The King Build series is coming to a close and the kitchen is almost complete.
The microcement polished concrete look for the kitchen is becoming more popular and the guys from Merner & Mason show us how they apply it to a kitchen worktop.
See our other videos in the King Build series.
Find Merner & Mason on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mernerandmason
Companies and real estate owners around the world are right now facing an unexpected and unwanted challenge – How to re-open their offices and re-start their business, and at the same time, be able to guarantee a safe and healthy workspace without challenging their sustainability targets. The solution is most likely to be found in the use of new technologies like AI, to upgrade existing office buildings to become safe, smart, and resilient.
For years it has been known that a healthy working environment has a high impact on the productivity and wellbeing of people working in offices. Providing simple things like good ventilation, clean air, and proper lightning will pay back in multiples. Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have estimated that just improving indoor air quality in offices could add as much as $20 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
Even though handling the COVID 19 situation is the main challenge at the moment, the overall demand for sustainability, energy reduction, and CO2 neutrality is still there. Bering in mind that buildings alone are responsible for a staggering 40% of all global energy consumption and an equal amount of all CO2 emissions.
A healthy and safe building is the new minimum
Real estate owners and employers around the world are now facing demands that are partly new from their employees; My building needs to be safe! Office buildings in the future must be a great place to work in, and they must be in a safe and healthy building. If not, companies will not be able to attract people to come back to their offices.
To be able to provide a safe office environment, you need to be in control of the situation in your buildings and to know; How many people there are in the facility and where they are? How is the air quality, and do we have an optimal CO2-levels, humidity, and temperatures inside? Thanks to new and easily implemented IoT sensors that knowledge is relatively easy to obtain today. The challenge for the real estate companies is to make use of it. To be able to act on all variations to avoid deviations from the optimal conditions that could have a significant negative impact. Here is where AI can make a huge difference and guarantee a safe and healthy environment.
A study performed by Harward’s Healthy Buildings Lab found that every time you double the rate of outdoor air delivered into an office, worker performance improves by 1,7%. Another analysis of sick leave data for more than 3.000 workers across 4.000 buildings found that 57% of all sick leaves were attributed to poor ventilation. Reasons enough for actions, without taking COVID 19 into the calculation.
AI learns and adjusts 24/7
Adjusting and optimizing the HVAC system to secure optimal indoor conditions is constant work, where Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning has proven to outperform manual labor. At best, real estate companies have an energy expert adjusting the HVAC system monthly.
“Our new AI software adjusts the ventilation between 4-5.000 times day, says Tuomas Pippola CEO at Nuuka Solutions, that is more than 600 adjustments per hour or 10 per minute. Impossible to achieve manually. The software makes adjustments based on the buildings’ earlier performances, in combination with real-time data from both internal and external sensors, such as CO2 levels in different areas, outside temperatures, and levels of pollutions, etc. The result is safe and optimal indoor conditions“.
To use new digital technology for updating existing office buildings has been on the table of many real estate companies for several years, but has now moved to the top of the agenda. More and more companies are connecting their portfolio to a cloud-based platform to get in control of their buildings’ conditions and consumption.
Study’s shows that you can achieve 20% energy savings in HVAC using AI, which means around 6% savings in total operating cost for the real estate company. Big numbers and a significant impact on sustainability. And that is on top of giving optimal indoor conditions.
“Thanks to more than 100 ready integrations, our system is possible to implement on top of most of today’s building systems and sensors, says Tuomas Pippola, which means that most buildings can be upgraded to safe and sustainable buildings“.
This crisis, like earlier, will most likely be a driver for new ideas and technologies. Giving resilient companies an advantage, and that providing a healthy building will go from a “nice to have” to a competitive advantage.
For more information regarding the Nuuka AI services contact Olli Parkkonen, +358 50 494 1584 olli.parkkonen@nuukasolutions.
Global workwear brand Dickies has expanded its range of safety footwear with the launch of the Medford Safety Boot – designed to offer superior comfort, durability and protection in the colder months.
Ideal for tradespeople who spend all day on their feet, the Medford features a waterproof leather upper, plus thermal insulation to keep their feet warm and dry in cold and wet weather conditions.
