AUDIO NEWS: SME builders report increase in workloads, and kitchen and bathroom fitting prices fall

FMB report claims workloads are up, but skills shortages persist, kitchen and bathroom installation prices tumble and potholes become most hated aspect of driving

SME builders are reporting an increase in workloads and business enquiries — that’s according to a report from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

However, market recovery is being undermined by a severe shortage of skilled tradespeople. A third of respondents to the FMB’s quarterly survey said they struggled to hire carpenters.

Builders also reported shortages of roofers, plumbers and HVAC specialists.

The survey claims that skills shortages have directly impacted 61% of current projects, resulting in delays and cancellations.

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Average fitting prices for kitchens and bathrooms have dropped for the second quarter in a row, claims research from Checkatrade.

The trade directory website estimates that bathroom installation costs have dropped by nearly 10% since Q4 of last year.

Kitchen fitting costs have fallen by 7% in the same period.

Checkatrade CEO, Jambu Palaniappan, predicted that the drop in costs could lead to an increase in market demand.

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Potholes have overtaken traffic jams and parking tickets as the most hated aspect of driving.

In a report by Mercedes-Benz, 30% of drivers said they would prefer to sit in hours of bank holiday traffic than hit a pothole. 

Nearly a quarter said they would prefer a parking ticket.

There are over a million recorded potholes on UK roads, which cost drivers an estimated £1.7 billion 2024.

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