As understanding of the climate crisis increases and the harm to ourselves, the environment, business, industry and the economy that will follow, so a desire to not only reduce carbon but to be seen reducing carbon increases. Two seemingly interchangeable terms often seen are ‘Carbon Neutral’ and ‘Net Zero Carbon’.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has installed a state-of-the-art, Ophthalmic Theatre Suite and Day Case Unit in partnership with ModuleCo… ModuleCo has provided a state-of-the-art eye unit extension for the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust at their Musgrove Park Hospital site. Historically the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has had greater demand for ophthalmic surgeries than they had the capacity
New analysis shows London needs 90-100,000 new homes each year to tackle the housing crisis – double the number currently being built according to the government’s most recent data. The joint research from the London Housing Directors Group (LHDG) at London Councils and the G15 group of London’s largest
Caddick Construction has been appointed by United Healthcare Developments to deliver a state-of-the-art, four-storey, healthcare hub on Locke Road, Eastern Way in Carlisle on a design and build contract. This state-of-the-art landmark building will be the most efficient and sustainable primary care centre in the UK. It is designed to
The Government’s Hydrogen Strategy sets out hydrogen’s critical role in securing economic opportunities across the UK, cutting emissions and delivering Net Zero. Responding to the Hydrogen Strategy, David Smith, Chief Executive at Energy Networks Association which represents the UK and Ireland’s energy networks businesses said: “This is a much needed
ENGINEERED with technology, sensors, and devices to assist with day-to-day tasks, aid independence and improve health and wellbeing, ADS Independent Living Solutions’ Smile Homes® – an Innovate UK-backed initiative – will see the creation of purpose-designed homes that are adaptable and able to meet the personalised needs and wishes of each
Everyone understands the reasons risk management is important – both within construction and elsewhere – but at a time of great pressure to ‘build back better’ and rebuild the economy, it’s more vital than ever to manage risk smoothly and efficiently. Here, Dr Stuart Kings, director at Sypro and NEC4
There are several government proposals on the table signalling a transition from where we are today to net zero 2050. Technical solutions have not been decided, but there is talk of certain technologies favoured for carbon reduction – among these are hydrogen-ready boilers and heat pumps. In the short term,
Gas safety campaigners are warning that a boom in home moving and improving, combined with a pandemic-squeeze on people’s finances and a lack of understanding about insurance policies, risks jeopardising health and wealth in 2021. With many entering 2021 suffering from the negative economic impacts of the Covid-19, pandemic, cutting
Installing a solar power system is a big decision. Finding out the right installer is a bigger decision. A solar panel investment is a matter of more than twenty-five years, and you cannot hire just about any company, which claims to install solar panels. It will help if you choose
As understanding of the climate crisis increases and the harm to ourselves, the environment, business, industry and the economy that will follow, so a desire to not only reduce carbon but to be seen reducing carbon increases. Two seemingly interchangeable terms often seen are ‘Carbon Neutral’ and ‘Net Zero Carbon’. The two, however, are not the same thing. Carbon neutral refers to a policy of not increasing carbon emissions and of achieving carbon reduction through offsets. While Net zero Carbon means making changes to reduce carbon emissions to the lowest amount – and offsetting as a last resort. The offsetting is used to counteract the essential emissions that remain after all available reduction initiatives have been implemented. In both cases Carbon Offsetting removes CO2 from the environment. For it to count, that removal must be permanent and accredited or licensed. Projects can offer a range of benefits. As well as reducing carbon from the atmosphere, offset projects can be selected to also offer social and community benefits. Projects can range from local planting of trees to the funding of projects that empower families in developing countries to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Examples include afforestation, reforestation and conservation. Alternative investments can also be made in initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as in cattle feed that reduces the methane output of cows. Other offsetting projects enhance biodiversity, improve soil quality, food production or rainwater absorption. Projects that benefit soil quality are particularly pertinent to global warming and climate change, as soil is a significant store of carbo, holding three times as much carbon as the atmosphere – and the importance of soil quality has often been overlooked. Food production benefits are relevant too given that crop failure is a significant negative impact of climate change, devastating communities and forcing migration. There are carbon offset schemes offered that are sold on an arbitrary average carbon footprint basis, as opposed to a quantified footprint. The risk with these is that they offer the temptation of an easy-to-buy option, which not only does not include any emission reductions they also may fail to meet sufficient offset to address the problem of climate change. These are sold on the basis that a true quantification of your carbon footprint can be expensive, time-consuming and complicated but this need not be the case. Net Zero Carbon Commitments always involve emission reductions. This requires an initial carbon footprint measurement. This is followed by strategic greenhouse gas emission reduction initiatives, the implementation of renewable