Building craftsmanship growing in 2021 but many uncertainties for 2022

The building trades saw its activity exceed its pre-pandemic level in 2021, according to the confederation of professionals (Capeb), however worried about "very many uncertainties" accentuated by inflation and shortages of materials.

"This quarter again, the sharp rise in costs and the difficulties in supplying materials have greatly disrupted business activity", notes Christophe Repon, president of Capeb, quoted in the confederation's economic note.

For 2022, "many uncertainties remain and weigh on the morale of business leaders, on the verge of burnout, to which are added the electoral period and the evolution of the health crisis", he assures.

In 2021, activity increased by 12,5% compared to 2020, marked by confinements, and by 2,5% compared to 2019, according to figures from Capeb.

“Construction activity therefore continues to be driven by a large reserve of work to be carried out and a flow of orders from individuals which is not declining,” said the employers' union in its economic report.

The MaPrimeRénov 'government scheme to aid energy renovation for individuals, which took off in 2021 with 644.000 construction sites, contributed to this, according to Capeb.

It is the maintenance-renovation that brings the most annual growth, she notes indeed.

The rise in the price of materials was on average 18% for the companies surveyed by Capeb. It is in carpentry that it is the most notable, with a 22% increase.

60% of companies surveyed by Capeb reported supply delays, ie seven points more in six months.

This has caused delays in construction sites and even postponements, while some companies have chosen to change distributors or substitute the products used.

Order books in the 4th quarter of 2021 represented 91 working days, a second consecutive decline after peaking at 111 days in the second quarter.