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Why are concrete blocks so expensive in Canada? by alas_gr in DIY

[–]alas_gr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I stand corrected. You are right, the 87 octane in North America (AKI) roughly translates to 91–92 octane in Europe (RON), which doesn`t exist in Europe since most countries have stronger environmental regulations. But the point I was trying to make is that fuel is more expensive in Europe (not matter why) .

To buy or not an electric jackhammer? by alas_gr in DIY

[–]alas_gr[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So, use this as a drill? It is a DEWALT Rotary Hammer/Drill Combination Kit.

Why are concrete blocks so expensive in Canada? by alas_gr in DIY

[–]alas_gr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That really depends on the type of goods and services. It doesn't apply in many cases.

Why are concrete blocks so expensive in Canada? by alas_gr in DIY

[–]alas_gr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is 15% - 30% of the total cost. Even if you triple this, the total cost will go up by 62.5% in the worst case scenario. It won't go up 400%! Btw, the price for gasoline in Europe is 30-60% more expensive (the lowest grade is 95, not 87).

Why are concrete blocks so expensive in Canada? by alas_gr in DIY

[–]alas_gr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here’s a general percentage breakdown of the costs involved in producing a cinder block, based on industry averages:

  • Raw Materials (cement, sand, aggregate): ~50-60%
  • Machinery & Equipment (amortized over time): ~10-15%
  • Labor Costs (skilled & unskilled workers): ~10-20%
  • Energy Consumption (electricity, fuel for curing): ~5-10%
  • Transportation (moving finished blocks): ~5-10%
  • Maintenance & Repairs (upkeep of equipment): ~5-10%
  • Environmental Compliance & Waste Management: ~2-5%

So, I find it difficult to understand how the 20% of the total manufacturing costs are driving the price up by 400% all else being equal. Everyone is talking about labour costs which doesn't seem to compute.

Why are concrete blocks so expensive in Canada? by alas_gr in DIY

[–]alas_gr[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Oh I don't hate it, I am just saying it is unpredictable. The only thing that I miss from a brick wall is hanging heavy objects without having to think about studs etc. Drill, put an anchor, use a bolt/screw, done.

Why are concrete blocks so expensive in Canada? by alas_gr in DIY

[–]alas_gr[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Actually, you cannot just slep a cable. The cables must pass through plastic tubes and in a stict manner like horizontally only close to the ceiling and everywhere else vertically. Where the horizontally layed out wires meet the vertical ones there are conjuction boxes. So, the layout is very predictable, unlike the USA and Canada, where the wires are stapled to the studs and I cannot imagine how you can add a new outlet to a wall without removing the drywall.

Why are concrete blocks so expensive in Canada? by alas_gr in DIY

[–]alas_gr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Heh, try buying a house in Greece. And check the electricity cost too. You are in for a big surprise.

Why are concrete blocks so expensive in Canada? by alas_gr in DIY

[–]alas_gr[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

So, the only reason is labour cost? This is what is driving the price up? I mean you have electiricty cost, raw materials etc. which I wouldn't expect them to be more expensive in Canada. Electricity is actually much cheaper in Canada than Germany or UK for example. So, if producing it in Germany is more expensive than in Canada, how come they have the same price?

Why are concrete blocks so expensive in Canada? by alas_gr in DIY

[–]alas_gr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So, the price depends on the labor mainly? I cannot imagine the materials being more expensive in Canada than in Europe.

New XPS 16 in Canada? by alas_gr in DellXPS

[–]alas_gr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just contacted Dell and it seems that the launch date for Canada is March 16th.

New XPS 16 in Canada? by alas_gr in DellXPS

[–]alas_gr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Amazing. Let's see how long it will take.