Homeowners around the country are expected to see higher bills for their home renovation projects, driven by shortages of materials, as well as soaring costs and an increase in demand.

Economics director at the Construction Products Association Noble Francis explained that timber prices have risen by over 80 per cent in the last six months, while steel and copper is up 40 per cent, the Guardian reports.

Paint and varnish costs have also climbed by almost a third, while the likes of polypropylene and polyethylene are up by 60 per cent.

Chief executive of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors James Talman observed that the supply problem is especially acute for roof timers, with the lead time for concrete tiles tripling to three months. Material costs are up around 50 per cent, he continued, with timber battens, steel beams and plastic insulation all on the rise, as well.

These problems are being exacerbated by the fact that new build projects are at their highest level in ten years and homeowners have been using the cash saved on commuting and holidays to do their homes up.

Chief executive of the Builders Merchants Federation John Newcomb made further comments about the “incredible demand” being seen right now, adding: “You can’t point the finger at anybody because so many different materials have availability issues right now. People who have been in this industry for over 30 years say they’ve never seen anything like it.”

The situation could also potentially be worsened by the fallout from Brexit, with costs rising because of emigration and non-tariff barriers having an impact on imports of construction products from the EU.

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