Housing pinch getting worse

Builders now have 40% buyer cancellation rates and billions of dollars in writedowns on undeveloped land.Manufacturers are passing to builders high cost spikes on insulation,roof shingles,carpet,and especially driveway asphalt.All deliveries to developments are adding surcharges for diesel fuel that is $5 a gallon or more.More industry analysts now say this housing slump will not end until 2010.Tradesmen are faced with a dry well as far as new home construction.Skilled trades will see many builders with whom years of solid relationships were enjoyed out of business by 2010.Serious thought has to be given to other careers,at least until this severe construction downturn goes upward.