Meeting the S3 safety classification, the Medford benefits from Dickies’ innovative DTC outsole, which was designed by its footwear experts to achieve the highest grip performance on smoother surfaces. The DTC sole has ergonomic flex lines and geometric tread patterns for maximum ground contact, even in wet conditions.
The Medford style is anti-static and is fuel and oil resistant. Additional safety features include composite toe-caps, which are lighter than steel alternatives while providing the same level of protection.
“With the Autumn/Winter season approaching, this is likely to prove popular among those looking for a new boot that offers both warmth and breathability while ensuring they have the protection and durability they rely on,” said James Whitaker, Marketing Director.
“Footwear is a big focus of innovation for us and we’re constantly looking for ways to update and expand our range. As with all our footwear styles, the Medford has been tested above and beyond the safety regulation to ensure the protection and comfort of the tradespeople who rely on them.”
Designed in the style of a hiker boot, the Medford safety boot is available in three colour-ways, including Black, Brown and Navy Blue.
First launched in the US in 1922, Dickies Workwear has built a global reputation for quality and performance, marrying innovation, comfort and protection. Using the best of both modern and traditional construction techniques, the Dickies range is made to last, while meeting the changing demands of its customers.
The company offers an extensive range of workwear including coveralls, trousers, shirts, jackets, fleeces and bodywarmers. Plus a wide selection of high-performance products, including foul weather protection, high visibility garments and flame retardant items.
www.dickiesworkwear.com
Next Generation EMMA Safety that takes your wellbeing and the environment as seriously as you do!
Now part of the Hultafors Group’s PPE portfolio, EMMA Safety Footwear is a fully EU accredited range of excellent values shoes and boots that satisfy a wide range of user needs and workplaces – including light and heavy industry sectors plus office and retail environments.
Complementing the Solid Gear and Toe Guard range, EMMA safety footwear includes all the Hultafors Group hallmarks of hi-tech designs that combine top-quality materials for ultimate comfort, maximum safety and wellbeing at work.
What’s more, if sustainability is a priority for you and your company, every product in the EMMA range is made entirely from recycled or recyclable materials. It’s a 100% ‘circular’ manufacturing, usage and recycling process for every shoe and boot produced under the EMMA brand.
So, to make a positive footprint in your workplace, if your ordinary safety footwear just isn’t up to the job, you can be sure there’s an EMMA product that is.
To get more information on EMMA Safety Footwear, visit the website at www.emmasafetyfootwear.com , call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788 or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk
Robin is about to install his Quooker Fusion Square boiling water tap with the help of his plumber friend Gary.
The installation shows the patinated brass finish but the tap is also available in polished chrome, stainless steel, black or gold.
Quooker Fusion, the mixer tap that immediately dispenses boiling water as well as your own cold and warm water from one tap on the worktop with a hot water tank underneath.
This Dutch invention is ultra-safe and super-efficient and the high-vacuum insulation means that it costs pennies per day to have access to instant, filtered boiling water.
The Quooker Fusion tap with its patented air vacuum technology is at a minimum 60% more energy-efficient than any other boiling water tap on the market.
Cold Water Filter
The cold water filter has been designed to allow you to quickly switch from tap water to cold filtered water.
Scale Control Plus
Scale Control Plus will lengthen the life of your Quooker by reliably reducing the water hardness and it improves the taste of the water.
Powerswitch
The Powerswitch is a three-way adaptor that allows you to connect the Quooker tank, CUBE and another appliance, for example a dishwasher, to the same socket.
Drip tray
The drip tray is used when you wish to position the Quooker away from a sink. It is discreet and comes complete with a drain hose so all excess water can be drained away.
Nordic soap dispenser patinated brass
Quooker soap dispenser. Available in different finishes.
Mounting bracket PRO3
This stainless steel mounting bracket is especially useful for fitting tanks in kitchens with under-sink drawer units.
CUBE
When you purchase a CUBE, installation is just £99 with a Quooker engineer. You can select the installation service when you checkout.
You’ll also receive 5 X CO2 cylinders for FREE and enjoy 300 litre-bottles of sparkling water. One cylinder is included with the CUBE, and you will receive an additional set consisting of 4 cylinders.
