OK, "itchy boots" don't ask, sheer boredom, etc, WTF are these??

I had to go to Crete on a business trip about 10 years ago. Almost all of the "new build" residences on the island had lengths of rebar sticking up out of the walls around the perimeter of the building just like in the pic.
We found out later that they show the building isn't yet completely finished so it's taxed as "under construction" rather than a finished residence.

I should have realized. YEARS ago I worked for a local Lennox dealer, I did the service work and installs on AC/R related. ANY way we worked on this gigantic lake home, I go up there one morning, and here's the sheetrocker WALLING OFF THE STAIRS. Yup. Tax savings