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10 Plumbing Issues To Check Before Buying a Home

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16th June 2020

10 Plumbing Issues To Check Before Buying a Home

Imagine you’ve finally found the house of your dreams. There’s enough room for your family to grow and the neighbourhood is idyllic. You can’t wait to open a new chapter in your life.

However, there is one thing that the sellers are trying to hide from you. The property comes together with major plumbing issues. Fixing it costs a small fortune, and the sellers would rather keep this as a dark secret until they sell the house.

Unfortunately, major plumbing issues can’t really be discovered during a casual inspection. Before making the purchase, a homebuyer has to make sure that there’s nothing wrong with the plumbing system.

Here are 10 plumbing issues you’ll want to check if you don’t want to end up with a sewage nightmare:

Toilets, Sinks, and Faucets

How to get a good idea about the general health of the house’s plumbing system? The answer is pretty straightforward – by checking the taps and fixtures. You should:

Look around the toilet’s water chamber and the base for leaks
Flush all toilets to check the drainage
Check for leaks below the sink and around the faucets
Turn on and off every tap in the house

Water Stains

A good sign of leaky pipes is the presence of water stains on the ceiling or walls.

Leaky pipes aren’t expensive to fix, but repairing the damage they make can cost a fortune. While you’re on the lookout for water stains, make sure to check for mould and mildew as well.

Primary Sewer Drain

This is particularly important if you want to buy an older house. Not only could the primary sewer drain be breaking down due to age, but there could also be tree roots growing into it.

However, verifying the state of the sewer can be challenging. You’ll probably have to hire a licensed plumber, who will then conduct a camera inspection.

Keep in mind that undiscovered sewer drain problems often lead to the worse kind of plumbing issues – floods and water damage.

Water Meter

Another thing that helps with detecting hidden leaks in the system is the inspection of the water meter.

Turn off every tap in the house and have a closer look at the water meter. Is it still turning? If so, there are probably some hidden leaks in the plumbing system.

Shut-Off Valve

Another plumbing issue to check before buying a house is the shut-off valve.

Close it fully and then try turning on taps throughout the house. The valve is probably faulty if the water gushes out or drips slowly.

In addition to the primary shut-off valve, make sure to check any other valves, like the ones controlling the water flow to the shower or toilet.

Water Heater

Replacing this crucial appliance after you’ve just bought a new house can be a major expense. Make sure to closely inspect the water heater and check for:

Rust or corrosion on any part of the tank
Strange sounds in the tank
Any leaks at the outlet or inlet valves
Sandy or muddy fluids coming out of the hot water tap
The age of the appliance (most models are built to last for 15 years)

Septic System

In case the house is not using local sewerage but a septic system, you’ll have to check if it’s working properly. The best way to do this is by running a video camera through the system.

The most common issues with septic tanks are related to broken septic pipes. These are installed close to the surface, which makes them vulnerable to corrosion and tree roots.

Water Pressure

Even though bad water pressure can be solved with new taps or showerheads, you should check it out anyway.

How to determine if there’s sufficient water pressure in the house you want to buy? The easiest way to do this is to turn on the shower that’s farthest away from the water source.

In case an upstairs shower works well, the rest of the fixtures probably work well, too.

Winterized Pipes

If you’re buying a house in an area with severe weather, make sure it has a plumbing system that can handle such conditions.

Are the pipes wrapped and insulated? If so, the house has winterized pipes. If the property uses well water, make sure the well is protected from extreme cold.

Water Hardness

Hard water can cause a lot of trouble. If left untreated, this problem can lead to scale buildup in the pipework, which then leads to clogs and low water pressure.

Inspect the exterior of the fixtures. If you notice signs of scale buildup, ask for a reduced price.

Buying a new home is a big investment, so make sure to do it right. By checking the things mentioned above, you won’t end up with a house that costs you a bomb in unnoticed plumbing issues.

Further reading: Understanding and Managing Hard Water at Home: Health and Cleaning Considerations

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.

New Makita 40v Brushless Circular and Reciprocating Saws

Dylan Garton

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15th June 2020

0

New Makita 40v Brushless Circular and Reciprocating Saws

Makita UK has added the HS004G Circular Saw and JR001G Reciprocating Saw to its new XGT 40V Max range of high-performance cordless tools.

Both machines have been engineered to make high-demand work quicker, easier and safer.

The Makita 40v 190mm HS004G Circular Saw features Makita’s brushless motor technology for improved efficiency and longer battery life.

It has twin LED job lights, is compatible with the Makita guide rail system without an adapter and is capable of 48° bevel cuts.