Official website for Quooker Fusion
Follow Robin Clevett on YouTube – youtube.com/ukconstruction
Award-winning construction app software company EasyBuild UK launch new Mobile App.
Construction software company EasyBuild is one of the most recognised providers of ERP (enterprise resource planning) software to the construction industry.
The three-year award-winning software addresses all the operational needs of a modern construction business, covering finance, commercial, project management and compliance. It is customisable with easy-to-use applications providing all trades within the industry – including main contractors, civil engineers, demolition, interior fit-out, roofing and cladding, joinery, rail and utilities – with the tools needed to manage projects in a timely and efficient manner.
The EasyBuild team is currently transitioning many of their existing and new clients to a cloud offering. The company’s cloud software gives clients access to business-critical applications at any time from any location and reduces the cost of servers and day-to-day IT management.
Businesses of all sizes can now benefit from using EasyBuild’s Cloud platform, which ensures compliance and management of all projects simultaneously on any device and in real-time. One of the core applications is the widespread use of mobile technology, providing everyone on site with familiar and powerful technology and information.
EasyBuild Mobile allows operatives to use their smartphone remotely to record essential information and upload it back to head office immediately. This application enables the capture of labour cost via a timesheet app, requesting material and plant deliveries via the requisition app and recording the delivery of materials via the goods received app. Data is automatically synced back into EasyBuild’s ERP solution, which in turn saves time, removes paper and increases efficiency.
Andre Oosthuizen, OJ Construction (SA) commented, “having recently moved to EasyBuild Cloud we are now in the process of implementing a number of EasyBuild Mobile applications within our business. We see that by automating the on-site goods received process, as well as streamlining the requisition process, will speed up procurement as well as saving a huge amount of time and money”
Carol Massay, CEO of EasyBuild UK commented “ Time and efficiency are important factors when trying to manage the day-to-day running of a business and knowing you have a secure dedicated platform for hosting your ERP construction software is a vital component. EasyBuild Cloud provides access to our applications for each customer using secured logins. This service is inclusive of the day-to-day management of the hosted environment, as well as daily backups, security updates, operating system upgrades and patch releases.”
To find out how your business could benefit from the EasyBuild Mobile App contact a member of the team today
Mark West from Traditional Painter visits Robin at the Capel Build to finish the kitchen furniture.
Traditional Painter – the UK’s leading hand-painted kitchen and furniture specialist painters. An invitation-only, nationwide network of independent businesses, with years of professional experience. Every member guarantees a showroom-quality, hand-painted finish for your kitchen.
https://traditionalpainter.com
Hanford & Green – Superior quality, high-performance decorative paints.
https://www.hanfordandgreen.com
Deltec Masking Tape Purple – https://amzn.to/3fqt9yW
When selling your house, it’s important to consider how you can add value to give your asking price a boost.
Anyone who’s ever put their house on the market knows that a quick sale at asking price is the aim of the game. Unfortunately, it’s not always the result. Taking a bit of care with your home can really increase its value before you try to sell it. In fact, dated features and overrun gardens are known to cause reduced homebuyer offers – but these issues are so easily rectified.
If you’re interested in getting your house ready to sell and want to increase your price, you need to make as many improvements as you can and make it look as attractive as possible. Smaller changes are part of home staging (see below) while bigger revamps can go a long way as long as you have the time and money to put into them. Keep reading to learn more.
Take Home Staging Seriously
Proper home staging can raise asking prices significantly and most real estate agents say it’s an essential exercise. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional is up to you. A lot of it comes down to doing basic repairs, updating appliances, adding a lick of paint or other small upgrades like:
The other part of home staging involves decluttering your home and removing personal touches – for example, replacing family photos with art – and arranging your furniture to draw attention to specific features. A deep clean, inside and out, is another basic element that’s advisable for every seller. Essentially, you’re trying to make your house look as attractive and move-in ready as possible.
The small repairs and updates will show prospective buyers that you’ve looked after your property – which will definitely have them reaching into their coffers a little faster. Honesty is very important here – don’t hide bigger issues like damp. They’re almost guaranteed to come back and haunt you later if you do.
Bigger Projects to Consider
If your budget and timeframe will allow it, these bigger projects can add thousands to the value of your home:
Replacing Doors
Any doors that look shabby could do with replacing, but most important of all is the front door. First impressions count – try to make your home look sharper than your neighbours’!
