Hidden costs

If it is a fact that houses can be built right here in Awanui for less than $200,000, let’s celebrate. The results should mean more jobs for those seeking work.

Most wanting to own their own home might do well to question the add-ons, ie. the total cost of owning the roof over your head. The build is only part of the cost. Account for exclusions.

Consider price paid for the land on which to place your less than $200,000 home. What of the electrical and plumbing? If included, any upgrade comes at a cost.

Suppose your section is not level. Permits, crossing requirements can cost thousands. Kitchen cabinets, bathroom fittings, floor coverings, nets, drapes, blinds; all costs. As is paint and wallpaper, if outside what is supplied.

A garage is required? Concrete pad, paths, fencing, lawn development, add to costs.

Advertised is a basic kitchen package at $2672 perhaps these are supplied as part of the $200,000.

A solid wood burner may be required. The price of the permit and the two to three metres of wood required may cause a rethink. Perhaps a heat pump.

Everyone needs a warm home. It is a basic, we are told.

For those able to purchase a locally-built home, great, but consider please the total paid/ borrowed could be considerably more than $200,000 sees them into a new home.

My original letter only asked that voters think carefully about what is not being said. Purchasing a new home is no different. Be aware, or should I say beware the hidden costs.

Years ago the build was considered to be about a third of the cost of owning a home. BERYL CURREEN

Kaitaia

letters published in your edition of July 5?

In published order, Catherine Murupaenga-Ikenn writes with typical assuredness of citizens’ rising concerns about water security and of global water

shortages and the deepening climate crisis.

All poppycock of her own imagination. Is that brief enough?

An Australian representative of People for the Ethical

Treatment of Animals writes, quite accurately, if sensationally, of bobby calves torn from their mothers and violently killed.