energy solutions and then carbon offsetting. The right carbon reduction service can offer you all of these. Furthermore, they can support you in your net zero commitment with ongoing monitoring both of the success of the initiatives but also of emerging technologies for further emission reduction opportunities. These could be in the form of technology, or availability of alternative energy – or internal opportunities from changes in processes, or collaborative opportunities with your supply chain. Potential opportunities could arise with local business partners such as neighbouring manufacturing facilities with whom you may be able to trade reused processed heat or reuse or repurpose materials. For example, could your carbon cardboard waste be shredded to become their packaging material or could waste heat from your processes be used for their hot water or offices? This sort of methodical, structured and quantified approach leads to more optimised use of resources, lowers energy bills, reduces waste, reduces reliance on the national grid, delivers true reductions in emissions and so true reduced harm to the environment.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has installed a state-of-the-art, Ophthalmic Theatre Suite and Day Case Unit in partnership with ModuleCo… ModuleCo has provided a state-of-the-art eye unit extension for the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust at their Musgrove Park Hospital site. Historically the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has had greater demand for ophthalmic surgeries than they had the capacity to meet. Their eye unit is the busiest department at Musgrove Park Hospital, carrying out over 3,000 operations every year and providing nearly 50,000 outpatient appointments. This development is a key part of ‘Musgrove 2030’ – an ambitious programme to transform the hospital’s facilities and help make sure patients are cared for in the right place to meet their health needs. The state-of-the-art theatre and day ward suite is the first part in the development of a new eye care unit at the hospital, with a fifth theatre expected to be in operation at the site later this year. It has created additional operating theatre space, more recovery space and dedicated patient areas which help them feel comfortable when receiving care. Matthew Bryant, chief operating officer at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (hospital services), said “The new ophthalmic theatre suite is a very important part of our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s the first time we’ve had a permanent dedicated day surgery theatre for eye surgery in Taunton and we are pleased to be able to offer patients a more positive experience in a better environment. “The additional capacity created by the new ophthalmic theatre suite, along with the hub for macular and glaucoma care introduced this year at Chard Hospital, will also help to reduce waiting times.” To maximise the space and provide all the accommodation needed, the ModuleCo design team developed a bespoke Day Surgery facility design consisting of multiple modules of varying sizes, making up a 484m2 footprint. A ceiling mounted microscope and laser equipment had to be factored into the design to create the specialist Ophthalmic Operating Theatre. The theatre is supported by an integral scrub, lay-up prep, anaesthetic room, dirty utility, 15-patient day ward and multiple consultation rooms for consultants to speak confidentially to, and examine, patients before their operation. The suite was constructed off-site, with nearly 90% of the construction process taking place in ModuleCo’s factory facility, and was installed over a weekend with minimal disruption to the active hospital site. Sales and Marketing Director for ModuleCo and project sponsor, Jonathan Brindley, said: “All of us at ModuleCo take great pride in our continued partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and supporting them to deliver specialised care to their communities. “The feedback from the surgical team when using the facility is excellent and I know they have been very keen to use the new theatre suite since we first started discussions last December. “It is pleasing to see that we have been able to deliver upon what was originally promised in terms of timescales, quality and the permanent feel and performance of the final build.” The Trust hope that the additional capacity and forming of a dedicated Ophthalmology Centre will help reduce waiting times for routine treatment for the people of Somerset and also marks a very important step in the Trust’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
New analysis shows London needs 90-100,000 new homes each year to tackle the housing crisis – double the number currently being built according to the government’s most recent data. The joint research from the London Housing Directors Group (LHDG) at London Councils and the G15 group of London’s largest housing associations also shows that more social housing is key to meeting the housing needs of low and middle-income Londoners. Delivering on London’s Housing Requirement – an interim report sharing findings from on-going research – uses forecasting from Savills to demonstrate that the market is unlikely to meet the housing delivery targets in the new London Plan. The analysis provided by Savills indicates a need for 90,000-100,000 new homes each year to meet demand and improve affordability, a number higher than the 52,000 homes recently outlined in the new London Plan. Delivery rates are currently far below these figures. The most recent government data shows 41,718 completions in London in 2019/20. The forecasts for 2021/25 also highlight that private housebuilders are focused on the upper mainstream price bands only affordable to higher earners. While need is being met in these price bands, London’s demand for affordable housing is almost eight times greater than the number of homes forecast to be delivered (7.6 times greater than supply, compared to the national