THE FIRST of four new residential developments – part of a plan to build 1,000 new homes on Riverside Sunderland – topped out on Friday the 4th of August. Considered one of the UK’s most ambitious residential developments, Vaux’s new neighbourhood, which will comprise 135 new super-sustainable properties built using
Market leader Ideal Heating has launched its first UK heat pump production line as part of a huge investment in low carbon technologies. Ideal Heating has been manufacturing many of the country’s best-selling boilers for over a century at its headquarters in Hull. Now the business is undergoing a major
Corbally Group, a specialist property developer based in the West Midlands, has announced plans to regenerate the Perry Barr Racetrack. The proposals would deliver up to 427 new homes as part of the wider regeneration of Perry Barr. Forming a vibrant new community, the proposals include a range of public
Projects will enhance facilities available for further education students across three city centre campuses Leicester College is undertaking several new building projects to refurbish and create new facilities across its three campuses in Leicester, set for completion this summer and later in 2023. The combined multi-million-pound projects have been funded
Public sector firm procure industry leaders to speak at crucial event A LEADING firm in Scotland’s procurement sector is urging public sector organisations to attend its AGM next month to hear insights from net zero housing experts. The Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) will discuss major challenges the housing sector is
Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) has announced the appointment of energy and regeneration specialist, Equans, to undertake an upgrade and investment programme at the Paragon estate in Brentford. It means work can start on bringing 1,000 homes back into use between 2025 and 2026 and restoring a local community on the
As the construction industry is responsible for 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, national practice GSSArchitecture is continually striving to help reduce these statistics and as part of a wider sustainability strategy, have appointed an in-house SKA Assessor. Eleanor Lee has been appointed as the SKA assessor for the
Where school groups are faced with budgetary constraints, decision makers can’t afford to neglect fire safety. Sue Corrick of Allegion UK explains how responsible persons can use the summer break to extend the service life of fire doors in school buildings. By the time August arrives, it’s official – school
In the intricate world of construction, establishing and managing a successful company can be a challenging endeavor. When addressing the Canadian market, these challenges take on unique nuances, demanding a keen understanding of local regulations and market trends. This guide aims to simplify your journey by providing actionable insights into
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
THE FIRST of four new residential developments – part of a plan to build 1,000 new homes on Riverside Sunderland – topped out on Friday the 4th of August. Considered one of the UK’s most ambitious residential developments, Vaux’s new neighbourhood, which will comprise 135 new super-sustainable properties built using modern methods of construction, has reached its peak, with the tallest of the buildings – a seven-storey apartment building – now built to full height. The structural frames, floor slabs, and external walls have been assembled by UK leader in light gauge steel framing, Remagin, who are due to complete this element of the works, which is helping to define the new city skyline, in September 2023. The scheme represents the latest development on a fast-changing brownfield development site on the edge of the city centre. Vaux Housing is being delivered by Sunderland City Council and development-managed by igloo Regeneration, with the ambition that Riverside Sunderland will eventually provide city centre housing for up to 2,500 residents. The development will comprise apartments, townhouses, and maisonettes, using modern methods of construction, renewable energy systems and smart technology to reduce the carbon footprint of the development, while producing high quality, energy efficient properties in the beating heart of the city. Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, said: “Topping out on any scheme is significant, but it really is brilliant to see our first housing scheme on Riverside Sunderland progress. This – and the other new homes that we build in this part of the city – will bring more people into the heart of the city, spending money to support our retailers in the process, and of course, many of them will work in the offices that are currently under construction and those that already play host to a vibrant business community.” Peter Connolly, chief executive of igloo Regeneration, said: “This is a fantastic milestone for Riverside Sunderland – a project which is a best practice example of how new homes across the country should be constructed and delivered in the future. “Working closely with all of the partners involved to create these high-quality homes, I’m proud of our collective unwavering commitment to delivering a people and planet positive scheme that will transform this part of the city.” The