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

BIM for all

Adrian Wild, founder of Integro Construction Software, looks at why smaller housebuilders and developers are missing out on practical BIM software solutions which could bring a range of benefits. Feature-heavy CAD and Building Information Modelling software products are popular with... View Article

Change is in the air

In the wake of the Hackitt review, Paul King of Vicaima explains the changing landscape around fire doors. Government departments are poring over technical data and preparing new directives, and trade bodies are examining every aspect of potential market implications.... View Article

Window shopping

Tom Swallow of Quickslide Windows & Doors discusses some of the key performance and aesthetic considerations when selecting windows. Windows are crucial to the design of a home. Not only do they take the brunt of the elements such as... View Article

Balconies: Bridge the gap

Lee Barber of Balcony Life explains the benefits of, and methodology behind, bolt-on cantilevered steel balconies designed to avoid thermal bridging. Bolt-on cantilevered steel balconies are an architectural feature which are becoming increasingly popular in both the construction of new... View Article

Seal the deal

Richard Osborne of LTP Ecoprotec looks at the options for sealing outdoor surfaces, and the benefits that each can bring to projects. When discussing the best sealer for a job, it’s generally assumed that it’s for use indoors – for... View Article
Peer-to-peer lending: Do your research

Peer-to-peer: Do your research

Jason Tebb of Go Develop explains how recent issues with peer-to-peer lending have highlighted the need to do research when funding a new project. Peer-to-peer lending (P2P) continues to be an extremely popular solution for companies that are looking for... View Article

Compliance can no longer be ignored

Yvonne Orgill of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) says attitudes to compliance are changing, and housebuilders and developers cannot ignore their responsibilities to protect consumers when specifying bathroom products. Last year, the tragedy of Grenfell Tower highlighted the potential worst-case... View Article

Everything including the kitchen sink for social housing

Social housing is experiencing a revolution, with local councils and housing associations looking for kitchen suppliers that will offer up-to-date, long-lasting solutions without comprimising on quality. Neil Mcdonald of Moores offers his advice. As the need to be able to... View Article

Medal to the Metal

The Metal Gutter Manufacturers association puts the case for why metal rainwater systems should be the first choice. Although metal rainwater drainage systems may often cost more initially, they offer excellent ‘lifetime’ value. With homeowners and specifiers increasingly looking at... View Article

First things first

Duncan Andrews of Sureset explains the impact a driveway surface can have on kerb appeal, exploring the pros and cons of different surfacing materials. In what is a highly competitive market, it is vitally important to make a good first... View Article

On-trend solutions

Decorative vinyls and LVTs are pushing new technical and aesthetic boundaries so that both customers and contractors benefit, according to Nav Dhillon of Gerflor. Decorative vinyl and luxury vinyl tiles and planks (LVTs) are practical, durable and straightforward to maintain... View Article

BIM for offsite: what’s stopping you?

While the housebuilding industry is educating itself on the practicalities and application of offsite methods of construction, the real opportunity for housebuilders is in how offsite is utilising the latest software platforms. Robert Clark of Fusion Building Systems explains the... View Article
Home Security: Safe as houses – netMAGmedia Ltd 

Safe as houses

With the number of thefts and burglaries rising, prioritising home security has arguably never been more important. Dr Steffan George of the Master Locksmiths association offers advice on securing homes during construction and over the long term. While cases of... View Article

Underlying benefits

Shane Oxberry of YPS Plumbing supplies recaps the many compelling benefits of underfloor heating. Neat, economical to run, reliable and green, it’s tempting to recommend underfloor heating (UFH) for every new build, renovation or extension. Unless you demand period cast... View Article

Don’t forget your thermals

Karen Everitt of Ravatherm UK explains the importance of correct insulation specification in achieving high thermal performance. Housebuilding is on the rise. Research suggests that by 2050 there could be a 23 per cent increase in UK households, and the... View Article
Homes

Better ventilated homes for a brighter future

Paul Croughan, Head of Sales – New build at EnviroVent, looks at how the new build sector is meeting ventilation requirements and improving the air quality in new homes. The Government’s plan to build at least 200,000 new homes per... View Article

A sense of place

Andy Speake of Aico advises on the importance of getting placement right when it comes to alarms. In the domestic smoke alarm sector there has traditionally been three alarm types: optical, heat and ionisation. These different sensor types react best... View Article
Off-grid

Going off-grid

Ian Digby of Calor discusses looks at how alterations to standard housing designs resulting from fuel choice can be reduced for off-grid properties, and the part played by Part L1A of the Building regulations. Complying with Part L1A of the... View Article
Aluminium

Getting a handle on aluminium doors

Will Jones of Senior Architectural Systems looks at how aluminium doors can open up new opportunities to create homes that offer the highest standards of style, security and sustainability. The term ‘patio door’ is often used to refer to a... View Article