Prices are inflated because of government regulation and needless inspections, taxes, environmental and unnecessary requirements. Example. I want to replace a window. I need to submit paperwork and get government approval to make sure window meets current “green” standards. What I want to do is get a used window that is much better than the old one, but much cheaper than a new one. No it isn’t as green as a new one but much better than the old one and thus better. So to do it, I have to skirt the rules. Why?