majority of the homes will be built to 2025 Future Homes Standard with 21 built to PASSIVHAUS standard, delivering high levels of energy efficiency. Included in the scheme will be a cluster of award-winning homes, that were selected as the best in the national Homes of 2030 Design Competition – which explored how homes will look and function in the future. The competition, managed by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities, encouraged the design of environmentally friendly homes that support people in leading independent, fulfilling lives as society ages. +Home, designed by igloo Regeneration with Useful Projects, Expedition Engineers and Mawson Kerr and Connector Housing designed by Openstudio with Hoare Lea, LDA Design and Gardiner & Theobald were the joint winners of the competition, and it is their designs that will stand proudly on the site, shining a spotlight on future living and showcasing the ambitious plans the council has to make Sunderland a world-class place to live, work and play. All homes at Riverside Sunderland will provide a future living offer that will attract new and existing Sunderland residents to live in the vibrant city centre, with the properties sitting alongside the orchards and allotments of Kingsley Gardens and nearby Riverside Park, which is continuing its journey towards becoming an accessible, attractive, and ecologically diverse parkland. The Vaux neighbourhood will be the site of the Expo Sunderland in 2025, an event that will showcase homes of the future and the vibrant, aspirational lifestyle that Sunderland provides. The first tranche of homes will be completed in early 2025. “As a local business with manufacturing operations in Newton Aycliffe, the Vaux development, and Riverside Sunderland, is something which is obviously very close to our hearts at Remagin,” said Scott Bibby, Country Manager for Remagin in the UK and Ireland. “We believe it provides an excellent showcase for what future living could offer, and the role modern methods of construction have to play in that – providing high quality, comfortable accommodation at an affordable cost in a way which can address both the chronic housing shortage in the country, and wider environmental challenges.” Vaux housing is part of an ambitious and exciting new community at Riverside Sunderland that will include residential, commercial and leisure developments. It is part of a programme of development projects in the Riverside Sunderland area that, taken together, aim to double the residential population in the city centre and increase employment by 50 per cent and fits with the city’s housing strategy, which will see 7,000 new homes built by 2030. Vaux housing is being delivered with £6.1m of grant support from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, and £2.1m from the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities to support the delivery of the Homes of 2030. To stay up to date with Riverside Sunderland developments, visit www.riversidesunderland.com or follow @RiversideSund on social media. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Market leader Ideal Heating has launched its first UK heat pump production line as part of a huge investment in low carbon technologies. Ideal Heating has been manufacturing many of the country’s best-selling boilers for over a century at its headquarters in Hull. Now the business is undergoing a major transformation as it engineers the green heating solutions to support the UK’s drive to net zero. Ideal Heating’s transition to renewable heating solutions will play a key role in the UK’s green industrial revolution. A huge decarbonisation of housing stock must take place for the UK to achieve net zero status by 2050, as homes account for more than a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, visited Ideal Heating’s Hull factory to mark the start of heat pump production by the company in the UK. The new heat pump production line forms part of a £60m investment programme at the Hull site, which includes a heat pump manufacturing facility, an expanded distribution hub, and a research and development centre to pioneer the heating technologies of the future. Ideal Heating has also invested more than £2m in its flagship training centre – one of the heating industry’s largest and best-equipped training facilities and whereup to 5,000 installers every year can gain the skills to install and service heat pumps. As the UK market leader in both the domestic and commercial heating sectors, Ideal Heating is now leading the industry towards a greener future, supported by its parent company, Groupe Atlantic, a global heating industry leader. Shaun Edwards, CEO of Groupe Atlantic UK, Republic of Ireland and North America, said: “The transition to low carbon heating solutions including heat pumps is the biggest transformation in the business since we moved from coal to gas-fired boilers in the 1930s. “The major investments we’re making at our Hull site send out a very clear signal about our commitment to the net zero transition and to re-modelling our business to meet the needs of our customers today and into the future.” Lord Callanan’s visit to the Hull site marked the start of heat pump production. He also officially opened Ideal Heating’s £2.2m National Training and Technology Centre in Hessle, on the outskirts of Hull. On his arrival at the training facility, Lord Callanan addressed Ideal Heating staff and said: “Ideal Heating is by far the most advanced of the traditional gas boiler manufacturers and it’s great to see all the developments that are taking place in terms of manufacturing, production and training. “Everyone at Ideal Heating is doing a fantastic job, so I’d like to say well done and keep it up.