If you can’t afford to replace it, at least give the door a power wash and possibly a new paint job. Even small tweaks like a new house number or doorknob can have a big impact.
Kitchen Makeovers
A lot of buyers focus on the kitchen first, so make sure that room looks good. Don’t forget what was mentioned earlier about dated appliances, and make sure the ones on display are relatively current.
Adding a few cupboards or shelves to create more storage space and applying a new coat of paint are also good ways of making over the space if you can’t afford to go all-out with a total revamp.
Adding or Updating Bathrooms
Like kitchens, homebuyers are often willing to pay more to save themselves the hassle of having to work on bathrooms in their own time. Re-grouting and replacing taps and shower curtains, preferably with more modern glass doors, are all easy fixes.
It’s worth noting that as per a Propertymark study, 29% of the homes sold in the United Kingdom in 2019 had a whole new bathroom fitted.
Double-Glazing Windows
Double-glazing existing windows is pretty simple and if you install any new windows during your revamps make sure they have this type of glazing too. The double-layer adds insulation, so houses are warmer and more energy efficient. Additionally, double glazing keeps the sounds of a noisy neighbourhood or busy road at bay.
Opening Up Space
Knocking inner walls down is increasingly popular, allowing bigger and airier kitchen/dining rooms or kitchen/living rooms that feel more modern and sociable. If you’re opening up space, consider changing the lighting scheme to make the atmosphere cosier or the room seem larger – which can both be more appealing to viewers.
Adding Technology
Technology, in this case, means smart homes and houses that use tech to be more energy efficient. The energy-efficient side of things can be as simple as having a geyser on a timer or a cat flap that has a self-sealing function, or as complicated as an eco-friendly air-filtering system. Smart home technology systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assist and specific smart devices will appeal to savvy buyers.
For example, multi-room music platforms, light bulb intensity controllers or technology that can tell you when your grill is at the perfect temperature all make a big impact. You’ll seem ahead of the curve as per the aforementioned Propertymark study, only 2% of British homes sold in 2019 were fitted with smart technology. By embracing the smart home concept, research shows you could attract a cohort of younger buyers.
Redoing the Garden
At the very least you need to tidy the garden, trim the hedges and make sure the plants are looking good. If people can see themselves relaxing or entertaining in the space, they’re more likely to want to own it. Decks give a sense of bigger usable space, and shrubbery or fences can be added to increase privacy.
Additionally, don’t forget that in some areas of the country it’s very difficult to be able to park close to the front door. That makes driveway and nearby off-street parking a huge selling point. If you have the room to add that kind of space for cars it can be an inexpensive way to add a tidy sum to your original asking price.
An Investment and a Home
Striking the right note when you’re selling your house can be tricky. You need to update it so that it looks like good value to prospective buyers and you need to make sure that it looks like a place they can see themselves and their families living in. Try to view your property through strangers’ eyes when you’re getting ready to sell and ask yourself if it looks like both an investment and a home.
Nitromors Paint and Varnish Remover is one of the most famous brands in the decorating industry.
It has been around since the 1930s and has been used to remove many paints, varnishes and other coatings.
In 2009 the EU introduced legislation banning methylene chloride, a solvent that Nitromors had used in their formulation.
The ban on many solvents and the removal of lead from paint has undoubtedly had a beneficial effect on the health of painters and decorators across Europe and I welcome it.
Reformulating their magic liquid in a way that kept Brussels happy and just as importantly, did the job for the painter and decorator. By all accounts it was not a straight line from A to B.
Nitromors launched a viable product which, if left to act, did the job eventually but the feedback from the trade was that they wanted a bit more of a show to indicate the product was working.
In effect, they wanted to see the kind of blistering and bubbling that was evident with the old product. So it was back to the test tube in the Henkel labs.
In this new formulation, there is faster blistering of the first layer of paint but it is not a deep-searching product.
You need to apply it with a stippling action and leave it to blister for 5 to 10 minutes.
Once you see evidence of some action all over the surface you then have to stipple the Nitromors sitting on top of the blistered paint back down onto the paint layers below. It won’t do it without help. This is the fundamental difference between the old and new formulations.
