The cost of bricklaying is changing fast. Prices for materials, transport, and labour are all climbing, while global supply chains remain unpredictable. Developers are rethinking how they price projects, focusing more on long-term value instead of chasing the lowest bid. With quality and compliance now at the heart of construction, the industry faces a new challenge: how to keep projects affordable without cutting corners.
The Rising Cost of Materials
In 2025, the cost of building materials has reached record highs, putting pressure on construction budgets across the industry. Bricks, mortar, scaffolding, and transport have all become more expensive as inflation and supply issues continue to grow. Brick manufacturers are struggling with higher energy bills, especially for gas-fired kilns, while cement and mortar prices have climbed because of rising costs for raw materials like limestone and sand. Transport and scaffolding have also become more costly due to fuel price changes and new environmental rules that affect haulage companies.
Several factors are driving this increase in material prices:
- Energy instability has made it expensive to produce essential materials such as bricks and cement.
- Trade restrictions and import tariffs have reduced the availability of imported materials, forcing builders to pay more for what’s available.
- High demand in busy urban markets has created shortages, pushing prices up even further.
To manage these rising costs, many developers are shifting their strategies. They are bulk-buying materials, sourcing supplies locally, and forming stronger partnerships with manufacturers to keep prices steady and ensure consistent delivery.
Labour Shortages and the Wage Surge
The shortage of skilled bricklayers has been a challenge for years, and in 2025 the problem has only grown. The demand for experienced workers now far exceeds the supply, pushing wages up by as much as 10 to 15 percent in many areas. This rise is putting extra pressure on construction budgets and project timelines.
Several factors are behind the growing shortage of skilled labour:
- An aging workforce means many experienced tradespeople are retiring, with not enough new apprentices coming in to take their place.
- Limited training programs have slowed the flow of new workers entering the industry.
- Stricter building standards have increased the need for certified and experienced bricklayers who can deliver high-quality, compliant work.
For construction companies, investing in training, apprenticeship programs, and staff retention has become essential. Firms that prioritize skill development are not only managing costs better but also ensuring that projects are completed safely and to a high standard.
The Shift Toward Value-Based Pricing
In 2025, developers are moving away from the traditional approach of choosing the lowest bid. Instead, many are adopting value-based pricing, which focuses on the overall quality and reliability of a project rather than just the upfront cost. This shift reflects a broader trend in the construction industry, where long-term value, sustainability, and compliance are now more important than ever.
For developers, value is no longer just about saving money. It is about finding a balance between cost, quality, and the ability to meet new regulations. They are looking for contractors who can deliver high-quality work on time and within budget, while also considering the future performance of the building.
This change means that developers are willing to invest in contractors who can guarantee reliable delivery and long-term value, even if their initial bid is higher. It rewards transparency, experience, and professionalism over quick, cheap solutions.
The Global Supply Chain and Market Volatility
The global supply chain continues to create challenges for the brickwork industry in 2025. Delays, rising costs, and unpredictable delivery times are affecting how projects are planned and completed. Many construction materials, including bricks and mortar components, rely on imports, and disruptions in shipping and international trade have made it harder to keep projects on schedule.
Much of this volatility comes from geopolitical tensions, fuel price changes, and climate-related events that affect production and transport routes. When materials take longer to arrive or become more expensive to ship, developers face higher costs and project delays that can quickly affect profitability.
To reduce these risks, more companies are taking proactive steps to make their supply chains stronger and more flexible:
- Diversifying suppliers to avoid relying on a single source.
- Supporting local manufacturers to shorten delivery times and cut transport costs.
- Using digital tools to track materials and predict potential delays before they become major problems.
By focusing on local partnerships and smarter planning, developers can manage uncertainty and keep their projects moving even when global conditions change.
Balancing Affordability with Quality and Compliance
As construction costs rise, developers face a growing challenge: how to keep projects affordable while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance. Cutting costs might seem like an easy fix, but in today’s market it often leads to bigger problems later. Poor-quality materials or rushed workmanship can cause safety issues, regulatory failures, and expensive repairs.
To stay competitive, developers are finding smarter ways to manage costs without lowering standards. This means planning projects carefully, choosing reliable suppliers, and using modern building methods that save both time and money.
Some of the most effective approaches include:
- Modular and prefabricated construction elements which reduces waste and speeds up build times.
- Digital design tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) to improve coordination and prevent costly errors.
- Collaborative contracting models that promote open communication and shared responsibility between developers and contractors.
Balancing affordability and compliance is no longer about finding the cheapest option. It is about building intelligently, using better information, and making decisions that create long-term value and ensure safety.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Brickwork Pricing
The outlook for brickwork pricing in 2025 and beyond suggests a period of adjustment rather than quick recovery. While the industry continues to face high costs and labour shortages, some positive changes are starting to take shape. Energy markets are showing early signs of stability, and more investment is going into training new bricklayers, which could help ease wage pressures over time.
Developers and suppliers are also learning from recent challenges. Many are building stronger local supply networks, improving forecasting systems, and adopting new technology to track costs more accurately. These steps are helping to create a more resilient construction market that can handle future disruptions effectively.
Looking ahead, the move toward value-based pricing is expected to continue. Developers will keep focusing on long-term value, sustainability, and reliability instead of chasing the lowest bid. Advances in materials, such as carbon-neutral bricks, and innovations like automated bricklaying are likely to reshape how projects are priced and delivered.
The next few years will be about balance and adaptation. The companies that succeed will be those that combine cost awareness with quality, innovation, and trust.