average of 2.6 in England). The LHDG and G15 argue this shows the importance of growing the capital’s social housing sector and securing increased government investment in affordable housing for those on low and middle incomes. The chronic shortage of affordable housing is a key factor in London’s homelessness crisis, with the capital accounting for around two thirds of all homelessness in England [1]. Joanne Drew, Co-Chair of the London Housing Directors Group, said: “London’s housing crisis has dragged on for far too long and there’s no end in sight. Due to total market failure and years of underinvestment at a national level, there simply aren’t enough affordable homes being built – leaving London with enormous housing pressures and the highest homelessness rates in the country. “Alongside our housing association partners, boroughs are determined to build affordable homes at mass scale for hard-pressed Londoners. This is crucial for helping us achieve the government’s targets on reducing homelessness, and would also give a shot in the arm to London’s economic recovery from Covid-19. But we need an immediate boost to councils’ powers and resources to make this happen.” Geeta Nanda OBE, G15 Chair and Chief Executive of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH), said: “Tackling the housing crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing Londoners. That’s why housing associations are committed to playing our part in supporting more people to have a decent, secure, and affordable place to call home. As the largest builders and providers of affordable housing in London, we want to work with local, regional, and national government to make sure our shared ambitions are realised. “As this interim report sets out, there are multiple systemic challenges and significant issues such as the building safety crisis, that need coordinated action to resolve. We hope this report helps the conversation move towards practical solutions that help more people have a home and the chance to live well.” The interim report highlights the extent of market failure in London’s housing sector and the affordability challenge that has been created as a consequence of lack of housing supply. The key findings are: The London Plan target of 52,000 homes per year is unlikely to be met in the short to medium-term, with Savills forecasting that completions will average 43,000 per year over the five-year period 2021-2025, with around 30% expected to be affordable or intermediate housing. By 2023 the number of homes under construction are forecast to be at its lowest level for a decade. London’s affordability challenge is much starker than elsewhere in the country and the need for affordable housing greater. Average house prices in the capital are 93% higher than the UK average compared to wages that are just 49% higher, with a house price to earnings ratio in London of 12.5, compared to the national average of 7.7. The boroughs have seen significant increases in homelessness, in part as a consequence of increasing costs resulting from under-supply, with 24,630 households owed a homelessness relief duty by a London borough in 2019/20 compared to 10,180 homelessness acceptances in 2010/11. Based on affordability alone, Savills assesses that the annual need for additional affordable housing in London is 7.6 times greater than supply, compared to 2.6 in England. According to Savills’ estimate of housing need, at least 42,500 sub-market homes are required in London per annum. This compares to an average of 7,900 sub-market homes that have been delivered annually since 2015/16. Savills’ forecast of future supply against demand shows that the largest supply shortfall over the next five years will be in the lower mainstream market segment below £450 pound per square foot (psf) and in the sub-market rent segment, demonstrating the market’s failure to deliver an adequate supply of homes affordable to low and middle-income households. The interim report has been published with a deadline of 17 September for comment and further evidence submissions by stakeholders across London.
Caddick Construction has been appointed by United Healthcare Developments to deliver a state-of-the-art, four-storey, healthcare hub on Locke Road, Eastern Way in Carlisle on a design and build contract. This state-of-the-art landmark building will be the most efficient and sustainable primary care centre in the UK. It is designed to be carbon neutral and BREEAM Outstanding. All the building’s power will be supplied by renewal energy, including on site solar electricity generation (roof top photovoltaic panels) and battery storage. Using innovative technologies, heating and cooling will be provided by a heat recovery ventilation system, and hot water by point of use heaters. This will avoid the need for any “traditional” heating system or any reliance on fossil fuels. Derek Billows, contract manager at Caddick Construction, said: “This carbon neutral primary care building a will be a flagship facility for patients and staff. Our team has a raft of healthcare experience and looks forward to delivering this exciting and innovative project, as well as further strengthening our commitment to the Cumbria region and its supply chain.” Rachel Brown of United Healthcare Developments said “Today is the culmination of 6 years working in partnership with Carlisle Healthcare who have a vision to modernise and transform care, providing more accessible and extended services and improve the health and wellbeing of patients and communities in South Carlisle. It is wonderful to see the vision now being transformed into a reality.” The Caddick North West team employs more than 70 staff and operates from offices in Warrington and Cumbria. The team has successfully delivered a range of projects including the £154m Angel Gardens’ Scheme in Manchester, a flagship car showroom at Trafford City, Liverpool Shopping Park and a wide variety of industrial developments including Mere Grange and Triumph Business Park on behalf of Network Space.
