Seven reasons not to miss UK Construction Week

If you’re not yet registered to attend the UK’s largest construction event, here are seven things that might convince you to head to the NEC on 8-10 October. 1. Products New products are always being developed to meet different and... View Article

Contemporary tiling

Interest in tiling as a stylish, hygienic and durable finish for domestic walls and floors has never been stronger. Here the Tile Association (TTA) outlines some of the issues which housebuilders and developers need to be aware of. Driven by... View Article

Demystifying ventilation

With the growth of whole house ventilation systems, ducting products and systems abound, specifying and installing them has become considerably more complex. Penny Jones of Domus Ventilation answers the most commonly asked questions when it comes to domestic ventilation ducting.... View Article

Preparing smart home Installations for the future

Matt Nimmons of CEDIA EMEA discusses how to install smart home installations that can stand the test of time, and details the elements that need to be considered when designing a wider home integration project. The integration of smart technology... View Article

Rising to the challenge of the future-proofed home

Home lifts can offer mobility solutions for multi-generational living and add a design statement to flexible family homes of the future, but safety and sustainability are just as important as aesthetics, says David Schill of Aritco Lifts. Dramatic sociological shifts... View Article

Putting roof tile sustainability first

Mark Parsons of Russell Roof Tiles explores why housebuilders and developers need to be working closely with roofing manufacturers to incorporate sustainable solutions on new-builds, in order to ensure they are attracting the current generation of homeowners. The housebuilding industry... View Article

Natural stone, ethically sourced

Matt Rob of the Stone Federation discusses the rising trend of buyers searching for ethically sourced natural stone, and the systems that are in place to prove the authenticity of such products. In 2015, The Modern Slavery Act was created... View Article

Kitchens that make sales

Andrew Story of Moores says tapping into kitchen trends can influence buyers’ decisions, and explores current trends from scandi retro to ‘slow living.’ When potential buyers step into a show home, they want to see their dream kitchen. Kitchen trends... View Article

The case for third party certification

Helen Hewitt of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) explores the intricacies of third-party fire door certification and its benefits. The purpose of a fire door in everyday use is just like any other door. However, since the break-out of fire... View Article

Going with the flow

Martin Lambley of Wavin assesses the predicted impact of new Sewers for Adoption drainage guidelines, and what they mean for the future of SuDS. New guidance for the design of adoptable drainage is set to be published later this year.... View Article

Shaping the modern home

As the housebuilding sector continues to evolve, Peter Kelsey of Designer Contracts offers his perspective on how buyer expectations have shaped the design of the modern home. It’s interesting to look back, particularly over the past 20 years, to see... View Article

Offsite: Not the panacea?

The Government is making a big push for modern methods of construction as part of the solution to the housing crisis. While offsite has a key role in the market, it might not be the panacea many hope it to... View Article

One step ahead

Lee Hunt of Canal architectural explains how housebuilders and specifiers can get one step ahead with the latest staircase trends. Staircase design, as with all interior design, is constantly evolving, and new design trends are continually emerging. The staircase is... View Article

A breath of fresh air

Vent-Axia’s Jordan Lilford explains the challenges the Government’s Clean Air Strategy presents for housebuilders, as well as looking at potential solutions. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is increasingly important following a raft of research that has pointed to the potential health... View Article

Lending is fit and well. How are you?

Stephen O’Brien of Wolsey explores the role of SME housebuilders in meeting the Government’s housing targets, and how specialist lenders can aid this process. More homes were delivered to the market last year than in all but one of the... View Article

Acoustic Glass – A sound investment?

Tom Wright of George Barnsdale explains the difference between acoustic glass varieties, and provides examples of where increased investment is worth it. Increasingly, window manufacturers are being asked by developers and specifiers about the acoustic performance of windows and doors.... View Article

The wellness case for roof windows

Samantha Smith of Fakro GB highlights the importance of including roof windows into projects to improve health and wellbeing. A house is simply not complete without windows. They are the crucial element to providing natural light and ventilation into a... View Article

The bottom line on floorboard insulation

Rob Firman of Polyfoam XPs highlights the key differences between floorboard insulation products, thereby illustrating the importance of correct specification in housebuilding. Both product specification and the housebuilding sector are constantly evolving. Changes to the planning system are designed to... View Article

No-compromise composite doors

Adrian Pavey of Nationwide Windows & Doors discusses the advantages of composite doors for new build developments. Specifiers and housebuilders have lots of choice when it comes to the different types of door materials on the market. Naturally however, product... View Article

Getting on top of Document Q

Jamie Johnson of IronmongeryDirect discusses the importance of door and window security in the context of complying with Approved Document Q According to the Office for National Statistics, between January and September 2018 there were over 200,000 residential burglaries recorded... View Article