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Corbally Group, a specialist property developer based in the West Midlands, has announced plans to regenerate the Perry Barr Racetrack. The proposals would deliver up to 427 new homes as part of the wider regeneration of Perry Barr. Forming a vibrant new community, the proposals include a range of public and private gardens, play areas, and interactive playgrounds to promote positive wellbeing and healthy lifestyles. The plans will also support sustainable long-term growth in Perry Barr by opening the River Tame with a new, biodiverse riverside park which will be open to the public. The Racetrack is currently operated as a greyhound racing track. With a lease due to expire in 2026, the operator has announced plans to move to new premises at Monmore Green in Wolverhampton. The proposals support ambitions of Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, who have already invested heavily to enable growth within Perry Barr as a legacy from the Commonwealth Games. This includes Perry Barr station, and the Perry Barr Village, which is set to accommodate a new residential neighbourhood of nearly 2,000 new homes. Spokesperson for Corbally Group – Perry Barr, said: “Perry Barr has been identified as a priority area for growth within Birmingham. The City Council has invested heavily to enable regeneration and deliver a legacy from the Commonwealth Games. The regeneration of the Perry Barr Racetrack is part of this vision “The current site offers little in terms of wider community value and we’ve worked closely with the racetrack operator to support its move to new premises within the region. “We have developed an exciting scheme which not only delivers new homes but will create attractive new public spaces and unlock access to the river front. It will vastly improve Perry Barr and deliver real value for the established and emerging community in this location.” A planning application is currently being prepared and is set to be submitted in the coming months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Projects will enhance facilities available for further education students across three city centre campuses Leicester College is undertaking several new building projects to refurbish and create new facilities across its three campuses in Leicester, set for completion this summer and later in 2023. The combined multi-million-pound projects have been funded by Leicester College and the Department for Education, The Savoy Educational Trust, and the Office for Students (OfS). The projects include: Principal and CEO of Leicester College, Verity Hancock said: “The summer holidays provide an ideal opportunity to drive forwards with our ambitious infrastructure programme with some works completing during this time and some new work starting that will be completed in 2023/24. This will rebuild, refurbish and create new, state of the art facilities for our existing and new student cohorts at the College.” Talking about the T level Capital Buildings and Facilities Improvement Grants nationally, Minister for Skills, Apprenticeship and Higher Education Robert Halfon said: “This boost of over £100 million is our latest investment in T levels. These are robust, high-quality technical qualifications providing a unique ladder of opportunity for students to gain both classroom knowledge and on-the-job experience. “From robotics suites that support digital T levels to simulated health wards where students can get a real sense of what it means to work in Healthcare Science, T levels will support young people into rewarding careers and back businesses with the skills of the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Public sector firm procure industry leaders to speak at crucial event A LEADING firm in Scotland’s procurement sector is urging public sector organisations to attend its AGM next month to hear insights from net zero housing experts. The Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) will discuss major challenges the housing sector is facing in meeting Scotland’s net zero targets at its AGM on 31 August at its Livingston office. The event will see presentations from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (formerly Construction Scotland Innovation Centre) and the Scottish Government, covering topics such as the energy efficiency in social housing, fuel poverty and supporting the public sector on its transition to net zero. As Scotland’s largest free-to-join procurement organisation, SPA will be sharing insight on its achievements and performance over the past year – as well as an overview of the projects delivered through its frameworks and the community benefit projects achieved as a result. Lesley Anderson, Regional Director at the Scottish Procurement Alliance said: “We’ve been working very hard to ensure that this AGM event provides value to those in the public sector who attend. “To be able to welcome leading members in the