The Government’s Hydrogen Strategy sets out hydrogen’s critical role in securing economic opportunities across the UK, cutting emissions and delivering Net Zero. Responding to the Hydrogen Strategy, David Smith, Chief Executive at Energy Networks Association which represents the UK and Ireland’s energy networks businesses said: “This is a much needed and welcome first step for the development of the UK’s hydrogen economy. It puts in place the right pieces for Britain’s energy networks to act as the platform on which the UK’s hydrogen ambitions will be built, recognising the importance of hydrogen blending and investing in innovation. “We need further recognition that for hydrogen to play its part in Net Zero, producing 5GW of hydrogen by 2030 will not be enough. We must set our sights higher, towards a figure twice that amount.”
ENGINEERED with technology, sensors, and devices to assist with day-to-day tasks, aid independence and improve health and wellbeing, ADS Independent Living Solutions’ Smile Homes® – an Innovate UK-backed initiative – will see the creation of purpose-designed homes that are adaptable and able to meet the personalised needs and wishes of each resident. A report by specialists at Social Profit Calculator into the social benefits these homes can provide has forecasted that an average of almost £375k will be created over each unit’s lifecycle. ADS Independent Living Solutions is a social enterprise that delivers a ‘different solution’ for housing especially for individuals with challenges in living independently with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and mental health, behavioural and physical challenges. The organisation’s Smile Homes® are constructed off-site to ensure quality, robustness, efficiency, and speed, being delivered volumetrically to minimise works on site. They are highly sustainable, low carbon homes with PVs, green roofing, and the ability to be removed and relocated or refitted and redeployed. David Adams, chief executive at ADS Independent Living Solutions, said: “Our Smile Homes® are highly intelligent and are a new way of responding to the needs and wishes of people with learning difficulties, autism, mental health or behavioural challenges, or physical differences who want to be able to live independently. “A huge benefit to Smile Homes® is the reduced risk of harm or accidents within the homes due to the tailoring of each unit to an individual’s unique needs, for example through avoiding stairs or trip hazards for physical needs, or use of textures, acoustics, or light requirements for sensory needs. “At ADS, everything we do is about the people who live in our homes and their families. We know that the needs of end-users are often complex and always unique, so we strive to understand and tailor services to their requirements and alleviate the day-to-day challenges they face to afford them independence in their lives. “As part of this work, we wanted to make sure we explored and demonstrated the tangible potential social value these homes can deliver, so we commissioned Social Profit Calculator to produce an in-depth analysis, which really helps to demonstrate the far-reaching benefits to everyone from the end-users to local authorities and the health service.” The report forecasts an initial estimate for the social value each Smile Homes® unit could generate over its lifecycle. Fiscal, economic, wellbeing and environmental outcomes were all analysed, and where possible quantified and monetised. For this project, there were 81 key outcomes identified through stakeholder engagement that could be quantified and measured. From this, SPC has calculated a forecast showing that during the lifecycle of each Smile Homes unit, an average of £374,540 will be created in Social Present Value (SPV). This Social Present Value includes figures attached to project delivery, such as jobs created or safeguarded and LM3 economic outcomes from the supply chain during the manufacturing and instalment process, but also environmental elements including waste reduced, waste recycled, and reduced car miles. The benefits for end-users include calculations around the A&E and dispatch savings created by reduced risk of harm or accidents to Smile Homes® residents, plus the all-important increased quality of life thanks to increased autonomy, independence and happiness, and reduced stress and isolation. Angus Townsend, senior social value consultant and lead consultant on the Smile Homesâ report at Social Profit Calculator, said: “We are really pleased to have been able to calculate the social value of ADS Independent Living Solutions, helping showcase both the quantifiable and qualitative outcomes that the Smile Homes® initiative has the potential to provide. “While we calculate the social value of schemes and projects, it’s really important to us as an organisation to play a part in making a real-life difference to people through involvement in diverse projects such as this one – and we look forward to seeing the residents moving into their new homes and reaping the numerous benefits this excellent scheme brings.” The first unit has just rolled off the production line and is ready for deployment to a site in Mansfield and further units will be available and ready for occupation in 2022. To find out more about Smile Homes® or to get in touch, please visit https://www.smilehomes.org/ For more information about Social Profit Calculator, please visit https://www.socialprofitcalculator.co.uk/