I have a long term paint and varnish stripping project that I attack in stages so I was in a good position to test both the Nitromors All-Purpose and their Nitromors Craftsman’s products.
The varnish I was removing is that thick dark brown wood effect coating that was popular around 60 years ago. If you try painting over it, in time the paint just flakes off.
So removing this troublesome surface has been an ongoing job that I have to psyche myself up for. That said it has given me the ideal place to test sanders, hot air guns and chemical strippers.
Of course one of the great advantages of chemical striping is that you don’t have to vaporise lead-based paint or other hazardous material, and you don’t create dangerous lead-based dust.
If you catch the Nitromors and paint in newspaper you can then wrap it up and dispose of it in an environmentally responsible manner.
The whole process is a lot less intrusive than burning or sanding but should be done with the windows and doors open to provide good ventilation.
Even better, if you can take doors off and apply Nitromors in the open air.
However, Nitromors is a non-drip gel consistency and can, therefore, be used on indoor vertical surfaces such as doors, stair spindles, and window frames etc.
In addition, it is coloured green and this enables you to easily see where it’s been applied.
The new Nitromors formulation worked surprisingly well on the varnish but on other surfaces not as well as the pre-legislation product.
If you follow the pack instructions you should get reasonable results but with all multi-layer paint stripping jobs you are working, like Time Team, down through layers of history and you never know what you are going to get.
Some coats yield easily and some put up more of a fight. We now have the added complication that it is likely that some of those coats may be water-based.
So you will inevitably get a variable result in terms of time and effort needed to strip any given surface.
If you are a professional decorator my advice is to try to do stripping on day rate rather than a price or, if you have to give a price, make it a good one.
I have reported my findings on this product as honestly as I can but I was surprised the lengths the manufacturers have employed to try and have my copy altered to reflect their own view, which is that this product is a perfect replacement for the old formulation.
It indicates a degree of nervousness on their part, and you can read into that what you will.
Nitromors All Purpose Paint Remover 750 ML
Nitromors 1772732 Craftsmans Paint and Varnish Remover
Nitromors 1770428 All Purpose Paint and Varnish Remover
These NEW slim-fit stretch trousers deliver extreme working comfort all day, every day.
Hi-tech fabrics and body-mapping designs in the NEW multi-purpose ALLROUNDWork 4-Way Stretch Trousers from Snickers Workwear ensure maximum working mobility wherever you are on site.
The 4-way stretch fabrics integrated into these Work Trousers deliver maximum freedom of movement for all kinds of work all year round as well as improved ventilation and overall comfort.
With great fit and superb value for money they have a slimmer tailored fit for better all-round looks and protection against snagging. Plus reinforced stretch Cordura in the certified KneeGuard System for greater flexibility, comfort and durability. They’re specially designed to take the new D30 ERGO Craftsman Kneepad.
Check out all the Stretch Garments from Snickers Workwear – the optimal choice for craftsmen and women who need to get every job done comfortably and efficiently on site.
GMB WIN FULL NHS SICK PAY AND THE LONDON LIVING WAGE IN DISPUTE WITH ISS AT HOMERTON HOSPITAL
The Trust has agreed to fund full NHS level sick pay for all ISS key workers at Homerton after a contentious battle by workers at the hospital.
The Trust has agreed to fund full NHS level sick pay and the London Living Wage for all ISS key workers at Homerton after a contentious battle by workers at the hospital.
The GMB Union, Unison, Trust Governors, Homerton Doctors and Nurses, political leaders, church leaders, activists all backed the lowest-paid Key workers in their battle for parity with their NHS colleagues.
Vaughan West, GMB London Region Organiser said:
“Our members at ISS Homerton have had huge support in their fight for equality with their NHS colleagues. The faced the same risk as their NHS colleagues and deserve parity them. The use of statutory sick pay in Hospitals like Homerton is not only cruel but dangerous and irresponsible. We applaud the courage our members have shown and our pleased the Trust have conceded on sick pay but the fight will continue until every Key Worker who faces the same risk be afforded the basic dignity of equality with NHS employed staff. This battle has been gruelling but buoyed by this win, the fight for fairness continues”.
GMB London commented on the independent report on the Initial assessment of London bus driver mortality from COVID-19.