The HS004G also has a soft start function and a no-load speed of 6,000rpm but the inclusion of Makita’s Automatic Torque Drive (ADT) Technology means that the cutting speed is automatically adjusted according to the load conditions.

On light-duty work, it runs at the higher speeds while for heavy-duty applications it automatically switches to a higher torque mode. It also has an indicator lamp to warn of overload conditions.

For improved operator safety, the Makita HS004G is compatible with Makita’s Bluetooth dust extractors through the Auto-start Wireless System (AWS).

When the tool is switched on, the dust extractor runs automatically, making dust management easy and effective.

Also added to the Makita XGT range, is the JR001G Brushless Reciprocating Saw. It offers outstanding performance with a cutting speed of up to 3000 strokes per minute, two electronic speed settings and a variable speed trigger.

When compared to Makita’s LXT Twin 18V (36V) machines, the new 40V JR001G cuts metal 10% faster and wood 35% faster, allowing improved productivity and even greater build quality within the tool and the batteries.

The new reciprocating saw is lightweight at just 4.2kg, has an ergonomically designed handle for comfortable operation and a vertical crank mechanism for smooth cutting.

It also features a toolless shoe adjustment and simple blade ejection lever allowing quick changes without the risk from the residual heat in the blade.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “Every tool in our XGT range has been engineered to deliver the highest performance with all the benefits of cordless power.

With automatic speed control and wireless connection to dust extraction units, the new circular saw ensures both effective and safe work, even on the most demanding tasks.

The newly added reciprocating saw makes cutting metal, wood or pipe fast and efficient with less strain on the operator.”

To find out more about these new additions and the rest of the Makita XGT range visit www.makitauk.com.

Makita 40V Max Brushless Rotary Hammers Offer Outstanding Performance

Dylan Garton

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15th June 2020

0

Makita 40V Max Brushless Rotary Hammers Offer Outstanding Performance

Makita UK has introduced its new XGT range of cordless high-performance 40V Max tools, with the addition of two models of rotary hammer, a new combi-drill and an impact driver – ideal for heavy-duty applications where cordless may not have previously coped. All four new products benefit from Makita’s advanced brushless motor technology.

The HR003G and HR004G 40V Max Brushless Rotary Hammers offer outstanding performance with speeds up to 980 revolutions per minute (rpm) and up to 5,000 blows per minute (bpm) of hammer action. They feature a variable speed trigger and three function options – rotary hammer, rotary only and hammer only – making them versatile and easy to adjust to each task. The HR004G is also equipped with a Quick Change Chuck to make switching between drill bits fast and simple.

Both machines include Makita’s Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) for improved operator comfort and safety. When hammer drilling into concrete the HR003G and HR004G have vibration levels of just 7.0m/s² and 6.5m/s² respectively for increased safe trigger times. To protect users from dust inhalation during operation, the rotary hammers are compatible with the DX12 (HR003G) and DX14 (HR004G) dust boxes.

The highly versatile HP001G Combi Drill is compact and easy to handle. It has a variable speed trigger and two mechanical gears with a broad range of clutch settings – 41 in gear one and 21 in gear two. This makes it easy to finely adjust the output for the task at hand. The HP001G has a capacity of 20mm in steel and masonry and 76mm in wood. In high gear it has a speed of 2,600 rpm and delivers up to 39,000 blows per minute when in impact drilling mode. To ensure the safety of the user the machine features Makita’s Active Feedback Sensing Technology (AFT) that turns off the motor if the rotation speed suddenly slows. This protects the user from injury if the drill bit jams in the material.

Also added to the Makita range, is the powerful TD001G Brushless Impact Driver. It delivers up to 220 newton-metres (Nm) of torque with the choice of four power modes (Max, Hi, Mid and Lo), selected using a simple one-touch control, in addition to six assist modes. In the highest power mode, it has a maximum speed of 3,700 rpm and delivers up to 4,400 impacts per minute.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “Our XGT platform offers solutions for high demand applications where corded electric tools have traditionally been required and the new rotary hammers, combi drill and impact driver all provide the highest levels of performance, ease of use and operator comfort and safety.”

To find out more about the new additions and the rest of the Makita XGT range visit www.makitauk.com.

Makita has Four New 40V Angle Grinders in New XGT Range

Dylan Garton

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15th June 2020

0

Makita has Four New 40V Angle Grinders in New XGT Range

Makita has launched four new 40V brushless angle grinder models as part of its exciting new XGT range – Makita’s new, powerful cordless 40V lithium-ion battery platform, affording users with high levels of power for demanding jobs with the flexibility and portability of cordless.

