You have to take your HVAC contractor to lunch to get his cell phone number and he still does not give it to you. I know it was a tough winter and everyone got behind, but this is a crazy time on Island. Wages have been going through the roof. A year ago, a general contractor charged his carpenters out at $45/hr., now the carpenter is making $45/hr. and the GC is charging them out at $65/hr. Almost 50% rate increase in a year! And, it is hard to find workers. This phenomena makes sense, though. Simple supply and demand. Also, year-round rental rates are climbing steadily. Rising wages draw supply, which pushes up the demand for housing, which pushes up rents, which means wages have to be higher so the worker can afford to live. Both wages and rents will continue to rise as long as supply has not met demand, which it has not, yet. Once it does, your HVAC contractor will give you his cell phone number and maybe, just maybe, he’ll pick it up.