Everyone understands the reasons risk management is important – both within construction and elsewhere – but at a time of great pressure to ‘build back better’ and rebuild the economy, it’s more vital than ever to manage risk smoothly and efficiently. Here, Dr Stuart Kings, director at Sypro and NEC4 co-author, examines how the introduction of the Early Warning Register within NEC4 works closely with cloud-based contract management systems to communicate and effectively manage potential risks, while minimising further impact elsewhere. The construction industry is currently facing a whole host of challenges that present risk to ongoing and upcoming projects, with the risks primarily being driven by a shortage of both materials and labour within construction – all set against the background of post-pandemic recovery. Earlier this year, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) warned that a fair approach was needed towards supply of materials, going as far as suggesting rationing to make sure smaller firms get their fair share of dwindling supplies. Several months later, the demand for supplies both in the UK and globally continues to dramatically outstrip supply. Record sales of building materials are putting enormous pressure on supply chains, which are still in the process of recovery from the pandemic – and there is no indication of shortages improving over the coming months. This of course presents construction schemes with the risk of not being able to acquire supplies critical to their completion, paying much higher prices that squeeze budgets further, or having to alter designs and source alternative products. Indeed, surge in demand will impact smaller companies in greater ways, with SMEs unable to purchase key materials off the shelves, or even afford them. Some may be forced to delay starting schemes on site altogether until they have certainty on product availability in order to keep risks as low as possible – but all of this ramps up the financial pressure, especially on smaller businesses. Another big issue causing potential risk to construction schemes is a shortage of hauliers to get supplies to where they are needed. Brexit has led to the loss of some 15,000 European drivers this year, and the remaining drivers are having to undertake COVID tests and self-isolate where necessary, further exacerbating the shortage. The global shipping industry is also struggling in its post-pandemic recovery, facing congested shipping routes, container cancellations and higher costs, which continue to impact global supply chains – including construction materials. It is crucial that builders and contractors maintain open communications with their customers regarding lead times, possible product substitutions and early notice of price increases – which is where excellent project and contract management systems will become incredibly important. But, how best to manage this risk assessment and communication? NEC contracts have a clear and simple, yet centrally important process for early warnings, whereby the Contractor and Project Manager must notify each other of any matter that could affect the cost, completion, progress or quality of the project. The move from NEC3 to NEC4 was labelled as an ‘evolution, not a revolution’, building on and improving what we were already working with. The updates were about the key principles of being risk-focussed, planned and transparent. As well as mitigating any impairment on a project, the focus is to safeguard timelines, objectives and change the procedure of risk reporting, and therefore mirror the principles of good project management. With regards to early warnings, in NEC4 the ‘Risk Register’ was renamed to the ‘Early Warning Register’ to help separate it from the project risk register, which is often used as a wider project management tool. Default periods for early warning meetings have been set to allow the Project Manager and project team to mitigate any risks quickly and efficiently. There were shortcomings in the previous iteration, including the fact that the Project Manager did not convene meetings and did not put together a first Risk Register. Additionally, early warning meetings were held sporadically and not always with the involvement of the supply chain. Following the changes, there is a clear mandate that the Project Manager issues an Early Warning Register to the Contractor within one week of the starting date. Secondly, the Project Manger convenes a first early warning meeting within two weeks of the starting date and thereafter imposes regular meetings – at the interval states in the Contract Data – to initiate a better ethos and culture of risk under the Engineering and Construction Contract. These key changes appear under clause 15.2 to promote a better management of risk, and so the role of the Project Manager becomes much clearer and proactive in managing the process. The early warning process is simple in principle and critical to the success of NEC contracts and facilitating the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation required by clause 10.1 of the contract. The contract administrator must give the process, and the associated risk, the attention it deserves and develop and use their soft skills to get the best out of risk reduction meetings. Any software system for contract management should facilitate this using a cloud-based – and therefore paperless – process. This is easy to implement under NEC4, which states that ‘if the Scope specifies the use of a communication system, a communication has effect when it is communicated through that system specified in the Scope’ – meaning that the communication has effect only when it takes place through the system. With a cloud-based system, the Project Manager and Contractor can seamlessly manage risk ‘on the go’ from any handheld device – with the digital approach creating one central point of truth, minimising the risks of miscommunication that could exacerbate any issues further. Considering the pressures facing the industry at the moment presenting more risk than ever, the implementation of systems that improve transparency, efficiency, information exchange and the all-important element of risk management will ensure that we keep projects on track, building back better and delivering the high-quality schemes the construction industry is known for. For more information, please
