COMPLETE construction partner Stepnell has celebrated the achievements of six young people, who have successfully completed a ‘Get into Construction’ programme run by The Prince’s Trust. Working together with The Prince’s Trust and in collaboration with GLP Training, and with the support of supply chain partners VD Interiors and Phase9
More than half of SME builders feel unprepared for imminent changes in building regulations to improve energy efficiency, claims the Federation of Master Builders, FMB. New rules on ventilation, conservation of fuel and power, overheating and infrastructure for charging electric vehicles come into force on the 15th of June. FMB
Former England and World Cup footballer Trevor Steven is a special guest at this year’s Digital Construction Week event in May, talking about the role that sport and construction technology can play in improving mental health in the sector. Trevor is speaking at a presentation at 3pm on 18 May,
Third-party certification will be the central theme for Warringtonfire at FIREX 2022, with the company running a series of live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, CPD accredited training and seminars at the show. Taking place at London ExCeL between 17 – 19 May 2022, visitors to Warringtonfire’s stand (FI1430) will be able
Property owners know that while vacant properties are valuable on paper, they are ultimately still unused and don’t earn revenue. That’s why it’s such a challenge for owners to turn them into profitable spaces. They first need to recoup their investment in acquiring the property, then turn a tidy profit
It may sound obvious, but building materials need to meet certain criteria to be deemed fire safe. Whether you are a construction company focusing on residential properties, office blocks or civic buildings (or working within all these fields) or a doer upper renovating a property, the bottom line is the
Every human needs to embrace a sustainable lifestyle to lessen the adverse effects of global warming successfully. Influencers and researchers presented different ways to live more sustainably and eco-friendly: one of these is becoming carbon neutral. Carbon neutrality When you achieve net-zero neutrality after reducing your greenhouse gas contribution to
Using an equity release loan to free up cash from your property has all sorts of benefits attached. However, if you’ve taken out this type of package or you are in the process of considering it, you might worry about being stuck in the same property indefinitely, because of how
Cockroaches are a problem for many households. They can make your home dirty, infested, and unhygienic. Cockroaches are known to cause allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. These insects are also carriers of bacteria and germs, which may cause infections in humans. If you live in a multi-family home, you
COMPLETE construction partner Stepnell has celebrated the achievements of six young people, who have successfully completed a ‘Get into Construction’ programme run by The Prince’s Trust. Working together with The Prince’s Trust and in collaboration with GLP Training, and with the support of supply chain partners VD Interiors and Phase9 Roofing who donated materials, labour and tools for students, Stepnell helped to facilitate the three-week course onsite during its work on the University of Worcester’s new state-of-the-art healthcare teaching facility. This is currently under development at the university’s Severn Campus on Hylton Road, Worcester. The course has led to all of the young people achieving a City and Guilds Level 1 Award in Health and Safety within a Construction Environment (RQF), as well as a CSCS Card. Elaine Kendall, social value and engagement manager at Stepnell, said: “Upskilling local people and supporting them into employment is a key focus for Stepnell, as we understand the positive societal impact delivering social value has on the communities where we work. We are delighted to be a part of this fantastic programme to help local young gain the experience, knowledge and qualifications they need to start a career in construction. “This collaborative partnership with The Prince’s Trust and GLP Training is helping to improve the employability of young people in Worcester and inspire the next generation, supporting our aim to address the skills shortage we face in the construction industry.” The programme culminated in a celebration event on the final day of activities at GLP Training’s offices, in which representatives from Stepnell, the University of Worcester, The Prince’s Trust and GLP Training were in attendance. Katie Marie Lynch, Youth Development Lead at The Prince’s Trust said: ‘‘The programme was a great opportunity for young people to explore a career in construction. Each of the young people gained invaluable skills both theoretical and practical, including teamwork and building confidence, which enabled them to build a foundation to work in the construction industry. “Working in collaboration with GLP Training and Stepnell was a positive experience and we look forward to seeing the progression of each young person in the future.’ Gemma Parsons, CEO of GLP Training, said: “This is a fantastic programme that enables young people to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours to enter the world of construction through a supportive learning environment on an actual construction site. “Learners not only gain the relevant qualifications to enter this key sector but also gain practical work experience in a variety of construction skills to introduce them to a career in construction. The young people have been fantastic and their enthusiasm has been clear in both the learning and practical training.” Mark Evans, assistant director of Estates at the University of Worcester, said: “The University makes a significant contribution to the local economy. When procuring works we always look to include a commitment to working with local contractors and encouraging training and development opportunities wherever possible. “It is therefore pleasing to see that our latest development is having such a positive benefit in the local community, offering these excellent training opportunities to young people.” To find out more about Stepnell’s apprenticeship opportunities, visit: www.stepnell.co.uk or join the conversation at @Stepnellltd. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
