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

100mm X 140mm Prestressed Concrete Lintel Textured 1500mm

65mm X 100mm Prestressed Concrete Lintel Textured 2400mm

Forterra Lindum Cottage Brick 65mm Red

Ibstock Grainger Antique Brick 65mm Red

Ibstock Bristol Red Brick 65mm

Forterra LBC 65mm Rustic London Brick

Forterra 65mm Southdown Multi Brick

Thermalite 300mm Trenchblock T&G 3.6N

Keystone Lintel S/K-90 1200mm

Forterra Old English Brick 65mm Buff

Ibstock Leicester Red Stock Facing Brick Pack Of 500

Michelmersh FLB Selected Dark Facing Brick Pack Of 400

Ibstock Dorking Red Wirecut Facing Brick Pack Of 500

Hanson General Purpose Cement Paper Bag 25kg

TBS Old English Brick 65mm Buff

Concrete Common Brick 65mm

Ibstock Cheddar Golden Wirecut Facing Brick Pack of 500

Wienerberger Olde Autumn Antique Stock Facing Brick Pack of 500

Wienerberger Cinnabar Red Multi Wirecut Facing Brick Pack of 500

Forterra Village Oatmeal Buff Multi Wirecut Facing Brick

Ibstock Tradesman Millgate Buff Wirecut Facing Brick Pack of 500

Wienerberger Sunset Red Muti Facing Brick Pack of 430

Everbuild 208 Powder Mortar Tone Black 1kg

Blue Circle Multipurpose Concrete, 5kg Tub - Ready mixed

Forterra LBC Clumber Red 65mm Facing Bricks Pack of 495

Bostik Cementone Wintaplas Chloride Free Frostproofer 5L White

Bostik Cementone Concentrated Mortar Plasticiser, 1 L

FloPlast Anthracite Grey 112mm Half Round Gutter External Stop End

Gutter Brush 4m

Square Downpipe Shoe 65mm White

Ibstock Cavendish Dorket Fireglow Brick 65mm Red

Terca Bricks 65mm Smeed Dean London Stock Brick

Half Round Gutter External Stop End Black 112mm

Terca Bricks 65mm Crofters Medley Brick

100mm X 140mm Prestressed Concrete Lintel Textured 2700mm

LBC Sandfaced Brick 65mm Red

100mm X 140mm Prestressed Concrete Lintel Textured 900mm

100mm X 140mm Prestressed Concrete Lintel Textured 3000mm

Hepworth Supersleve Housedrain 15° Bend Plain Ended 100mm

Forterra LBC 65mm Regency London Brick