The report covers a lot of ground and puts into the public domain a great deal of very important information and variables that can be used to develop safe systems of operations for both bus drivers and the travelling public.
Steve Garelick, GMB London Region Organiser said
“GMB London welcome the independent report on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bus drivers in London.
It covers a lot of ground and puts into the public domain a great deal of very important information and variables that can be used to develop safe systems of operations for both bus drivers and the travelling public.
In particular, for a wide variety of reasons, it identifies bus drivers as a vulnerable group of workers. Without very good systems to protect their health and safety they were massively exposed as the report shows.
This puts a special responsibility on to TfL and the bus operators to do absolutely everything that should be done on a day to day basis to provide these workers with a healthy and safe environment. This aim should be to reduce their vulnerability as a group of workers and minimize risks to their health and to the safety of the drivers and the public.
TfL, in particular, has the responsibility to ensure that such a health and safety environment is created and maintained by the bus operators. The Mayor and the GLA must ensure that this health and safety environment is the top priority for TfL.
There is no room for complacency and the incentives for the bus operators have to be aligned to reward operators who run in a manner to protect the health and safety of the drivers and the public. Operators should be penalized financially where they don’t put health and safety first.”
Makita has launched a new, lightweight folding mitre saw stand, making it easier than ever to quickly and accurately complete a range of cuttings tasks.
The portable WST07 mitre saw stand has been designed with ease of use and operator productivity in mind. Unlike previous models, the WST07 includes tool-less adjustable mitre saw bracket levers, so operators can effortlessly install, adjust and remove the saw from the stand. The sliding rail design also makes it easy to position the mitre saw at the desired angle.
With a maximum extension length of 3,830mm and adjustable extension arms (both left and right), the WST07 can be easily altered for each individual task and can support up to 225kg in weight for cutting efficiency. The WST07 also includes an adjustable levelling foot, to prevent the saw stand from wobbling when working on uneven floor surfaces.
The WST07 is easy to manoeuvre around site and transport between jobs. Weighing just 18kg, the inclusion of castors allows operators to effortlessly move the saw stand, even when a mitre saw is mounted. The stand has also been designed for ease of transportation between jobs with two convenient single-handed carry handles (one pre-fixed) for maximum carrying comfort. The WST07’s compact design (it has a minimum length of just 1,765mm) and folding legs means that it can be easily loaded onto the bed of a standard 1,800mm wide pickup truck.
For increased flexibility, the WST07 is compatible with a wide range of Makita products, including slide compound saws, mitre saws, cordless slide compound saws and cordless mitre saws.
Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “We are delighted to add the WST07 Mitre Saw to our ever-growing accessory portfolio. This fantastic stand provides workers with a valuable tool for easier material cutting. The lightweight and compact design of the WST07 means that users can quickly put up and take down the saw stand with minimum disruption – even with the tool still mounted.”
For more information on the WST07 please visit: makitauk.com/miter-saw-stand-wst07.
To find out more about Makita and its wide range of power tools and accessories visit: www.makitauk.com.
With the construction industry ramping up post-Coronavirus lockdown, gas network Wales & West Utilities is urging companies and contractors in the construction industry to plan ahead and ‘dial before they dig’ to avoid disruption to their work, communities and costly fines.
The stark warning comes after the restart of construction post-Coronavirus lockdown has resulted in an increase in third party damage to gas pipes.
Beverley Robinson, Connections Manager for Wales & West Utilities, said:
“Every day, underground gas pipes get damaged by people digging without knowing what’s below, which can be catastrophic.
“Damaging gas pipes can cause serious injury, and the costs of repair, fines and fees can be huge. Whether you’re piling or fencing, drilling boreholes, directionally drilling, demolishing, or just moving heavy machinery, we’re urging those in the construction industry to make sure they know if gas pipes lay beneath the ground where they’re planning to work.”
Wales & West Utilities is urging everyone to remember three simple steps.
Beverley added:
“These three simple steps exist to help the construction industry work safely. We want to keep people safe and make sure their work goes to plan. Remember if you’re in any doubt, get in touch. Our team are ready to help.”