More than half of SME builders feel unprepared for imminent changes in building regulations to improve energy efficiency, claims the Federation of Master Builders, FMB. New rules on ventilation, conservation of fuel and power, overheating and infrastructure for charging electric vehicles come into force on the 15th of June. FMB chief executive Brian Berry said: “Over 50 per cent of small, local builders are not yet prepared or are not aware of the changes. This puts them at real risk of delivering new homes or projects that fall short of the new regulations.” Mr Berry described the latest practical guidance on the changes as complex and difficult for ‘time-poor’ smaller builders to get their heads around. “We are urging the government to provide clear guidance to help make sure small builders are informed of the changes.” Repairs, maintenance and improvement sector up against it He said this was especially important as the repairs, maintenance and improvement sector would be hit on the first day of changes, 15th June. Those in the housebuilding sector who submit plans before that date have one year to construct their development under the existing rules. The changes are interim measures ahead of the future homes and building standards expected in 2025. Property finance intermediary Hank Zarihs Associates said development finance lenders backed the campaign for the government to make guidance clearer for SMEs so they could build with confidence. The concern among smaller builders about the new regulations was a key feature in the FMB’s latest quarterly state of the trade survey. Rising prices and material costs were also a major concern for respondents. Nearly all the FMB members, 98 per cent, reported an increase in material costs with 61 per cent experiencing a rise in wages and salaries. About four out of five said they had increased their charges for work. Although the FMB has welcomed the scrapping of VAT on energy-efficient improvements on the 1st of April, it would like to see this extended to all repairs and maintenance work. “Removal of VAT on all repairs and maintenance jobs, would lower costs for consumers ensuring work doesn’t drop off for builders,” said Mr Berry. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Former England and World Cup footballer Trevor Steven is a special guest at this year’s Digital Construction Week event in May, talking about the role that sport and construction technology can play in improving mental health in the sector. Trevor is speaking at a presentation at 3pm on 18 May, hosted by Causeway Technologies, on ‘Joining the dots between construction, mental health and football’, and will be sharing an update on Causeway’s current research into mental health issues faced by site-based workers in particular. Trevor joined Causeway in November 2020 as Mental Health Ambassador to spearhead Causeway’s partnership with Everton in the Community. The aim of the partnership is to highlight and raise awareness of poor mental health in the construction industry and to campaign for positive change. He is a former England international professional football player with a sporting career spanning 17 years across various clubs including Burnley, Everton, Glasgow Rangers and Olympique de Marseille. Trevor also played for England as part of the 1986 and 1990 World Cup squads. Other topics being discussed by Causeway at Digital Construction Week include a talk by Dr Adam O’Rourke, Causeway’s Emerging Technologies Consultant, on the role of construction technology in helping the sector achieve its Net Zero targets. The session will cover how technology can be used to measure and manage carbon and waste data and how to achieve full transparency on environmental performance across the construction lifecycle. Rebecca Sperti, Customer Relationship Director at Causeway, will also present on the way that digital enablement of a fully interconnected construction ecosystem, not just individual companies, will radically change the sector. Causeway’s vision is to drive a digitally enabled construction industry and become the platform that connects solutions across all parts of the construction value chain. Causeway, which is a headline sponsor of Digital Construction Week, will have an expert team available on Stand DD40 to showcase the full range of Causeway’s software solutions that help companies digitise the entire construction lifecycle. Digital Construction Week is the UK’s only event dedicated to digital construction, engineering, design, manufacturing, and operation. It is running at ExCeL in London on 18-19 May 2022 and is free to attend. Register at: https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com Causeway Technologies was established in 1999. Headquartered in Buckinghamshire in the United Kingdom, it serves over 2,800 customers and