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

Marley Plain Roof Tile Antique Brown

Wienerberger&nbsp;terca Old Eccleston Bricks 65mm Red

Marley Plain Standard Tile Concrete Smooth Grey 267mm X 168mm

Imperial Bricks Handmade Country Blend Brick 68mm

Imperial Bricks Handmade Farmhouse Orange Brick 65mm

Wienerberger Trinity Cream Gilt Stock Brick 65mm Pack Of 500

Code 4 300mm Lead Flashing 6m

Catnic Internal Wall Box Lintel Standard Duty 1800mm BSD100

BLM Code 3 Lead Flashing 3m x 150mm

Ibstock Grainger Autumn Wirecut Facing Brick Pack of 500

Ibstock Chester Red Blend Wirecut Facing Brick Pack of 500

Ibstock Arden Weathered Grey Stock Facing Brick Pack of 500

Catnic External Solid Wall Lintel 3000 x 219mm (L x H) Black

TBS Middleton Blend Stock Facing Brick Pack of 625

Artex Blue Hawk Sand and Cement Mortar Mix 5kg Bag Grey

Calder Code 4 Roof Lead Flashing - 300mm x 3m

Bespoke Monarch Red Multi Handmade 215 x 65mm

Wienerberger Cedarwood Multi Wirecut Facing Brick Pack of 400

Forterra Chatsworth Multi Wirecut Facing Brick Pack of 452

Forterra Woodstock Blend Reserve Wirecut Facing Brick Pack of 452

Bostik Cementone Rapid Setting Cement 10kg

Cementone 1kg No1 Powder Cement Colour Yellow

Cementone 1kg No1 Powder Cement Colour Buff

Aluflow Gutter Deepflow 3m Grey

Aluflow Gutter Deepflow Union Black

Marley Double Roman Sm Brown

Marley Double Roman Sm Grey

Reclaimed Second Hand Yellow Stock Brick

Roofart 90 Degree Corner Overflow Protector - Full Range

Silver Sand 25kg Bag

LBC Dapple Light Fletton Bricks

215mm Celcon Standard Block 3.6N

Corrapol Green Side flashing (L)3m

Blue Circle Masterlay Floor levelling compound, 20kg Bag

Kilsaran Washed Mortar, 1000kg Bag

Tarmac Sharp sand, Large Bag

Blooma White 20-40mm Rounded pebbles

Blooma Green 20mm Slate Decorative chippings, Bulk Bag, 9.5m²

Capital Valley Plastics Ltd Black 500 Micron Damp proof course, (L)30m (W)450mm

Capital Valley Plastics Ltd Black Damp proofing tape, (L)10m (W)50mm

Wienerberger terca Old Eccleston Bricks 65mm Red