Developer and investment firm, Mount Property Group, has today announced it has appointed Barton Group Services as construction partner on its latest Liverpool scheme, Innovo House. Located on Devon Street in Liverpool’s up-and-coming Knowledge Quarter, the development is made up of 124 apartments, comprising 80 en-suite units & 44 studios.
North West based specialist surfacing company, Miles Macadam, has been selected to undertake work on Britain’s newest nuclear power station Hinkley Point C, in Somerset. Miles Macadam’s reputation as a market leader in the manufacture and installation of Grouted Macadam systems has resulted in its recent contract award to work
According to many experts, the construction industry is experiencing a problem with skilled workers — there aren’t enough of them. City & Guilds, a global leader in skills development, states that that 87% of employers in 2017 found it difficult to recruit the skilled workers that they needed. According to
Flogas UK, a business gas supplier helping companies switching from oil to gas, are doing their bit to help reduce carbon emissions with the introduction to their fleet of two, new Bio-LNG powered trucks. These innovative trucks provide an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to the conventional
UKWSL has retained the contract to provide trade waste services to independent brewing and pub retailing business, Marston’s. The news comes as its existing contract draws to a successful conclusion after being named 2019 winners of the ‘Partnership Excellence – Commercial category’ at the National Recycling Awards. The new five-year,
We usually fall into the trap of just trying to solve the next issue that comes in our construction business without trying to analyze why those problems arose. Sometimes it can be difficult to take the time to develop a refreshing plan to move our construction company in the right
Out of 145 entries submitted in 2019, 91 National Landscape Awards have been bestowed on 63 members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), with several members winning an Award in multiple categories. Since the event was brought back in-house in 2018, numerous records have been achieved including the
To put it simply, green building, or eco-friendly building means developing and applying environmentally-conscious strategies throughout the entire process of elevating a building. Eco-friendly construction practices are starting to gain more and more popularity, and for good reasons. They are not only good for the environment, but in the long
Whether you are planning to remodel the old one, or have made a new purchase, renovating the driveway puts the finishing touch to your home. However, before getting on with the task, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. Material A range of materials can
The Building Services Engineering Association (BESA) says it is starting to devise the first British Standard for healthy buildings. The association said that owing to a series of factors including the rise of the human wellness industry, an increase of cases in occupational asthma and climate change, it had started
Developer and investment firm, Mount Property Group, has today announced it has appointed Barton Group Services as construction partner on its latest Liverpool scheme, Innovo House. Located on Devon Street in Liverpool’s up-and-coming Knowledge Quarter, the development is made up of 124 apartments, comprising 80 en-suite units & 44 studios. In addition to the apartments, the development will have a guest concierge, ground floor social space and bike storage. Speaking about the appointment, Michael Chrysokhou, Managing Director of Liverpool-based Mount Property Group, said: “I’m delighted to announce Barton as construction partner on the scheme and I’m looking forward to seeing Innovo House come to life over the coming months with ground works starting next month. This is our second scheme with Barton and so it’s great to build on the partnership.” Matt Fawcett, Managing Director of Barton Group Services added: “Kickstarting our second project with Mount Property Group builds on the successful and trusted partnership we have developed together. Innnovo sits only a stone’s throw away from our current scheme on site, Natex, both perfectly positioned within the Knowledge Quarter offering students high-end living accommodation. “In addition to being appointed as management contractor on Innovo, we are also providing construction design and SHEQ services, so it’s a full team offering which is firmly rooted in providing reliable cost certainty and a truly transparent approach.” The project is scheduled for completion in September 2020, ahead of the annual intake of students. Founded in 2012, Mount Property Group is a Liverpool based property developer and investment company with five schemes currently in development. It was announced in May this year that a Singaporean Institutional investor, Solibuild Group Holdings had invested an undisclosed sum into the Innovo scheme – the first time that Soilbuild has invested in the UK market in the company’s 40-year history. This highlights its confidence in the Liverpool student accommodation sector and the wider UK property market. For more information visit mountpropertygroup.com
