It seems that hardly a day goes by without the news featuring a significant proportion of column space to the ongoing housing crises within the UK. Such a crisis in then only emphasised when we consider a few facts and figures. According statistics referenced by the BBC and CBI only 15,698 affordable homes where built between 2011 and 2012 and with the shortfall of homes expected to be around one million, the crisis doesn’t look set for resolution anytime soon. This is then emphasised by there being a growing social housing waiting list with ever more bloated rental prices, with 1.69 million households upon the list to date and a significant jump in affordable housing rent of 7% to £78.78 per week (Gov.uk 2013).
With such a political hot potato it’s then little wonder that this topic is being weighed up as seriously influential to voting decisions, and as political parties outline their position. We take a look at the effect one such answer to the problem might have on the economy, and upon tradesmen.
A General Election Promise
As political parties continue to go head to head in the run up to the election, one recent announcement by the Tories has added further bolster to their previous promise of 100,000 starter homes for those under 40 and that is their commitment to building a further 200,000 starter homes by 2020.
For the economy, this could specifically mean that the jobs market is boosted, as well as the housing market, as it continues its improvement from the successive dips in value that had been experienced over the previous 5 years. As a drain installation company, or indeed any trade that surrounds the serving or building of homes, such a massive project would indeed provide both work and affluence: always great news following the recent years of relative financial uncertainty.
London, A Mass Housing Development and Drains under pressure
Despite the overall positive effects of such a large housing project, such schemes are not without challenge in the eyes of the tradesmen. J Snow London Drainage, a repairs engineer for some of London borough councils highlighted on the starter home commitment, “this will require particular skill as well as meticulous investigations as city drains are struggling to cope with the growing influx.”
To appreciate this, let us provide a little background: London is known for having one of the older drainage and sewage systems in Europe, indeed, the “great city” was the first to install ‘modern’ sewage, as the region literally steamed ahead during the industrial revolution. These systems very often still stand today, with many parts dating back to installation in the late 19th Century. Needless to say the maintenance costs associated with such a system easily runs into its thousands, even when working within a relatively isolated part of the system.
When we connect new drains, the old ones will then need thorough investigation to establish just what condition the supporting system is in; following this we would either connect the system up, or update the old system so that it could cope with what are to be pretty significant demands.
This then means that any housing development within London would require significant investigations, however a project that will likely emerge if the 200,000 home promise goes ahead, would then prove to be an unprecedented, but welcome, challenge for our team of experts.
Carpet Recycling UK’s Annual Conference returns to Birmingham on June 11th with a comprehensive programme covering developments in thinking and practice around sustainability across the carpet supply chain. Posted via Industry Today. Are you into it? Follow us on Twitter @IndustryToday
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Developer Charterpoint has completed its latest care and nursing home project. The company, which specialises in developing care homes, extra care and retirement communities, has handed over Braeburn Lodge at Market Deeping in Lincolnshire to Barchester Healthcare. Posted via Industry Today. Are you into it? Follow us on Twitter @IndustryToday
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When it came to the glazing of a new retail park there was only one option. Posted via Industry Today. Are you into it? Follow us on Twitter @IndustryToday
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A Newcastle based construction company has teamed up with a Northumberland school to provide work placements for six students. Posted via Industry Today. Are you into it? Follow us on Twitter @IndustryToday
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Auction houses for cheap property is an attractive proposition for those who are looking to build their property portfolio. Transparency is integral and never more so than from your building survey. It seems that this element of purchasing property has long since suffered from a vague and often misunderstood purpose. So what does this then means for the conscientious property developer.
The modern property developer and their legal and financial challenges
According to the Home Owners Alliance, only 20% of buyers think they need to get a survey no matter what the condition of age of property they are buying, is this ignorance or experience? As a property developer, you success will be in the finances, but that doesn’t mean you need to purchase a building survey report, but depending on your research and legal pack from the auction, you shouldn’t scrimp, if it meant protecting you from letting out he property safely.
What you’re paying for: An almost complete property picture
There are 3 surveys, all of which are not necessary and should not be confused with a mortgage lending valuation.
The type of survey option you decide to choose can hugely depend on the age of the property. Specifically, the most comprehensive building survey includes the following considerations:
– Analysis of the structural elements and overall condition of the property,
– A complete list of potential defects and advice as to how these can be repaired,
– Assessment of hidden areas such as the attic and under the floorboards,
– An estimate as to how costly any repairs would be (this is very often an add on service however).
What you are not paying for: A search for a killer
Many understandably presume that building surveys would include an investigation as to the risk of asbestos, after all, this substance was used to make many materials because of its incredible molecular bond. According to the Guardian, properties have a 50% chance of harbouring hidden asbestos. Without prior knowledge about the substance, it could result in removing the asbestos illegally. Asbestos was banned between 1985 and 1999 and therefore was present in properties even as recent as 1980’s.
Buying property should always be investigated for safety. As for asbestos, the list of uses is endless and to find out where the substance could be hiding, Malrod asbestos surveyors have included an investigations checklist in the standard building survey for property buyers.
While some reports say we are finally seeing the light in between the trees out of recession times, others would disagree and still see heavy public and private sector cuts, meaning the recession is still very much among us.
When hiring contractors to provide a service, it is important to do your research. You may want to consider the following questions like do they have a good reputation for the work they deliver. Have the worked with similar clients in your industry. Whilst you may collect a number of quotes which may be priced differently, it is important to find out if the price reflects the quality.
Line marking contractors KVR Coatings have over 30 years of lining and floor coating expertise and an extensive portfolio including Swansea Football, Marks and Spencers and Aldi. MD at KVR, Mark Loughton provides some examples of line marking installation that went badly wrong.