There are several government proposals on the table signalling a transition from where we are today to net zero 2050. Technical solutions have not been decided, but there is talk of certain technologies favoured for carbon reduction – among these are hydrogen-ready boilers and heat pumps. In the short term, it is likely we will see carbon free gases such as hydrogen and bio methane introduced into the current gas grid, neither of which would require home appliances to be replaced. However, should the hydrogen blend exceed 20%, which it eventually will, a hydrogen-ready boiler would need to be installed. 100% hydrogen blend may not be possible for another 10 to 15 years, so in the interim it is likely that government policy will legislate only hydrogen-ready boilers can be placed onto the market from as soon as 2025 – effectively future-proofing existing homes in the UK. Positively, hydrogen-ready boiler installations are simple and straight forward. They connect to the existing gas grid, look like any boiler we see today, the installation process is the same, and will run on natural gas until hydrogen becomes available. At this point, it takes an hour of an engineer’s time and two or three components before the boiler is ready to run on 100% hydrogen. I expect some social housing providers might wish to move forward with this before hydrogen comes online. Heat pumps are another solution to reducing carbon. They are not the easiest of technologies to install, as changes will generally need to be made to the heating and hot water system, as well as the very fabric of the property. While some are pioneering these technologies into existing homes, others may wait until government policy becomes firmer. There may be a middle ground where a gas boiler is supplemented by the installation of an air to water heat pump, a hybrid system which is very common in parts of Europe. We expect there to be various solutions, if not already there, available over time. The general trend of the country, in fact, the world, is to reduce carbon – this is one of the biggest challenges that anybody with housing stock faces. Martyn Bridges is Director of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester Bosch
Gas safety campaigners are warning that a boom in home moving and improving, combined with a pandemic-squeeze on people’s finances and a lack of understanding about insurance policies, risks jeopardising health and wealth in 2021. With many entering 2021 suffering from the negative economic impacts of the Covid-19, pandemic, cutting costs this Winter is a priority. New research from the Gas Safe Register – the UK’s official registration body for gas engineers and gas businesses – shows that just under half of householders (49%) say the pandemic has made them thriftier, prompting 45% to try ‘doing it themselves’ rather than relying on qualified, legally registered professionals for improvements and renovations. However, these efforts to save could actually prove more costly – almost 90% of the 2,000 householders surveyed did not realise home renovations can impact their home insurance cover and large numbers can’t identify some of the most common things that could invalidate policies, leading to future claims being rejected. These include: Using faulty home appliances (61% were unaware) DIY damage caused by improvements such as such as re-locating a gas boiler, building a conservatory, or similar (50%) Not using a certified tradesperson for carrying out gas and electrical work or repairs in your home (48%) Accidentally invalidating your home insurance policy can be distressing, both emotionally and financially – but over half (51%) of Brits admit to never having read their home insurance policy in full. However, for safety reasons, gas, electrical and plumbing works must be carried out by a registered professional. Tackling these types of job unqualified can invalidate home insurance and warranties, leaving people significantly out of pocket if something goes wrong. In fact, according to data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), 82.2 per cent of claims are accepted, while the average cash amount people claim for on their home insurance is £2,627*. The pandemic has sparked a sharp rise in people in wanting to relocate and change their housing situations, with a near two-fold increase in volume of agreed UK sales by last autumn alone*. This booming property market is set to see last year’s trend for renovations and DIY continue, as over a quarter (26%) of Brits plan to carry out major improvements in their homes over this coming year. To help these millions of movers and improvers stay safe and save money, Gas Safe Register has teamed up with TV personality and DIY expert, Jo Behari as part of its Safety Starts at Home public awareness campaign. Behari says: “When moving home or deciding to make big home improvements, it’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics or keeping costs down and let home safety take a back seat. Before deciding to embark on any work, I urge all homeowners to ensure that the tradespeople they hire are properly qualified to safely and legally carry out the work. “Worryingly, two thirds of gas work carried out illegally – by people not registered with the Gas Safe Register – is found to be unsafe. At worst, the consequences can be devastating, but it