RED Construction Group, has announced its appointment by Aviva Investors to carry out a major £20m office refurbishment to Grade II listed Victorian building, 134 – 146 Curtain House, Shoreditch. Originally built between 1881 and 1887, the six-storey, 54,000 sq ft building previously housed furniture and clothing manufacturing and is set to
In 2024, GAP Hire Solutions proudly marks 55 years of unwavering dedication, innovation, and excellence in the industry. Since our inception in 1969, we have continuously set the standard for superior service and reliability in the hire solutions industry. Built on Trust For over five decades, we’ve stood as a
For nearly three decades, Graham Lowe has been a guiding force in fire safety, serving as Managing Director of Hochiki Europe. Now, as he steps into retirement, Lowe offers a unique perspective on the remarkable transformations within the fire detection industry and how Hochiki Europe has strategically adapted to stay
A groundbreaking report, “Responsible Sourcing of HVO – A Comprehensive Guide,” has been released, aiming to accelerate the global transition towards sustainable energy. Developed by Action Sustainability for the Supply Chain Sustainability School, this report is a vital resource for organisations committed to environmentally responsible practices in the procurement of
MATRIX Housing Partnership is working effectively alongside turnkey solutions provider Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) to deliver a 905-property social housing retrofit programme that is demonstrating how to achieve economies of scale and best practice. The seven-member consortium of social housing providers is unique due their geographical spread across the South
Homelessness is a concern for one in five people in the UK as public urge Government to build social homes – new study can reveal today 21% of people in the UK fear they or someone they know could become homeless in the next year“Talking’s over, it’s time to build”
Freedom Heat Pumps, one of the UK’s largest dedicated heat pump distributors, has chosen Baxi to forge a new strategic partnership, combining Freedom’s market expertise with Baxi’s heat pump range and award winning back-up customer service and support network. Chris Higgs, Managing Director of Freedom Heat Pumps, said “I’m proud to represent a
Today, Wolseley Group has announced the acquisition of R.E.S – Renewable Equipment Solutions. The addition of R.E.S to the Wolseley Group portfolio will enhance strategic growth, whilst enabling Wolseley to expand within the renewables space. R.E.S is an MCS-accredited renewable equipment specialist. Working with the trade, they supply a complete
If you’re one of the many people who dream of owning a house in London one day, but don’t think you can afford it, there are things you can do to make your dream a reality. Here are eight tips to improve your house in London and get the most
Aggregate Industries extends its LOOP order tracking service to its RMX concrete customers with Concrete Direct Following the launch of Aggregate Industries paperless order tracking platform ‘LOOP’ in 2019, the building materials supplier has carried out over 4 million paperless deliveries saving an estimated 430 tress and 20 tons of CO2. Now,
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
RED Construction Group, has announced its appointment by Aviva Investors to carry out a major £20m office refurbishment to Grade II listed Victorian building, 134 – 146 Curtain House, Shoreditch. Originally built between 1881 and 1887, the six-storey, 54,000 sq ft building previously housed furniture and clothing manufacturing and is set to undergo extensive refurbishment and structural alterations to the existing office into Cat A and B workspace. RED Construction’s London team will carry out the works, implementing new structural walkways, rooftop terraces, a new main entrance, reception area and new lifts. Designed by architects, Anomaly, Curtain House will be refurbished with a key focus on sustainable practices, aiming for BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. Set to complete in Q3 2025, the project will see the RED team undertake considered external masonry and window restoration, a refurbishment of the existing timber floors, and repair of internal brickwork and steel columns. The works are set to complement the rich history associated with the building, whilst transforming the office facilities for the modern-day tenant. Dave Osborne, Group Director at RED Construction London, commented: “Our appointment to work on such a historic building in the capital is a testament to RED Construction London’s extensive track record with considered refurbishment. The team’s experience working with heritage-rich sites and implementing new-age sustainable practices make RED the ideal partner for Aviva Investors’ plans to preserve and progress Curtain House.” RED Construction Group’s partnership with Aviva Investors has developed throughout the project’s PCSA period, with the companies aligning on their values to give back to the community. Working with the Black Girls in Property Programme at The Land Collective, an organisation aiming to bridge the gap between ethnically diverse youth and the built environment industry, the Curtain House project team welcomed 20 girls for a site visit and talks from expert speakers. RED Construction Group’s active contribution aims to build a more inclusive and dynamic future for the industry, emphasising the significance of social value and the importance of leaving a positive legacy. The news follows RED Construction Group’s completion of comprehensive refurbishment works at Hines’ £36.6m flagship mixed-use retail and office scheme at 80 New Bond Street, working alongside award-winning architecture firm Orms to transform the 37,414 sq ft space in the heart of London. RED Construction Group continues to be the contractor of choice for sustainable redevelopment and refurbishment projects, and delivering on historic inner-city London sites. