Expert Comment: Overcoming The Rising Cost of Building

If the papers are to be believed, there’s a shortage of just about everything in the construction industry. But where are the pinch points and how will they affect the self and custom build sectors?

First off is the skills shortage; 66% of small and medium contractors report difficulties in sourcing trades – in particular bricklayers and carpenters.

There is also unprecedented demand for plumbers, electricians and plasterers. In addition, the big developers have the pulling power to attract trades to major projects and tempt them away from smaller residential schemes.

A number of reasons are cited for these issues. Brexit is never far away from the argument and there are those who say eastern European tradespeople, who make up 12% of the construction workforce, are heading home because of the uncertainty regarding their UK residency.

However, this is disputed by people who maintain that skills shortage has been an issue since the year 2002. They also argue the pound’s devaluation – and therefore how much money Europeans are able to send home – has had more of an impact than Brexit uncertainties.

It doesn’t help that we are not encouraging nor training enough young people to pursue construction.

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