North West based specialist surfacing company, Miles Macadam, has been selected to undertake work on Britain’s newest nuclear power station Hinkley Point C, in Somerset. Miles Macadam’s reputation as a market leader in the manufacture and installation of Grouted Macadam systems has resulted in its recent contract award to work on the construction of Hinkley Point C, the first new nuclear power station in a generation. 20,000m2 of Hardipave™, Miles Macadam’s own BBA certified Grouted Macadam, has been chosen for the surfacing of the North Plaza, an area to be used as a bus terminal during the construction phase of the power station. Hardipave™ was specified as a fuel resistant surface course with a high tolerance to deformation, heat and abrasion, making it an ideal choice for the proposed scheme. The use of Hardipave™ also provided a ‘value engineering’ solution with a cost saving of over £200k when compared to the originally specified concrete design. The flagship product has been used extensively throughout the UK on transport infrastructure hubs, including many bus terminals, industrial facilities and other areas of intense traffic loading. Notable examples include the Crossrail bus depot at Paddington Bus Station and Wembley Coach Park (the only multi-storey coach park in Europe). Led by EDF Energy, Hinkley Point C is the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK for over 20 years. The power plant will provide safe, secure low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes and marks a significant milestone in the revitalisation of the UK’s nuclear power industry, making a major contribution to reaching net-zero emissions.* The project has already created thousands of jobs, hundreds of apprenticeships and spent over £1 billion with local businesses, bringing lasting benefits to the UK economy. Ben Shaw, Director of Miles Macadam, comments: “It’s a huge achievement for us to be selected to work on the Hinkley Point C project and to assist with the incredible progress being made on-site. “It’s great to work on such a prestigious project that will ensure low carbon energy for the future and benefits for the wider economy. “Thanks to a great team effort and our highly skilled operatives we will deliver 20,000m2 of Hardipave™ which will provide a durable and effective surface course, for years to come.
According to many experts, the construction industry is experiencing a problem with skilled workers — there aren’t enough of them. City & Guilds, a global leader in skills development, states that that 87% of employers in 2017 found it difficult to recruit the skilled workers that they needed. According to Construction News, official figures show that 12.6% of UK construction workers come from overseas, with 5.7% originating from the EU. This rises to a staggering 60% in London. Furthermore, 30% of British-born construction workers are now over the age of 50, meaning businesses will feel the pinch of those departing over the coming years through retirement when Brexit comes into play. But, could the solution to the skills-shortage issue lie in apprenticeships? Apprenticeships could be more crucial than ever, especially following Brexit. Nation Apprenticeship Week was at the beginning of March, and with an influx of publicity circulating, it has encouraged employers to think about the future of their workforces — could apprentices fill the employee shortage? Construction, Planning and the Built Environment — alongside Engineering and Manufacturing — show the greatest number of apprenticeship starts. In the 2016/17 academic year, the Engineering and Manufacturing sector witnessed 74,000 starts, while the Construction sector had 21,000. Leading UK housebuilder, Redrow, released its second annual research report which revealed that, thanks to a positive shift in attitudes and the perception of construction, the apprenticeship pathway has improved. There was even a 14% increase in young people considering a career in the industry. “This year’s results illustrate that apprenticeships and careers in construction are being viewed in a more positive light. Apprenticeships are a way of futureproofing the UK workforce, particularly in sectors where there is a skills shortage, such as construction, so it is pleasing to see that progress is being made,” commented Karen Jones, group HR director at Redrow. Clearly, there are successes in the field of apprenticeships, which is hoped to carry on thanks to a new way of funding apprenticeship programmes. While some employers have snubbed the new levy as just being ‘another tax’, both large and small employers can benefit from