Postponing build due to world events?

[Bahhumbug83]

Our long awaited build (rear extension and internal renovation) is due to start tomorrow.

With world events being what they are now, would you reconsider progressing with expensive building works?

My dad tends to read sensationalist right wing tabloids and generally sees the doom and gloom in most things, and he has cautioned me against starting something whilst there is so much uncertainty around how world events will pan out.

There is obviously some reason in what he says, but having got this far I am inclined to carry on.

There a couple of things in the back of my mind though which do concern me, one is further impact on supply chains and build costs continuing to rocket. The other is the possibility of actual war and whatever that would mean...

Interested to hear some thoughts please.

You cannot predict the future. What exactly is your dad worried about? If it is that your house will be bombed in WW3 rendering your extension a waste of time and money then you will have bigger things to worry about when the time comes.

We are getting some work done. Prices of materials and labour seem to be going only one way at the moment, mix that with the cost of living crisis I would rather crack on while I can still afford it.

Er what is the point of postponing? You sound a bit hysterical to be honest

My advice is to go ahead whilst you can still afford it, we have our remodelling starting in 2 weeks but we have pre-ordered everything some items, mainly kitchen appliances will not be available for months but we can work around that.

Just make sure you order everything promptly as lead times are very extended.

The longer you wait the more expensive it will get.

@drpet49

Er what is the point of postponing? You sound a bit hysterical to be honest

Not me who is hysterical. I'm generally quite a rational, calm person who likes to understand all sides before making a decision.

Just in this case I'm getting pressure from a close family member to abandon something which to this point has already taken up a lot of time and effort and energy.

I just wanted to get some other views on this, that's all.

Your Dad sounds hysterical! It's becoming almost like a 'trend' to be the most panicked about this situation. Unless direct threats are made towards the UK alone and we're planning shelters etc then just ignore him!

Goodness me

Bonkers.

If we get nuked then you might as well enjoy your extension until we do.

In the very high (please and thank you) probability that we don’t, also enjoy your extension. Prices might go up, so don’t do it if you’re on the very edge of affordability. But they won’t get any cheaper than today.

No point delaying your extension- don’t let your Dads craziness rub off on you

Sorry OP I meant your dad

It's certainly not fair to suddenly cancel on your builders etc at ridiculously short notice.

It would be a bizarre reaction to events in Ukraine to postpone building work which is presumably in the UK.

The thing is if we are all going to die you won't be able to spend the money you save not getting the extension anyway. So go for it!

I assume if we’re nuked they won’t want payment or are you having to pay them upfront?

Your dad wants you to postpone building works due to start tomorrow, because of Russia attacking Ukraine?

Er obviously that would be absurd. Is he generally an anxious person?

We are waiting for our new build to be finished- should we just pull out? Seems silly to put your life on hold.

No I wouldn't postpone, life goes on. If things really take a turn for the worse you deal with it then. With a child in the military it's particularly concerning for me but I trust our government on this (a rare thing I should add)

Why are you building the extension in Ukraine

The threads on here are getting dafter by the second. Just build your extension op.

Thanks everyone for your comments.

I think I'm of the same opinion, we have everything in place for the build to start and it's been a long slog getting here. We would almost certainly lose our builder if we were to delay and it took us long enough to find a decent one with availability. Plus costs will indeed only go up.

If things do end up getting pretty serious I suspect I will have bigger things to worry about, although would ideally not like to be left with a gaping hole in the back of the house if the builders have to abandon the job.

I'll just have to have an honest conversation with my dad and remind him that I'm a grown up and able to make my own decisions! His heart is in the right place (doesn't want me to be left in dire straits) but he does tend to be anxious and see the worst in things.

@Hollyhobbi

The threads on here are getting dafter by the second. Just build your extension op.

I promise you I'm not a daft person 😊, just wondered if anyone else was having the same thoughts and if I was missing something.

It hadn't even occurred to me to be honest until he mentioned it the other day!

Thanks everyone for your input!

I'm a bit worried about the potential for the UK, and what could happen over here if Putin loses his shit.

But even with that, I'm not quite seeing the logic for postponing the work? What reason did your dad give? Surely if we're all going to be nuked, we'll die anyway and better to have enjoyed your house for a while? And if we're not nuked but things start to run in short supply, better to get the building work done now before it gets too expensive??

I do understand the anxiety about Ukraine, but I'm just not seeing any logic at all in deferring the work. (And of course, that's without taking into account the fact that it would be deeply unfair to the builders with so little notice).

We are mid way through a big remodel and I'm really pleased we are having it done.

With the cost of living rising, supplies and materials maybe being delayed at some point, I think now is the time to have your work done so in 6 months time you've got your home how you want it and you can live in it even if you have to reign your budget in.

What does your Dad think will happen that means you should delay the work?

We had the same decision to make when covid started in March 2020. Looking back we are so glad we just got on with it and completed our extension. If you can afford it and have a decent contingency fund I don't see any reason not to go ahead now.

If your builders are due to start this week and you cancel the work at such short notice that’s incredibly unfair.
I cannot imagine what scenario would mean the builders have to abandon the job? Is your dad imagining they will get carted off for conscription or something? We are a long long way off that.

Your biggest risks are supply chain disruption and costs rising. Some experts think this invasion could go on for years, you’re better to get most of your structural work done ASAP in my opinion. We built our extension in the pandemic. Never occurred to me not to go ahead and I’m so glad we have had it done because a) extra space and b) it would cost 25% more if we were doing it now.