For many years now, USP Marketing Consultancy (a dedicated market research agency for the construction and installation sectors) have been following the key trends in the construction industry. Today, I would like to share the top 5 trends we think will change the...
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What is going on in the construction, installation and home improvement sectors?
Outlooks and ForecastsWILL THE EFFECT OF THE PANDEMIC ON ARCHITECTS’ MEDIA ORIENTATION LAST?
Like many of us, architects are social creatures, and in their line of work, staying up to date with trends and developments is a professional must. In normal times, that means architects receive brand representatives and visit trade fairs relatively often, discussing said trends and developments over a coffee or whatever their preferred beverage may be. But then Corona hit.
COVID-19 IMPACT ON THE EUROPEAN GARDEN MARKET
The European garden and landscape market was severely impacted by the virus, as COVID-19 impacted the retail in an unprecedented way. In many European countries, garden centres and DIY stores had to close their doors, meaning that it became more difficult for consumers to buy their garden products. This was especially frustrating for retailers as they had to close during the peak months of the year, March and April and knowing that the majority of their potential clients was at home with little work to do.
MORE AND MORE INSTALLATION COMPANIES OFFER BOTH ELECTRICAL AND HVAC INSTALLATION SERVICES
One of the key trends in the European installation sector is the increasing demand for total service suppliers (total/hybrid installer). Traditionally, HVAC and electrical services were offered by two different companies, but nowadays electrical installers are conducting HVAC jobs as well. Especially in Germany and Belgium, installers’ involvement in HVAC activities increases rapidly. These are some of the findings of the European Electrical Installation Monitor 2020, conducted by USP Marketing Consultancy among installers in 7 major European markets.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGERS ARE ON THE RISE IN ALL MARKETS
Electricity will play a central role in the low carbon economy. In the EU energy 2050 roadmap, a huge cut in carbon emissions is at the centre of this plan. In order to facilitate the transition from fossil fuel to electricity, installers play a critical role. These professionals should be capable and supported to install new electrical products like EV chargers, photovoltaic inverters and battery storage systems. We asked installers about the frequency they work with, and the future potential of, these products in our research, the European Electrical Installation Monitor Q1 2020.
EUROPEAN PLUMBING AND HVAC INSTALLATION COMPANIES EXPECT HARD TIMES IN 2020
2020 will obviously remain in history as the year of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many sectors like tourism, aviation, and entertainment were immediately hit by the safety measures taken by governments worldwide, companies in the construction and installation sector were still active. Nevertheless, as a result of the pandemic, the construction and installation sectors expect to be hit by the overall economic crisis. Plumbing and installation companies around Europe are already worried about their turnover and are foreseeing gloomy times. As a part of the European Mechanical Installation Monitor, we track the turnover and order book development of European plumbers and HVAC installers on a quarterly basis. In Q1 2020, we also asked them what their expectations about their turnover as a result of COVID-19.
SUDDEN DROP IN OUTSOURCING HOME IMPROVEMENT JOBS
The European Home Improvement Monitor Q4 2019 focuses on Do It Yourself (DIY) versus Do It For Me (DIFM). In other words, doing home improvement jobs yourself or outsourcing them. We expect a trend towards DIFM for two reasons: On one hand, the European population is ageing. At some point, the baby boom generation is no longer able to do DIY jobs themselves. This group is also the most DIY minded of the population. They were used to doing constructive jobs themselves and had the skills to complete them. On the other hand, the younger generation is less DIY minded. They dislike doing difficult jobs because they lack skills. So, the older generation is not able to do home improvement jobs as frequently anymore and the younger generation is less interested in doing them. Combining this, we anticipate an increase in Do It For Me.
MAJORITY OF EUROPEAN ARCHITECTS EXPECT A DECREASING TURNOVER IN 2020
Rotterdam, March 23, 2020 – The economy is currently under pressure due to the coronavirus that is spreading across the World. Without a doubt, this will affect the construction markets in all European countries. In recent quarters, a slowdown in the top eight European markets has been noticed in the European Architectural Barometer. Currently, we are in the early stages of the corona crisis in Europe, and in many countries, construction projects seem to continue for now. However, it is important to keep track of the expectations of the market to oversee what the challenges that the construction industry is facing are.
COVID-19 STATEMENT: USP IS ABLE TO CONTINUE OUR WORK FOR YOU!
We understand the temptation of many people to barricade themselves into the house hoping it will all go away! But at USP Marketing Consultancy we choose differently. Research and insight remain important to our clients to keep driving their business and activities, and we remain committed to delivering this. We are indeed fortunate that almost all of our activities can continue as normal.
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HOLDS ITS BREATH WHILE CORONAVIRUS HITS EUROPE
Rotterdam, March 18, 2020 – The economy is currently under pressure due to the coronavirus that is spreading across Europe. Without a doubt, this will affect the construction markets in all European countries. In recent quarters a slowdown in the top eight European markets has been noticed in the European Architectural Barometer. Currently, we are in the early stages of the corona crisis in Europe, and in many countries, construction projects seem to continue for now. However, it is important to keep track of the expectations of the market to oversee what the challenges that the construction industry is facing are.
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Dirk Hoogenboom
