Post-COVID contractor prices

Question

In your opinion, when covid is over (hopefully sometime next year), how might this affect contractor prices? Will there be a sudden surge in builder charges as more work is available and they try to make up for a bad financial year? Am I better off taking precautions and having work done before the pandemic is over? Any thoughts on this? I want to have an extension built so it’s going to be a costly project and this thought popped into my head. Thought I’d try and get in touch with a professional.

David · Answer

I believe that prices will remain as they are as this type of work has the ability to continue with sensible social distancing on site. You will inevitable get the contractors who will use Covid as an excuse to raise their prices somewhat... With no justification in my eyes. Get a few quotes and go from there.

Thomas · Answer

Cost of materials will increase as with labour, more to do with brexit than covid

Darril · Answer

With regards to pricing, the main issue you will be faced with, is the increase of materials. Due to the uncertainty of Brexit, and restrictions of COVID-19, manufacturers are still trying to operate. but unfortunately, I have seen a massive spend within the companies to make it COVID compliant.(to keep every one safe) However, this is then covered within the operating costs of the company. So therefore the cost has to be passed on through the sale of goods. the same will apply for builders aswell. they will find a increase with accountancy fees (extra paperwork for the inland revenue) and public liability, will also increase due to either business disruption or employees catching COVID.

My best advice, it will not be over anytime soon, however do some research and get at least 3 quotes, check references, public liability and do check with companies house to do some research. There are uncertain times and remember construction has bit hit equally hard.

key elements. 1) agree on a contract. 2)payment terms. Never give too much away 3) milestone payments. make sure you want a clear programme of works with key payment mile stones.4) quality check their work before any payment.

Hopefully this small outline is helpful.

Oliver · Answer

Hi Harry, it does not really matter when you start the project. Just remember that when the COVID is over a lot of people are waiting then so there could be a long back log. I would be happy you have a look and advise you more.

Peter · Answer

Hi Harry
I would have thought that rates would not rise much above current levels as playing catch up with higher rates could result in in being uncompetitive, most, if not all of the builders I know have in the main had continuous work. I hope this answers your question.

Regards

David · Answer

In response to your question, I can only answer for my firm.
Here in the south west we will be expecting to be charging the same a day rate of £150.00. Extensions and the such like are generally charged on a square meterage rate  I would not expect expect a contractor to be working  on a time lead of less than three to six months for this sort of work so  do start to make enquires early.
Regarding work schedules we have been exceptionally busy this year so a quieter year would be appreciated.

Gene · Answer

Since covid prices on materials have gone up a lot in some places so shop around go to bigger suppliers as they can keep prices down a bit

Post-COVID contractor prices

Follow Us

Cookies

Manage Cookies

Essential cookies

Analytics & Tracking

Advertising