UK Construction Output Steadies as Renovation and Repair Work Drive Growth
After several challenging years for the UK construction sector, recent industry data suggests that overall output is stabilising. The recovery is not being driven by large housing developments but by the growing volume of repair, maintenance and improvement work, known as the RMI sector.
For builders and homeowners across Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and the wider South of England, this shift explains why renovation enquiries remain strong even while the housing market stays cautious.
Why renovation and improvement work is driving the industry
ONS figures and industry surveys show that homeowners are increasingly choosing to upgrade or extend their properties rather than move house. Rising mortgage costs, limited housing stock and a greater focus on comfort and energy performance are encouraging people to improve the homes they already have.
This trend includes a wide range of project types such as kitchen remodelling, loft conversions, extensions, garden rooms and energy efficiency upgrades. Builders who specialise in RMI work, including Causeway Construction, are seeing steady and reliable demand heading into 2026.
What this means for builders in the South of England
The South Coast continues to outperform many inland regions. Homeowners here tend to prioritise high quality finishes and long lasting materials, and many are investing in improving insulation, upgrading windows, reworking layouts or modernising outdated interiors.
Builders should expect:
• increased requests for quotes on medium sized renovations
• steady interest in single storey extensions
• more enquiries from clients preparing for summer building slots
• continued demand for insulation, glazing and heating upgrades
For smaller firms, this is a positive outlook. RMI work is generally more flexible than large new builds and can be better planned around labour and material availability.
What this means for homeowners
For homeowners across Dorset and surrounding counties, stabilising output means that 2026 could be a good year to schedule renovation work. Lead times are more predictable than they were over the last two years, and material pricing has become more consistent for core products like timber, gypsum and roofing supplies.
Booking early is still important, particularly for spring and summer projects, but the overall market is much friendlier than it was at the height of post-pandemic pressures.