The Coronavirus pandemic and Brexit have affected many businesses over the past year, including those in the construction industry. Now according to a joint statement from John Newcomb, chief executive of the Builders Merchants Federation, and Peter Caplehorn, chief executive of the Construction Products Association, the industry is being warned to plan for increased demand and longer delays with key building materials.
Building materials such as timber, steel, insulation, concrete, plaster and plasterboard are all on the list that will be affected.
This shortage of materials is being linked to the spike in self-build and house renovation projects stemming from the pandemic lockdowns, as well as the slowdown and closure of many factories while they navigated the tricky landscape of production and employee safety. The reported increased congestion at UK ports is further adding to delays.
The price of building materials (according to the Monthly Statistics of Building Materials and Components) has increased by 7.8% in the past year. Both lead times and demand have been amplified to the point of stock difficulties only seeming to worsen both in the UK and globally and will continue throughout the year.
However, there is a positive to be had from all this!
Evaluating alternative suppliers or materials to deliver the desired application could lead to a better and more cost effective solution.
Take the setup of temporary construction site office and welfare spaces, something that traditionally uses timber stud and plasterboard materials. The same application can be delivered quicker, more cost effectively and more sustainably by using a Hoardfast system.
When comparing Hoardfast to this traditional method, installation is up to 10 times quicker, has a system that can be demounted, moved and reused across the project (without the need for additional materials) and is readily available in stock with no shortage of supply, due to a hire, return and repurpose process.
By switching from temporary timber stud and plasterboard site offices and welfare spaces, you overcome the shortage of materials, but also adapt to using a product that achieves the top 3 tiers of the waste hierarchy, resulting in no waste on site.
REDUCE – No need for extra materials when you move or relocate temporary walls and rooms, reducing on site waste.
REUSE – When you’re finished with Hoardfast we collect it, clean it and regrade it, ready for reuse on the next project. (On average Hoardfast is reused up to 10 times).
RECYCLE – When reaching end of life, all Hoardfast panels are recycled and remanufactured into new uPVC items.
If you’re planning to overcome a shortage of timber and plasterboard construction materials, switching to Hoardfast site office and welfare facilities will ensure availability of materials, as well as delivering a cost effective and sustainable solution.
Wood photo created by aleksandarlittlewolf – www.freepik.com