the fund, meaning that 90% of apprenticeship training costs are funded by the government. Furthermore, employers within the construction sector can use up to 10% of the funding to train employees across the full supply chain — something not to be snubbed with the current shortage in skilled workers. But are apprentices really as useful to an employer as other workers? Research suggest that they are. According to UK Construction Media, 86% of employers say that apprenticeships are helping them develop skills relevant to their organisation and 78% believe they improve productivity. “Working with some of the UK’s largest utility firms, our success rates have been very high. We and our customers have no doubt that, managed well, apprenticeships do work,” commented Chris Wood, CEO of Develop Training. He went on to say: “New initiatives such as Trailblazer Apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Levy have raised awareness across the UK. Even so, and despite huge skills shortages, many employers are still only scratching the surface of what they could be doing to use apprenticeships to attract new people to join the industry and improve the skills of existing employees.” Since the construction industry is struggling to fill its desired workforce, apprentices could be the fast and efficient solution the sector needs. Downing Street has committed itself to creating three million new apprenticeships by 2020. The construction industry could be on the receiving end of a large chunk of those programmes, which will be an opportunity to deliver a new generation of highly skilled workers — something that the industry is experiencing a lack of right now. In fact, the Director of the National Apprentice Service, Sue Husband, predicts that 2018 will be crucial for programmes. As more opportunities become available, now could be the time to cut yourself a slice of the apprenticeship programme success — and secure your future workforce now. This article was researched and produced by Niftylift, a leading UK retailer of cherry pickers. Sources
Flogas UK, a business gas supplier helping companies switching from oil to gas, are doing their bit to help reduce carbon emissions with the introduction to their fleet of two, new Bio-LNG powered trucks. These innovative trucks provide an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to the conventional diesel engine alternative. The two vehicles are part of Flogas’ 2040 ambition to provide customers with 100 per cent renewable energy solutions. Flogas’ extensive fleet of vehicles already includes a range of dual fuel and electric hybrid alternatives. However, the all-new Volvo FM tractor units, which will be used to transport bulk LPG and LNG, will be a first of their kind. Coming in to operation as of August 2019, the Volvos will contribute to the aim of growing Flogas’ alternatively fueled fleet of vehicles. James Goodson, recently-appointed National Account Manager for Alternative Transport Fuels at Flogas, said, “These trucks are just the first of many, as we look to make our 200-strong fleet cleaner, greener and increasingly futureproof. “They will each be powered by renewable Bio-LNG – a highly sustainable biofuel that’s produced during the anaerobic digestion process. This means they’ll be 50% quieter, they’ll release significantly fewer pollutants, and fuel costs will be far lower. “As a leading LNG supplier in the UK, at Flogas we understand the critical role this fuel will play as we face stringent government targets to tackle carbon emissions and improve air quality. Whilst it’s still in its infancy in the transport industry, the strong environmental and cost-saving benefits compared to conventional fuels, means LNG is set to become the fuel of choice for heavy goods vehicles. “Hauliers have long faced the challenge of how to reduce their carbon footprint efficiently and cost-effectively. LNG is not just an immediate fix – it’s a long term, reliable solution that makes business sense, and that’s exactly why we’re championing it with our own fleet.” Following strenuous testing of a variety of vehicles from a host of manufacturers, Flogas, finally decided upon the Bio-LNG truck from Volvo, thanks to its impressive capabilities in regard to bulk and cylinder operations. Head of Logistics, Tim Eaton, noted, “When it came to delivering the cleanest emissions, the lowest noise and most efficient running costs, Volvo trucks came out on top. “This is the first time we’ve worked with Volvo, but they have strong experience in LNG-powered vehicles, and the results of the trials simply spoke for themselves. We’re excited to get these trucks on the road, and growing our Bio-LNG-powered fleet further.” Powered by Volvo’s G13C460 LNG engine, the 6×2 Artic truck outputs up 460hp and delivers 2,300Nm of torque — undistinguishable from the diesel-powered alternative. Asides having a range of 400-450 miles, the Bio-LNG Volvo is capable of pulling up to 44 tonnes.