When it comes to line marking, you would think that there would be only way to get the job done, and that one company is just as good as another.
That reasoning is not true for any industry, and it certainly isn’t true here either. For one thing, wherever there is human involvement, there will always be the temptation to cut corners. Some people don’t give those temptations a second thought, because perfection is second nature to them, others however just can’t help themselves.
The case of the napping tree…
This line marker is so considerate, he even left this fallen tree alone so that it could finish its nap in peace. Did he wait patiently for the tree to wake up and move off? No, but that would have been preferable to this.
What really baffles the mind, is that if you look closely, you can clearly see a small wobble just before the tree… It looks as though the painter hesitated, thought “this might be a bad idea” and just carried on regardless!
Taking just one moment out of his day to move that tree, would have been far more preferable than this.
Can you walk in a straight line, sir?
Regardless of occupation, drinking on the job is never advisable… But when the consequences of your actions are going to be displayed for the whole world to see, and for years later on down the line, then maybe that ‘one for road’ the night before is not such a great idea.
We’re not sure of the intention here, or even if there was one. Whatever happened, and whatever the cause, you can bet the local authority responsible for those roads wish they had hired somebody else!
Dictionary Corner
Once in a while, most people will spell a word wrong, and sometimes it may happen frequently. The difference is, though, that most people can edit and correct the text they have entered, but for line markers, it just isn’t that simple. If only there was a way.
Line painters need to be perfect with their spelling, though, and they can’t break out the correction fluid if they make a mistake. If you have road markings that have to be spelled correctly, make your hiring decision wisely.
Aside from the amusing mishaps, there is a serious lesson to be learned. Road markings were first introduced to the world in 1911, by a chap named Edward Hines. Mr Hines got the idea for a centre line after observing a leaky milk wagon leave a white trail behind it.
No doubt realising how it could make the road easier to navigate in low light, he wasted no time in putting his road marking plan into action.
Line markings have been helping to save the lives of road users ever since, and it is just as important now, as it was then that they are done properly. Getting the line straight, and in the right place just isn’t enough – it has to be bright and durable too.
There is no room for corner cutting when it comes to public safety, and every care should be taken to make sure that things are done properly, to spec and to the highest standard possible – whether it is road markings, or car park spacing.
If that means not always opting for the lowest bidder, then why not? Safety and professionalism can’t always be bought for budget prices.
ISG has marked the official start on site of a key regional education project with staff and pupils from Essa Primary School in Bolton. Posted via Industry Today. Are you into it? Follow us on Twitter @IndustryToday
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Bristol, UK, March 17, 2015: At the recent International Tunnelling & Underground Space Awards, the Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction won the Ground Investigation and Monitoring Award for its innovative “Smart Tunnel” project. Posted via Industry Today. Are you into it? Follow us on Twitter @IndustryToday
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Production has started into building the UK’s first Eco-Town which will be situated in North West Bicester, Oxfordshire. The project which will see up to 6,000 sustainable homes being built is part of a long term eco-friendly drive known as the “Exemplar”.
The initial construction involves the production of 33 homes in the area. Each one will be highly efficient and produce zero carbon making this the first true zero carbon community in the UK. In addition, the development will boast 40% green space which is well above the national average.
Mark Fielding MD at Cotaplan building systems highlighted on the project, “Like ourselves, A2dominiona have a vision to transform the way communities live and use accommodation in a sustainable way. Cotaplan are glad to see other companies pushing the boundaries and the new eco town will save hundreds of CO2 emissions, provide exceptional quality of life for residents, without compromising the needs of our future generations.”
Whilst many developments have claimed to be eco-friendly and have made various commitments to lowering carbon emissions, the Exemplar is unique in a number of ways.
The Government have set policies and procedures which planning commissions must adhere to in order to consider themselves true “eco-towns”. The Exemplar is the first to follow this and earn themselves the title. This means that as well as being true zero carbon, the homes within the Exemplar will have triple glazing, will harvest rainwater and recycle all water. Every home will be fitted with PV solar panels at an average of 34m² per property. This will make the Exemplar the UK’s largest residential solar powered area. The heat and hot water for each property will come from a combined heat and power plant (CHP) whilst any excess power will be exported back to the National Grid.
They will also maintain these high standards during construction including a guarantee that no waste will be transferred to landfill. Only the 2012 Olympic construction has so far been able to fulfil this guarantee.
The aim of providing the 40% green space is to encourage the community to follow outdoor lifestyles and as well as play areas, there will be community allotments and wildlife areas. Finally, residents will be encouraged to use more energy efficient modes of transportation. In addition to bus services, cycling and pedestrian pathways throughout the area, there will also be charging points for electric cars and an electric car club set up throughout the community.
Representatives for the developers have spoken of their hopes that the project will blend real community and family values with the need for progress as far as economical and environmental living was concerned. Steve Hornblow the Project Director commented “The Exemplar vision will be a vibrant and spirited community where people will be neighbours. We have though about how people interact in a community space, so have incorporated communal activities like barbecue areas, micro allotments and features to encourage children to play safely. We want believe the sustainable living approach should be realistically, by providing the tools to benefit from a real community environment and access to the latest green technologies that will reduce living costs long term.”
In addition to the recognition of the Exemplar by the UK Government, it has also received international applause and was recently awarded BioRegional, a One Planet Living Status. This makes it one of only seven developments worldwide to do so and is a testament to the progress in sustainability the developers are making.
The Exemplar will welcome its’ first residents in Spring 2015, and Cotaplan is delighted to see the popularity and plaudits the project is amassing.