has over 370 employees. Causeway provides enterprise and cloud software solutions to the construction and infrastructure maintenance industries and spans the full value and supply chain. www.causeway.com Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Third-party certification will be the central theme for Warringtonfire at FIREX 2022, with the company running a series of live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, CPD accredited training and seminars at the show. Taking place at London ExCeL between 17 – 19 May 2022, visitors to Warringtonfire’s stand (FI1430) will be able to interact with a series of exhibits on an 84m2 passive fire protection (PFP) demonstration zone, featuring a full-size corridor and suspended ceiling simulation which showcases “best practice” passive fire protection. The stand will also feature display models of fire doors, glazing systems, pipes and cables which have all been subjected to a fire resistance test, to demonstrate effective PFP in action. Besides the exhibits, Warringtonfire will also be carrying out live demonstrations on its stand each day. This includes how to correctly install a fire door and the fire stopping measures for the many service pipes and cables that run through compartment lines above a suspended ceiling. As well as installation guidance, Warringtonfire’s technical experts will be on hand to discuss the principles of third-party product and personnel certification and the important role played by its Certifire and BM TRADA Q-Mark certification schemes. In addition, technical manager Peter Barker will show edited highlights from two 30-minute fire resistance tests in the Expertise & Guidance theatre on Tuesday 17th May at 2pm. The seminar will demonstrate in dramatic fashion the importance of correct specification and installation of PFP products. Leigh Hill, Division Director at Warringtonfire, said: “We are delighted that third-party certification is the central theme at FIREX 2022 and will be reinforcing its importance in the built environment through a series of live demonstrations, seminars, training and interactive exhibits over the three days.” For more information, please visit: www.warringtonfire.com / www.bmtrada.com. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Property owners know that while vacant properties are valuable on paper, they are ultimately still unused and don’t earn revenue. That’s why it’s such a challenge for owners to turn them into profitable spaces. They first need to recoup their investment in acquiring the property, then turn a tidy profit by either renting it out or selling the place to their clients. However, disposing of vacant properties or converting them into livable spaces entails a lot of investment. Should you choose to restore or refurbish your property, you’ll need to hire reputable and experienced demolition contractors to help you realise your vision. While you may justify that you can hack it yourself, demolition is a specialised process that requires knowledge and top-notch equipment. Certain risks come with demolishing the property, and there’s a lot of paperwork involved, too. Refurbishing vacant properties requires experts. Whatever the project, ensuring you have the best on-hand to support and guide you is necessary. For instance, for demolitions, a specialist like abruss.co.uk is a great option. With their years of experience and proven expertise, they can guarantee exceptional results. Here are some tips for refurbishing vacant properties to make them livable. 1. Assess the structural stability of the property The first thing you need to assess is the property’s structural stability. Determine which parts of the structure need reinforcing. Look for hidden structural problems and weaknesses, and note how extensive the process would be as well as if it fits the project’s budget. That’s why you need to have a professional inspect the property, so you would have an idea of what to expect. It would be much better than just going through the refurbishing blindly. 2. Inspect the windows, roofs and doors Never overlook the roofs, doors and windows because they’re among the essential parts of the property. Check their stability, and find out if they need maintenance and other servicing. If you need to reinforce them, have reputable contractors work with you. You also need to remove prohibited substances such as asbestos from the roofs and other construction materials. Again, it would be great to have a knowledgeable builder work with you in identifying such problems. 3. Match mortars and replace damaged masonry You need your contractor to match mortar with the existing ones in the structure. Finding the right consistency is critical to protecting the stability of the walls. They also need to replace the damaged masonry and reinforce them correctly. You shouldn’t settle for filling the voids with putty because it wouldn’t shore them up properly. 4. Consider a better layout Refurbishing your area means you may need to consider a better layout. Don’t just go knocking out the walls without consulting with your contractor. You might destroy load-bearing walls if you go through them blindly. It will cause more problems as you would have to shore it up even more. 5. Consider the same finishes Refurbishing your property means you need to work within a concept. You need to choose suitable materials to accentuate the aesthetics without compromising functionality. Conclusion Refurbishing a vacant property means you have the option to be as creative as possible. However, you need to work within a concept to ensure aesthetics and functionality.
