Question 1

What materials are commonly used in sustainable building projects?

Accepted Answer

Sustainable building projects need sustainable construction materials. In the UK this might be recycled products, such as reclaimed bricks or timber, or even aggregates made of recycled materials. Eco-friendly builds also make use of natural insulation like sheep wool or hemp. Lime-based mortar suits breathable walls in older or low-impact buildings. Builders may also specify low-carbon concretes with GGBS or fly ash to reduce cement content and emissions.

Question 2

Can builders reclaim VAT on building supplies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you're a VAT-registered builder, you can usually reclaim VAT on materials used for client jobs. This covers items like bricks, timber, plasterboard, and pipework. You must use the construction materials for taxable business work—not personal use or exempt projects. Building materials must be bought from VAT-registered suppliers with valid VAT invoices.

You can’t claim for tools, plant hire, or most appliances. Fixtures and fittings may not qualify either. Always check whether the item counts as a “building material” under HMRC rules. For full details, read VAT Notice 708 (Buildings and Construction) and VAT Notice 700 (The VAT Guide) on GOV.UK.

Please note: the answer above is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. For guidance specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified accountant or tax professional.

Question 3

What factors influence the price of building materials in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Fluctuations in building material prices across the UK are driven by several key factors. The fundamental costs of raw materials, manufacturing processes and transportation significantly impact prices. Supply and demand within the construction sector, currency exchange rates affecting imports, and government regulations also play crucial roles. Furthermore, market competition among building materials suppliers, broader global economic conditions, the specific properties of materials, and even seasonal demand can contribute to price variations in the UK market. Understanding these elements is essential for navigating the cost of building materials.

Compare building materials online

Vandersanden Sundridge Red Handmade Brick Pack Of 544

Vandersanden Talbot Blend Imperial Brick 68mm Pack Of 540

IG Standard Duty Solid Wall Lintel L10 1800mm

IG Standard Duty Solid Wall Lintel L10 2100mm

Carlton Rustic Brick 65mm Brown

Blockleys Hadley Brindle Brick 65mm Red

Blockleys Park Royal Brick 65mm Buff

Cumbrian Red Decorative Aggregate Bulk Bag

Wienerberger Nutcombe Multi Brick 65mm Red

Wienerberger Hurstwood Brick 65mm Yellow

Freshfield Danehill Facings Brick 65mm Yellow

Imperial Bricks Handmade Soft Red Brick 68mm

Wienerberger Reclaimed Shire Brick 65mm Red

Wienerberger Oakwood Brick 65mm Red

Carlton Brodsworth Mixture Brick 65mm Brown

Acrypol + Waterproof Roof Coating Black 5kg

London Brick Company Facing Brick Sandfaced - Pack Of 390

Catnic Cougar Open Back Cavity Wall Standard Duty Lintel 1050mm CG90/100

Osmasoil 4S300B 110mm Weathering Collar Black

Blue Circle Snowcrete White Cement 25kg

Catnic Cougar Open Back Cavity Wall Standard Duty Lintel 1500mm CG90/100

ACO Raindrain B 125 Channel And Cast Iron Grating - 118mm X 97mm X 1000mm

IKO Hyload Original Damp Proof Course 300mm X 20m

Danelaw Group Tile Valley Trough Grey 380mm X 3m RP3

Wienerberger Facing Brick Winchester Red Multi Stock - Pack Of 500

Catnic External Solid Wall Steel Lintel Standard Duty 1500mm CN71A

Catnic External Solid Wall Steel Lintel Standard Duty 1800mm CN71A

Interfuse Solid Dense Concrete Block 7N 140mm

Wienerberger Fitzjohn Multi Stock Facing Brick Pack Of 450

Naylor Concrete Lintel ER3 140x65x1200mm

930mm X 1000mm Corrapol-bt Brown Corrugated Bitumen Sheet

930mm X 1000mm Corrapol-bt Green Corrugated Bitumen Sheet

930mm X 1000mm Corrapol-bt Red Corrugated Bitumen Sheet

Roofshield Breather Membrane 50 X 1m X 0.75mm

Wienerberger Terca Perforated Class B Brick 215 X 73 X 102.5mm Red

Wienerberger Kingsley Multi Brick 65mm Pack Of 400

Sandtoft Humber Plain Roof Tile Flanders

Code 4 300mm Lead Flashing 6m

Ibstock Throckley Kilcreggan Multi Wirecut Brick 65mm Red

Catnic Internal Wall Box Lintel Standard Duty 2100mm BSD100