advice

The Ideal Paints for Renovation Project Surfaces

You may be intimidated by getting out a paint brush and painting your home or workplace, many people are, and this is generally because people are unsure of what paints to use for what surface. But according to DIY Network, anyone can paint a room and get professional results by

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Planning Review and What to Look Out for in 2016

As an organisation which is dedicated to keeping up to date with all the latest changes in planning, policy and regulatory requirements, Robinson & Hall has released a report on the key industry changes from 2015 which businesses, in 2016, need to be aware of as well as those to

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Importance of Outlining and Measuring Social Value in FM Projects

In a recent report, it has been stated that social goals must be outlined in a clear and concise manner before then being integrated into FM contracts. Nodding to clear best practice methods and encouraging a manageable approach to corporate social responsibility with respect to communities, the report, published by

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Latest Issue

BDC 319 : Aug 2024

advice

The Ideal Paints for Renovation Project Surfaces

You may be intimidated by getting out a paint brush and painting your home or workplace, many people are, and this is generally because people are unsure of what paints to use for what surface. But according to DIY Network, anyone can paint a room and get professional results by working efficiently, neatly and with careful preparation. Below we’ve created a handy guide to painting, listing the different types of paints, and what they are used for. Use anti mould paint in bathrooms This might seem quite obvious but, by using anti mould paint in your bathroom, you won’t have to redo the paint for a long period of time. This is because anti mould paint contains specialised additives in order to create barriers, and prevent mould from occurring. If mould has already started to grow, then use a cleaner to get rid of it first. Prime your radiator before painting Before painting your radiator, ensure it is turned off and cooled down! If you spot any sections that have rusted over the years then use sandpaper to remove the rust. Once clean and rust-free, you can use a primer before applying the top coat. Use solvent-based paints for your radiator, such as non-drip or satinwood which you can find in a range of colours. Satin for bedrooms is advisable Satin paint is usually the best for bedrooms, this is down to them being easy to clean, easy to maintain and durable. Machperson paint is popular, this is because of the quality finish it provides, the large range on offer, and how easily it dries. Matt Emulsion is recommended for ceilings The majority of people tend to use Matt Emulsion paints for ceilings due to their toughness, durability and the ability to be wiped down easily. Matt Emulsion paints are also non-reflective, which is exactly what you need for a ceiling. Undercoats and topcoats are perfect for woodwork For woodwork you’ll need both an undercoat and topcoat and you can choose from either oil-based or water based. The advantages of oil-based paints are that they are hard-wearing and cover well, however the disadvantages include; smelling until they dry and having to use white spirit to get the paint off your brushes. The advantages of water based paints are that they’re easy to apply, don’t smell much and you can clean your brushes with water. But the disadvantages are that you need more coats of paint to get a good finish and they don’t last as long as oil-based paints. Use exterior paint brands for the outside There are a variety of exterior-based paints that you can use for the outside of buildings, depending on what you require. For example Zinsser Perma-White Interior/Exterior Gloss and Satin Paint is great due to resisting cracking, peeling and blistering for up to 7 years before needing a fresh coat. Johnstones Solar Reflective Paint is ideal for roofs that are exposed to direct sunlight. Image source: www.flickr.com/photos/unitedsoybean/10481728754/in/photostream/

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Planning Review and What to Look Out for in 2016

As an organisation which is dedicated to keeping up to date with all the latest changes in planning, policy and regulatory requirements, Robinson & Hall has released a report on the key industry changes from 2015 which businesses, in 2016, need to be aware of as well as those to look out for over the course of the year. Naturally, with policy and legislation being an ever-changing landscape, businesses are urged to take heed of these words. The following information has been provided by Robinson & Hall: The Happenings of 2015 Updates to the National Planning Practice Guidance including clarification on how permitted development rules for the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential should be interpreted. Requirements for developers to undertake community consultations on wind farms before submitting a planning application. Consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework issued in December 2015 relating to starter homes. One key issue relates to offering ‘starter homes’ at 80% of their market value to first time buyers. Amendments to the General Permitted Development Order since its introduction in 1995 were consolidated into one document in April 2015. Change of use from Class B1(a) offices to Class C3 residential; the conversion of agricultural buildings to Class C3 residential were included as permitted development highlighting the Government’s commitment to this type of development. The Housing and Planning Bill – reiterates increasing emphasis on the delivery of starter homes. The Government’s continued commitment to delivering Neighbourhood Plans has been reflected in appeal decisions for development in Neighbourhood Plan areas. Renewed commitments from the Government to infrastructure spending in the south east. Government seeking to require all Councils to have an adopted Local Plan in place by April 2017. The Government issued a consultation in the autumn about devolved planning powers to set planning application fees at a local level. The response has been mixed and no changes have been made as yet. Things to Look for in 2016 Changes to the National Planning Policy Framework with key issues of housing delivery, Green Belt erosion, a new approach for ‘starter homes’ and the delivery of strategic Local Plans. Outcomes and impact of the agreement made at the Paris Climate Change Summit in December 2015 relating to renewable energy support. The implications for resources at local authorities with the potential devolution of powers to set planning fees at the local level and the privatisation of planning services. Potential taxation penalties for developers of unimplemented planning permissions as a way to secure higher rates of housing delivery. Forthcoming adoption of Local Plans for Huntingdonshire, Bedford, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury Vale, and call for sites for Central Bedfordshire as they move towards a new Local Plan. We will continue to report on any changes to the planning system, and local and national policy. If you wish to discuss any of the above issues, then please get in contact with one of our planning experts.

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Importance of Outlining and Measuring Social Value in FM Projects

In a recent report, it has been stated that social goals must be outlined in a clear and concise manner before then being integrated into FM contracts. Nodding to clear best practice methods and encouraging a manageable approach to corporate social responsibility with respect to communities, the report, published by Acclaro Advisory, has been created from correspondence with twenty seven leading FM providers, local councils, literature review and survey undertaken online. Nodding to the importance of assessing the requirements for social value to be made unavoidably apparent in the contract itself, project commissioners highlight the way in which additional security can be provided as to the potential benefits and opportunities to be fostered over the course of the project. Yet, the report outlines a potential lack of understanding as to the potential social value which FM providers can actually offer during projects, with both such FM providers and clients acknowledging that fact. Aiming to adapt the communication between project commissioners and FM providers, the report also provides insight into how the two parties can better discuss the potential for social value and come to realistic, achievable goals for social benefit; this is highlighted trough the provision of best practice case studies and practical examples. In addition to stressing the importance of communication on social goals and the way in which contracts are arranged, the report also discusses the important requirement for having clearly defined measurement criteria for the social value. Recognising, however, that there are individual, unique, contributing factors towards how this much be measured in each contract, the report then nods to the construction sector as an example where criteria for such goals has already been put in place. Of course, the report, while something which organisations on both sides of the fence would need to take heed of, is, in effect for the benefit of all those involved and will support the culmination of greater social value on individual projects – a positive future to strive towards.

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