Rising material costs named greatest obstacle the construction industry faces

​​​​​​​Poor site safety standards and environmental sustainability pressures are some of the other issues the sector faces

Rising material costs were identified as the biggest issue facing the construction industry in a survey of 500 construction professionals, with 27% citing it as the number one problem.

This was followed by poor site safety standards at 23% and environmental sustainability pressures at 22%.

However, the survey commissioned by SafeSite Facilities, which delivers site safety products to construction companies nationwide, also showed nearly a third of the most significant issues facing the construction industry were climate change-related.

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 an expected 15% over the next five years, so this pressure is only going to get worse, adding to the complex set of challenges the industry needs to overcome.”

The biggest issues facing the construction industry were:

1. Rising material costs 27% (up to 38% in residential construction)
2. Poor site safety standards 23%
3. Environmental sustainability pressures 22%
4. Theft and vandalism 21%
5. Supply chain disruption 21%
6. Skills shortage 20%
7. Labour shortages due to immigration policy changes 20%
8. Regulatory complexity and red tape 19%
9. Delays due to weather and climate events 19%
10.  Lack of adoption of innovation and technology 18%
11.  Mental health challenges 15%