The Waiting Game – Extensions Extended, Repairs Retarded
Homeowners planning renovations, extensions or repairs should brace for delays and increased costs, according to new industry data.
The data has been prepared from a survey conducted on behalf of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
The FMB and CIOB’s State of Trade Survey for the second half of 2025 reveals that 72% of small and medium-sized building firms are struggling with a severe shortage of skilled tradespeople. This is up from 61% in the first half of the year.
The research shows the reality of the skills crisis, resulting in widespread disruption to building projects, with nearly half (49%) of builders reporting job delays as a direct result.
Wait times
For homeowners, this translates into longer waiting times for everything from kitchen renovations to home extensions, with projects increasingly pushed back or halted altogether. One in five builders (22%) have been forced to cancel jobs entirely due to the lack of available skilled workers.
Building costs rising
The skills shortage comes alongside persistent cost pressures. Three quarters (75%) of builders reported increased material costs in the second half of 2025, with the majority (61%) passing these costs onto customers through higher prices.
FMB CEO Brian Berry, said: "Homeowners are caught in a perfect storm of rising costs, a lack of availability and affordability with the cost of living putting a strain on people’s everyday lives. When you can't find a skilled window fitter, carpenter or bricklayer, projects grind to a halt. When you do find one, you're likely going to be paying more than you would have a year ago. The construction skills shortage isn't just an industry issue, it's also having an impact on homeowners. The underlying demand for building work remains strong, which is encouraging, yet long-term skills issues will continue to put pressure on builders and consumers alike.”
CIOB CEO Victoria Hills added: “While it’s positive news that small and medium construction businesses are busy, for homeowners this can mean waiting longer for their projects to start and finish, which combined with rising costs, can be frustrating.
“We strongly advise however that anyone planning a project doesn’t simply opt for a contractor that undercuts others on price and says they can start at short notice, as this can often lead to problems.
“Waiting for a competent and experienced company that is approved by a body like CIOB or FMB, has positive reviews or has been recommended to you by friends or family, means you’re more likely to get the outcome you want that will be worth waiting for.”
Picture: The FMB and CIOB’s State of Trade Survey for the second half of 2025 reveals that 72% of small and medium-sized building firms are struggling with a severe shortage of skilled tradespeople and building costs are rising too.
