Topic: Tips to buying building materials

Most people focus on the kitchen, views, location, bedrooms, and bathrooms when buying a home. Hardly do they consider building materials that were used in constructing the house. Besides the hardwood floors, granite countertops, and other attractive features, a lot... View Article

Summer Party?

I suppose one thing lockdown has taught us is the value of spending time outdoors in your garden. The dream on the horizon by many is to spend some well deserved time with friends and family, face to face with... View Article

47 is the new 50 – have you switched yet?

To build safer, stronger structures requires more than just top quality joist hangers; equally important is choosing the correct sized joist hanger. Regularised timber is now the UK standard, which means 50mm hangers are yesterday’s news. Unlike rough sawn timber,... View Article

Launch of The Timber Cladding Handbook

The Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) in collaboration with The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) have jointly published a new resource – The Timber Cladding Handbook.  Produced with support from the Wood Protection Association (WPA), Wood Campus and with technical input from Dr Ivor Davies, the... View Article

Case study: The Glebe, Cambridgeshire

A stunning five-bedroom house built to modern, energy efficient standards using SIPs Eco Panels and other innovative build technologies, whilst maintaining the traditional aesthetic of the surrounding village. Construction System: Sips Eco Panels Location: Cambridgeshire, UK  Materials: Full 169mm kit... View Article

Small is beautiful

LISTEN HERE 🔊 With an increasing value being placed on outdoor spaces, Ronan O’Dowd of Acheson & Glover shares his top tips on how to make the most of a small garden The Covid-19 pandemic brought a new appreciation for... View Article

Forming an opinion

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Chris Stride at ICFA discusses why self-builders, particularly those looking to maximise energy efficiency, should consider building with Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) If you’ve been researching your new build project recently you will notice that the spotlight... View Article

Structural warranties – a guide

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Advantage Home Construction Insurance (AHCI) navigates through the often complex world of structural warranties required by mortgage firms, providing some clarity for self-builders A structural defects warranty (also known as latent defects insurance) covers defects affecting newly... View Article

Versatile wet rooms

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Neil Whitehead from Impey offers insights into how to create the ideal wetroom or wet area shower space for every size and style of home The coveted wetroom shower space has many guises and, when thoughtfully planned... View Article

ABC+ Warranty remain operational through the pandemic

ABC+ Warranty have remained fully operational throughout the COVID pandemic. They are able to provide additional inspections via Zoom between the developer/contractor and one of their many Chartered Surveyors to run alongside their physical site inspections. This benefits existing clients... View Article