It may sound obvious, but building materials need to meet certain criteria to be deemed fire safe. Whether you are a construction company focusing on residential properties, office blocks or civic buildings (or working within all these fields) or a doer upper renovating a property, the bottom line is the same. A workable floor plan, appealing aesthetics and keeping within budget are important, but sound structure and safety are of paramount importance. Within this, fire safety should, rightly, be a top priority. Whatever your business, ensuring the materials you use are fire safe is essential for both your reputation and conscience. Below is a brief reminder of the current legal requirements within the US and how to ensure you are compliant. Regulations The safety of building materials was international news following the tragic fire at London’s Grenfell Tower apartment block in June 2017. Seventy-two people died because of the fire, which an inquiry stated spread rapidly due to the recent addition of highly flammable aluminum and polyethylene external cladding. Combustible materials were also said to have been used in the building’s windows. The fire led to an overhaul of the laws surrounding construction in the United Kingdom and impacted on global research into the dangers of using combustible construction materials. Safety regulations in the US have been led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) who developed the model codes adopted by many states and these, along with compliance building codes published by The International Code Council (ICC), provide the framework for ensuring new buildings are fire safe, boasting their model building codes and standards provide ‘the highest level of safety in the world’. Safety First Having established the importance of being compliant with building safety regulations, finding reliable suppliers and the best quality fire safe resources is key. Contractors will need to know any materials used are fit for purpose and meet necessary guidance so having confidence in your materials is necessary. Research products to find those that are well-regarded and follow up recommendations to ensure compliance. The whole construction industry is built around one key foundation stone – primarily, buildings must be safe. Building Materials You Can Trust Safer building materials are continually being developed, with long-standing companies establishing they are front-runners within the composite field. Rather than rely on their history, brands such as Atkore FRE composites are proving their commitment to bettering the materials available within the trade through production of fire-safe industrial fiberglass. The future of construction is changing at pace with the safety of materials being at the heart of the developments. Ensuring structures are safe is critical and building codes are there to minimize risk. Fire safety is a vital component of the safety codes, there to protect the public and provide them with the amenities they need. When undertaking your research to decide on the best possible materials for your project, make sure the first thing you check is that they are fire safe. You can’t afford not to. Author Bio: The author Allan Smith is a professional finance writer specializing in personal finance. He has worked in the finance sector for a long time. He believes that everyone’s economic and life situation is isolated, and he keeps this fact in mind while providing personal finance advice in his blog Day to Day Finance. All the people seeking financial guidance are in different stages of life. Allan loves to explore every possible angle of personal finance so that anybody can get help.
