Master Builders NSW (MBA) are receiving increasing reports from members that there is a shortage of building materials in NSW. 

The shortage is due to the compound effects of the December 2019 bushfires burning large amounts of stock from local timber mills as well as imported supply being soaked up by other countries due to the pandemic and industrial wharf disputes.

Shortages are being found in timber products as well as tapware, hinges, door furniture and tiles. Design decisions will need to be made further in advance to ensure material supply.

But in some good news reported by Timberbiz this week, timber harvesting is resuming on the South Coast of New South Wales and Eden. The news will come as a relief to the mills that have run out of logs to process and were close to laying off workers and closing. It will also possibly help alleviate the shortage of timber the building industry is faced with due to the Government-funded boom in the building industry. Source: Bruce Mitchell 

MBA advises its members to check with their suppliers of materials for availability and cost before committing to fixed price contracts. Where there is uncertainty MBA would recommend a cost plus contract or where this is not practicable materials should be included in a fixed price contract under Provisional or Prime cost Sums to allow for fluctuations.

If any further information is required please contact the Legal Department on 02 8586 3517.