For professional use in high demand industrial applications, the new brushless angle grinders are engineered to deliver the power and performance of a corded machine, without the hassles and restrictions of a cord. With the equivalent power of a 1,100W corded grinder and a no load speed of 8,500rpm, the new products feature fast and easy angle adjustment with a toolless guard system to help make working more efficient and convenient.

The new XGT 40V Max GA005G and GA004G Angle Grinders operate with a slide switch and with 125mm and 115mm wheel diameter options respectively. The new XGT 40V Max GA013G Angle Grinder with 125mm wheel diameter and the GA012G Angle Grinder with 115mm wheel diameter are both operated with a paddle switch function.

With enhanced safety in mind, the low vibration grinders include an electric brake and Makita’s Active Feedback sensing Technology (AFT) turns the motor off if the rotation speed suddenly slows or if the wheel is forced to stop. Furthermore, the anti-restart function prevents accidental motor start-up when a battery is inserted with the switch locked on and the new push guard system provides operators with seven pre-set positions ready to use straight away.

The new grinders have been designed to ensure long term durability in challenging environments, with large bearings that support the motor and a new switch design to reduce contact wearing. The soft start function also works to suppress start-up reaction, so start-ups are smoother and the gear life is prolonged. For ease of operation, the side handle can be adjusted for left or right-hand use, depending on operator preference or workspace.

In addition, the brushless motor optimises battery use – resulting in long run-times per charge – and efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application. And since there are no carbon brushes, a brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently for longer life.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “The new 40V angle grinders offer high power and performance for continuous heavy-duty cutting and grinding, all fuelled by our new XGT battery platform with efficient charging and battery power that can genuinely stand up to the toughest of jobs.

“Makita continues to invest and innovate in technology and equipment that makes working easier for professionals. The new 40V XGT battery platform stands side-by-side with our industry-leading 18V LXT system and we are delighted to offer professionals with a wider choice of battery-powered solutions for a truly cordless job site.”

For more information on Makita’s range of new, high performance XGT power tools, please visit www.makitauk.com

Cutwrights Cutting, Edging & Drilling – Capel #24

Videos

Dylan Garton

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12th June 2020

0

Cutwrights Cutting, Edging & Drilling – Capel #24

Cutwrights offer a cutting, edging and drilling service that Robin has been happily using for years. One of his most anticipated videos of the year and he loved every minute of his factory tour.

www.cutwrights.com
_____________________________________________
Download the EGGER Decorative Collection app

🔽 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.egger.vdsmobileapp&hl=en_GB

🔽 Apple iOS App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/egger-decorative-collection/id414414353

_____________________________________________

Cutwrights Cutting Service

Helping craftspeople to produce beautiful finished products for their customers using the latest in automated machinery, across a huge range of boards and finishes.

Carpenters, builders and DIYers are provided with the components needed to build bespoke furniture, with a showroom to inspire with hand-painted shaker doors, made to measure drawer boxes and handle range.

Using their personal delivery service ensures your order will reach your chosen destination on time. With great support; if you only require one panel or a volume run you can be sure to receive the shortest lead times, excellent customer service and the highest quality product.

How to Build Yourself a Professional Website

Dylan Garton

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12th June 2020

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Can you learn how to build yourself a professional website?

Websites are your shop front. A sleek looking website tells your customer ‘Hello, I care about looking good for you! And also I know how to use spell check!’ Therefore, it’s worth learning how to build yourself a professional website.

Your website may be the first impression a customer gets of your business. As we all know, first impressions are important. If a customer is impressed with you, they are more likely to do business with you – simple as that. Your website tells your customer who you are and what you do. They will have greater confidence in your services if you have been clever and caring with your website.

If you’re fixing up your website during this downtime we’ve all suddenly found ourselves thrust into, Shake and Speare have compiled a list of their top tips to make your website look professional.

Use a colour scheme
Use cohesive fonts and sizes throughout
Have a coherent structure to your site
Include photographs that look professional
Make sure your contact details are easy to find
Get a professional to do it for you (for free!)

Use a colour scheme

This is all about making your website pleasing to look at and it’s one of the first steps when thinking about how to build a professional website. Possibly the single most important thing you want to do is to avoid your website looking like a jumble sale of fonts and colours. Do you have brand colours? If you do – fantastic. Stick to using that colour palette. We all love rainbows, but throwing every colour under the sun onto your webpage will make it look disjointed and strange. If you don’t have brand colours, cast your eye over a complementary colour palette and pick out a colour scheme that is pleasing to the eye.

Whatever you do, make sure that your text stands out from your background. Do not put light-coloured text on top of a light coloured background. Do not put dark coloured text on top of a dark coloured background. And certainly do not put a fluorescent colour on top of another fluorescent colour; your customer is not going to sit there and try to read lurid yellow words against a lurid green backdrop.

