'Greener homes initiative could boost building industry'
Over 70% of builders, who work on domestic projects for private homeowners or small business projects, are in favour of the UK government introducing a national retrofit strategy, according to a new trade survey.
The latest report from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) suggests the majority of small builders would support an initiative to help reduce energy consumption, making existing homes more energy efficient.
Results of the FMB survey showed how growth in workloads, enquiries, and employment levels have continued to contract as the industry struggles against rising economic pressures.
Enquiries have dropped into negative territory for the first time since 2013, excluding pandemic years. Both workload and enquiries have also decreased in Q3 2022, compared to Q2 2022 on balance in all sectors.
Given these conditions, many small builders saw the implementation of a national retrofit strategy as a way to boost the industry, with 74% of FMB members saying they were in favour of retrofitting UK homes.
“Small builders across the country need clear policies, and a degree of assurance so they can plan ahead,” Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said. “The current political uncertainly and its impact on the economy needs to be addressed quickly. Over 70% of members support a UK-wide retrofit strategy to make the existing housing stock more energy efficient. This is one of the best ways to boost both the economy and the industry, while also upgrading our homes in an energy efficient way.”
The FMB survey also revealed trends in prices, with 90% of FMB members reporting they’ve experienced material cost increases and 88% expecting prices to increase in the next quarter.
Additionally, around 60% of builders said they have delayed jobs due to a lack of materials, while 59% reported having to delay work due to a shortage of skilled tradespeople.
