District Com
missioners, as announced today
This committee, which was appoint
ed by the Commissioners April Is to
Investigate the building situation
here with a view of StablllZlng con-
struction has held several meetings.
1t is stated in the report particular
ly is it important that the conSerVa-
tive building of home, remodellng OF
old property and erection of neces-
eary business buildings and schools
proceed at once, not only from tne
standpoint of urgent necessity, Dut
from an economical standpoint as
well.
Country Two Years Behind.
sThe country at large is two years
behind in building, which cannot pe
long delayed, and which. when started,
will be reflected in tremendous de-
mand for materials and labor.
Therefore, we believe, and recon-
tions in Washington be Immediately
resumed and hurried to completion pc
fore the great volume of necessary
construction throughout the country
such as railroad, highway, pubic
semi-public and Industrial deveiop-
ment that must go on, and When un-
dertaken will have a tendency TO m
crease rather than decrease the pres
ent cost of building construction
The committees report on prevail,
ing conditions. in part, said II 1ouho
building industry to be:
Brick.
"In this industry the consensus of
opinion is that no decrease in price
of this commodity may be expected
during 1919. The manufacturers. how
ever, offer to cooperate to the full
est extent.
Lumber.
prices today are firm with an up
ward tendency in the better grades.
Indications are that Increase in prices
will be felt for remainder of year on
better grades, while others will re-
main stationary. ~
Builders Hardware.
Prices on builders finishing hard
ware nave QeCllneQ from D TO III per
cent since signing of armistice. and
no material reduction in prices for
balance of 1919 may be looked for.
Millwork.
Many requests being received late
ly for estimates on smaller types of
houses. Cost of millwork has not ad
-sanced in proportion to some other
materials. No decrease in price ex-
n6ctpd If change q all
probably be an advance.
Erection of Structural Steel.
Very little work of this kind being
offered, bidding mostly on small re-
modelling work. Structural iron work
ers' demand increase in wages, to
take effect August /, 1919.
Building Materials.
Dealers unanimous in their willing
ness to cooperate in the effort to
ther signify their willingness to adopt
q policy guaranteeing prices on COM
modities for the erection and COM
pletion of specific work
Paints, Glass, Etc.
Business in this line reported sat
fsfactory and on increase No ad-
vance IN prices anticipated for 1919:
probable decrease of from to 10 ner
cent may be looked for about July /.
Plumbing and Steamitting Supplies
General business reported unsatis-
factory, but some Improvement noted
recently. Substantial reductions in
price, ranging from 10 to 80 per
cent; nave occurred since signing of
armistice.
Concrete and Fireproofing.
Reduction of 20 per cent in price
OF hollow tile since signing of armi-
stice No further decline may be ex-
pected during year 1919
General Contractors.
Oner to cooperate in every way
possible and agree to figure same
percentage OF profit as prevailed un-
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