Rising Material Costs in Construction

Rising material costs

Months have now turned to years. The continuing trend of rising material costs show no sign of letting up. This comes as a double blow for the construction industry with labour shortages and inflation rates, meaning labour across the board now commands a higher price. Several factors are contributing to this trend, which, together, have created the perfect storm to send material prices rocketing.

February 2020 and the COVID pandemic ground well-oiled production lines to a halt. For months, raw materials and processing facilities’ production was greatly reduced or stopped altogether creating a substantial backlog of orders. With the construction industry being one of the few to remain operational during the pandemic, there was no cease in demand for materials, but a faltering supply line forced the price index to rise.

While material production lines are now back in operation, further external factors are now influencing price rises. The recent conflicts in Ukraine, for instance, have driven rising energy costs for European producers. With 40% of Europe’s gas supply coming from Russia a need to find viable alternatives sent the price of energy through the roof. This cost has ultimately been passed down the road to the final consumer.

Rising material costs
Rising material costs

It is well-documented that the rate of inflation is rising at its fastest rate for 30 years. The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) recently commented that they predict inflation to continue to contribute to rising material costs until the end of the year.

The combined influence of these issues has forced “all work” prices up by 25.2% compared to the year previously. So, what can be done to alleviate some of these costs? Well, here at Zebra we are happy to assist with the pre-construction planning element of your project. By sitting down with you and the architects at this stage we can undertake a value engineering exercise. This process provides valuable insight into what possible build costs and potential cost-effective alternatives to ensure your vision can be achieved.

Images taken at our Prices Court project. We worked on this project during Covid and saw a huge increase in the price of brick during this time.

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Developed by Concat

Joint Ventures

Zebra Property Group is in the unique position of having design, build, and developer capabilities under the same roof.

With a depth of experience and knowledge in the residential sector and a proven track record of forging joint ventures, Zebra are in the perfect position to realise a development opportunity, whether it be your property or a property bought in partnership.

With a proven track record of successful joint ventures in both London and Edinburgh, Zebra combine external finance with the use of a dedicated, expert in house team to allow value maximisation and creation.

If the property is already owned by you, no finance is required; Zebra will take the opportunity through planning at their own risk, and then carry out the construction element of the project at their own cost before reclaiming these costs when the property is sold. This approach means there is no risk or work required from you.

Please see our JV document for your development partnerships with property owners here.

Small Projects

Renovate & Repair

Zebra Renovate and Repair was formed in 2020 with a focus on planned smaller projects (e.g. bathrooms, kitchens or decorating) or planned and reactive repairs (leaking roofs, boiler replacements).

ZRR maintains the same professionalism as Zebra as a whole but we are designed to be more agile and quicker to react. No matter the size of the project, each is given the same level of care with a focus on always delivering a high-quality finish for clients.

Please click here to visit the Zebra Renovate and Repair website.

Project Management

Zebra’s experience combined with the tools and techniques they use allows for effective and efficient running of projects. They coordinate their different teams, contractors and use their professional network to ensure a smooth project with managed timelines and costs.

Zebra’s expertise and knowledge allows them to input and suggest ways to improve projects whilst ensuring that the project is delivered on time and to budget with a high-quality finish every property deserves.

Post-construction

During the post-construction stage, Zebra ensures the final details are meticulously checked before the building is entirely handed over to the client and ready for occupancy. Significant emphasis is made on final inspections, completion of snagging, training for the client, and more.

Zebra’s ethos is that maximum success cannot be achieved until the final two percent of the project is complete.

Construction

Zebra offers construction services across both the residential and commercial sectors in London and Edinburgh working with homeowners, developers, investors, and businesses alike.

Whether it be a full house refurbishment with a loft conversion and side return, a new build block of flats, commercial fit out or basement excavation, Zebra’s team is capable of turning your vision into a reality.

Our highly skilled and ambitious team approach, each individual project with meticulous attention to detail meaning we can deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Pre-construction

The Zebra team can work with you from project inception right through to the provision of final drawings for construction. Using their expert knowledge and experience in the pre-construction phase, Zebra help guide you
throughout the process, ensuring delivery of a breath-taking project that has been crafted and constructed to the very last detail.