Despite the country being placed into its second national lockdown last month, SO Resi has reported continued strong demand for shared ownership in November. SO Resi, the shared ownership brand for Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, saw enquiries soar by 88% when compared to the same month last year. The housing
LOVELL HOMES has held a development launch with a difference by giving local house hunters the chance to ask their burning questions about the buying process, whilst getting an exclusive sneak peek at the brand-new Roman Heights development in Cockermouth – all from the comfort of their own home. The exclusive
New £60 million Student Centre on track for April 2021 opening The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has today released new timelapse footage which highlights the impressive progress being made on the exterior of its new £60 million Student Centre. In a little over a month, nearly 100 tonnes of
Actis’ much praised and popular CPD on addressing the performance gap with reflective insulation has been approved to join the stable of Royal Institute of British Architects approved training modules. The CPD, which looks at how to combat thermal bridging and achieve optimal energy efficiency, will be available to RIBA
HS2 Ltd today began the search for suppliers to provide switches and crossings for the 280km of new high-speed track between London, Birmingham and the connection with the existing west coast mainline at Crewe. The contract – worth up to £156m – will include the design, manufacture and delivery of
Network Homes is planning to build much needed affordable homes on unused land in Northolt. A total of 149 homes will be built at Dabbs Hill near to Northolt High School with 118 apartments and 31 family sized houses. All will be affordable with 131 homes for shared ownership and
Global building materials supplier CEMEX is proud to present the latest additions to its admixtures range: the ISOFINES 5000 Series, offering safe and easy materials drying solutions. The ISOFINES 5000 Series is capable of absorbing high amounts of the water that could accompany any type of mud, spoil or sludge.
The employee-owned packaging business has 7 sites located around the UK and have always focused on bringing innovative solutions to market. Their latest two product launches involve plastic free bottle protectors, both 100% recyclable and biodegradable, they make the perfect solution for protecting delicate items. Flexi-Hex With its unique patented
Picking a home renovation project that can add value to your home can be challenging. For instance, some homeowners may be in a dilemma as to whether they should reroof their house or remodel their bathroom. One of the most frequently-done home improvement projects is the addition or renovation of
Home improvement is very worthwhile because it adds value to properties and homes. Experts in the real estate sector, rate home improvement according to four criteria: bad, moderate/average, satisfactory, and outstanding. Before you begin a home improvement project, it may be necessary to consider if the project aims to improve
Despite the country being placed into its second national lockdown last month, SO Resi has reported continued strong demand for shared ownership in November. SO Resi, the shared ownership brand for Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, saw enquiries soar by 88% when compared to the same month last year. The housing association received more than 6,600 enquiries, and had its highest sales week of the year in the week commencing 23rd November. In addition, the record-breaking month saw SO Resi deliver 59 completions and 70 exchanges, selling out at four developments in Surrey and Berkshire. The housing association has noted a strong demand for its new homes in the commuter belt, with SO Resi Ware, SO Resi Arborfield and SO Resi Forster Oaks proving to be particularly popular with buyers. Kush Rawal, Director of Residential Investment at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, comments: “We reported record figures at the end of the first lockdown period earlier this year and we have seen this continue right until December. Despite the country enduring another national lockdown, we have seen a strong demand for shared ownership homes, most notably at our developments in the commuter belt. “The lack of affordable mortgages this year has clearly driven the need shared ownership purchase. Despite the immense and unpredictable changes that have happened around us– from the pandemic that has consumed this year, and with Brexit looming, more than ever, there is an unrelenting desire to invest in a home of their home. Shared ownership is making this happen.” SO Resi has also seen a significant uplift for its SO Resi Plus scheme, with a number of customers recently signing up to take advantage. SO Resi Plus was introduced as a pilot in 2014 and allows buyers to staircase by 1% each year at an agreed, fixed price for 15 years, providing they register for the scheme when purchasing the property. Kush adds: “SO Resi Plus has been transformative for our customers, with four times as many customers staircasing each year via this route than those through traditional share purchases of 10% or more. We decided to offer this to our customers as historically, restricting staircasing to larger shares has been a barrier. Following the Government’s announcement earlier this year, we are pleased that the 1% staircasing option will be available on all shared ownership properties going forward, enabling a greater number of buyers to increase shares in their home should they wish to.” To find out more about SO Resi, call 0208 607 0550 or visit www.sharedownership.co.uk
