Energy Cost Surge Reinforces Attraction of Timber Frame
Could the conflict with Iran be yet another reason housebuilders move more of their production to timber frame instead of traditional brick and block?
Apparently so. Barrett Redrow are very clear about this. In its latest Trading Update last week, the builder is expecting higher energy costs to be reflected in building materials inflation: “Our ability to switch from traditional to timber frame construction, through Oregon our timber frame business, provides us with further flexibility should we see significant movements in our traditional construction input costs.”
The cost to UK PLC of energy arising from a combination of the Middle East situation and government policy are pushing build costs inexorably higher – and driving pretty fundamental questions about traditional vs timber frame.
The use of gas-powered kilns in brick production, for example, is highly energy intensive, so the price volatility resulting from the conflict is having a real impact, with at least one major supplier introducing surcharges of £150 per 1000 bricks since the conflict began.
As a result, those already building a mix of traditional and timber frame are expected to increase the proportion of timber frame homes they produce.
For those who haven’t yet made taken the first step to including timber frame in their build programmes, our team are on hand to discuss and support them in the move. For more information visit www.scottste.co.uk/timber-frame, call us today on 01832 732366 or email thrapston@scottste.co.uk.