sector to share their expertise is also important to ensure key players in the sector are on the same page and pushing in the right direction to overcome the public sector challenges we’re all facing at the moment. “We’re urging public sector organisations across the board to attend on the day to have valuable discussions and share expertise on what is a crucial time in the sector.” A series of presentations will be held by the Scottish Government, SFHA and BE-ST on key topics relating to energy efficiency. The presentations will cover the heat in buildings strategy, energy efficiency standards, investment planning, social landlord initiatives, EPC targets, regulation, and funding streams. Lesley added: “It’s no surprise that net zero is going to be a major discussion point of the day – and rightly so. “As part of this discussion we will be sharing proposals for our energy efficiency framework which will be opening to tender in autumn. Getting feedback from this event will be key in helping us to further shape and cater our frameworks to the current industry needs. “There is a lot of work to do across public sector projects to ensure we reach these crucial targets and events like this are vital in ensuring stakeholders are on the same page. “We’re proud of the excellent work the team at SPA have put in over the past 12 months and the day will also provide a brilliant opportunity for us to share some of our own results from the last year. “We will discuss our plans going forward to continue to support public sector projects and community initiatives, as well as discussing the upcoming rotation of our Executive Committee Partners and the benefits of participating in this.” Following the AGM, guests will get the opportunity to attend a pre-tender engagement session for SPA’s Energy Efficiency Framework due to launch in early 2024. It will offer crucial insight into the structure and proposed plans for its upcoming framework with an opportunity for key stakeholders to ask questions and provide valuable feedback that will help shape the framework. SPA works with 120 public sector organisations and its frameworks offer an efficient and compliant route to market for the construction, refurbishment and maintenance of social housing and public buildings. Partners include councils, housing associations, blue light services, the NHS, further and higher education providers and many other public bodies. Currently, SPA has 600 live projects totalling £1.1bn in contracts covered by its 17 frameworks – from new build housing, modular construction, to asbestos services, energy efficiency and construction consultancy services. As a proud not-for-profit, SPA reinvests its surpluses into Scottish communities through its Community Benefit Fund (CBF) by working with its dedicated charity, Lintel Trust. Since 2017, the CBF has allocated over £1.7 million in grants and match funding to support 102 community groups, charities, and causes. Projects have included Holiday Hunger programmes, community gardens, digital and social inclusion, employability initiatives, apprenticeship support funds and specialist mental health services. They have helped improve the lives of at least 19,000 people, while delivering social value of more than £3.9million. Link to register https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/spa-annual-general-meeting-tickets-671468990827 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) has announced the appointment of energy and regeneration specialist, Equans, to undertake an upgrade and investment programme at the Paragon estate in Brentford. It means work can start on bringing 1,000 homes back into use between 2025 and 2026 and restoring a local community on the estate. Those who previously lived at Paragon were successfully supported to find new homes and move on with their lives, following the difficult decision to ask them all to leave the estate in October 2020; due to Notting Hill Genesis’ concern that the buildings did not meet adequate levels of safety. John Hughes, group director of development and sales and deputy chief executive of NHG said: “The safety of our residents is always our first priority and, as such, we felt moving residents from Paragon was the best course if action and has enabled us to assess the full scope of the proposed works. We know how much of an upheaval this was for everyone, so we established dedicated teams to work with every household to find a permanent solution. “The subsequent thorough investigations give us a great deal of confidence that we have a robust plan and we are looking forward to working with Equans and our expert team of surveyors to deliver our remediation and reinvestment plan. We look forward to people once again calling the Paragon estate home and to it being a thriving west London neighbourhood once more.” Equans will carry out remedial works across all six blocks, enhancing fire safety measures, by installing much thicker insulation and a new façade to dramatically improve the comfort and efficiency of the homes. Of the £72m investment, £36m will be spent on works to bring building services and finishes up to a modern standard, including the installation of sprinkler systems, upgraded mechanical, engineering, and public health systems, and completely refitted homes. The work also includes a complete internal refurbishment to all areas, including new lighting, ceilings, furniture, flooring, and landscaping. Dan Germann, regional managing director for Equans added: “Following months of significant, intrusive investigations and comprehensive planning and testing, we are delighted to have been appointed to undertake the remedial and reinvestment works at the Paragon estate development. “Equans is very much looking forward to continuing the proactive and collaborative working relationships which have developed over the past number of months with Notting Hill Genesis and their appointed professional team. We are committed to ensuring that this significant project provides both safe and modern accommodation for all residents at Paragon estate.