Building bills

It is hardly surprising that houses are so expensive. I recently renewed the cistern outlet valve washer on a toilet. The rubber washer measures just over 6cm in diameter. The first replacement washer that I purchased from a DIY shop cost $3.30. It was purported to be suitable for my particular make of toilet, but it leaked. I then purchased a genuine replacement part which worked perfectly. But bearing in mind that this small circular piece of rubber with a hole in its centre cost $22.62, I dread to contemplate what it might cost to build a house. Dr Peter Smart, Akaroa