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In 2024, GAP Hire Solutions proudly marks 55 years of unwavering dedication, innovation, and excellence in the industry. Since our inception in 1969, we have continuously set the standard for superior service and reliability in the hire solutions industry. Built on Trust For over five decades, we’ve stood as a pillar of support for construction projects and industries across the nation, earning their trust every step of the way. Our commitment to providing top-quality equipment and personalised service has been the cornerstone of our success. Innovation at Every Turn From modest beginnings to becoming a leader in the hire solutions industry, we’ve embraced innovation at every turn. From day one, innovation has driven our success. We’ve embraced new technologies and approaches to meet the evolving needs of our customers with precision and efficiency, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. Gratitude & Growth As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey. To our loyal customers, dedicated team members, and valued stakeholders, thank you for your unwavering support. Since our 50th celebrations in 2019, we have grown our turnover by 49% in just 5 years. This remarkable growth is a testament to the incredible work and dedication of everyone at GAP Hire Solutions. Here’s to the Next 55 Years! Join us as we celebrate 55 years of excellence and toast to the many more ahead. Thank you for your support, partnership, and trust. Here’s to the next chapter! Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
For nearly three decades, Graham Lowe has been a guiding force in fire safety, serving as Managing Director of Hochiki Europe. Now, as he steps into retirement, Lowe offers a unique perspective on the remarkable transformations within the fire detection industry and how Hochiki Europe has strategically adapted to stay at the forefront. In this interview, Lowe shares his insights and thoughts for the future not only for the team at Hochiki but also the broader industry. Over your tenure at Hochiki Europe, what are some of the most significant changes you have witnessed in the fire safety industry? For those in the UK fire safety industry, the single most impactful change in recent years was undoubtedly the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, or simply, the Fire Safety Order. Implemented on October 1st, 2005, this legislation established a robust framework for fire safety regulation across all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. This includes workplaces and the shared areas of multi-occupied residential buildings. The Order places the onus squarely on the “responsible person” – typically the building owner, employer, or whoever has control of the premises – to ensure fire safety compliance. This marked a significant shift from the previous reliance on annual inspections by the local fire brigade. Responsible persons now have full legal accountability for fire safety within their buildings. The impact on the fire industry was immediate, and at the time we saw a surge in demand from customers during the year of implementation. Notably, there was a noticeable move away from fire detection products being sold directly over the counter. Instead, the focus shifted towards specialist fire alarm installers and integrators who possess the expertise to design and implement compliant fire safety systems. This reform transformed the industry, placing a greater emphasis on professional fire safety solutions and risk management strategies. What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time as MD at Hochiki Europe? During my tenure as Managing Director, I’m most proud of building a strong Senior Management Team. This team brings together the experience, expertise, and skills needed to propel Hochiki Europe forward. The team has an exceptional sense of teamwork, which is crucial for the company’s continued development and success. Strong communication is central to our team’s operations, and it’s reinforced by a clear mission statement and four key pillars that guide our growth: Expansion: Strategically growing our market reach and influence.Efficiency: Continuously improving our operations to optimise performance.Value Addition: Delivering exceptional value to our customers and partners.Employee Engagement: Fostering a positive and motivating work environment for our team. One of the most important things we’ve done and will continue to do as a senior team is to invest in the company’s future. The acquisition of Apex House was a goal I’d been working towards for several years, and it facilitates further investment in our Gillingham production infrastructure. This will allow us to even better serve our customers in the UK, Europe, Middle East, India and Africa delivering innovative fire safety solutions. What challenges have you faced leading Hochiki Europe over the years, and how did you and the team overcome them? My tenure as MD hasn’t been without its challenges, but two major events stand out. The first was Brexit. Leaving the European Union ushered in a period of uncertainty, with new procedures and legal issues that continue to evolve. While Brexit presented its own set of hurdles, nothing could have prepared us for the unprecedented global crisis that followed: the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic had a profound impact on every aspect of our lives, with staff facing personal and professional difficulties. As a business, the most immediate challenge was the complete disruption of supply chains globally. Manufacturers around the world faced issues sourcing third-party products and group-manufactured goods to securing essential electronic components, everything