Explore, connect, thrive in
the expat community

Expat Life: Local Discoveries, Global Connections

Real Estate News Is it advisable to build and remodel?: The materials that increased the most and the recommendations to avoid buying the wrong one - Infobae

BuySellBA

Administrator
Is it advisable to build and remodel?: The materials that increased the most and the recommendations to avoid buying the wrong one - Infobae


1703783867951.png


Source:



October 31, 2023



n the current context, construction experts assured that investing in the sector is an effective strategy to protect capital

By José Luis Cieri

rs=w:1280


The works advance despite setbacks in budgets and increases tied by the inflationary effect and increase in the blue dollar

Inflation significantly impacts the costs of materials used in home construction. In addition, the increase in the dollar in the free market exerts a particular influence on products that depend on imports, such as floor and wall coverings, supplies for the manufacture of paints, faucets for bathrooms and kitchens, and quartz for countertops, among others. These two variables generated increases of 150% year-on-year, according to reports from various consulting firms.

In this scenario, specialists in the development and construction sector maintain that it remains appropriate to maintain confidence in construction-related investments. This applies to both those undertaking new construction projects and those choosing to renovate or expand their home.

Currently, more than 50,000 apartments are being built in the city of Buenos Aires in different neighborhoods. There is also dynamism in the province of Buenos Aires and in different parties in this territory.

Among materials, notable increases in the prices of cement bags stand out, which increased more than 20% in just one month. Values vary depending on the brand and quantity, reaching more than $4,200 per 50-kilo unit. Faucets also experienced a significant increase, with increases of more than 18% in one month. For a complete bathroom set, including the shower, more than 120,000 pesos are requested. Likewise, paints, both 10-liter latex for interior and exterior, increased between 25% and 30% in the same period; Cans of various brands exceed 15,000 pesos.

How to beat him​

In this context, Matías Hernández , president of the Association of Construction SMEs (Apymeco), provided recommendations on what to do for those involved in the construction or renovation of their home and how to save costs. He stressed to Infobae the importance of caution, pointing out that in the current economy, prices lack stability, merchants do not have an established replacement price for merchandise, and delivery dates are uncertain.

“Therefore, if the purchases are not urgent and the savings are in dollars, the recommendation is to wait,” he said.

rs=w:1280


Source: Association of Construction SMEs (Apymeco). Here you can see the values to build until September

In turn, he advised that materials that can be paid by card, and with a financial rate lower than inflation, are the best way to improve purchases.

Despite the uncertainty, construction continues to be an attractive investment option and protection of capital.

To combat inflation, it is essential to ensure the value of the material with the dollar rate of the day. Products are directly related to dollar fluctuations, which affects final prices

Diego Aguirre , CEO of Construyo al Costo, told Infobae that one of the reasons that supports investment in construction is that the cost per square meter, measured in dollar bills, remains at historically favorable levels.

“According to Apymeco data, in September, the cost per square meter was USD 524.87, considerably lower than the average of the last 8 years, which reached its peak in 2017 with USD 1,700 per m2. In addition, with the recent increase in the blue dollar in recent weeks, the cost in dollar bills is even more affordable.”

rs=w:1280


Source: Association of Construction SMEs (Apymeco)

Aguirre pointed out that “the acquisition of wholesale materials is emerging as a strategic alternative in the turbulent panorama and allows optimizing investment capital. We believe that investing in wholesale materials is a smart strategy in times of economic volatility. Doing so can not only help keep construction costs under control, but also allows consumers to gain long-term stability in their construction, remodeling or renovation projects.”

Specialists recommend the importance of being aware of market trends and price variations. Staying informed about purchasing opportunities and taking advantage of special offers can make all the difference in your return on investment.

rs=w:1280


Cement is among the most expensive products for building and renovating your home.

“As it is an investment alternative, users will be able to reduce future expenses, saving an interesting percentage depending on the case. The materials with the greatest rotation and sale are those of rough work, sand, stone, iron, bricks, cement and lime,” said Aguirre.

Hardware stores​

Another recommendation is not to keep the pesos and buy to stock up on the merchandise that you will need in the future.

“In the area we have national and imported merchandise, the latter in greater proportion is the one that rose the most. On average, prices have increased by 170% so far this year,” Agustín Giffi , from the Gibeva company, told Agustín Giffi.

rs=w:1280


Imported tools and machines rose 170% so far this year

Consumers tend to take advantage of all available offers and resort to bank withdrawals, such as cta dni, and also take advantage of programs such as Ahora 12 with convenient rates.

Giffi expanded the perspective by mentioning that those with dollars might initially consider speculating, but in the long term, the commodity tends to outperform the dollar. “Our advice is that those who are determined to carry out their construction project and require materials or tools in the short term should invest in them now, as this will provide benefits in the future,” she explained.

Use cash​

In view of the high inflation and current economic instability, the most appropriate strategy is to use cash to purchase paints and materials that are expected to be used in the short or medium term.

“Given the constant depreciation of the peso and the scarce availability of dollars to save, together with the reluctance to invest in fixed terms, accumulate products or consider the remodeling and maintenance of homes, whether habitual or weekend residences, it becomes in an intelligent decision. As an example, October is a favorable time to get pools in condition, which makes the advance purchase of materials to repaint or repair them highly recommended,” he told Guillermo Ortega, manager of Sui Color.

rs=w:1280


Painting a wall is between 25% and 30% more expensive than the previous month (Photo: Freepik)

With credit cards you can purchase paints and materials in installments, since several banks offer the possibility of purchasing in 3 or 6 interest-free installments through the credit cards they issue. In addition, there is the option of going to paint outlets , where you can obtain products with slight imperfections in their presentation or with timeless colors at prices up to 40% lower.

A 4-liter satin and gloss white synthetic polish costs between $16,000 and $21,000; a 20-liter can of latex paint for interior, depending on the brand and whether it is white or colored, between $30,000 and $50,000; an outdoor one, between $35,000 and $55,000; a roller about $2,500; a 4-liter can of slurry, $4,000; 4 liters of fixative, $4,000; a sheet of sandpaper, 250 pesos.

“An important fact is that companies, construction companies or people who are carrying out works and have the money in hand can buy and stockpile the material to deliver later. They put up the money and reserve prices,” Ortega concluded.


www.buysellba.com
 
Back
Top