UKWSL has retained the contract to provide trade waste services to independent brewing and pub retailing business, Marston’s. The news comes as its existing contract draws to a successful conclusion after being named 2019 winners of the ‘Partnership Excellence – Commercial category’ at the National Recycling Awards. The new five-year, multi-million-pound deal will continue to cover the 1,000-plus sites that Marston’s currently operates so day-to-day procedures and practices are to remain unchanged. The partnership, which commenced in October 2016, has seen Marston’s achieve zero waste to landfill and increase its recycling rate to circa 77 per cent: both of which contributed to an overall saving of six per cent on its annual waste spend. Max Kanda, Managing Director of UKWSL, commented: “Having fine-tuned our operations throughout the Marston’s estate over the past three years, we feel optimistic about improving on an already-impressive recycling rate, continuing to save costs and exploring additional closed loop solutions. “We are grateful to Marston’s for giving us an opportunity to steer this partnership to greater heights.” Andy Kershaw, Group Head of Facilities and Capex at Marston’s, added: “We are delighted that UKWSL has been awarded the Marston’s trade waste contract until 2024. The partnership has succeeded in achieving its cost saving, recycling and zero waste to landfill goals and we look forward to partnering with them once again for the next five years.”
We usually fall into the trap of just trying to solve the next issue that comes in our construction business without trying to analyze why those problems arose. Sometimes it can be difficult to take the time to develop a refreshing plan to move our construction company in the right direction. Do you know where your business is going or if it is possible to continue growing? These questions can be answered easily if you think about the best small business loans available in the financial market. Defining a small business loan What is a small business loan? Knowing the correct answer is essential for all construction business owners. These ventures require a large physical space, equipment, and inventory, and you might not have money to buy all that. So, a small business loan can be the opportunity you are waiting for. Remember, you need money to make money. A small business loan is a credit borrowed by a business owner to obtain a sum of money from a lender which will be repaid (plus interest) over a certain amount of time. Fortunately, there are different types of small business loans, so you will surely find the one that is suited for your construction business. However, you should consider some factors that can have an impact on what kind of small loan you will be able to qualify for, such as, how fast you can pay it back, the amount of time your business has been on the market and your credit score, among others. How to apply for a small business loan When you’ve decided that a small business loan is a right fit for your business, keep these things in mind: Case study: how to make your business grow wisely If your final aim for your construction company is to grow, you cannot only depend on your good reputation and quality of your services as a constructor. You must realize that you need to use other strategies to meet your goals. That was what Gregg did, and the results were much better than expected. Gregg has had his construction company since 2012. He has coped with different kinds of situations in a very competitive market. He has been able to keep on business, but two years ago he realized that was the perfect moment to grow. At first, he felt a little bit lost, but he found the help he needed in a consultant group. They advised him to take one of the best small business loans available in the market. It was not difficult for him to get it because he complied with the lender requirements. The second step was to invest that money smartly. He invested in new equipment and new technology to stay up-to-date, but he also put money into an online marketing campaign to promote his business. He saw short-term gains and his client portfolio got bigger. If he had not applied for a small business loan, he would not have obtained those results. Small business loans are the best way to grow Have you ever thought about a small business loan to make your construction business grow? Would you like to hire the right people, buy new equipment and technology or move your company to a bigger physical space? There is an answer to all these questions: a small business loan. The only thing you must do is to check the requirements you need to comply to apply for one. This finance tool will give you the power to change your business present and future.
