Trade services index remains flat as confidence grows

An index measuring confidence in the trade services sector remained stable for the third month in October.

The latest Builderscrack.co.nz Trade Job Size Index, published today, was up 1 point from September to 76 points in October. It remains 24% below November 2009 levels, but 19% above lows reached in June, indicating that the initial rate of bounce from the bottom hasn’t been sustained.

The index is based on the cost of trade jobs completed through Builderscrack.co.nz.

``Bathroom renovations continue to grow in popularity, with the summer weather finally arriving driving an increase in deck building and gardening,’’ said Builderscrack.co.nz director Keith Roberts.

``While tradespeople are still looking to price very competitively, they are moving much more confidently ahead with plans to expand their businesses. The concern over major developers going bankrupt has reduced, although most are still being somewhat cautious in how they extend credit.

Several we have talked to are even taking advantage of the weaker kiwi dollar vs. the Aussie to secure additional work there.’’

Builderscrack.co.nz is the leading website in New Zealand where homeowners can find good tradesmen and tradeswomen and get multiple competitive quotes quickly and easily.

the Builderscrack.co.nz Trade Job Services Index is based on the average value of jobs completed through Builderscrack.co.nz. The metric measures variation since November 2008.