Every human needs to embrace a sustainable lifestyle to lessen the adverse effects of global warming successfully. Influencers and researchers presented different ways to live more sustainably and eco-friendly: one of these is becoming carbon neutral. Carbon neutrality When you achieve net-zero neutrality after reducing your greenhouse gas contribution to your efforts of offsetting your carbon emissions, you become carbon neutral. Tracking everything you’ll use and do and the amount of waste you’ll produce after doing them is a good start. And then, you have to find ways to neutralise your waste by doing activities like planting trees, driving less, etc. It may seem like an elaborate task at first, but you’ll be surprised to learn that there are many simple and affordable ways to reduce your carbon emissions. Many people and companies have raised concerns about carbon neutrality’s practicality and feasibility. However, more and more people, organisations, and companies are embracing this trend. So before hiring any company, you can first find out if they commit to conserving and preserving the environment. Check out companies like valleytrading.co.uk, so you don’t have to worry about your carbon footprint. Carbon footprint Your impact as an individual on the environment is defined as your carbon footprint. This is measured in terms of the amount of greenhouse gasses (like carbon dioxide and methane) you produce in a year which you can check using a carbon footprint calculator. It will simplify identifying parts of your lifestyle that result in high carbon emissions. Ways to reduce carbon footprint The easiest part of reducing your carbon emissions is using fewer things since everything you use has an environmental footprint. Avoid buying single-use items, and include recycling and upcycling in your lifestyle. In addition, embracing simple habits like using reusable shopping bags instead of plastics or reusable straws can positively affect the environment. Changing how you move from one place to another can reduce your carbon footprint. If possible, use public transportations more often instead of using your vehicle, or you can ask a friend for a ride if you are going to the same place. This can lower the carbon you contribute to the atmosphere, and it is an excellent way to conserve gas. In addition, walking and biking when going to nearby places are good for the environment and your health. Your choice of food has a massive impact on the environment. You can consider modifying your diet (you don’t have to be a vegan or vegetarian) by eating less meat and animal products. Since meat production is one of the significant contributors to carbon emissions, a slight reduction in meat consumption decreases your carbon footprint significantly. Also, try to incorporate plant-based recipes into your meal menus once in a while. Aside from these, there are many more ways to reduce your carbon footprint that involve the most mundane tasks like laundry and shopping. So now that you know about carbon neutrality, you can start modifying your lifestyle bit by bit to lower your carbon emissions and do your part in fighting global warming.
Using an equity release loan to free up cash from your property has all sorts of benefits attached. However, if you’ve taken out this type of package or you are in the process of considering it, you might worry about being stuck in the same property indefinitely, because of how these deals are designed. To clear up any confusion, let’s discuss the factors that will determine whether you are allowed to sell your property after taking advantage of equity release. Equity release explained Equity release is a type of loan, also known as a lifetime mortgage, which lets you borrow against the value of a home you own outright. And with a free equity release calculator, you can quickly see how much you could secure under this arrangement. The term ‘lifetime mortgage’ can be daunting, and suggests that you will only be able to pay off the loan after you pass away. In reality, no product in this category has such morbid restrictions in place. If you choose to and you have the means to do so, you can pay off an equity release loan as and when you see fit. The conditions which may apply Every equity release agreement will be different, and should be tailored to the needs and circumstances of the borrower. There are boilerplate schemes that set the standard out there, and as a rule of thumb you can expect such deals to accommodate the option of moving home further down the line. In this scenario, the way that a move is handled is fairly standard, albeit with the lifetime mortgage moving from one property to another along with you. Your equity release provider will need to give the green light to any move you decide to make, and if they are happy with your new choice of property, you can carry on as usual, without having to repay any aspect of the loan at this point. However, if you are either moving to a property which has a much lower asking price than your previous home, or you are choosing a house which isn’t normally mortgageable, perhaps because it has a non-standard construction, then you could struggle to get lender approval. In this scenario, you will have to use the proceeds of the property sale to pay off the equity release, and potentially suffer early repayment fees, on top of being left with less cash to use on your move. The specialist products to consider So far we’ve largely talked about the impact of selling your home if you have already taken equity release in the context of the mainstream loans that exist in this market. However, it’s also worth pointing out that a lot of changes and innovations have occurred recently, with lenders choosing to mix things up and give borrowers more flexibility than ever before. It’s simply a case of looking out for deals that align with your desires. For example, you can find some equity release packages which include the provision for selling your home and downsizing at a later date, with no early repayment fees or other penalties applying if you decide to go this route. Likewise you could choose smaller payouts occurring over a longer period in place of a lump sum when you first acquire the loan, which again lets you adjust the package to your circumstances and preferences. Getting advice from an equity release expert, and comparing deals from different lenders before you commit, will ensure that if being able to sell your home seamlessly in the future is a priority, this factor is encompassed as part of a lifetime mortgage.