Use cohesive fonts and sizes throughout

A colour palette reminiscent of Elmer the patchwork elephant will make your site look chaotic; using an array of fonts and sizes will do the same thing.

When it comes to font size, pick a large font for your headings. Stick with that. Choose a slightly smaller font for your subheadings. Stick with that too. Then choose an even slightly smaller font for your text body (size 12-14 is about right). This helps your reader to follow the flow of your website and locate the information they need.

When it comes to fonts, try to avoid cursive, comic sans and anything that looks like something a heavy metal band would use on its album cover. We’d also recommend steering clear of anything that looks like you could have chosen it as a WordArt option on a funky 2010 PowerPoint. That’s certainly not how to build a professional website…

Have a coherent structure to your professional website

If your site is just the one page, try to make sure it’s structured logically. This means providing your customer with the most important, least detailed information they need first, and then continuing on to the more detailed information.

Have your contact details in a small banner, right at the very top. Then your company name. Your services and a brief description of them. Then further detail about those services. Perhaps some customer testimonials (which have been proven to help persuade customers to purchase your services). Then maybe a contact form.

These are, of course, only rough ideas, but hopefully demonstrate how to make your site easy to navigate and extract information from.

Include photographs that look professional

Good photographs show off your work to your customer. They show you’re proud of what you do. And they make your site look nice.

Don’t include any blurry shots. Put a caption on anything you’ve uploaded. Try to avoid pictures with a date stamp in the right-hand corner (or any corner for that matter). Anything that’s too dark should be scrapped too.

A professional-looking photograph doesn’t necessarily need to be taken by a professional. It just needs to be something that’s worth looking at.

(That being said, well-taken photographs definitely improve your site. If you’re looking for someone to take excellent pictures of your construction or architectural work, you should look no further than Sarah Toon).

Make sure your contact details are easy to find

If you’ve gone to all this effort to build yourself what looks like a professional website, you want customers to be able to contact you. Make it as easy for them as possible. Include them in a banner at the top. When writing about your services, pop in links such as ‘Like what you see? Drop us an email’ or ‘Interested? Message us for a quote’. Don’t overdo it with the contact details, but urging potential customers to get in contact with you can only help ensure that they do so.

Or don’t learn how to build a professional website…

It’s important in the current climate that everyone has a website. It helps customers find your services and puts you at an advantage over the competition once lockdown is over.

Shake and Speare are offering friendly, professional websites for trades (or for anyone who needs one), we can even set you up with a free one-page site, no strings attached. If you’re interested in giving your business a bit of a boost at the minute and improving your web presence, drop them an email at enquiries@shakeandspeare.com

Chisel Sharpening Tools & NEW Oire Nomi Japanese Set

Videos

Dylan Garton

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10th June 2020

0

Chisel Sharpening Tools & NEW Oire Nomi Japanese Set

Chisel sharpening is something Robin enjoys and now he has a beautiful Japanese Oire Nomi Chisel Set for his ever-growing collection.

EZARC 6pc Wood Chisel Set

Oire Nomi 5pc Chisel Set

ICEbear Japanese Oire Nomi Special Alloy 5pc Wood Chisel Set (9mm, 15mm, 24mm, 30mm, 36mm) - Bevel Edge, High Carbon Alloy Steel Blades

Irwin Marples 6pc Chisel Set

Marples Ms500 S/Touch B/E Chisel set(6) 10503430

£42.98

Price not available

£49.99

Buy on Amazon

EZARC 6pc Wood Chisel Set

£42.98

Buy on Amazon

Oire Nomi 5pc Chisel Set

Price not available

Buy on Amazon

Irwin Marples 6pc Chisel Set

£49.99

Buy on Amazon

VIDEO LINKS

🎦 How to Make a Tusk Tenon Joint Like a Pro: https://youtu.be/osoItQj_blw

🎦 How to Create a Scarf Joint like a Pro: https://youtu.be/-SUtoKKNKHQ

SHOPPING WITH AXMINSTER TOOLS

⏩ Japanese Oire Nomi Chisel Set: axminstertools.com/japanese-oire-nomi-chisel-set-610376

⏩ Japanese Hakkaku Genno Hammer: axminstertools.com/japanese-hakkaku-genno-hammer-ax20287

⏩ Axminster Rider Sharpening Station Kit: axminstertools.com/axminster-rider-sharpening-station-kit-717767

Makita XGT – Power Up with the New 40V Max Range

Makita
News

Dylan Garton

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8th June 2020

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Makita XGT – Power Up with the New 40V Max Range

Makita XGT 40V Max is the new stand-alone cordless battery platform from Makita…

Here we are introducing Makita’s range of highest power cordless solutions yet: XGT 40V Max. The XGT range of machines – including combi drills, grinders, rotary hammers, impact drivers, circular saws and reciprocating saws – offers high output, durability and fast charge times, keeping you working for longer without disruption.