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the construction industry is responsible for 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, national practice GSSArchitecture is continually striving to help reduce these statistics and as part of a wider sustainability strategy, have appointed an in-house SKA Assessor. Eleanor Lee has been appointed as the SKA assessor for the Practice, having successfully completed her SKA training and assessment modules earlier this month. SKA assessments are a sustainable initiative focused on the refurbishment and remodelling of existing buildings, which is a crucial part of the sustainability strategy that GSS promote with their clients. The assessments themselves help building owners, landlords and tenants assess remodelling and refurbishment projects against a series of sustainability best practice criteria. As an organisation, GSS is committed to promoting the efficiencies and sustainable outcomes that can be achieved by reusing or repurposing existing built assets. The practice would like to see an increase the current 11% of UK construction spending on fitouts and refurbishments, rather than building new. GSS are involved in numerous fit-out and refurbishment projects across the country, and, because of the appointment of an in-house SKA Assessor, they can enhance their client offer by supporting sustainable assessments whilst also delivering effective designs. The SKA assessment has a strong focus on realistic steps to improve environmental impact, as well as health and wellbeing measures, and is a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors initiative. Eleanor has already led the client and design team at Durham University through two schemes, successfully achieving a bronze and silver certification respectively. Jonathan Hunter, Partner at GSS, said, “We are proud to have Eleanor as part of our team and our clients are already benefitting from the skills she has gained from the SKA Assessment training. At GSS, we are proud to encourage and empower the next generation of designers to lead a more sustainable future and we are looking forward to seeing where else we can drive improvements in the sustainability of the construction industry.” Eleanor Lee said,“When 80% of buildings which will be occupied in 2050 already exist, it’s becoming increasingly important that we review and improve existing buildings. Having interacted with the SKA Assessment from the designer’s perspective, it’s inspiring to see an assessment methodology encourage realistic steps towards sustainability, in a way that works with designers, clients, and contractors alike. I’m really pleased to have had this opportunity and I’m excited to take this forward in future projects.” To find out more about GSSArchitecture, and their research and stance on sustainability and net zero, or to view their extensive range of projects in a variety of projects across the UK, please visit www.gssarchitecture.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Where school groups are faced with budgetary constraints, decision makers can’t afford to neglect fire safety. Sue Corrick of Allegion UK explains how responsible persons can use the summer break to extend the service life of fire doors in school buildings. By the time August arrives, it’s official – school is out for summer. For students and staff alike, the summer holiday is a precious period of recreation and recuperation, but for most education facilities, the annual break presents an opportune time to complete much needed refurbishment and remedial work. Fire safety is a core area for concern in particular, where according to the Fire Industry Association (FIA), one in 20 schools experience fire in their buildings. Fires can cause school buildings immeasurable damage, and in response – and as stated under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – designated responsible persons must conduct ongoing risk assessments to help identify potential hazards within their premises. Yet, in 2022, research conducted by Allegion UK into the impact of fire doors in education facilities found that almost half of decision makers had encountered issues with fire doors in their buildings, with over half of respondents also revealing they were not aware of fire door maintenance procedures. As such, responsible persons are urged to make the most of their allotted time and budgets this summer, extending the service life of fire door hardware to help ensure students, staff and visitors are safe and secure when doors once again open for the new term. School Life School buildings are inherently diverse