Out of 145 entries submitted in 2019, 91 National Landscape Awards have been bestowed on 63 members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), with several members winning an Award in multiple categories. Since the event was brought back in-house in 2018, numerous records have been achieved including the most entries received in the past 10 years as well as the highest number of entries from first-time entrants at 51, 35% of the total entries and an incredible record of 34 International entries. Notable wins include five Awards for Registered Contractors Nurture Landscapes, four Awards for Garden Club London and three Awards for Rosemary Coldstream MBALI of Rosemary Coldstream Garden Design. Registered Contractor Sky Garden, who recently joined BALI also took home an Award for its scheme ‘One Bayshill Road’ in the ‘Soft Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) – Under £500K’ category whilst Bridgman & Bridgman, another new member, won an Award for its roof garden at IKEA Greenwich. The BALI National Landscape Awards’ expert Adjudication Panel, led by John Melmoe was joined by BALI Chief Executive Wayne Grills, Operations Manager Kirsty Wood and Events Project Manager Leah Brookes for a three-day deliberation marathon in late August where each of the 145 entries were scrutinised. Reflecting on this year’s tough deliberations, John said: “The meeting was extremely heated at times, with in-depth discussion on each and every scheme submitted. This is a very healthy process with a blend of good humour thrown in. The complexity of some projects entered is always interesting and shows the diverse nature of the industry in which we are involved. The majority of categories were well supported, but we noted a very strong presence from the domestic categories. The quality of both the presentation and precision of execution within this sector were extremely high. The commercial sectors have some serious competition coming through. Each year the range of projects submitted continues to grow and we need to portray the industries’ capabilities to a wider audience within the construction industry and beyond. The Awards provides the platform for showcasing the industries skills and has increased in stature to become the leading event in the landscaping calendar. I cannot wait to gauge the anticipation of the members at this year’s ceremony.” Leah, who is managing the event from BALI Landscape House, said: “This is my first BALI National Landscape Awards event and I have been so impressed with the high standards achieved by members. With a record number of entries since 2009, it proves that the Awards remain the largest landscaping Awards event in Europe, celebrating and rewarding schemes in the UK and internationally. I personally had the pleasure of joining some of the Adjudicators on their site visits this year, to get a firm understanding of the process. It’s true what they say, they really do leave no stone unturned when judging is underway.” Wayne added: “Looking at the results this year, it’s clear our members are some of the world’s most talented, highly skilled landscape professionals, with projects that continue to set the benchmark in quality standards. Using cutting-edge technology and incorporating state-of-the-art materials helps to define these schemes and sets them on pedestals that are in a league of their own. Members have also demonstrated ways they have invested heavily in training and attaining industry – recognised accreditations, an exemplary achievement considering budget restraints and fluid economic market conditions. Congratulations to each and every one of you and I look forward to seeing you displaying your achievements on your own website and marketing materials.” With the ceremony fast approaching, it has been confirmed that sport and lifestyle presenter Mark Durden-Smith is the host for 2019 and tickets are now on sale and expected to sell-out quickly upon the release of this year’s winners. The ceremony will be held on Friday 6 December at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London with Headline Sponsor and BALI Registered Affiliate Green-tech. For more information and for tickets visit baliawards.co.uk. Early Bird rates are available until Monday 23 September 2019. BALI National Landscape Awards 2019 – Award Winners Domestic Garden Construction – Under 30k – Sponsored by Derbyshire Aggregates • LDC for A Private Residence in Leytonstone • Boast About The Garden for Outdoor Kitchen & Seating Area • Garden Club London for Private Residence in Teddington • Langlea Garden Design & Construction for Line Domestic Garden Construction – Between £30k – £60k – Sponsored by Palmstead Nurseries • J & S Scapes for Private Residence in Weedon • Garden Club London for Private Residence in Middlesex • Garden Club London for Private Residence in London • Landscape Associates for Private Residence in Peckham Domestic Garden Construction – Between £60k – £100k – Sponsored by Johnsons of Whixley • HG Landscapes for ECS • Isola Garden Design for Family Lifestyle Garden • Graduate Gardeners for Private Residence, Kirtlington, Oxfordshire • Baikie Landscape Construction for Private Residence in Burghclere • PWP Landscape Design for Private Residence in Harrogate Domestic Garden Construction – Between £100k – £250k – Sponsored by Van den Berk Nurseries • Verde Landscapes for Private Residence in Kent • J & S Scapes for Private Residence in Wingrave • The Outdoor Room for Ribbon Wheel Garden • Living Landscapes for Private Residence