Cockroaches are a problem for many households. They can make your home dirty, infested, and unhygienic. Cockroaches are known to cause allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. These insects are also carriers of bacteria and germs, which may cause infections in humans. If you live in a multi-family home, you may be wondering how to get rid of cockroaches. The sooner you do it, the better chance you’ll have to control and kill the cockroaches. You’ll also avoid spending a lot of money. So, this article will discuss some of the best ways to kill cockroaches in your multi-family home units: Hiring Professional Extermination Services When you have a cockroach problem beyond just an occasional sighting, hiring professional extermination services will be your best option. A pest control company can provide you with an assessment of your home or apartment unit and determine which products will work best for your situation. They will also provide ongoing maintenance if necessary to keep your infestation under control. But first, you should check this recommended site to get a reliable exterminator who will help deal with the cockroach problem efficiently. Professional extermination has many benefits over do-it-yourself methods: Exterminators use more effective products than you would find at the hardware store. Exterminators can treat an entire building, so they’ll be able to find hidden nests and kill existing bugs and eggs and larvae before they hatch. The professionals also know the different species of cockroaches and what method works best on them and use them to control the pests. Using Cockroach Baits Cockroach baits work by attracting the roaches with an irresistible food source, such as protein-based foods like meat or cheese. Once they climb inside the bait trap, they cannot escape and eventually die from dehydration or starvation. The cockroaches’ bodies decompose inside the bait trap and do not smell because they contain a slow-acting poison that kills them slowly, so they do not attract other pests such as rats and mice in your home. Another bait that you can use is boric acid. It is a powder made from borax and sugar. It can be sprinkled around your home’s baseboards and any cracks or crevices where cockroaches may hide. The roaches will take the bait back to their nests and pass it along to other colony members. It will kill off many of the cockroaches in your home and prevent them from returning. Cockroach Sprays If you prefer an instant kill instead of a slow death for cockroaches, spray roach killers may be your best bet. These sprays can be in a liquid or aerosol form and work by killing the insects on contact. However, this type of treatment is usually only effective against large groups of roaches rather than individual pests hiding in cracks or crevices around your home. However, they’re only effective if used correctly. Make sure you read the directions carefully before using any spray indoors — especially if there are children or pets in the house. Some can put people at risk for breathing problems or skin irritation if improperly used or the house lacks proper ventilation. Use Sticky Traps Another way that homeowners can prevent a cockroach infestation is by using sticky traps. These traps will catch any cockroaches that wander into them and kill them when they get stuck in them for too long. It is an effective method because it traps all roaches, even those hiding under furniture or inside walls. You can place the sticky traps in areas where cockroaches are usually found, including under sinks, behind your refrigerators, stoves, and around pipes. You can also combine them with gel baits and boric acid so that once the cockroaches are attracted to it, they can get trapped, and you can kill any that miss the bait. Keep Your Home Clean You need to keep your house clean because cockroaches love dirty environments. If there’s food lying around, it’ll start multiplying quickly and become a problem for you and your family members. Ensure that trash cans are emptied daily, the floors are swept regularly, and all food items are stored in airtight containers so that no roaches can smell them from afar. Keeping your home clean makes it undesirable for cockroaches as they thrive in dirty places. The few cockroaches in the house will starve and die of hunger or move away to find other habitats. Conclusion Cockroaches can multiply into hundreds in a short time if left to thrive. The longer you let them, the harder it becomes for you to control them. Therefore, you should start killing them at first sight of a cockroach by using the methods discussed in this article. You can try killing them yourself using boric acid and traps or call professionals for more detailed exterminations.
