Building a house for the first time can be a gruelling yet rewarding process. Whether you intend to live in it, rent it out or sell it on, you have the satisfaction of creating something that may stand for centuries, caters precisely to your tastes, and will enrich the lives of whoever goes on to live there.
However, building a house for the first time involves so many different elements and disciplines that it’s easy to make mistakes – even if you’re not the one holding the hammer. Here are some common errors made by first-time house builders, so you can avoid and diagnose them before they snowball into bigger problems.
Choosing the wrong builders
Unless you plan on doing all of the construction yourself, you’ll probably be enlisting the help of some builders. Depending on how you are going about your house build, this may take a few different forms. If you want the entire process to be managed by a construction company, you will likely be dealing with sales agents who will show you around model homes, and give you prices for the basics and upgrades. If you want to be more hands-on, you can take responsibility for things like sourcing materials, and hire people to bring you plans to life.
If you choose to go the sales agent route, you should explore as many options as possible, and get a sense of the prices involved. The level of detail that agents tend to go into when quoting prices often varies, with some being more upfront (and organised) than others. A good agent will be clear about how much upgrades cost above the ‘base price’ of the home, and which elements of the model home are upgrades. They will also provide costs in detail and explain the whole process in advance of the build.
If you intend to take more control of the project, it’s likely you’ll have building plans which you can use to obtain your own cost estimates, which can then be included in your tender to potential builders. In both cases, it’s wise to look at projects they’ve worked on before, get a sense of average prices in the area, and discuss your requirements with them in depth. Choose the wrong builder and fail to go through these processes, and you may end up with something that’s over-time, over budget and fails to live up to your plans.
Undervaluing cost estimation
The basis for any new house build is a detailed cost estimate. This process will take into account the materials and labour you plan to use as well as any ancillary costs, and give you both a breakdown of figures and an estimate of the time required to complete the build. This is often relied on as a roadmap for house builds, from laying the foundations to the finishing touches, and is something you can refer back to and even amend as the project proceeds.
The worst thing you can do is to ignore the importance of high-quality cost estimation, or recruit builders who do not make best use of it themselves. A reliable breakdown, which can be obtained swiftly via an online estimating service, will often save you far more money than the estimate itself costs, as it allows you to reliably source materials and labour using local price guides. This can be invaluable as a precursor to hiring builders, as it will give you a sense of what similar projects are supposed to cost, and allow you to avoid unfair estimates.
One of the biggest issues people encounter when building a house for the first time is that they run over-time, meaning that even though they may have the necessary materials, parts of the administrative process or setbacks on-site cost them more money in labour. A reliable cost estimate will help you to avoid this by factoring in potential delays, and easing the administrative burden by providing a detailed breakdown of all the materials and processes involved in the build.
Ignoring legal requirements
It’d be nice to think that you can just buy a plot of land, plonk a house down and be done with it. Unfortunately, the realities of modern construction are slightly more complex, and involve a lot more paperwork. Numerous authorities have to be involved somewhere in the planning and construction processes, and failing to consult with them all – and get permission to complete every part of your build – could lead to extra costs, and even demolition in the future.
If you’re managing the build yourself, the first thing you’ll need to consider is a soil survey. This isn’t so much a legal requirement as it is plain sensible. While your cost estimation may factor in standard foundations, it’s possible that your house will require a more complex solution. Your first port of call on this should be your council’s building control department, who will have experience with the local ground conditions. They will often ask to perform a free physical check to confirm that your plot is of the expected quality.
The next thing you will need to confirm is the legal status of your plot, and whether there are any passages through it that need to be maintained, such as easements or ancient rights of way (e.g. public footpaths). It’s also vital that you liaise with the local council on planning permissions, and submit your plans to a local planning officer. The former will normally require the services of a solicitor, while the latter will require you to work with architects to formalise and submit your plans.
You will also need to consider how to connect vital services such as water and power to your new property. It may be that they need to pass through someone else’s property to get to yours, in which case you will require a ‘way leave agreement’. Every service you connect to will have an associated cost, and it may be that you can only connect to them in certain places. To ascertain this, you should contact the lead water and energy providers in your area to discuss the build, and options to connect your new home (if you don’t know who they are, your building control officer should be able to help).
The mistakes you make when building a house for the first time can range from not factoring in roof tiles or paint jobs, to having to completely rebuild your roof because it’s taller than the specified limit. As with anything, quality planning is key – particularly keeping across your costs and timescales. By investing in quality cost estimation and communicating with all the relevant authorities at an early stage, you can avoid unwanted surprises, and build the dream home you always wanted.
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This post was contributed by Oliver Wilcox, Estimating Director at Proquant – a leading UK provider of construction cost estimations online
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Housebuilders are you ready? The Housebuilder Challenge is BACK! The days are getting longer, the first signs of spring are showing, and the outdoors is calling. It’s time to turn off your screens, escape the four walls of home working or the dust of the building site and dig out your walking boots. On Friday 9th July, the Housebuilder Challenge will see housebuilders, as well as suppliers and subcontractors to the industry, take on a 10 Peaks Challenge in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park.