LOVELL HOMES has held a development launch with a difference by giving local house hunters the chance to ask their burning questions about the buying process, whilst getting an exclusive sneak peek at the brand-new Roman Heights development in Cockermouth – all from the comfort of their own home. The exclusive online event, which is now available to view on demand here, gave potential purchasers the opportunity to ask questions in an interactive Q&A with Chartwells Mortgage Services and Butterworth Solicitors, while viewing the development for the first time from the convenience and safety of their armchair. Anne-Marie O’Doherty, regional sales director at Lovell Homes North West, said: “It’s clear that the stamp duty holiday, required deposit sizes, the Help to Buy Scheme and the best time to buy, are the burning questions that matter most to the people of Cumbria. We’re pleased that we managed to answer all these queries as well as celebrating our latest development, Roman Heights. “We usually love opening our doors and marking a brand-new launch – however, given the current restrictions it’s just not been possible. A virtual launch has actually given viewers a unique perspective; from a bird’s eye view of the site using drone footage to hearing from those on site who are building the viewer’s potential home.” This is the first time Lovell Homes has launched a development online. Given the current government guidelines, it was agreed to be the safest way to launch the development’s two new show homes which are available to view by appointment now. Located on the edge of the Lake District, the development brings a compelling choice of fresh new homes, each with spacious rooms, luxury finishes, and modern layouts. The Hartley, a three-bed semi-detached home, is already ready to move into and available under the current Help to Buy scheme. A selection of four- and five-bedrooms homes are also available to reserve as well as nine three-beds that are being offered through the low-cost housing scheme with Allerdale Borough Council. Anne-Marie added: “We’ve really thought about the housing we’re offering on this site and created homes with a contemporary feel that are ideal for family living. We’re giving lots of choice by offering a number of different house types and introducing some brand-new styles that have been specifically chosen following customer feedback. “Style, quality and value is really important, so we’ve ensured that our four and five bed homes really complement modern life with a variety of options such as a beautiful kitchen island, bi-fold doors, double ovens, ceramic flooring and much more.” Site visits and show home tours must be booked in advance with visitors adhering to social distancing guidelines. Sitting on the edge of Cockermouth, interest in Roman Heights has already been strong due to its proximity to a wealth of public amenities including shops, leisure facilities, and excellent schools. Prices for the homes start from £260,000 for the 3 bed Hartley with 4 beds from £336,000. For more information about Lovell Homes please visit www.lovell.co.uk or follow @Lovell_UK on Twitter.
New £60 million Student Centre on track for April 2021 opening The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has today released new timelapse footage which highlights the impressive progress being made on the exterior of its new £60 million Student Centre. In a little over a month, nearly 100 tonnes of steel and glass have been lifted into place on the south elevation of the development, with the building now virtually watertight. At 13.5 metres in height and nearly 100 metres in length, it all adds up to the highest single span ‘continuous’ curtain walling system in Europe – meaning the outer walls are non-structural. In total, the impressive frontage required 165 units of glass in an assortment of 25 different shapes and sizes. Each vertical supporting bar between the panes of glass weigh in at approximately 1.2 tonnes while the largest glass unit installed is 510kg with the smallest being 130kg. Michael Ahern, UCLan’s Chief Information and Infrastructure Officer, said: “The completion of our Student Centre’s exterior glass frontage represents a major construction milestone. “Our students and staff can’t wait to start using the building which will be flooded with natural light, aesthetically superb and most importantly create an inspiring environment to support our students for many years to come. “Our construction partners Bowmer + Kirkland will soon be entering the final straight as we look forward to the project’s completion in April 2021.” Work will now turn to the completion of the building’s interior as well as the new public square of which 45 percent has already been laid. Once completed, the development will also provide a greener environment on the previous Adelphi roundabout for students, staff and residents to enjoy, with over 300 new trees being planted and a 50,000-strong bee colony on the roof of the Student Centre. To keep informed of any travel updates and for more detail about current highways information and diversions, visit www.uclanmasterplan.co.uk or follow @uclanmasterplan on Twitter. Alternatively, you can email the Masterplan team at uclanmasterplan@uclan.ac.uk
