Interior Inspiration: Kitchens & Appliances

When it comes to making the ‘heart of the home’ function as healthily as it can, you need to choose the right units and appliances for your space and needs. This selection helps you pick from some of the latest... View Article

Happy when it rains

Not only can a rainwater harvesting system be a first line of defence against flooding, it can also help you achieve long term sustainability in our unpredictable climate. Jae Lester of RainWater Harvesting explains In recent years the UK has... View Article

It’s time for timber

Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association explains the basics around choosing structural timber, and why it holds so much promise for self-builds, particularly on sustainability grounds Structural timber is now used across over a quarter of all new homes... View Article

Small is beautiful

With an increasing value being placed on outdoor spaces, Ronan O’Dowd of Acheson & Glover shares his top tips on how to make the most of a small garden The Covid-19 pandemic brought a new appreciation for our outdoor space,... View Article

Forming an opinion

Chris Stride at ICFA discusses why self-builders, particularly those looking to maximise energy efficiency, should consider building with Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) If you’ve been researching your new build project recently you will notice that the spotlight is currently on... View Article

Structural warranties – a guide

Advantage Home Construction Insurance (AHCI) navigates through the often complex world of structural warranties required by mortgage firms, providing some clarity for self-builders A structural defects warranty (also known as latent defects insurance) covers defects affecting newly built properties. Structural... View Article

Versatile wet rooms

Neil Whitehead from Impey offers insights into how to create the ideal wetroom or wet area shower space for every size and style of home The coveted wetroom shower space has many guises and, when thoughtfully planned and installed, can... View Article

Why is MMC not more common?

A new NHBC report on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has just been released which looks at the benefits to industry, as well as current reluctance to adoption. The organisation’s head of standards, research and innovation, Richard Smith, explains. Prefabricated... View Article

Has Covid-19 been a catalyst for modular?

Lockdown and all the subsequent restrictions have seen greater emphasis placed on the utilisation of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Wayne Oakes, director at engineering consultancy firm Dice, looks at how this is breaking the stigma that still persists. The... View Article

Material change needed in 2021

The FMB’s Brian Berry takes a look at the changes that must be seen in Government policy to allow SME builders to thrive in these uncertain times. 2021 has started on a positive note. Only a matter of hours into... View Article

Planning for in-built sustainability

If the UK is to reach carbon net-zero by 2050 and its homes are to withstand the changing climate, sustainability needs to be ‘baked into developments’ from the outset. Isabella Krabbe of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) tells Jack... View Article

Micro developers, macro barriers

A collaborative JV between a micro developer and a local housing association is building four homes on a semi-rural Bristol site. CHI’s Alli Gay tells Jack Wooler how the developer navigated the many challenges SMEs face to achieve this. A... View Article

Gas safety in 2021

Joe Beesley of CORGI explores how landlords can stay on the right side of gas safety regulations. In 2020, a new problem significantly exacerbated the age-old problem of access to residents’ homes to perform gas safety checks and repairs and... View Article
One size does not fit all

One size does not fit all

John Mellor of Glidevale Protect explains why specification matters in roofing membrane and ventilation products. Specifying pitched roofing underlays for new build or refurbishment projects is often a confusing subject with so many options available on the market, each offering... View Article

Post-pandemic paving

Outdoor space has taken on a fundamental new importance with Covid-19. Chris Hodson of Interpave explains why a fresh approach is needed when designing and selecting paving for housing, to meet a wide range of new requirements. Apart from social... View Article

A flood of enquiries

With many homes still being built on flood plains, and flooding an increasing risk, there are a host of issues for housebuilders to address when it comes to drainage. Chris Green of ACO Water Management explains further. Since 2013, one... View Article
Estimating a full recovery

Estimating a full recovery

Marcus Jefford of Build Aviator explains how some of the supply challenges faced by housebuilders and developers as a result of Covid can be relieved with the help of intelligent estimating software. The coronavirus has had a profound effect on... View Article

Why specify recycled plastic?

Sarah Mitchell of Goplastic explores how and why landlords and social housing providers should utilise recycled plastic in their projects. The world’s annual consumption of plastic materials has increased from around 5 million tonnes in the 1950s to nearly 100... View Article

Avoiding pitfalls from roofs

Marley’s Stuart Nicholson pinpoints the most common roof specification pitfalls, and advises housebuilders on how to avoid them for a best practice approach. The quality and security of pitched roofing in housing has seen some huge improvements over the last... View Article