was affected. Shipping delays became the norm, further complicating business’ ability to meet production demands. For Hochiki, overcoming these obstacles required a collective effort. Strong teamwork and clear communication were essential between the management team and staff. Our HR department played a pivotal role in ensuring the health and safety of all employees during the pandemic. However, our focus wasn’t solely internal. We understood the importance of transparency with our customers. We kept them informed of the ever-changing situation, the actions we were taking to mitigate disruptions, and when they could expect resolutions. This open communication fostered trust and helped us maintain strong relationships throughout this challenging period and indeed has established a way of working that we continue to foster today. How has Hochiki Europe adapted to meet the evolving needs of its customers across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa? Hochiki Europe is committed to providing exceptional support to our customers around the world. That’s why we made strategic investments years ago in establishing Hochiki Middle East, Hochiki India Branch Office, and Hochiki Italia. These entities allow us to deliver enhanced local support, expand our reach to new customers, and ultimately, fuel global growth. This revision highlights the positive outcomes of the investments for Hochiki Europe’s customers. It emphasises the company’s proactive approach to international support and the resulting growth opportunities. Do you have any plans to stay involved in the fire safety industry in any capacity? I have no doubt that I will retain my interest in the fire safety industry as it will be difficultafter forty years in the industry to let that association go. What advice would you give to young professionals interested in a career in fire safety? My advice to young professionals entering the fire industry is this: it’s a secure and standards-driven field with consistent demand. However, to truly thrive, staying updated on the latest developments is crucial. Consider specialising in a specific area to become an expert. That’s why Hochiki Europe is heavily invested in the future of the fire industry through the Hochiki Training Academy. The Academy provides ongoing education and training opportunities, ensuring our industry colleagues
A groundbreaking report, “Responsible Sourcing of HVO – A Comprehensive Guide,” has been released, aiming to accelerate the global transition towards sustainable energy. Developed by Action Sustainability for the Supply Chain Sustainability School, this report is a vital resource for organisations committed to environmentally responsible practices in the procurement of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). As many organisations pursue net zero targets, the role of fuels and power is crucial. HVO has emerged as a viable alternative to fossil diesel, a shift endorsed by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) in its zero diesel sites route map. However, the sustainability benefits of HVO are complex and not always straightforward. In response to these complexities, twelve Supply Chain Sustainability School Partners* have co-funded this guidance to elucidate the sustainability challenges associated with HVO. Ben Stone, Head of Environmental Sustainability at Kier Group, said: “The construction industry has a key role in supporting the UK’s transition to a lower carbon economy. This report and its recommendations shine a light on the role HVO can play, and where it can be utilised to provide a low-carbon solution. Working collaboratively with the Supply Chain Sustainability School and its Partners, we were pleased to advise on the research and development of the Responsible Sourcing of HVO report to provide clear and much-needed guidance to support the industry with procuring this fuel responsibly.” Jo Potts, Sustainability Director, Responsible Sourcing & Social Impact at Balfour Beatty said: “At Balfour Beatty, we take pride in acting responsibly, considering the full environmental, social and economic implications of our actions to ensure that we’re not solving one challenge whilst creating another. It’s refreshing to see this guide, which we are pleased to have contributed to, takes a holistic approach and moves away from carbon tunnel-vision, clearly setting out the pros, the cons and most critically, the unknowns of HVO fuels.” The guidance covers the entire lifecycle of HVO – from raw material sourcing, processing, and shipping to final use. It provides strategies for managing and mitigating potential sustainability risks and impacts within the HVO supply chain. Key highlights of the report include: · Examination of the sustainability benefits and impacts of biofuels, with a focus on HVO. · Overview of HVO availability and market size. · Analysis of potential market distortions affecting HVO. · Recommendations for risk mitigation mechanisms. The guide provides actionable recommendations to help organisations make informed decisions, manage risks, and confidently mitigate the sustainability impacts of using and procuring HVO. Dr. James Cadman, Head of Consultancy and Climate at Action Sustainability, stated: “When procuring HVO, it is essential to conduct due diligence to source sustainably from reputable suppliers, using assurance schemes like the UK’s Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS). This approach is crucial for transitioning away from fossil fuels, protecting the planet, and achieving net zero targets responsibly.” By promoting sustainable procurement practices, this report marks a new era of conscientious decision-making in the energy sector. It empowers organisations to uphold environmental stewardship without compromising operational efficiency or profitability. Access the full report