environments. While no two facilities may be the same, it is a legal requirement under British and European law for all academic settings to possess operational fire door sets. New regulation continues to draw focus on fire safety in school buildings too, with guidance from the Building Safety Act shining the light on higher-risk buildings of 18 metres in height (or at least 7 storeys tall), with certain education facilities meeting the criteria and thus required to register as high-risk by 1st October 2023. Naturally, school classrooms and corridors are often bustling with movement and during term time, in high traffic areas, fire doors can be used anywhere between 100’s to 1000’s of times each day. Over time, daily use inevitably leads to wear and tear on fittings and in some cases, fire doors may even experience levels of misuse and abuse. Take the end of each school day for example, where fire doors and their hardware are frequently put to the test as students (and staff) aim to leave the premises quickly. When doors are opened and closed with force, hardware elements can become tired, with poorer quality or incorrectly specified door hardware more prone to damage. To help prevent excessive wear and damage in busier areas, schools may benefit from electromagnetic hold-open devices, which combine wall magnets with existing door closers to aid ease of access and reduce any unnecessary roughness. Similarly, door closers with backcheck control will slow the motion of a door, preventing or minimising contact damage. In the circumstance of a fire, it’s critical that a fire door closes independently and to completion. Damaged door hardware compromises the performance of a fire door, and as such, designated responsible persons, as part of their responsibilities, must ensure escape routes are clear and fire door sets are operating as intended, making note of and replacing any damaged door hardware in the process Protection on a budget While school buildings are closed, decision makers are gifted a period of low foot traffic and a sufficient amount of time to undertake compulsory maintenance periods without interruption. Whereas maintenance is key, research from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) has previously revealed education buildings to have the highest average maintenance spend attributed to door hardware. Furthermore, after reviewing school spending as a whole, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimated that school costs would increase by 6% across 2022/23. To support schools, the government continues to invest in projects for new and refurbished buildings through its School Rebuilding Programme. Retrofit projects for example, when approached professionally, can make a considerable difference to a building’s operation – improving its efficiency and fire protection and all without needing to replace the existing fire safety infrastructure. Although, when completing retrofit projects, decision makers must consider high quality, like for like alternatives as using sub-standard components may have the adverse effect – further raising replacement costs later down the line and potentially breaching fire safety regulations in the process. With many academic groups already fearing budget cuts may affect their ability to run facilities as planned, responsible persons are also urged to review their maintenance programmes. Primarily, decision makers can look to decrease their total maintenance spend by choosing more durable products at the product selection stage. The use of higher quality, correctly specified and installed door hardware products will help to lower the rate of sustained wear and damage and thus reduce the costs associated with repair and replacements. The Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) is an accredited programme designed to present clear, accurate and up-to-date product information, and can assist decision makers in education by helping them to select trusted hardware that conforms to UKCA and CE certifications. Above all, responsible persons must ensure fire doors and their hardware are routinely checked throughout the entirety of the school year, adjusting components where necessary to preserve the operation of fire doors. But while schools are closed, there’s truly no better time to get a head start on preparations and updated regulations – responsible persons must only seek professional advice where unsure. How Allegion UK can Help Allegion UK has a wealth of resources to help responsible persons undertake product selection, installation and maintenance checks on fire doors and hardware. For information on product selection and installation, please speak to our experts or head to our download centre for technical fitting instructions. For post-installation support, Allegion’s simple toolkit provides information and tips on detecting
