More price increases for building materials on the way

At Bouwbedrijf Verkest in Wingene, they also see a stabilization of prices. Good news for consumers is that 40% of contractors would not pass on the prices.

Eight out of ten contractors expect cement products to become more expensive, says the sector federation Embuild. A third of them even think of an increase of more than ten percent. Furthermore, three quarters of contractors are bracing themselves for a rise in the price of bricks. “Not surprising,” says the sector federation. “Given the high energy prices and the fact that a lot of energy is needed to produce bricks and roof tiles.” For the same reason, two-thirds of those surveyed also expect price increases for glass.

According to Embuild, almost all suppliers pass on the high costs to construction companies through a clause in the contract that allows a price review. In turn, only six in ten construction companies do the same for their customers, against Embuild’s recommendation. By not working with price revision clauses or daily prices.

Also good prospects

Nevertheless, there are also good prospects. For example, the largest price increases for wood, steel and non-ferrous metals are behind us. Timber prices have since fallen again and will stabilize according to half of the contractors. One in five expects them to fall even further. For steel prices, 41 percent expect a stabilization and one-eighth a further decline.

Over the past two years, the long delivery times have affected the sector. Those problems now seem largely resolved. Half of the construction companies have to wait a normal period for materials again. For 35 percent, the deadlines are still too long, but sustainable because they have now adapted to “this new reality”.