here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MATRIX Housing Partnership is working effectively alongside turnkey solutions provider Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd (SBS) to deliver a 905-property social housing retrofit programme that is demonstrating how to achieve economies of scale and best practice. The seven-member consortium of social housing providers is unique due their geographical spread across the South West, Midlands and Southern England, managed by multiple SBS regional teams, with parallel workstreams in each region. Once complete, more than 1,750 people will benefit from the works and 1.6 million kilogrammes of C02 emissions will be saved each year. After being awarded more than £12 million through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 2.1 and appointing SBS as the sole delivery partner to deliver the full £26m PAS2035-standard project, the Matrix Housing Partnership is on track to complete its planned programme by Spring 2025. Gary Lawson, managing director at SBS, said: “The work that we are delivering on behalf of Matrix Housing Partnership is a perfect example of retrofit collaboration and why the consortium model will be favoured by social housing providers in the future. There are substantial benefits for everyone involved when scaling projects with this method. Cost savings, strong partnerships, and sharing vital supply chains all converge to create efficient and productive processes that all project partners can reap the rewards from. “Social housing providers are able to more easily access funding, get projects off the ground more quickly and deal with less contract administration. Delivery partners can ensure continuous improvement with shared supply chains, explore new systems and technologies, and create new roles to grow the industry. Partners have been given the confidence to invest and undertake upskilling that will increase resilience and tenants are provided with warmer, more energy efficient homes that have lower bills and a better impact on the environment. “The feedback we have received so far from the consortium members and their tenants across various housing types has been tremendous. We all acknowledge the importance of the programme being delivered and are conscious that awareness must be raised on the advantages of working at scale. “During the SHDF Demonstrator we completed schemes for both Trident Housing Association and Trent & Dove Housing, so our existing relationships have also supported us in this scheme. Further learnings will not doubt be gained as we progress with the project and we look forward to sharing them with the housing industry as it continues its retrofit decarbonisation mission.” Matrix Housing Partnership includes GreenSquareAccord, Black Country Housing Group, Citizen Housing Group, Pioneer Housing and Community Group, Rooftop Housing Association, Trent & Dove Housing and Trident Housing Association. In addition to SBS, Savills and GJK Consultants are supporting the consortium with the project. The variety of retrofit measures being installed include external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, internal wall insulation, new windows and doors, loft insulation, ventilation upgrades, air source heat pumps, battery storage, low energy lighting and solar PV. The aim is for each property to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least C after the completion of works. Jason Holder, director of property at GSA, said: “We are proud to be leading the Matrix Housing Partnership’s decarbonisation project, which has already seen hundreds of homes benefit from energy efficiency upgrades. We are sharing best practice and maximising economies of scale through the consortium model. From the quality of measures installed through to the resident liaison approach, we know we’re receiving a good service and so too are our consortium partners.” For more information on SBS, visit: www.sustainablebuildinguk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Homelessness is a concern for one in five people in the UK as public urge Government to build social homes – new study can reveal today 21% of people in the UK fear they or someone they know could become homeless in the next year“Talking’s over, it’s time to build” – leading social enterprise Places for People urges whoever forms the next Government to build 90,000 social homes a year80% of UK say homelessness is a major national issue and 77% believe Government must build more social homes to tackle itPlaces for People calls for “public-interest-led development groups” to deliver quality homes communities needMore than one in five people in the UK fear they or someone they know could be homeless in the next 12 months – and 77% of the population want Government to support the building of more social homes to address the issue. A new study, released today by leading social enterprise Places for People, can reveal that 21 per cent of people living in the UK fear they or someone they know will become homeless in the next year. The worry is even greater among renters – both private (30%) and social (29%) – compared to 15% among homeowners. Latest Government data shows 3,898 people were counted as sleeping rough across England on a single night in Autumn 2023, and 121 in Wales. In Scotland, 2,438 households reported rough sleeping during the previous three months before applying for support in 2022/2023. Rough sleeping alone does not tell the whole story of the severity of homelessness. The most recent Government data shows households living in temporary accommodation is at its highest ever level with 112,660 in England, 15,625 in Scotland and 5,700 in Wales. Meanwhile, according to the most recent available data, there are 1.29million households waiting for a social home in England, 110,900 in Scotland and 90,000 in Wales. Well over three-quarters (80%) of people think that homelessness is a major national issue and a similar proportion (77%) believe Government needs to build more social homes to address the problem. 