In this blog, we take a look at the challenges of the industry, projects homeowners are likely to seek out in 2025 and the trades that they’ll be looking to complete those jobs.

The challenges the industry is facing

The construction sector continues to grow, but it faces significant challenges.

One major issue is the ongoing shortage of skilled tradespeople across all areas, including plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and general construction.

While this shortage makes it difficult to meet consumer demand, it also presents an opportunity for those in the trade to charge more for their services and the luxury of selecting their preferred projects.

To navigate these challenges and improve customer service in 2025, tradespeople can benefit from adopting a variety of tech solutions in their trade business.

Payment solutions such as SumUp Solo card reader allows for on-the-go, seamless transactions, helping to maintain strong client relationships and streamline the payment process, which is set to continue being a growing expectation in today’s fast-paced environment.

Additionally, using project management apps, such as Tradify or Jobber, can help tradespeople efficiently schedule jobs, manage invoices, and communicate with clients, ensuring that both payments and project timelines are handled smoothly.

Bathroom fitting

Bathrooms will become one of the top priorities for homeowners looking to upgrade their spaces, leading to a surge in demand for skilled bathroom fitters. Over the past year, this demand has reached unprecedented levels, presenting a significant opportunity for those in the trade.

Similarly, tilers are also experiencing more enquiries – unsurprisingly, given that these two roles often go hand in hand. The bathroom is an area of the home that gets used every day, so it’s no wonder that homeowners are looking to give this room a fresh lease of life and enjoy a more relaxing, spa-like experience.

For tradespeople, this trend signals a strong and sustained market demand in 2025, offering the chance to showcase quality workmanship and capitalise on the growing interest in the home improvement sector.

Plastering and rendering

As more homeowners attempt DIY projects, in part due to the shortage of tradespeople and delays t projects, there are some jobs that remain challenging to tackle without professional expertise. Plastering and rendering are prime examples of this, and these skills are expected to be in high demand in 2025.

Whether it’s for home extensions, loft conversions, or remodelling projects, plasterers play a crucial role in bringing a project to completion.

With the ongoing boom in home improvement and construction projects, the demand for skilled plasterers and renderers is set to remain strong, offering lots of opportunities for those in the trade to secure steady work and grow their business.

Painting and decorating

Another area that’s expected to see immense growth in the coming year is painting and decorating, with homeowners wanting a fresh look to their homes.

With more homeowners looking to focus on remodelling projects in 2025, the need for professional painters and decorators to provide the finishing touches will only increase.

This presents a valuable opportunity for tradespeople offering high-quality workmanship that can transform a space and leave a lasting impression on customers.

By staying ahead of design trends and perfecting your craft, you can position yourself as a go-to expert in this high-demand market.

Landscaping services

In recent years, there has been a growing appreciation for our gardens as valuable extensions of our homes. During the warmer months, outdoor spaces become central to our lives, whether for relaxing in the sunshine, entertaining family and friends, or even using the space for outdoor workouts.

As a result, landscaping contractors are likely to see a rise in requests over the coming year. Whether it’s for ongoing maintenance or seasonal renovations, the demand for skilled landscapers is set to remain strong.

Landscapers have the expertise to tackle a wide range of tasks, from tree trimming and plant care to designing entirely new outdoor spaces. By offering creative solutions and quality customer service, tradespeople can help homeowners reimagine their gardens and maximise the potential of their outdoor areas, ensuring steady work and satisfied customers.

Carpenters and joiners

The demand for carpenters and joiners has been on the rise with more people expanding or changing the layout of their homes.

From adapting a room to make it multifunctional to installing a porch or creating a home bar, carpenters can be expected to take on a wide range of home improvement projects this coming year.

Many homeowners in Scotland are looking to upgrade their homes to increase property value before they’re ready to sell. Due to the high demand for skilled carpenters, and the precision and knowledge required to do this job, carpenters should have no trouble finding good, consistent work in the current market.

Electricians

Electricians have always been in high demand and this shows no sign of slowing down.

Electricians play a important role in a wide range of home projects, from new construction and home extensions to kitchen installations and other major renovations.

With the ongoing demand towards smart home technology, including automated lighting, advanced security systems, and energy-efficient solutions, the role of the electrician is more critical than ever before.

These advancements require not only traditional electrical skills but also a deep understanding of the latest technologies and their integration into the home environment.

As the industry continues to evolve, those in the trade who stay updated with the latest trends and technologies will not only secure a steady stream of work, but also have the potential to charge premium rates for their services.

Final thoughts

While the trades industry isn’t without its challenges at the moment, there’s no denying that there are certain aspects of the sector that have remained very much in demand.

From extensions and building projects to maximise the space in customers’ homes to freshening up properties, inside and out, tradespeople will see an influx of enquiries throughout 2025 and beyond.

By staying adaptable and leveraging tools that improve efficiency, tradespeople can continue to thrive in a competitive market while delivering high-quality service to customers.