Understanding Material Price Fluctuations in 2025
Welcome to the first in our two-part series exploring material cost volatility and what it really means for anyone planning a home extension. Why have timber, bricks, and cement have shifted in price recently? There are three major forces behind price increases across the UK construction sector.
Global supply chain challenges remain significant as many materials originate from Europe or beyond, with logistics still disrupted. At the same time, the energy and manufacturing costs of producing bricks, steel, and cement have surged, driven by sustained global inflation and domestic energy policy adjustments. The final piece is volume volatility. Some materials like bricks and blocks have seen a marked drop in availability, which creates scarcity-based inflation.
What the Data Shows
We’ve drawn on respected sources including the Federation of Master Builders, Construction Today, and the Travis Perkins Construction Material Price Index. Timber has risen around 8 percent year on year, with concrete, flexible pipes, and fittings jumping by 13 to 18 percent. Most striking is the fall in brick deliveries, down by 30 percent, which suggests higher pricing pressure will come shortly.
These figures help explain why a quote six months old no longer holds the value or scope it did at the start of the year.
| Material Category | Change | Reported Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| C24 Timber | +2.2% | April 2024 | Travis Perkins |
| C16 Carcassing | +4.5% | April 2024 | Travis Perkins |
| Homegrown CLS Timber | +6.3% | April 2024 | Travis Perkins |
| Battens | +5% | April 2024 | Travis Perkins |
| Ready-Mix Concrete | +13.4% | Sept 2023 | CMPI Report |
| Pipes & Fittings | +22.3% | Sept 2023 | CMPI Report |
| Metal Doors & Windows | +18.2% | Sept 2023 | Reuters Summary |
| Concrete Reinforcement Bars | −22.7% | Sept 2023 | Gordian Market Data |
| Brick Deliveries (Volume) | −32.5% | Sept 2023 | Travis Perkins |
| Block Deliveries (Volume) | −41.6% | Sept 2023 | Travis Perkins |
| Timber General | Deflation then stabilised | Jan–Aug 2023 | Travis Perkins PLC |
For independent construction companies, adding a 10 percent contingency to cover pricing variations is standard practice.
But in 2025, that may not be enough. A 10 to 15 percent jump in timber or cement can erode the margin on a £110,000 job in a matter of weeks. If prices rise by 20 percent on key items, Dave’s buffer of £11,000 gets wiped out quickly. That leads to honest conversations with clients and the need for fair mid-project adjustments to preserve the quality of the build.
Credible Industry Research
Three major insights come from current sources. The FMB confirms timber prices have jumped 8 percent since 2024, impacting framing and structural timber costs directly. The latest CMPI from Travis Perkins shows not only spikes in flexible pipework and concrete but a significant reduction in stock across bricks and blockwork. Construction statistics published by BEIS show the all-materials index is up over 42 percent since September 2020. These numbers create a strong foundation for honest pricing discussions and reinforce the need for flexible quote timelines.
What This Means for Your Extension Quote
Clients often assume that a quote is set in stone. But material price volatility means quotes are snapshots, not contracts with infinite shelf life. If you’re working with a trusted builder like Dave, expect transparency on timelines and suppliers. Be prepared for adjustments if a core material suddenly surges in cost. Most builders will honour quotes within 14 days. Beyond that, clients benefit from flexibility and open communication. Contact Dave today.
Essential Foundation Materials for Your Mansfield Building Project
Type 1 MOT Hardcore: The crushed stone base that creates a stable platform for your concrete foundations to sit on.
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- Ready-Mix Concrete: The liquid foundation material that sets rock-hard to support your entire building structure.
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- Damp Proof Course (DPC): A waterproof barrier that stops moisture from the ground creeping up through your walls.
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- Steel Reinforcement Mesh: Metal grid that makes concrete slabs much stronger and prevents cracking over time.
For your walls, you’ll need facing bricks (the attractive outer layer you see) and concrete blocks (the structural inner layer that does the heavy lifting). Cavity wall ties connect these layers together, while lintels are the strong beams that go above doors and windows to carry the weight.
Portland cement mixed with sharp sand creates the concrete, while building sand makes the mortar that holds your bricks together—think of it as the glue between each brick course.
Your roof needs tiles or slates (the visible top layer), breathable membrane underneath (like a waterproof jacket that lets moisture escape), and lead flashing to seal joints and prevent leaks around chimneys or where roof meets wall.
Local Nottinghamshire Builders and Construction
The construction industry in 2025 continues to feel the ripple effects of supply shortages, global inflation, and pricing volatility. For clients and builders alike, this table shows how much can shift in under six months — from timber battens and carcassing to ready-mix concrete and blockwork.
When core materials like C16 timber rise over 4 percent and pipes and fittings surge by 22 percent, even small extensions face serious budget pressure. Reduced availability of bricks and blocks puts further upward pressure on prices, especially when national demand increases during warmer months.
Being informed means you’re better prepared to agree a fair and transparent quote with your builder. If you’re planning a project with Buildworks Mansfield or comparing quotes across Nottinghamshire, keep this data in your back pocket. Ask for clarity, request timelines for material procurement, and remember, price changes are part of modern living, from utilities, to groceries, hospitality and your local building company.
Working with experienced local builders in Mansfield ensures you get the right materials for our Nottinghamshire climate and soil conditions, plus compliance with current building regulations.