81% say Government should provide more funding to prevent homelessness. Places for People, which owns or manages more than 245,000 homes across the UK including 74,000 social homes, is calling on the next Government to put building 90,000 social homes per year as a top priority. John Greaves, Chief Impact Officer at Places for People, said: “These figures should alarm us all. What we found has bluntly exposed the worry that exists throughout the country. Sadly, however, they do not come as a surprise – for too long we have been highlighting the seriousness of the ever-growing homelessness crisis facing the UK. “With renters in both social and private properties most concerned, everything people are telling us points towards a desperate need to build more social homes, although delivering the right mix of all tenures remains vital to ease overall pressure. At Places for People, we’re doing all we can to build more quality homes, including for social rent, and we support those who have fallen on hard times and are being let down by the welfare system, but we can only do so much. “We know that building 90,000 social homes a year will be a challenge, but we’re ready to help. We see an opportunity to deepen our collaboration with partners and work closely together as part of public-interest-led development groups. This would bring developers, local authorities, members of the public and others together on larger schemes to plan and deliver the quality homes needed in a more joined-up and community-focussed way. This could be supported by giving Homes England greater flexibility over funding to deliver on more challenging sites. We want to put ourselves forward to work closely with Homes England and a local authority on a specific site to trial this model, building on the development corporation approach. “As a sector, the concerns we have raised time and time again around the need for more social homes have not been listened to by Government in recent years. So, we are now urging whoever forms the next Government to listen to the people of the UK and put delivering more social homes at the top of your priority list. Talking’s over, it’s time to build.” Places for People is doing all it can to build the quality homes needed across the UK. It completed 1,750 new homes in the last year, of which 86% are affordable, with 265 available for social rent. A further 1,944 were started in the last year, of which 74% are affordable and 210 will be available for social rent. In addition to building more homes, Places for People also supported over 10,500 people who were either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in the last year. We also fund, build and manage a range of facilities across the country to accommodate homeless people, including housing pods currently being developed in Bristol where those living there can live independently. As a social enterprise we also provide significant investment to communities around the UK through direct support and services such as white goods provision, money advice, heat and food vouchers, education, health and wellbeing and more, totalling around £300million in social value per year. The new study, conducted by Opinium on behalf of leading social enterprise Places for People, is a survey of 4,000 UK citizens. The research is being released in the weeks leading up to the General Election this summer. Read the full results table on homelessness, including a breakdown by region, click: Homelessness polling data Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Freedom Heat Pumps, one of the UK’s largest dedicated heat pump distributors, has chosen Baxi to forge a new strategic partnership, combining Freedom’s market expertise with Baxi’s heat pump range and award winning back-up customer service and support network. Chris Higgs, Managing Director of Freedom Heat Pumps, said “I’m proud to represent a highly regarded British brand like Baxi and we’re excited to support Baxi’s growth in this increasingly important part of the heating industry.” Freedom Heat Pumps was founded in 2010 and has established its reputation for a full range of heat pumps, complementary accessories and cylinders. By selecting Baxi to sit alongside other top brands, the partnership is a statement of confidence in Baxi’s role and opportunity in the heat pump market and sustainable energy solutions, says the company. Baxi’s Bamber Bridge factory is less than two miles from Freedom’s distribution centre, giving the match an additional closeness to ensure a seamless integration of Baxi’s products into Freedom’s distribution channels. “Being neighbours in Bamber Bridge underscores the efficiency and alignment between our two companies, which we expect will lead to faster delivery times and superior customer service” said Rob Pearse, Baxi’s Distribution Sales Director. Baxi already makes pre-plumbed cylinders and other internal components required for a heat pump installation at its Lancashire factory, and is developing its business to become a partner of choice in the heat pump market. An example of this development is the recently launched initiative with Carno, aimed at simplifying heat pump installations for installers and available through Baxi’s training programmes. Carno’s digital survey and design tool with automated MCS documentation can save 8-10 hours per job. Related to that is a significant investment in Baxi’s training capability to grow opportunities for installers to partner with Baxi to gain heat pump skills. In 2022 Freedom became part of Certas Energy, part of the FTSE listed DCC Plc Group, giving its customers access to a broad portfolio of lower carbon options to power and heat their home. For more information, please visit Baxi and Freedom Heat Pumps.