Actis’ much praised and popular CPD on addressing the performance gap with reflective insulation has been approved to join the stable of Royal Institute of British Architects approved training modules. The CPD, which looks at how to combat thermal bridging and achieve optimal energy efficiency, will be available to RIBA chartered architects, who, along with their non-RIBA affiliated counterparts, must complete 35 hours of CPD every year. RIBA approved CPDs are worth double the points of a standard CPD and are therefore much prized by members, with 76% of them choosing training which has been specifically approved by the professional body. The Actis CPD, Addressing the performance gap with reflective insulation, which is currently available online, will be promoted via RIBA’s website, and the Institute’s monthly newsletter. Specification and technical teams at Actis, now a member of the RIBA CPD Providers Network, will also have a chance to present at some of its 20 annual roadshows, once face-to-face activities resume. All RIBA approved CPDs must meet strict criteria, be educational, innovative and balanced, address relevant statutory issues and have a clear learning outcome. They are designed to provide solutions to design problems and are likely to address sustainability issues, correct product application and legislative information. Actis UK and Ireland technical director Thomas Wiedmer, himself an architect, said: “We are looking forward immensely to being able to help the wider architectural profession to understand the benefits of reflective insulation in helping address issues of thermal bridging. “The module looks at why the performance gap exists, evidence of its existence through research by bodies such as BBA and Glasgow Caledonian University, the effects of external factors on the fabric efficiency of a building, the impact of part L which places a good deal of emphasis on air tightness and the impact of thermal bridging and how reflective insulation can address it.” The nearly 200-year-old RIBA champions better buildings, communities and the environment and works with government to improve the design quality of public buildings, new homes and new communities. Register here to join the CPD on the second Thursday of every month at 1pm.
HS2 Ltd today began the search for suppliers to provide switches and crossings for the 280km of new high-speed track between London, Birmingham and the connection with the existing west coast mainline at Crewe. The contract – worth up to £156m – will include the design, manufacture and delivery of around 180 switches and crossings for Phase 1 and 2a of the project, with options to extend for further equipment to cover Crewe to Manchester in phase 2b as well as the maintenance depots. Designed to operate smoothly, reliably and safely at speeds of up to 360km/h and diverging speeds up to 230km/h, the switches and crossings will be a vital component of the HS2 track systems. The contract also includes around 77 rail expansion devices for track on viaducts and bridges. HS2 Ltd is running a separate procurement process to award four Track Systems contracts for the design and installation of the track and coordination of construction logistics. This will also include integration and installation of the switches and crossings. HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director, David Poole, said: “The switches and crossings supplier will play a vital role in delivering the high-tech rail systems that will allow HS2 to run some of the world’s most reliable, fast and efficient high speed trains. “The launch of this new procurement contest is an important step towards appointing all the suppliers who will deliver the rail systems once the main civils work is complete. HS2 already supports more than 13,000 jobs across the UK and contracts like this will provide a real boost for employers across the supply chain, helping to support skills development and provide opportunities for years to come.” In order to reduce long term costs and improve performance, the track will be set onto concrete slabs instead of the ballast commonly used on the UK rail network. This approach – known as slab track – is commonly used on metro systems and some international high speed rail lines, and will allow for a higher frequency of service with reduced maintenance requirements. A contract to deliver the pre-cast slab track has recently been awarded to PORR UK Ltd which will see the slabs made at a new factory in Somerset. The news comes days after the launch of another, separate procurement completion for the station building systems for the Phase One stations. This framework contract – worth up to £47m – covers components and systems that will be common to all four stations. This includes: Public Address / Voice Alarm (PAVA); Fire Detection and Alarm System; Building Energy Management System (BEMS); Lighting Control System (LCS); Customer Information System (CIS); and Station Information Management System (SIMS). The Framework Supplier will also be expected to work collaboratively with HS2 Ltd and Phase One Station Contractors. A shortlist is expected to be announced in summer 2021 with contract award in early 2022. HS2 is running separate procurement competitions for the other elements of the rail systems, including overhead catenary, high voltage power supply, command and control systems, communications, mechanical and electrical systems, and the depot at Washwood Heath. Bidders for the switches and crossings contract are expected to be shortlisted in summer 2021, with the contracts to be awarded in 2022.