An introduction to Makita XGT

XGT 40V Max is the new stand-alone cordless battery platform from Makita – with its own range of tools, lithium-ion batteries and chargers. The new 40V Max system will stand side-by-side with Makita’s industry-leading LXT platform to offer a battery solution for all applications. XGT has been built around three concepts:

High power

With 40V Max power, Makita XGT is the most powerful battery platform in the Makita range. The increased output is ideal for industrial, higher demand applications. In fact, XGT, cordless machines offer output that can genuinely rival the high power of corded tools and even some petrol engine machines.

The Makita XGT range benefits from a completely new design – across the machines, the batteries and charging system. Instead of going for a higher voltage battery, the Makita R&D Team has developed a system with improved construction and advanced technologies to achieve optimum power and performance. When going for a higher voltage battery there is a trade-off between power and run-time. However, XGT delivers balanced run-time delivered from the new 40V Max motor and battery platform, with all the power that is required for heavier duty applications.

Tough design

The new Makita XGT batteries have been engineered with durable design features to minimise damage and withstand tough environments. The heavy-duty outer casing and cell holder and shock-absorbing housing protect the battery if dropped. Each battery also has an IPX4 rating, which means that it is splash and showerproof, and water ingress is limited – ideal for those working with pipework or outside in unpredictable weather. Their design also prevents damage from dust.

Makita XGT batteries also include high rigidity rails, that firmly hold the battery to the tool – making them suitable for use with high power products and heavy-duty applications.

Smart technology

To optimise battery performance and charge times, XGT features Makita’s unique smart system technology. This in-built programme allows digital communication between the battery and the charger, as well as the battery and the tool, to provide protection against issues such over-discharge and overheating. For example, if the battery has overheated, the charger will cool it down before charging begins. This significantly speeds up the charging process and minimises downtime.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “This an exciting time for existing Makita users and new users alike. Makita’s new XGT platform is the next generation in cordless technology, leading the way in both performance and intelligence. With XGT, you can experience the same high power associated with corded and petrol machines, but with the increased flexibility of cordless – making Makita XGT the ideal solution for high demand, industrial applications.

“The complete solution of our existing LXT 18V system and the new XGT 40V platform offers even more battery-powered solutions for a truly cordless job site.”

What’s in the range

Makita has launched a number of new products for the 40V XGT platform, each suited to high demand applications – including cutting, grinding, drilling and fixing. To maximise on site efficiency, the tools are designed to offer outstanding performance, ease of use and operator safety. The new 40V Makita XGT line-up includes:

TD001G Impact Driver – delivering 220Nm of max torque and ten tightening modes.
HP001G Combi-Hammer Drill – providing 140Nm of max torque and 41 electronic clutch settings.
GA004G, GA005G, GA012G and GA013G Angle Grinders – offering the same power as 1,100W corded grinders.
HR003G and HR004G SDS-Plus Combination Hammers – which include anti-vibration technology and benefit from a HEPA filter dust collection system.
HS004G Circular Saw – with a no. load speed of 6,000RPM, 48⁰ bevel capacity and AWS wireless connection facility for use with compatible dust extractors.
JR001G Reciprocating Saw – achieving 255mm capacity in wood and Ø130mm capacity in pipe.
All models are available as body only machines, or complete models with battery, charger and ADP10 Adaptor for charging LXT 18V batteries via the XGT 40V charger.

To improve durability, the new XGT tools also benefit from Makita’s Brushless motor. As there are no moving parts within the motor causing friction, wear and tear and ongoing maintenance costs are minimised. No friction also means that no energy is lost through heat production, which increases run times and keeps you working for longer – as you do not have to regularly stop to replace or recharge the batteries.

To support the new product range, Makita has also launched a selection of accessories. The 40V batteries can be purchased individually and are available in 2.5Ah and 4.0Ah versions. To minimise operator fatigue – and maximise on-site productivity – the batteries are lightweight. For example, the 2.5Ah XGT batteries weigh just 100g more than 18V LXT alternatives.

To charge the batteries, Makita has launched the DC40RA 40V Max fast charger. Due to the smart system, the DC40RA offers optimised charging. For example, a 2.5Ah XGT battery can be charged in just 28 minutes and a 4.0Ah battery in 45 minutes.