Today, Wolseley Group has announced the acquisition of R.E.S – Renewable Equipment Solutions. The addition of R.E.S to the Wolseley Group portfolio will enhance strategic growth, whilst enabling Wolseley to expand within the renewables space. R.E.S is an MCS-accredited renewable equipment specialist. Working with the trade, they supply a complete range of renewable and energy-efficient technologies for homes and businesses across the UK, offering a standalone or fully integrated renewables package. Simon Gray, Chief Executive Officer at Wolseley Group said: “Adding R.E.S to our group of brands is essential for us to be successful in supporting our customers moving towards environmentally friendly products. Our recent launch of Renewables by Wolseley is pivotal to this acquisition. Utilising the vast expertise of R.E.S and combining this with our extensive product range from industry leading brands, provides our customers with the very best in the market.” R.E.S will retain their brand identity and operate as usual. Managing Director, Shane Oxberry will also remain with the business and shares Wolseley’s ambitions. “We are delighted to be Joining forces with the Wolsey Group which presents an incredible opportunity for RES to scale our impact and drive the adoption of renewable energy solutions across the UK. We share a common vision for a sustainable future and customer satisfaction. Together we will achieve remarkable advancements in the renewables sector.” said Shane Oxberry, Managing Director, R.E.S. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
If you’re one of the many people who dream of owning a house in London one day, but don’t think you can afford it, there are things you can do to make your dream a reality. Here are eight tips to improve your house in London and get the most out of your investment. House Refurbishment If you are looking to give your house a fresh new look, consider undertaking a house refurbishment project. This can range from small updates such as painting the walls or replacing old fixtures, to larger renovations like remodeling the kitchen or adding on an extra room. In particular, also consider adding a Shaftless Stair Lift to enhance accessibility for family members or visitors with limited mobility. Before starting any major changes, it is important to create a plan and budget for the project. It may also be necessary to hire contractors or architect London to assist with the renovations. A house refurbishment can greatly increase the value and enjoyment of your home. With careful planning and execution, you can transform your space into your dream house. Don’t hesitate to start making improvements and giving your house a well-deserved upgrade. 2.House Renovation Are you ready to take on a bigger challenge and completely renovate your house? This extensive project involves tearing down walls, reconstructing rooms, and possibly even adding on new sections of the house. Like with a refurbishment, it is important to plan out the renovations and budget for any necessary materials and hiring contractors. However, a renovation may also require building permits and adhere to certain regulations. A successful house renovation can completely modernize your living space and potentially increase the value of your home. It can be a daunting undertaking, but the end result will surely be worth it. Start planning now and bring your dream house to life. 3.House Extension If your family is growing or you simply want more space, consider building an extension to your house. This can involve constructing a new room or even an entire floor. Before starting the project, consult with architects and contractors to ensure that the extension will match the existing structure of your house and adhere to any regulations. It is also important to budget for materials and hiring workers. With a successful house extension, you can have extra space for all your needs without having to move to a new home. Start making plans and expand your living space today. 4.Loft Conversion Are you looking for a way to add more room to your house without undertaking major renovations? Consider converting your attic or loft into another living space. This project may involve adding stairs and improving insulation, as well as decorating the new room to your taste. It is important to consult with professionals and ensure that the conversion will not impact the structural integrity of your home. A loft conversion can be a cost-effective solution for gaining extra space in your house. Start planning now and make use of all the potential in your attic. Invest in a Key Lockbox One way to ensure that your property remains secure while allowing for easy access for tenants or repair people is to invest in a key lockbox. This small device attaches to your door and allows you to store a spare key inside, granting access