Network Homes is planning to build much needed affordable homes on unused land in Northolt. A total of 149 homes will be built at Dabbs Hill near to Northolt High School with 118 apartments and 31 family sized houses. All will be affordable with 131 homes for shared ownership and 18 for London Affordable Rent. Network completed the purchase of the site on Friday 4 December. The land has been unused for 15 years and it’s planned that the money raised from the sale will go towards supporting the construction of a new building for Northolt High School. The site has excellent transport links being near Northolt tube station with access to Central London and close to shops and supermarkets. The development is the latest investment in the borough of Ealing with the completion of the £100million regeneration of nearby Rectory Park in August and new developments in Southall. David Gooch, Network Homes Executive Director of Development, said: “We’re really pleased to be continuing our significant investment in the borough with exciting plan to develop this unused land into much need affordable homes for local people.” Howarth Contractors Ltd, the contracting arm of Howarth Homes Plc as the main contractor. Ben Searle, Howarth Homes’ Managing Director, said “We have been working on this development, in conjunction with Northolt High School and Network Homes for a number of years, to gain planning for a fully affordable scheme, together with the land payment, which will be contributing to much needed new school facilities. We will be starting on site early in 2021 and look forward to delivering more quality housing in another London borough with Network”
Global building materials supplier CEMEX is proud to present the latest additions to its admixtures range: the ISOFINES 5000 Series, offering safe and easy materials drying solutions. The ISOFINES 5000 Series is capable of absorbing high amounts of the water that could accompany any type of mud, spoil or sludge. The ISOFINES 5000 Series can be used on tunnelling spoil plastic concrete waste, moulded and diaphragm walls, jet grouting and concrete excessive finishings, as well as in the sedimentation pool in quarries. Through the removal of water, this admixture technology allows for the treated material to be transported and disposed of safely. Additionally, these solutions can also reduce a project’s carbon footprint; they provide an alternative solution to quicklime, and are more cost-effective when compared to a pure cement solution due to the lower dosages required. A broad range of formulations are available, including a cement-free option. The ISOFINES 5000 Series also has the added feature of quickly recycling liquified and difficult to handle mud – a solid material is obtained facilitating landfilling, and thereby reducing pollution. It can be delivered in bulk recycled plastic bags or silos which means there is no waste material on jobsites and a great volume is transported. Virginia Flek, National Technical Sales Executive for CEMEX Admixtures, commented: “The ISOFINES 5000 Series is an excellent addition to our high-quality admixtures range; presenting safe and easy drying solutions which also offer considerable sustainability benefits. “This series is already available in France and has been used on extensions to the Metro lines in Paris with great success. We are excited to launch it in the UK and make it available to our many customers who work on projects which create spoil with high amounts of water.” The ISOFINES 5000 Series is part of CEMEX’s admixtures portfolio of construction chemicals, which offers quality, efficient and reliable solutions, which includes grinding agents, plasticisers, superplasticisers, accelerators, retarders, air entraining, water-repellent, water retaining agents, stabilisers amongst others.
The employee-owned packaging business has 7 sites located around the UK and have always focused on bringing innovative solutions to market. Their latest two product launches involve plastic free bottle protectors, both 100% recyclable and biodegradable, they make the perfect solution for protecting delicate items. Flexi-Hex With its unique patented honeycomb design, Flexi-Hex is a great alternative to plastic and other protective packaging solutions such as polystyrene, and is much more cost-effective than other paper solutions such as ‘pulp‘ packaging. Extremely strong and adaptable, it is suitable for glass, bottles, homewares, ceramics and much more. Simply place between the two-honeycomb structures and use in conjunction with Kites single wall outer box for ultimate protection during transit. Corrugated sleeving Designed to mould itself around a variety of shapes, our 100% recyclable and biodegradable corrugated sleeving is suitable to protect a wide range of products, from glass, bottles, ceramics, jars, homeware and much more. Moisture resistant, adaptable, and extremely easy to use they are a great lightweight plastic free alternative. Simply place in-between the cylinder shape structure and use in conjunction with Kites tailor-made postal boxes, for added protection during transit fill any voids with Kites paper bubble or SpeedMan paper. For more information on Kite packaging please visit kitepackaging.co.uk.
