Builders are in need of clear guidance to help them understand changes to the building regulations coming into force in England, on 15 June, which aim to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
In the latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), a startling 52% of builders are not yet prepared or aware of the changes. The federation is urging the government to provide clear guidance to help make sure small builders are informed of the changes. These are complex changes for small, time poor, builders to take on, especially without good communication from government.
Prices are severely impacting bottom lines, with 98% of builders having had material costs increase and 83% passing on these costs to customers. Material shortages and a lack of skills still plague the sector, causing job delays for the majority of federation members. 73% of builders have delayed jobs due a lack of materials and 55% are delaying work owing to a lack of skilled labour.
The latest survey for Q1 2022 found:
- 52% of small, local builders in England are either not prepared for or not aware of building regulation changes that are coming into force in June, with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of buildings. They are interim measures ahead of the Future Homes and Building Standards set for 2025.
- 73% of small builders have delayed jobs because of a lack of materials.
- 55% of FMB members have delayed jobs due to a lack of skilled tradespeople.
- Industrial and commercial projects suffering with only a 4% reported increase in workload and members reporting no increase in enquiries.
- 45% of builders are struggling to hire carpenters/joiners, up 2% on last quarter.
- 40% of FMB members are finding it difficult to hire bricklayers, down 1% on last quarter.
- Nearly all FMB members (98%) reported an increase in material costs in Q1 2022.
- 95% of respondents expect material costs to increase in Q2 2022.
- 83% of builders have put up their prices for work, up from 74% in Q4 2021.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The survey also shows that availability of materials and skills shortages are not going away. These issues, coupled with crippling price rises, are causing real problems for the building industry. Delays and increases in prices will put off consumers, who are already reluctant to commission new work as their own costs spiral.”
>>Read more about the FMB here.
