5 Construction Myths Holding the UK Industry Back

The UK construction industry is moving fast, but old beliefs are still getting in the way. From the idea that digital tools are “only for big firms” to the complaint that retrofit is “too expensive”, these myths are stopping businesses from saving money, meeting net zero targets and attracting new talent.

In this post we’ll bust five of the most common construction myths in the UK. Each one is backed by stats, case studies and expert guidance so you can see what’s really holding the industry back.

Myth 1: “Digital tools are only for big firms”

BIM, drones and Common Data Environments (CDEs) used to be seen as tools for large contractors with deep pockets. That isn’t true anymore.

• Since 2016, all centrally procured UK government projects have required BIM Level 2, and that rule applies to the whole supply chain, not just Tier 1 contractors.

• The UK BIM Framework, aligned with ISO 19650, gives clear and practical guidance for SMEs, consultants and subcontractors.

  
  

Digital isn’t a luxury, its' the new baseline for winning work. Here's a guide to BIMS for SME's

Myth 2: “Eco-friendly always costs more”

Many people still think that green construction comes with a huge price tag. The evidence tells a different story.

• Research from the Passivhaus Trust shows cost premiums of only 8 to 9%, and those figures drop when designs are repeated and supply chains gain experience.

• Real projects like the Foleshill Health Centre in Coventry and the Scottish Passivhaus schools have achieved energy demand reductions of up to 80%, while creating healthier and more comfortable buildings.

 Sustainable buildings often save money over their lifetime and deliver real benefits for the people using them.

Myth 3: “Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) = lower quality”

• The NHBC Standards 2025 introduced a new Part 11 dedicated to MMC, showing that offsite and modular homes can now meet the same durability and performance standards as traditional builds.

  
  

MMC is no longer on the fringes, it is high quality, warranty backed and increasingly mainstream.

Myth 4: “Retrofit isn’t worth it”

With 80% of the buildings we’ll be using in 2050 already standing today, retrofit isn’t optional, it’s essential.

• The Greater London Authority’s Retrofit at Scale project shows how retrofit can be delivered strategically to keep costs down and reduce disruption, while still cutting bills and carbon.

  
  

Retrofit is one of the UK’s biggest opportunities for energy savings, emissions cuts and job creation.

Myth 5: “Health and safety is just box ticking”

Health and safety is sometimes seen as nothing more than paperwork, but the statistics are sobering.

• Construction remains the UK’s deadliest industry, with 35 worker fatalities in 2024/25, more than any other sector. The leading causes are still falls from height and being struck by moving vehicles or objects.

  
  

Good safety doesn’t slow down productivity, it prevents costly accidents and makes sure everyone goes home at the end of the day.

Our Final Thoughts

These five myths have been repeated so often that they sometimes feel like facts. But the reality is that digital tools are within reach for SMEs, sustainable buildings are affordable, MMC is high quality, retrofit is worth it, and safety is critical for productivity.

Which myth do you think is the most damaging right now? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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