As the restrictions of lockdown, home working and limited travel ease, the Housebuilder Challenge provides the perfect opportunity to meet up with colleagues face to face and take on the ultimate team challenge. Who doesn’t like a bit of friendly competition?!
Teams of between 4 and 6 will hike a route of 34 kilometres with a total of 1,695m ascent over 10 hours and include iconic peaks such as Pen Y Fan, Corn Du and Fan y Big. This is a walk in the park of a different kind and in taking on the challenge you will be not only building better futures for vulnerable young people, but also giving staff the opportunity to get outside, focus on their well being for a day, team build and network.
Mark Davey, CEO of the Youth Adventure Trust says: “After a year of people being more isolated from their colleagues than ever before, this is an opportunity for companies in the housebuilding and construction sectors to actually get their employees outside and bring teams together again in a Covid-safe way. It’s also a chance to remind people of the importance of getting outdoors for better mental health and wellbeing, network with others in the sector and position your brand as one which genuinely believes in ‘building better futures’”.
John Mann, MD Redrow Homes South Midlands said:
“Just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for arranging such a fantastic event. Having attended lots of outdoor activity events I was impressed with your overall efficient & professional organisation which was clearly evident at all times & undoubtedly helped make the weekend such a success.”
The Housebuilder Challenge is now in its third year and has to date raised over £275,000 for the Youth Adventure Trust. The charity uses outdoor adventure as a platform to help some of the most vulnerable young people aged 11 – 15 build resilience, develop confidence and learn the skills they need to face the challenges in their lives. Taylor Wimpey, Redrow Homes, Barratt, Crest Nicholson, Bloor Homes, Galliford Try have all taken part in the past.
Thanks to event sponsorship by Taylor Wimpey and other companies, all the funds raised by teams will be channelled towards enabling more young people to benefit from the charity’s three-year programme. The challenges they face have been further exacerbated by the stress, anxiety and isolation of Covid 19 and lockdown. This challenge will raise vital funds to enable our young people to fulfil their potential and build better futures.
The Youth Adventure Trust is a registered charity which works with vulnerable young people aged 11-15. Its specially designed Programme spans 3 school years and uses outdoor adventure to enable participants to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime. You can find out more about their work at www.youthadventuretrust.org.uk
Taylor Wimpey, Crest Nicholson Dandara, Tile Mountain, EcoWorld International, Kaboodle and Ecofficiency are just some of the companies that are signed up and ready to don their walking boots. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to join them!
Aerated blocks are a type of innovative concrete blocks that contain more than 80 percent air. They are also called autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). Aerated concrete is a group of materials you would describe as lightweight concrete. Previously, lightweight concrete is an arbitrary term; however, aerated concrete blocks have numerous advantages, such as light, better insulation (sound and light), and stronger than conventional blocks.
Manufacturing of AAC Blocks
To make an aerated block, air is introduced into its composition; furthermore, there are three ways to bring in air in its compositions.
By using a porous aggregate, which retains air within the aggregate itself
Through a single-size aggregate, thereby leaving interstitial air voids
By directly introducing air or other gas into cement slurry in a manner that whenever the cement sets, it forms a uniform cellular concrete.
Famously, AAC is described as a cement paste that has gas bubbles introduced inside them. However, aerated concrete contains a substantial amount of siliceous materials in the form of silica flour, ground burnt shale, and pulverized-fuel ash.
AAC Block price
Cost is an important issue about aerated blocks. Most times, people consider a lot of things besides looking at aac block price. They focus on logistics, shipping costs, and easier means to transport. However, if your building is close to a facility, you would benefit as the cost will reduce.
Properties of Aerated Concrete Blocks
Density
Aerated blocks have a low density, which ranges between 25-50lb. The lighter aerated concrete blocks are used for insulation purposes but have indifferent strength. Nevertheless, the heavier grade of aac blocks has higher straight with low insulation value. The density range for the heavier grade ranges from 40 to 50 lb. per cubic feet.
Compressive Strength
The assessment of declared strength values from several sources is considered difficult due to different testing methods, shapes, and samples. The size and shape are significant because they can affect the outcome of the block by 30 percent.
Modulus of Elasticity
Aerated blocks have a low modulus of elasticity compared to conventional concrete.
Benefits of Using Aerated Blocks
Are you missing the benefits of using autoclave aerated concretes? AAC blocks are important building tools that have been in existence since 1920. If you think it is not worth using today, here are a few reasons to change your perception of aac blocks.
Faster construction – AAC blocks minimize construction times because the blocs are bigger with fewer joints than non-autoclaved aerated concrete blocks. Because of this, they are easier to maneuver, which leads to faster completion when working
Durability – These concrete blocks are strong and outlast ordinary blocks. Their materials are made of non-biodegradable sources and repel mold
Fire resistance – Indeed, the best option to safeguard your property. It can take almost three hours for the fire to penetrate through them. However, it depends on the block size
Cost-effectiveness – AAC block price are not outrageous like other types of blocks; importantly, you don’t have to use much concrete and steel when using AAC blocks
Energy efficiency – Aerated blocks are good insulators and help to provide better temperatures in a building.