For those that are currently using Makita’s LXT products, Makita has developed an adaptor that allows you to charge your LXT batteries using the XGT charger. This makes changing between tools effortless. With the adaptor, LXT batteries charge in just 22 minutes (for 3.0Ah LXT batteries) up to 40 minutes (for 6.0Ah LXT batteries).

To launch the new XGT range, Makita UK will also be offering a new redemption deal on selected models, so contractors can claim an extra 40V battery completely FREE of charge!

To find out more about Makita and the new range of 40V XGT products, please visit www.makitauk.com

Install a NEW Baxi Boiler with Google Nest Thermostat E

Videos

Dylan Garton

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8th June 2020

0

Install a NEW Baxi Boiler with Google Nest Thermostat E

https://www.mrcentralheating.co.uk/save-time-and-energy

Phil and Roger install the third in our series of Baxi boiler installations along with the Google Nest Thermostat E control system.

==================================
Products featured in this episode

Baxi Platinum 40 (ErP) Combi Boiler
mrcentralheating.co.uk/boilers/boilers-by-brand/baxi

HydroGuard 0.16L Stainless Steel Shock Arrestor
mrcentralheating.co.uk/hydroguard-stainless-steel-shock-arrestor

Fernox TF1 Omega Filter 22mm
mrcentralheating.co.uk/fernox-tf1-omega-filter-22mm-no-valves

Fernox F1 Protector
mrcentralheating.co.uk/fernox-f1-protector-500ml

EasyBuild UK supports County Contractors with their innovative software

Dylan Garton

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3rd June 2020

0

EasyBuild UK supports County Contractors with their innovative software

County Contractors is a leading refurbishment specialist, specialising in large scale, high
profile projects for over 40 years.

The Somerset-based commercial refurbishment company had an ageing, existing finance
system that was already painfully unstable and unreliable. In order for Country
Contractors to continue running a profitable business and meet new visions the company
knew they needed new efficient tools.

Once County Contractors became aware that the current finance system was no longer fit
for purpose, they went out to market.

County Contractors chose the award-winning EasyBuild ERP software as an all-in-one
solution because it is designed for the construction sector, with an easy-to-use, intuitive
interface.

EasyBuild’s ERP Contractors Software helps companies manage and control their
contracting projects by giving complete and instant access to their progress – taking real
time snapshots of how profitable your construction projects are with full analysis of costs,
revenues, liabilities, and surveyor adjustments.

One of the biggest attractions for County Contractors was EasyBuild’s constant focus on
enhancements and developments to the system. If a client suggests a development that
will be helpful to the rest of the EasyBuild community, this can often be added at no
further cost. However, EasyBuild’s talented development team can also create bespoke
functionality for specific clients, which County Contractors have been able to benefit from.

Ian Cook from County Contractors said “EasyBuild is a great company to work with. They
are genuinely interested in how they can help your business and that is rare. As our business
develops, so does the EasyBuild system.”

EasyBuild has been delighted to welcome Ian Cook and his team at County Contractors.
They are a business who know exactly what they were looking for in a fully integrated
ERP solution, and during the sales engagement they were able to articulate their business
processes and how EasyBuild would address the “weaknesses” in their current system.

The relationship between EasyBuild and Country Contractors is a “partnership”, says CEO
Carol Massay. “Ian and his team know what is good for their business and there is no
hesitation in picking up the phone to the EasyBuild team to discuss their requirements”.

Over the last few months, EasyBuild has been looking at further enhancements to their
portfolio of solutions, and Ian has been willing to provide his input and sector knowledge
to the development team as part of this process.

EasyBuild are looking forward to building on the relationship with County Contractors for
many years to come.

“When a customer is happy to provide a review and insight into their experiences, this
means a lot and is a true testimonial for other customers to hear”

A Builder’s View of Venice

Videos

Dylan Garton

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2nd June 2020

0

Roger digs out some old photos and takes a look at a builder’s view of Venice and the challenges that face the trades in this historic City.

Team SB were booked up to visit Venice in March to research rising damp before COVID-19 came along and changed the plans.

#Venezia #VeniceItaly #VeniceCanals

How to Make Fibrous Plaster Mouldings – KB#10

Videos

Dylan Garton

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30th May 2020

0

How to Make Fibrous Plaster Mouldings – KB#10

James shows us his fibrous cornice plastering technique in King Build #10.

Contact fibrous plasterer James Foster: 07900 915194

Our thanks go to James King for letting Roger film this extension project series. The Supreme Finishing Company can be contacted by following the link below.

https://thesupremefinishingcompany.co.uk

#KingBuild #ExtensionBuilding #FibrousPlastering

The Completed Project – Garden Room #8

Videos

Dylan Garton

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28th May 2020

0

Robin gives us a tour of the completed garden room.

