Construction insiders think rising material costs are the biggest challenge facing the industry, a survey from SafeSite Facilities has found.
Building materials are 37% more expensive since 2020, government data shows, with the cost of timber, steel and concrete all rising significantly.
Over a quarter (27%) of construction professionals said it was their number one issue.
Jack Lowdell, manager at SafeSite Facilities, said: “The evidence points to a sector facing a double threat from the soaring cost of materials and climate change.
“Analysts are currently predicting building costs will increase by a predicted 15% over the next five years, so this pressure is only going to get worse, adding to the difficult set of challenges the industry needs to overcome.
“As a sector we must prepare for the impact of adverse weather on site safety and ensure we are ahead of the game in terms of our environmental practices, then we can take back some control over the clear and present dangers which are in store.”
The second and third biggest issues for professionals are poor site safety standards (23%) and environmental sustainability pressures (22%).