In the intricate world of construction, establishing and managing a successful company can be a challenging endeavor. When addressing the Canadian market, these challenges take on unique nuances, demanding a keen understanding of local regulations and market trends. This guide aims to simplify your journey by providing actionable insights into running an effective construction company. From building teams and embracing technology to nurturing customer relationships and practicing sustainable business models, we explore vital tips that have the potential to propel your construction business toward success in the Great White North. 1. Understand the Canadian Construction Market To run a successful construction company in Canada, a clear understanding of the Canadian construction market is crucial. This necessitates a comprehensive exploration into prevailing market rates, trending market practices, and the cost of labor and construction materials. Understanding the landscape of the industry within Canada is an integral first step that can shape your strategic planning effectively and put you on a solid footing in this competitive sector. 2. Build a Strong Team A successful construction company relies heavily on its team. Assembling a talented group of individuals with a diverse array of skills is vital. It’s also important to create an environment that motivates your team to give their best every day, so work on developing a company culture. Consider encouraging their efforts and rewarding them with plaques to highlight their exceptional performance, contributing to enhanced work productivity and loyalty towards the company. 3. Adopt Advanced Technology Embracing advanced technology is a game-changer for any construction company looking to succeed in Canada. Modern construction tools such as 3D modeling and Building Information Modeling (BIM) can streamline your process, enhance efficiency, and decrease error rates. Additionally, using these innovative technologies will also position you as a forward-thinking firm among your clients and competitors. Therefore, adopting technology offers immense rewards. 4. Maintain Excellent Customer Service For any successful business, maintaining excellent customer service is of key importance, and it is no different for construction businesses in Canada. Prioritize creating a great rapport with your clients and customers and meeting their specific needs to ensure they are happy and satisfied. A company with excellent customer service not only increases its chances of gaining repeat and loyal business but also stands to benefit from powerful word-of-mouth testimonials and referrals. 5. Be Compliant with Laws Operating a construction company in Canada comes with myriad rules and regulations. To avoid any legal fallout, it’s essential to ensure all business operations strictly adhere to these laws. These encompass various areas such as environmental protection measures, zoning restrictions, safety standards, and workers’ rights. Non-compliance can lead to heavy penalties, project delays, or even loss of license. Being compliant also enhances your brand’s reputation. 6. Ensure Quality Workmanship An exceptional reputation is built on the quality of your workmanship. As a construction company in Canada, consistently ensuring high-quality services should remain your top priority. This means using premium materials and employing skilled tradespeople who can bring your client’s vision to life with precision and skill. A focus on quality workmanship helps you develop a solid brand reputation, and it’s also key for establishing long-term relationships with clients. 7. Provide Clear Contracts Providing clear and comprehensive contracts is a crucial part of running a successful construction company in Canada. This doesn’t just mean listing out the services provided but also includes detailing cost breakdowns and outlining the timeline for project completion. Presenting a transparent contract minimizes disputes later on and builds trust between your company and its clients. Clear contracts help cultivate mutual understanding and satisfaction. 8. Practice Sustainable Business Model Adaptability is a hallmark of a successful construction business in Canada. This means practicing a sustainable business model that incorporates eco-friendly practices. You can achieve this by using locally sourced materials, championing sustainability, or employing green building techniques in your projects. Not only does this approach save costs by utilizing more efficient materials and techniques, but it can also enhance your company’s image. 9. Network Extensively For your construction company to thrive in the competitive Canadian market, networking should be part of your strategy. Joining professional associations, participating in industry events, and engaging with civic leaders are just a few ways to increase your business’s visibility. Networking might seem like a peripheral part of running a construction company, but it can open up opportunities for collaborations, partnerships, or simply gaining valuable advice from pros. 10. Offer Competitive Pricing Pricing strategy plays a critical role in running a successful construction company. It’s important to strike a balance between offering competitive pricing and maintaining business profitability. While it might be tempting to undercut competitors, remember the quality of your work must never be compromised. A thought-out pricing strategy is based on both market trends and the value you’re providing to customers. Your customers should be getting a good deal from you. In Conclusion… Running a successful construction company in Canada can be an accomplishment of enormous pride and financial reward. By arming yourself with these key business insights, you’re ensuring that your company is on the right path toward achieving its goals.