Planning Permission vs Permitted Development: https://youtu.be/l97KezwLWIM

TapcoSlate Classic BBA approved synthetic slate: https://www.tapcoroofingproducts.com/product/tapcoslate-classic

Follow Robin:
https://www.youtube.com/ukconstruction
https://www.instagram.com/robinclevett

This type of garden room is ideal for use as an office, photographic studio, workshop, man cave or playroom.

#SBGardenRoom #MilwaukeeTools #TapcoSlate

CHAS and Checkatrade Announce New Partnership

News

Dylan Garton

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28th May 2020

0

CHAS and Checkatrade Announce New Partnership

CHAS, the Health & Safety accreditation specialist, has signed an agreement with Checkatrade that will see the two organisations work together to help their trade members boost their accredited status and availability for work…

Checkatrade is one of the UK’s leading directories of recommended, vetted and monitored trade experts, while CHAS helps construction clients to find certified contractors.

The joint venture will enable Checkatrade members to secure discounted accreditation status through CHAS, helping them to compete for work that requires Health & Safety certification. In turn, CHAS members who pass Checkatrade’s robust 12-stage vetting process will be offered an introductory discount on membership.

Commenting on the announcement, Ian McKinnon, Managing Director, CHAS, says: “It has been a challenging period for the construction sector but this new partnership underlines our commitment to providing new opportunities for our members and helping them to recover and strengthen their businesses during this difficult time”.

Mike Fairman, CEO of Checkatrade, said “our business is committed to making it easier for trades to find work and grow their business. One aspect of that is easy and affordable access to work tenders where Health & Safety accreditation is a pre-condition. All members that gain accredited status will be able to carry the CHAS logo on their profile pages. They will also benefit from the support of Checkatrade’s reviews and vetting team, creating a portfolio of verified customer feedback that demonstrates the quality of their work.

Checkatrade Associations

Green Oak Feather Edge Cladding – Garden Room #7

Dylan Garton

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25th May 2020

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Green Oak Feather Edge Cladding – Garden Room #7

Robin is cladding again with feather edge green oak and our Garden Room project is almost complete.

Follow Robin:
https://www.youtube.com/ukconstruction
https://www.instagram.com/robinclevett

This type of garden room is ideal for use as an office, photographic studio, workshop, man cave or playroom.

Timber Treatment with Roxil Wood Protection Cream

Videos

Dylan Garton

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22nd May 2020

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Timber Treatment with Roxil Wood Protection Cream

https://www.safeguardeurope.com/products/roxil/roxil-wood-protection-cream

A unique timber treatment, Roxil Wood Protection Cream is a silicone cream emulsion offering protection for 10+ years with a single coat. It protects wood from moisture, preventing degraded appearance, warping and moss or algae growth.

#Roxil #TimberTreatment #WoodProtection

Karndean Van Gogh Flooring – Capel #23

Videos

Dylan Garton

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20th May 2020

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Robin talks about working with Cutwrights and what he needs to do once the materials turn up on-site at The Capel Build.

Berwicks of Horsham are also in the house laying his Karndean Van Gogh Luxury Vinyl Flooring.

Here are the products mentioned in this episode.

⏩ MDF Cut to Size – Cutwrights Bespoke board cutting

⏩ Karndean, Amtico, Wood & Laminate flooring – Berwick of Horsham

⏩ Van Gogh rustic wood plank look from Karndean

⏩ Quality Materials For Furniture and Construction from EGGER

⏩ Capel Build Playlist

UVC Lighting That Actively Reduces the Bacterial and Viral Charge

Dylan Garton

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19th May 2020

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UVC Lighting That Actively Reduces the Bacterial and Viral Charge

Humanlumen, the lighting brand with a uniquely human-centric approach, introduces the Clean Air Series, a range of UVC Air Sterilisation Units, providing a safe, reliable and sustainable solution for a safe ‘Return to Work’ for many employers and employees.

The Clean Air Series is a range of efficient UVC lighting devices that actively reduce the bacterial and viral charge of the air in closed environments.

This truly innovative design can provide fast sterilisation for offices, classrooms, hotel rooms and healthcare environments.

The International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) believes that UV disinfection technologies can play a role in a multiple barrier approach to reducing the transmission of the virus causing COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2, based on current disinfection data and empirical evidence.

UVC Air Purification Unit

The powerful UVC radiation is totally isolated inside the Air Filtration System (AFS) as exposure of UV light, of any type, in high dosage to the naked eye will cause potential long-term health issues.

The system draws in contaminated air and removes all bacteria through a series of integral filters and then delivers clean air back into the space. Each unit cleanses up to 3000 cubic square metres of open office space and is a simple plug and play system with no integration into the existing mechanical systems.