in Surrey • Outdoor Options for Belvoir House • Greenhaven Group for Pendlehaven • Landscape Associates for Private Residence in Wandsworth Domestic Garden Construction – Over £250k – Sponsored by Europlants UK • LDC for Private Residence in Esher • Inscapes for Private Residence in Old Windsor Soft Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) – Under £500k • Bowles & Wyer for Newnham College • Sky Garden for One Bayshill Road Soft Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) – Over £500k – Sponsored by Bourne Amenity • NT Killingley for University of Northampton, Waterside Campus • idverde for Sauchiehall Street Avenue, Glasgow Hard Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) – Under £500K • Blakedown Landscapes (SE) for Cannon Park Memorial • NAO Landscapes for Bedford House • PC Landscapes for Exbury Centenary
To put it simply, green building, or eco-friendly building means developing and applying environmentally-conscious strategies throughout the entire process of elevating a building. Eco-friendly construction practices are starting to gain more and more popularity, and for good reasons. They are not only good for the environment, but in the long run, they are also more efficient and cost-effective. The main goals of green building are to minimize the environmental footprint, not only during construction, but throughout the entire existence and usage of the building. Basically, anything you can do to reduce the negative impact that the construction of a new building has on the environment, from the energy required to transport materials, to the one needed to heat the entire structure, can be considered a step forward towards green building. But what are the best eco-construction practices? Smart house designing Every good project starts with a good plan, so the first step towards an environmentally-friendly building is developing a strategic layout. First of all, you must take into consideration the area where the building is going to be placed. Does is get sunlight all day long? Are there any tall buildings around it? How is the weather in this area? These are all questions that need to be answered prior to designing the layout. When it comes to room placement, the best way to make use of sunlight as much as possible is to place the most used rooms on the sides of the house where you get the most sun. This way, you can reduce the use of artificial light throughout the day. Of course, to get as much sunlight as possible, you need big windows. Design the windows to both fit the aesthetic and functionality of the house. In the living room area, you can even go as far as having an entire wall made of windows. If possible, consider a skylight or roof windows, for extra light. Insulation, insulation, insulation Insulation is paramount for preserving energy. It helps keep the heat or cold in, reducing the need for overusing the heating or cooling installation. The problem with conventional insulation materials is that they contain toxic chemicals either in their composition or in the adhesives used, which not only endanger the environment, but also the people living inside the house. Those chemicals are slowly released into the air and are inhaled into the lungs. Fortunately, there are many natural materials that can be used for insulation, which do not present any harm. Some of those are even more affordable than conventional materials. Sheep’s wool, for example, can be used as insulation and does not contain any chemicals. If you want an even more eco-friendly option, you will be pleased to know that recycled cotton, obtained from discarded pieces of clothing that are being shredded, is another effective insulation option. Some companies even produce insulation boards made out of wood fiber. The boards are made out of wood chips that are left over by the timber industry, which are then glued together by using natural, non-harmful adhesives. Mindful waste disposal Without proper disposal of the waste that is resulted from construction, all those other good practices would be meaningless. If the construction process requires the demolition of an old building, instead of disposing of the materials on landfills, where they would just turn into piles of dirt, they can be sent to recycling centers, where they can be later on recycled into new construction materials. Another way to safely and easily dispose of construction materials is to hire skips. Although statistics show skip hire prices are increasing across the UK, you can still find plenty of cost-effective and reliable options online. Price is usually determined by the type of waste that needs to be disposed of, current demand and traffic levels, but typically the average price does not exceed £350 for an 8 cubic yard skip. Before disposing of anything, make sure it can not be reused in other future projects, which could bring out significant cost reductions. Part of the roofing, for example, can be reused to cover a pergola for the back yard, or a small garage. Use sustainable materials Of course, make use of as much recyclable or biodegradable products as possible. Apart from reusing old materials, contact companies that provide recycled construction materials. Brick, mortar, adhesives, there is a wide range of companies that now produce recycled or non-harmful materials for construction purposes. When possible, also make sure to purchase locally sourced materials. This helps both to support local suppliers and invest in the economy of your city, but also to avoid transportation costs