Conclusion
Thinking of using aerated blocks for your next building project, MGN Builders Merchants has a wide range of aerated blocks at the most competitive prices. These blocks are used in many building constructions, including residential, commercial, industrial, hotels, and hospitals. AAC blocks’ lightweight material provides the best thermal and sound insulation you need for your home today.
New report reveals there have been over 8,000 company insolvencies since March 2020
Construction industry hit with the most company insolvencies since March 2020
Report reveals the liquidation rate of businesses around the UK
Businesses in Yorkshire most likely to undergo an insolvency event
Business Rescue Expert has analysed data from the past 12 months to reveal the Year of Lockdown report, which reveals the state of businesses, the liquidation rate and the sectors and regions most likely to undergo an insolvency event.
Since the beginning of the first lockdown, 11.2 million workers have been furloughed in the last 12 months which equates to 1 in 3 of the UK’s workforce.
There have been 8,205 company insolvencies from March 2020 to January 2021. Broken down by sector they were:
Sector
Number of insolvencies*
Construction
1,634
Hospitality
1,378
Retail
1,355
Administrative & Support
1,200
Manufacturing
930
All others
1,708
* (March 2020 – January 2021)
The construction industry has been hit the hardest, the halting of various building projects, both large and small scale, badly damaged the construction industry resulting in 1,634 construction company insolvencies.
There were £453.4 million in redundancy pay and other support benefits paid out in 2020, which is the highest amount in ten years and an increase of 31% from 2019.
The report also reveals that Yorkshire and Humber businesses were most likely to become insolvent in 2020.
Additionally, businesses in the North East, North West and West Midlands of England along with London were at greater risk compared to the national average (1 in 207) while Scotland, Wales and every other English region was less likely than the average.
The total number of corporate insolvencies actually fell in 2020, to their lowest recorded levels since 2007. The main reasons are the Government-backed Covid-19 support measures, such as CJRS, BBL and SEISS, the reduced HMRC enforcement activity, the temporary suspension of creditor recovery methods, moratoriums and other insolvency tools launching and the advice from financial service regulators that businesses in financial difficulty should be treated with “forbearance and due consideration”.
Chris Horner, Insolvency Director with Business Rescue Expert said: “Ominously, even with restrictions being lifted and economic activity rising, 2021 will be a worse year for insolvencies in several industries than the year of lockdowns was. Government support in the form of backed loans, furloughs and the temporary ban on winding-up petitions and other creditors actions are all expected to end sometime in 2021.
“Bounce Back Loan repayments and others will begin to come due, businesses will have to decide if they can re employ or redeploy their furloughed workers and creditors that have been under severe financial pressure themselves will finally have the ability to look for repayments that might be critical to their own survival.”
Business Rescue Expert is a leading independent insolvency practice specialising in business rescue advice.
Set up in 2005, they provide dedicated nationwide coverage and have grown to be one of the most respected corporate insolvency practices in the UK, known for their quality client services.
SPÄRKA, a leading provider of high-quality architectural ironmongery and specialist supplier of fire-rated door hardware, has expanded further by appointing a sales representative into its team.
Jack Samples has joined the team as a Sales Development Representative to promote the full range of SPÄRKA products and develop relationships with builders’ merchants and other customers.
Previous to joining SPÄRKA, Jack has been working in retail as a Duty Manager since graduating from Sheffield Hallam University.
He joins Marketing Manager Rebecca Fortescue-Halliwell and founders Kelvin Hughes, Mark Hughes and Joshua Watkins who started the company in July 2019 and have 65 years of combined experience within construction and engineering.
Based in Sheffield, SPÄRKA provides a full range of fire-rated door hardware to builders’ merchants and fixings retailers across the UK. The family-owned business has a long heritage of supplying the construction sector, sourcing UK designed products from its global supply base.
Commenting on his appointment Jack said: “I’m really looking forward to being part of the journey of such a young and dynamic company. It’s great to join SPÄRKA in its early stages and help the company reach what it set out to in its plans.
“I can’t wait to get to know and work with our customers and promote our industry-leading door hardware across the UK.”
SPÄRKA’s knowledge and experience has led to it securing well-known national customers as well as many independent builders’ merchants and retailers.
The company offers products in simple packs including bathroom lock and hinge packs as well as a sash lock and hinge packs. The ranges are also available in a variety of finishes and sizes. The packs offer everything a builder needs in one simple, recyclable cardboard box or recyclable plastic bag.
The packaging is also tamper-proof, helping ensure all the components remain in the packaging and not on the merchant’s floor, and comes complete with installation and user guides.
SPÄRKA sells more than 150 SKUs including door handles, latches, locks, keyholes, thumb-turns and door closers in a range of finishes. All of its products are tried and tested both at the factory as well as on arrival in the UK. This allows the business to offer market leading guarantees of up to 35 years and for its products to be certified to all the key levels including – Certifire, CE/UKCA marking, FD 30/60 and IFC Certification.
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