Picking a home renovation project that can add value to your home can be challenging. For instance, some homeowners may be in a dilemma as to whether they should reroof their house or remodel their bathroom. One of the most frequently-done home improvement projects is the addition or renovation of a driveway decking floor to serve as a place to spend leisure time with loved ones or host a family gathering. Also, building a decking floor can increase the home’s resale value and aesthetics. There are many types of decking materials. The major types include the composite deck, vinyl and timber wood. In the UK many companies like Wicks UK, Ultradecking UK, Timbertech etc. are offering different kinds of composite decking supplies. Why are companies investing in the decking industry? Does driveway decking flooring add any value to a home? What adds value to a home? ‘Now’ is always the best time to increase the value of your house. It shouldn’t always be when it is time to sell your house on the real estate market. There are several ways by which you can use to improve your home value. A popular way of home improvement is renovating and remodelling. Howbeit, there’s a caveat: Not every home remodelling or renovation project will boost the value of your home. One factor that is worth considering before renovating or remodelling your home is the cost. Ensure that your home improvement projects are not very exorbitant or too expensive. Addition of deck and garden, minor renovation of bathroom and kitchen updates will undoubtedly boost your house value. A well-constructed decking floor will appeal to prospective home buyers. A good reason for building a deck is to earn high returns on investment. Since the addition of a decking floor is an affordable and easy project, there is always a high demand for decks in the real estate market. For instance, composite decks, known for its low-maintenance, durability and aesthetics, can tremendously increase your home’s value. Does adding a deck add value to your home? The deck helps to extend the living space of every home. It serves as a conducive place for families and friends to get together have fun and relax. Decks also serve as a great place to host a large party or event, especially if your house interior is small. A deck is a perfect place for you to grill a barbecue or roast some ribs during the summer, light an outdoor firepit or drink coffee while reading a novel. The interior of your house may not accommodate a lot of activities because of lack of space, but a deck can exist for that purpose. Homebuyers tend to consider decks when picking a house. This is why decks are said to boost the resale value of any house. How Home Resale Values Compare Based on Deck Material The deck material is an essential factor in finding out the cost recovery of your deck flooring project. The most popular types of deck materials are the composite and wood deck material. Many hardware stores carry a variety of decking supplies, including lumber, fasteners, and decking boards. Many online retailers sell decking supplies. Buying online can be convenient if you cannot find what you need locally or are looking for a wider selection of products. Wood Decks Wood decks are very affordable and are frequently used in many homes for outdoor flooring projects. The inexpensiveness of the material is one of the main reasons for its popularity as home sellers yearn to recoup their investment. The most common type of wood for decking is pressure-treated pine. Other types of wood for decking include cedar, redwood, and tropical hardwood. Decking boards are typically available in 2-by-6 or 2-by-8-inch sizes. The size of the boards will affect the look and feel of your deck. The different finishes for decking boards include stain, paint, or sealer. The finish will protect the wood from the elements and enhance the look of the deck. Moreover, decking boards are typically secured to the joists with screws or nails. It’s also essential to use the right type of fasteners for the type of wood for the deck. The fact remains that wood decks, though widely used, are inferior in quality. They are prone to damage due to inclement weather elements, pest attack and extreme temperature. Consequently, wood decks are high-maintenance and will require a lot of expenses in maintaining and retaining their beauty and value. If you stay in an environment with a lot of storms, rainfall and blizzard, wood decks will not be best for your home. Wood decks are undesirable for regions with extreme weather condition or temperature. It might be best to consider a wood deck option if you are planning to put your home up for sale immediately when the home improvement project is finished. Composite Decks Composite decks are of more superior quality, much higher than wood decks, and costlier too. Composite decks may cost about 10% more than their wood counterpart. The reason is that composite materials are more reliable, durable and resilient than other decking materials. Composite decking has met widespread popularity in the real estate market. Composite decks are impervious to harsh weather conditions and fluctuating temperature. They are low-maintenance and very easy to clean. These features have made composite decks more appealing to many homeowners. Composite decks also have the benefit of durability, resilience and strength. They can last for decades. Hence, composite decking is the best decking material to raise the resale value of your home. Composite decks are eco-friendly because they are made from recycled materials. Homeowners can tidy up the composite deck with a simple mixture of dish soap and water. Avoid harsh cleaning agents, as they can damage the surface of the composite deck. Conclusion A driveway decking floor adds value to your home. Homeowners can choose from wood or composite decking material. Don’t hesitate to ask for a decking expert’s help to determine the best material, design, and time