For more information please visit www.wwutilities.co.uk/dig where you can find all the information you need.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south-west of England and Wales. If you smell gas or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night. Before visiting, we’ll ask you to let us know if you or anyone in your household, is experiencing Coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating. We’ll still come and help you: but our teams will take some additional precautions to keep us all safe.
Roger follows James King on his next project, a major loft conversion from The Supreme Finishing Company.
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Our thanks go to James King for letting Roger film this loft conversion series. The Supreme Finishing Company can be contacted by following the link below.
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Dormer lofts are not something everyone thoroughly understands, so here we will look at the pros and cons to help you decide if it could be the way forward for you.
With all the uncertainty surrounding property prices at the moment, there are many people who want to move to a larger home but do not want to take the risk of having to sell their existing home at a lower price. If you are one of these and you need an extra room, a dormer loft conversion could be the answer. These can be ideal because you are not having to increase the footprint of your house and use up part of your garden.
First of all, let’s explain what a dormer loft conversion is. They are basically an extension to your roof, providing an extra room and additional headspace. An ordinary loft conversion can mean that the useable space is limited because of height restrictions, ventilation, and natural light. Dormer lofts get over these problems, but it is always best to use specialists to do the conversion for you. You can learn more about dormer lofts and the types that are available through the linked website; Loft Conversions Wales.
If you want to build an extension to your home, you will need planning permission. However, with a dormer loft conversion, you are not increasing the ground area the property covers, and because of this, in most cases planning permission is not need. Generally, they fall under permitted development rights. There are times planning would be needed such as if:
There are other criteria worth looking at, but if you are unsure, a call to the local council could be wise.
The cost of dormer loft conversions compared to an extension providing the same floor space is much lower. They do cost more than a standard loft conversion, but the better use of your loft area is well worth it. It could be a new bedroom for one or two children or maybe a cinema room or a home office. Its uses will be a lot less limited because of the extra headroom and natural light, and things such as placement of the stairway into it will be simpler.
It has been estimated by one of the largest UK building societies that dormer lofts can add as much as 20% to the value of a home, and they should never cost that much to build. So yes, dormer lofts are cost-effective.
Dormer lofts need more structural changes than a standard loft conversion, so they will take a bit longer, but it will be worth it. The roof will need altering to accommodate the dormers, and the amount of alteration needed depends on the type of dormer you opt for. There are four main types of dormer:
This is something you need to discuss with the experts to find out for sure. Have a chat with dormer loft specialists and explain to them exactly what you hope to gain from the roof extension. They will be able to let you know if what you are after is possible and give you prices so you will have the full picture of whether a dormer loft conversion is right for you and your family.
When looking for a house, we tend to get all sentimental and visualise how we will create a cosy new dwelling for ourselves. However, it’s more important to take a practical approach to buying a home, especially when it comes to electrical checks.
The aesthetics shouldn’t come first. There are a variety of things you need to check before the purchase, and the home’s electrical system should be on the top of your list.
You will do yourself a great service if you determine the type of wiring in the house before you buy it. When it comes to wiring, nothing beats copper conductors. It is best to avoid aluminium wiring as it can be problematic and dangerous.
Some homes built in the 60s and 70s using aluminium wiring, still use it. Aluminium wire can lead to burned insulation on wiring, warm covers on receptacles, and flickering lights. It can be a fire hazard because it can overheat.
In the 30s, knob-and-tube wiring was the standard. Even though this type of wiring is not suitable for today’s electrical needs, some homes constructed as late as the 50s may still use K&T wiring.
When you know what questions to ask, buying a home is much easier. Don’t hesitate to ask the sellers about the electrical panel right from the get go. If you want your appliances and electronics to work flawlessly, you need an electrical panel of the right size.
Older homes often feature 60 Amps electrical panels. A 60 Amp electrical panel may not be big enough to keep up with today’s appliances. Generally, 100 Amps is the minimum acceptable residential service size.
If a panel doesn’t have clear and correct labelling, it’s usually a bad sign. Some electric panel manufacturers have a bad reputation. For instance, FPE and Zinsco are electric panels with well-known and documented issues. If the house you plan to buy has one of these two circuit breakers, or if the panel is below 100 amps, it’s best to upgrade it.
It’s a good idea to review the panel for wear and tear. If there is dark or smoky residue, an electrician will need to replace it.
