The cost of extending your home could increase due to a shortage of builders, according to the results of the FMB’s State of Trade Survey for Q1 2016. More than half of small construction firms predict that construction worker's payroll will only continue to grow in the next few months.

The lack of skilled construction workers means that the average amounts paid to workers in the building sector have tripled, a survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has shown.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB commented: "A whopping 55% of small building firms are reporting difficulties hiring bricklayers, making these tradespeople the most in-demand of all construction workers. This particular skills shortage is of course linked to the rising numbers of private houses."

Experts have warned that the shortage of construction workers means the cost of building new homes that are so badly needed would also rise, and that projects could be delayed for a foreseeable amount of time. They appealed to the government to encourage and inspire more young people to consider a career in construction.

RICS' chief economist Simon Rubinsohn said: "Industry wages are becoming increasingly attractive. I hope that this will not only encourage skilled workers to return, but also draw school leavers and graduates to pursue construction industry careers."