NEW research from The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has found that 54% of Scottish homeowners aren’t offering their builder a hot drink.
The research found that only 46% of Scottish homeowners offer their builder a brew. It comes as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) highlights the pressures builders are facing behind the scenes.
The CIOB reports 94% of construction workers experienced stress in the past year, with 83% suffering with anxiety, and 60% experiencing depression. Unrealistic deadlines, heavy workloads, communication and staffing issues were among the leading reasons.
A clear generational divide also emerged in the research. Older homeowners were far more likely to offer a drink, with 74% of over-65s and 68% of those aged 55-64 saying they would do so, compared with just 40% of 18-24s, or the Gen Z’s.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said, “The mental health pressures facing builders are significant all year round, but they often peak in December. Many are juggling long hours, the cold weather and the responsibility of keeping projects finished before Christmas. Small acts of kindness really do matter, like offering your builder a cup of tea or taking a moment to chat will make a real difference at a very demanding time.”
Martin Daly, Scotland board member at FMB and director of Martin Daly Builders Ltd, based in Motherwell, added, “Being offered a cup of tea or a coffee may seem like a small gesture, but it goes a long way. Building relationships with clients is part of the job so chatting over a brew helps build that bond. Also, there is nothing better than a hot drink this time of year!”