to anyone with the designated combination or unique code. Not only does this eliminate the need for making copies of keys or meeting someone at the property, it also reduces the risk of lost or stolen keys. Choose a high-quality lockbox from a reputable brand for added security and peace of mind. Spend Time in the Space Before starting any renovation or refurbishment project, take the time to spend some time in the space and determine what updates are truly necessary. Are there certain areas that feel outdated or worn down? Are there functional issues that need to be addressed, such as a leaking roof or faulty appliances? Making a list of priorities can help you focus your efforts and budget on the most important updates first. And don’t forget about aesthetics – adding a fresh coat of paint or new furniture can make all the difference in improving the look and feel of your property. Keep these factors in mind as you plan for renovations. Be Realistic About Your Timeline It can be tempting to rush into a renovation project and try to complete it as quickly as possible. However, it is important to be realistic about the time and resources needed for a successful renovation. Factor in potential delays, such as ordering materials or scheduling contractors. Take the necessary steps to ensure all necessary permits are obtained. And don’t underestimate the amount of cleaning and organizing that may need to be done after the renovations are completed. By approaching your timeline realistically and planning accordingly, you can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a successful renovation project. Expect the Unexpected No matter how much planning and preparation goes into a renovation project, it is important to expect the unexpected. Unexpected issues may arise, such as structural damage or faulty appliances. It is wise to budget for these potential setbacks and have a contingency plan in place in case they occur. Keeping a positive attitude and remaining flexible can also help you navigate any roadblocks that come your way during the renovation process. Renovations can be challenging, but by expecting the unexpected and being prepared for bumps in the road, you can ensure a successful outcome. Interview Multiple Contractors Before hiring a contractor for your renovation project, it is important to interview multiple options. Get quotes and ask for references from past clients. Be sure to clarify all the details of the job, including the timeline, budget, and expected materials and techniques. It can also be helpful to have a clear contract in place before work begins. Taking the time to carefully choose a reliable and experienced contractor can save you headaches and potential issues
Aggregate Industries extends its LOOP order tracking service to its RMX concrete customers with Concrete Direct Following the launch of Aggregate Industries paperless order tracking platform ‘LOOP’ in 2019, the building materials supplier has carried out over 4 million paperless deliveries saving an estimated 430 tress and 20 tons of CO2. Now, Aggregate Industries is enhancing its service offering to launch ‘LOOP – Concrete Direct’, providing RMX customers new features and benefits to help simplify the delivery process. ‘LOOP – Concrete Direct’ improves the customer service experience via a downloadable app enabling customers to place, modify, and check orders and delivery information in an instant, saving customers on admin and valuable time. Users can interact with delivery tickets on their own device, seeing real time status updates, test results and comments. A full report can be downloaded directly from the app, which includes order and ticket information. Customers can also chat to Aggregate Industries’ order takers, download conveyance notes and use the tracking service with accurate delivery timings. LOOP – Concrete Direct also presents a fully integrated digital operation and open API with customers’ internal systems, making ordering quick, easy and hassle-free. Chris Lynch, business project manager at Aggregate Industries comments: “After the successful launch of LOOP, we’re enhancing our digital system and offering a service that is unmatched in the industry. LOOP – Concrete Direct has been developed to improve our customers’ experience, with everything needed for concrete deliveries easily accessible, whenever and wherever. “We recommend downloading the app for a smoother ordering experience, streamlined efficiencies and better communication between us and customers. It’s also important to speak to our customer service team after downloading the app so you can activate a phone number against a contract to gain full access.” For further information and to download the LOOP – Concrete Direct app, please visit Aggregate Industries’ LOOP webpage. LOOP Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