can also invalidate your home insurance. People need to check their home insurance policies so they’re clear on how work might impact their ability to make a claim. Always make sure you use a Gas Safe Registered engineer for gas work, checking they’re certified and on the register. Like with our health, prevention is better than cure when it comes to gas safety and keeping you covered for the unexpected. Having your gas appliances checked annually by a registered engineer means you won’t risk invalidating your insurance by continuing to use appliances that have developed faults.” Jonathan Samuel, chief executive at Gas Safe Register says: “We’ve spent so much more time in our homes recently it’s natural people have looked to move and improve. We’re stressing the importance of not cutting corners when gas is involved, even when finances are squeezed. “While DIY-ing directly with gas appliances is the most obvious way to cause a gas emergency, there are other projects that can indirectly put you at risk. For example, accidentally drilling a hole through a gas pipe while attempting to put up shelving. “Whether it’s gas emergency, planned maintenance or improvements, it’s vital you seek the help of a registered expert. Gas engineers are listed as key workers and as such, are still conducting home visits, with the necessary precautions in place, during this period of social distancing and staying at home.” Kate Devine, insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket said: “Attempting home improvements yourself which involve significant building work, or even gas and electrical work, rather than using a legally registered professional can seem like a great way to save money. However, doing so, can easily leave you exposed to having a claim refused and significantly out of pocket, should you need to call upon your home insurance policy and you have unwittingly invalidated it. “My advice is to always be clear on what your policy covers you for and what it doesn’t. Read the Ts&Cs and make sure you enter your own details correctly.” Download the Gas Safe Register’s free winter guide for useful information on how to stay gas safe during the colder months of the year.
Installing a solar power system is a big decision. Finding out the right installer is a bigger decision. A solar panel investment is a matter of more than twenty-five years, and you cannot hire just about any company, which claims to install solar panels. It will help if you choose a solar installer who carefully looks at your requirements, your roof, stands behind their work, and honors any warranty. Take a look at the website and company values The company’s mission and vision statements, objectives, and values offer a glance into a business’s DNA, and you understand how you will be treated as a customer. If the values of the company match with what you are looking forward to, shortlist it. Look at their experience and longevity Gain information about the number of years they have been working in this field. If they are reliable, they will mention their past projects on their websites. Spend some time checking those and the certifications of the company. Examine the warranties Solarpower panels last for years without much maintenance. If an issue occurs, you should know who to contact. The solar energy system has several warranties, from the manufacturer warranties for various parts to workmanship warranties from installers. The latter warranty adheres only to the specific work performed by the installer and usually spans over a period of ten years. Understand the warranty carefully to know what is included or excluded and check with the installer to learn about hidden aspects of the warranties. Also, ask the installer if you have to pay charges during the check or replacement of any equipment. Who will install the system? Full-service installers involve their in-house team members to complete the project – designing, installing, monitoring, and maintaining. Sometimes, solar installers depend on subcontractors to perform all or part of the work involved in installing the system. There is nothing to be disappointed by this as it is a normal practice in the industry. You have to pay attention to the level of transparency from the installers about who will install the system – the installers themselves or the subcontractors. Also, try to know why they use the subcontractor and what portion of the work will be done by the subs. Everything boils down to one point – who will be responsible if there is a problem and who will you go to for a solution. If they answer clearly, you can go ahead with the company or switch your attention to its competitors. Verify their online reviews and speak to their customers Never hire a company without listening to or reading the recommendations. You may talk to friends and neighbors who have also installed solar panels. The reviews about a company from its users and customers are a great way to know about its services. Check out social media platforms and Google reviews to get an insight into the company’s workmanship. Peace of Mind A purchase should never pressurize you. Is the installation company pushing hard? If yes, you may not be alarmed immediately as many reputable solar installers offer incentives to their staff with commissions. But, if you notice that the representatives are moving from door-to-door, insisting you sign a contract without reading it and convincing you that solar will be great for your roof while others refuse to install without repairing the house, understand that these are signs of high-pressure sales tactics. Keep your eyes and ears open for choosing a solar installer. Make sure that the company is reliable and has been in this industry for a long time.