and energy use. Transporting materials form long distances has a massive effect on the environment, as large trucks are known to bet the biggest reason for near-road air-polluting. Apart from construction materials, make sure to promote the use of energy-efficient house appliances also. LED bulbs, for example, last 35 times more than incandescent bulbs and can help save up to 75% more energy. Low-flow toilets are also a good option for saving water, as well as low-flow showerheads and taps. Harness renewable energy Last, but not least, promote the installation of solar panels as much as possible. When it comes to solar panels, some people are scared by the initial prices of installation, but in the long run, the return is worth the investment. Some governments even offer help to those who want to invest in solar panel installation. Solar panels can also be used in the construction phase, to generate power for the equipment used. This will not only reduce operational costs, but will also back-up the eco-friendly practices you are trying to promote. This will serve as an example for the entire industry and prove that the way construction was done by now can be improved. Taking care of the environment is a duty that everyone should perform. It shows concern for the issues that the entire world is confronted with at the moment and provides people with
Whether you are planning to remodel the old one, or have made a new purchase, renovating the driveway puts the finishing touch to your home. However, before getting on with the task, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. Material A range of materials can be used to construct a driveway — each one comes with its advantages. Ready-mixed concrete has emerged as a popular option due to its consistently high quality. It requires the least maintenance, and it is the most durable of all other alternatives. Asphalt driveways are also becoming a popular choice these days. Often, calculating the quantity for the material becomes a hard job. There are several online asphalt calculators available for your convenience. This asphalt calculator helps you calculate the weight and volume of the material required for the purpose. Layout The layout of your driveway will guide the construction of the driveway that you desire. The idea of renovation offers you an opportunity to try out different plans and designs than the existing one. A straight path from the street towards the garage is one of the most common and simplest driveway layouts. Other than this, one could also consider a circular driveway. One of the most popular designs in recent times is the horseshoe. These layouts work best for a home with a busy street as it provides an easier in and out access. Access You must realize that not all visitors to your home will be entering through the garage. Therefore, it is essential to have a walkway from the front door to the driveway for the visitors. Ideally, the same material should be used for both of these as it gives a cohesive appearance. With homes in snow prone area, you should ensure that you will be able to create a safe walking space even after clearing out the driveway. Also, proper drainage needs to take care of to avoid water puddles in the rainy season. Season Timing becomes crucial when you are thinking of redoing your driveway. You will first be needed to clear the old driveway, prepare the area, and install the new surface. Depending on the material you are employing, it will take time to dry. Therefore, the weather becomes an essential factor. Ensure to schedule the renovation such that there isn’t any rain in the near forecast. Also, you should try to avoid working in extreme temperatures. Following your comfort, you can also schedule the renovation in phases. Maintenance The type of design and material installed in the driveway will inform the need for future maintenance. The objective is to create a durable driveway; however, even the most durable of materials need upkeep. Concrete driveways develop cracks quickly, primarily if tree roots spread underneath. The asphalt driveways require resealing every couple of years. Also, If you have a stone or brick driveway, then it is always advisable to keep the extra ones for replacement time and again.
The Building Services Engineering Association (BESA) says it is starting to devise the first British Standard for healthy buildings. The association said that owing to a series of factors including the rise of the human wellness industry, an increase of cases in occupational asthma and climate change, it had started to design the standard to “establish performance benchmarks for healthier buildings”. BESA has launched a new Health and Well-being in Buildings Group to support this work. Nathan Wood, chair of this group, said: “The building engineering sector has tended to measure its success in terms of energy performance, and the scrutiny on that will only increase as we look for ways to deliver the government’s vision of a net zero-carbon economy.” Wood added: “However, growing concern about how the indoor environment affects physical and mental health means we have a much wider social responsibility. Indoor air quality can be five times worse than outdoor conditions due to the mixture and concentration of pollutants. The focus on reducing carbon is an opportunity to address quality issues in the widest sense and ensure our built environment is reshaped to be fit for the future.” BESA’s national conference on 21 November will also be themed around these topics.