Each year, around 5300 fires in the US have something to do with electrical receptacles. You should test the electrical outlets for wiring faults with a simple voltage detector. But, first, you need to make sure you know how to use one properly.
Be sure to check whether the outlets are loose and if the cords fit snugly. Outlets and switches should be cold to the touch and they shouldn’t emit any strange noise. Electrical checks on outlets are an important step in determining whether the house’s electrical system is completely safe—and this especially goes for bathroom, kitchen, and exterior outlets.
All outlets that can easily come in touch with water should be GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. When a GFCI outlet detects an unbalanced current (for instance, power surges during storms) it cuts off power from the source. In dangerous situations, a GFCI outlet can be the difference between life and death.
Every home should have GFCI protection. In some places, it’s even legally required. These outlets should have three-prong holes or “test” and “reset” buttons. If they don’t, you will need to replace them.
Ask the seller whether they have GFCI outlets and when was the last time they tested them. Ideally, homeowners should test their GFCI devices once a month. Be sure to test fans, fixtures, and light switches as well.
If there are wired smoke detectors in the house, ask the homeowners when is the last time they upgraded them. If they are more than 8 years old, you will need new ones.
When checking out your potential new home, you need to determine whether everything is up to code. And a simple “yes” or “no” answer from the current homeowners won’t suffice. Aside from checking out the electrical installations in the house, ask to see the paperwork.
Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t do home renovations by the book. If the seller has done any work on the house, ask them if they can show you the city permits. This document should confirm that everything is safe and up to current standards.
When it comes to electrical wiring and installations behind walls, there’s not much you can do on your own to inspect them. But, electrical permits from the local building department will help put your mind at ease.
Even when you know what to look for when carrying out electrical checks, it can be hard for an untrained eye to figure out whether something is off or not. If you want to absolutely make sure no electrical issue will go unnoticed, hire a home inspector. If they find some issues, they will refer you to a licensed professional for a consultation or to carry out further electrical checks.
Kevin has gone through an extensive home renovation with his son, which he has both.
thoroughly enjoyed, and dreaded every morning. He is now the proud owner of half his dream house (the other half has been waiting for spring). You can read more of Kevin’s work on PlainHelp.
https://skill-builder.uk/10-plumbing-things-to-check-before-buying-a-home
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Following the launch of RGB Building Supplies’ Tools for Africa appeal in January, the builders merchant is thanking trades and the community for helping to donate 15 bulk bags full of preloved tools which have been passed to South West-based charity Amigos.
Amigos works closely with another UK charity called Work Aid, which will now refurbish the donated items before sending them to Africa. The tools will be used by young people so they can learn construction skills and help lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
For the past 13 years the charity has provided vocational learning opportunities at Kira Farm Development Centre in Uganda where young people can spend a year acquiring life-changing skills. This includes training in carpentry and building techniques, with 98% of the graduates going on to full-time employment or starting their own business.
Phil Pugsley, Chief Executive at Amigos, said:
“Winston Churchill once said, ‘give us the tools, and we will finish the job’. It’s no good Amigos training a young Ugandan in carpentry and building if they have no access to the tools needed to put their newfound skills into practice. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has gone above and beyond by turning out their sheds and garages, and to RGB for once again allowing their outlets to be collection centres. Together, we are equipping precious young people with the skills and the tools to transform their lives – thank you.”
Kevin Fenlon, CEO of RGB, added:
“We launched our appeal before lockdown was put in place, so we’re delighted we’ve been able to bring it to a successful close. Amigos does fantastic work in helping young people learn a trade and gain employment and this is the second time we’ve worked with the charity. By simply donating some unused tools, the kind-hearted people in our area have really helped to change the lives of young people in Africa.”
Robin continues working on his kitchen fitting alone while in lockdown, but the good news for the Clevett family is that they are very close to moving in.
Here are the products featured in this kitchen fitting video, let us know if we’ve missed anything out in this list.
Soudal Fix All Adhesive Crystal: https://amzn.to/30JszY0
Medite Tricoya Extreme Waterproof MDF: https://youtu.be/NvlGamh66bE
Armac Martin luxury brass hardware: https://www.armacmartin.co.uk
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer: https://bit.ly/32RGM7F