The clean air units work like an air purifier, but instead of filters it uses the UVC technology to eliminate the viruses. The fan located in the bottom of the fitting sucks in the air of the room and channels it through a series of UVC light canals that have the UVC lights. The UVC kills the viruses and the clean air is released in the room through a carbon filter.

The carbon filter’s main purpose is to clean the odours from the air, with an additional dust filter at the entrance of the fan, neither is essential to kill bacteria, this is the role of the UVC light.

Pebble Dashing Rendered Walls – KB#9

Videos

Dylan Garton

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18th May 2020

0

James shows us how he likes to pebble dash rendered walls in King Build Part 9.

Our thanks go to James King for letting Roger film this extension project series. The Supreme Finishing Company can be contacted by following the link below.

https://thesupremefinishingcompany.co.uk

#KingBuild #ExtensionBuilding #PebbleDash

Do You Need Planning Permission or Are Your Permitted Development Rights Enough?

Dylan Garton

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16th May 2020

0

Do You Need Planning Permission or Are Your Permitted Development Rights Enough?

We’re looking at planning permission for extensions. Maybe you’re building a conservatory or converting your garage or in my case, building an extension that’s so small I thought I’d be able to build it without that planning permission UK application under what they call ‘permitted development rights’ but I was wrong.

Permitted Development Rights were introduced to make it easier to extend your home, cut red tape, empower you and spread peace and harmony throughout the land.

Parliament granted this right rather than your local authority and you’d think that parliament trumps all, but that’s not always the case because your council can issue an Article 4 direction which takes away your automatic right to develop.

Location

If you’re surrounded by character and charm, they don’t want you spoiling it. So, Conservation Areas, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, World Heritage Sites, basically anywhere where posh people live are off-limits, so you’d think that puts me in the clear?

I built my extension 20 years ago, which means I can’t now build an extension on my extension without applying for planning permission. I’m keeping my fingers crossed because I’ve already started digging.

So the good thing about living in a charmless area that nobody cares about is that you can get away with more. If you’re eligible, and I urge you to check before you start, you can extend your house with a single storey up to 50% of your curtilage which usually means your garden, unless your garden looks like Buckingham Palace.

Loft Extensions

You can also build a loft extension with a dormer provided you hide it around the back. You can also build at the back of your house up to 8 metres on a single storey if your house is detached or 6 metres if you are in a semi-detached or terrace. There is also a restriction on height, and this is usually 4 metres from ground level.

Now some years ago I did some work for a multi-millionaire and we built an extension that exceeded the 4-metre height. The neighbour complained, the man from the Town Hall came round with his tape measure and the millionaire was ordered to reduce the height.

But he was not a millionaire by accident. He told us to get a JCB in and build up the ground around the extension by half a metre. The man from Town Hall came back to check the measurement and there was nothing the council or the neighbour could do about it.

Now we want to get on with our neighbours and avoid disputes and Permitted Development can be subject to neighbour consultation, so have a chat with them and make sure they’d be happy. Let’s suppose you want to build two floors and do something that falls outside of the Permitted Development. You then need to apply for planning permission.

Planning Permission Process

This is a strange process because the people who green-light building your dream home are councillors who form the planning committee. And what qualifies them for this job? Nothing at all.

I knew some of the councillors on my local planning committee, they were nice well-intentioned people but they knew nothing about building or architecture and their decisions were as much governed by what side they got out of bed as anything else.

Democratic rights allow you to attend the planning meeting but you can’t try and influence the deliberation with well-timed coughing and if it goes against you don’t storm the chamber or let off a stink bomb, this isn’t France!

Good Design

They say a good design gets your planning application through, but what is good design? Bear in mind the buildings we consider the finest in the land were all built before the Town and Country Planning Act came into force.

I’m not suggesting that we remove all restrictions but what we have now is vague, subjective and inconsistent. It involves concepts such as ‘in keeping’ and tasteful which changes all the time.

The extension I built years ago had to be set back from the frontage and lowered so it was subordinate. Two years later the person down the road has built an extension which sits in line with the front of an identical house and the roofline continues through at the same height. What happened was a local election and a change of personnel on the planning committee.

Rejection

If you’re unlucky enough to have your application turned down, take heart because you can appeal and, in my experience, appeals have a good chance of succeeding. So take heart and soldier on but be prepared to compromise.

Do not, under any circumstances build first and ask later because, although in theory, you can get retrospective permission there are many cases of people having to demolish, or stand clear and watch somebody else demolish, their home.

Up next in this series, we’re taking a look at the minefield which is the Building Regulations and how you might navigate them or get blown up in the process.

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