Building News
Information, news and updates in the world of building.
New Immigration Restrictions a Threat to the Construction Industry
The government’s recent announcement of a new points-based immigration system has been welcomed by many as a good thing. However, the limiting of so-called low skilled workers could hamper plans for expansion in the construction industry and the building of new...
What is the Best Time of Year to Build a New House?
This is a question I am asked on occasion and my usual answer is ‘It depends’. I would say, though, that winter is a definite no-no, simply because of the unpredictability of the weather. If we could guarantee a mild, frost and snow free winter, then that would be...
It’s Christmas Already!
It seems hard to credit but there is no getting away from the fact that Christmas is upon us and that’s another year gone! I am pleased to say that it has been a successful one for us and I’d like to take this opportunity of wishing all our customers and suppliers...
Jargon Busting – Groundworks & Foundations
Time for another in my occasional series explaining some of the technical terms we use on a daily basis. Here’s a simple ‘jargon buster’ explaining some of the more frequently used terms when discussing groundworks and foundations: • Flagstone – any large, flat...
New Tech for New Builds!
It is fifty years since Neil Armstrong took those significant steps on the surface of the moon and technology has come a long way since. I predict that there will be some significant changes in the way our homes are built in the very near future. The traditional...
Concrete Setting & Curing Times
I am pleased that we are currently experiencing a spate of excellent weather with record breaking temperatures. However, you may not be aware that the hot weather affects the time concrete can take to set or cure. Concrete is said to have set when it has stiffened...
Shared Driveways FAQs
I often get asked about shared driveways so thought I would compile a simple FAQs article. The UK features two main types of shared driveway. The first type is an access way, standing partly on one owner’s land and partly on another owner’s with both landowners...
Jargon Busting – Conservatories
It is easy for me to fall into the trap of using jargon in these blogs or elsewhere on the website that I take for granted but you may not have a clue about. So every now and then I will let you into the secrets of our trade talk. Hopefully it may give you a clue...
Would You Like Your Foundations Laid by a Robot?
Generally speaking I am in favour of technology and the way it can make our lives easier. Drone technology, for example, has plenty of uses in the construction industry from security aspects to site surveying. I read recently about the rise of robot bricklayers,...
Government Action Needed as Construction Apprenticeships Fall Dramatically
I was interested to see the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) calling for Government action as it was announced that apprenticeships in the construction sector have fallen dramatically by almost a half. In March this year, there were just 694 Construction,...