Home improvement is very worthwhile because it adds value to properties and homes. Experts in the real estate sector, rate home improvement according to four criteria: bad, moderate/average, satisfactory, and outstanding. Before you begin a home improvement project, it may be necessary to consider if the project aims to improve your home to a ‘satisfactory’ condition and what it will achieve in terms of value increment. Home improvements do not just revolve around property resale, and it can also enhance your family’s quality of life, comfort and enjoyment of your house (even if you don’t plan to move anytime soon). One fact you must not forget is that not every home improvement project will ultimately lead to a boost in your property resale value. This means you may not recover the investment cost of some home improvement projects. So, here are some home improvements that can significantly boost the value of your house. Outdoor living space/ deck A home’s outdoor space is a place to share beautiful moments with loved ones. From grilling barbeque to relaxing while watching kids play, it can significantly improve your home’s value. It greatly improves the beauty of your home’s exterior as it comes in a wide assortment of styles and colours. For a more appealing effect, you can grow gardens or add decorative lights to improve your home’s ambience. Consider using a decking material of superior quality, such as composite. It is resistant to extreme heat, moisture and wind. It is also eco-friendly, durable and affordable. Composite decking materials are designed for long-term enjoyment without the frustration of routine maintenance. Kitchen Kitchen remodelling and updates will definitely improve the value of your home. According to real estate analysts, kitchen remodelling can increase your home value by up to 60%. Start by making simple but highly essential updates because buyers yearn for kitchens with modern facilities. Ensure you change the faucets if they need replacement. Also, energy-efficient, modern lights are better than retro or old ceiling bulbs. You can also add cabinets and hardware to transform the appearance of your kitchen. Consider adding fresh paint to your kitchen or tiling the wall to instil a contemporary style to your kitchen. Bathroom Bathroom improvement or update is an important project that is known to boost the resale value of properties. Here are some tips to help remodel your bathroom on a budget: The most effective solution to improving your bathroom appearance is by cladding the wall. The bathroom is a moisture-ridden area, prone to mildew and mould, which can ruin a paint job. Today’s cladding panel materials are resistant to humidity, moisture and mould. They can significantly improve your bathroom’s aesthetics. Ensure you replace the lighting, faucet, showerhead, racks and drawers. They can add beauty to your bathroom. You can deep clean your bathroom by removing grime, grout and dirt. This will freshen up the appearance of your bathroom. You can also use caulk and grout. The cabinet door will also need to be repainted. You replace old accessories such as the tissue paper holder and toilet bars. This is a cheap and quick way of updating your bathroom. Fence A fence adorns a home, especially when it has a decorative finish. It significantly adds value to every home, and buyers love it. It instils privacy and enhances the security of your property’s perimeter. From intrusive or prying neighbours to unwelcomed salespeople, a fence will restrict their access to your home. It also improves the safety of your kids and pets. Fences also improve curb appeal and improve the aesthetics of the house. It is also important for landscaping and beautifies your garden. Fencing materials are also worth your consideration, as you wouldn’t want a fence that is high-maintenance and quick to rot, rust or splinter. This is why the composite fence is the most preferred fencing option for your property. The composite fence has excellent aesthetics, excellent rigidity and resilience to harsh climate conditions, superior strength and low-maintenance features. Roof New roofing allows you to cut cooling costs while improving curb appeal and resale value. Often overlooked, new roofs can positively add to the beauty of a home. Most premium roofs are designed to lessen cooling costs because they can reflect solar heat significantly. The roof also happens to be the most easy-to-see feature to homebuyers. Poor roofing condition can cause serious drainage issues.
