Small and medium-sized contractors fear the construction recovery is under threat from rising building costs and material shortages .
The Federation of Master Builders latest trade survey showed rising workloads for the fourth successive quarter.
But costs are spiking and materials shortages are hitting member firms.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Rising building costs and material shortages are causing serious concern in the building industry with 80% of SME firms expecting the situation to worsen over the next six months.
“Although our latest snapshot is the fourth successive quarter showing positive results for workloads, employment and enquiries, this could be undermined by a spike in prices and costs.
“Materials prices are generally around 10% higher across the board with small construction firms highlighting timber products such as sheet materials and timber fencing as being particularly expensive.
