37 minute read
News
CASTING THE NET
Retrofit challenge a missed opportunity, insists the FMB
Despite welcome announcements on funding for skills, business rates and housing, it’s disappointing that the retrofit challenge to make our homes greener and more energy efficient has not been grasped by the Government, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the Budget and Spending Review.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “The Chancellor has missed the opportunity to give householders peace of mind about how they can tackle the net zero challenge. With nothing on retrofit for owner occupiers in last week’s Heat and Buildings Strategy, I’m struggling to see how the country will reach its legally binding net zero targets by 2050 if it doesn’t fix the UK’s 29 million leaky homes.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB001
DECISION OF THE BOARD
‘Time to reconstruct CITB’ says National Federation of Builders
A new report from the National Federation of Builders (NFB) has called for a fundamental restructuring of the CITB. Key recommendations include the creation of a new construction careers body, reform of the Levy including stripping CITB of Levy raising powers, and the removal of the grants system and corresponding reduction in Levy. The NFB’s members have also called for the delivery of apprenticeship and qualification financial incentives through Government, and ending CITB projects and programmes.
The report ‘Reconstructing CITB, The NFB View of CITB: A New Way Forward for Skills and Training Deliver’, can be accessed via the link below:
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB002
DUST YOURSELF DOWN
Bureau Veritas is urging construction firms to eliminate dust risks
“The focus on respiratory health as part of the HSE’s inspection initiative is a necessary step in improving practices,” declares Fran Watkins-White, Head of CDM Services at Bureau Veritas. Construction companies should consider the risk of exposure to dust and other hazardous materials from project conception, effectively ‘designing out’ the dust risk through construction planning. The organisation can provide support in this process through its CDM Consultancy services.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB003
THE RIGHT ‘SCUFF’
Get your hands on a £50 Dulux Trade Scuffshield Matt voucher
Dulux Trade is offering decorators the chance to get their hands on its anti-scuff paint – Dulux Trade Scuffshield Matt. Incorporating new ‘Scuff Resistance Technology’, it is designed to reduce the impact of plastic and rubber materials on the paint surface to protect walls against everyday scuff marks from items like shoes and bags. Use the link below to access the form and receive your £50 voucher.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB004
THE SHOW’S ON THE ROAD
HB42 launches its Ultimate Roadshow
Coming soon to a merchant near you! HB42 has launched its Ultimate Roadshow, the centrepiece being its new trailer stocked full of products, information and goodies. The trailer is designed to fit into merchant yards and car parks and is ready to welcome installers inside. “Our experts will be on hand to give hints and tips and practical information which will help our customers understand the breadth and flexibility of our range,” says Scarlet McAleese-Banks, CoManaging Director of HB42.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB005
CHECK IT OUT!
Checkatrade reports increase in ecofriendly energy alternatives
Amidst the ongoing energy crisis, Checkatrade has revealed that there have been staggering increases in the number of people looking into eco-friendly energy alternatives. Since October last year, its website has seen a 42.6 per cent rise in searches for air and ground source heat pumps and a 99 per cent increase in searches for solar panel installation over the same period. Checkatrade has devised a series of cost guides to help prepare for the extra energy costs and sustainable alternatives to current systems, calculating that the the supply and installation of an air source heat pump will cost in the region of £9,000-£11,000, for example.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB006
COMING CLEAN
Grant UK responds to the UK Government’s plan to drive down the cost of clean heat
Leading heating specialists Grant UK has broadly welcomed the Government announcement that it plans to incentivise people to install lowcarbon heating systems in ‘a simple and fair way’ as they replace their old boilers over the next few years. As part of the plans, households look set to benefit from a oneoff £5,000 government grant through a £450 million Boiler Upgrade Scheme part of £3.9 billion of new funding to decarbonise heat and buildings.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB007
SOUNDS LIKE A CHALLENGE!
The Kick It With Keylite Challenge has been fundraising for Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin and Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. The challenge involves participants seeing how many attempts it takes them to kick, throw, putt or bat a ball through a Keylite Roof Window –which means no matter the chosen sport, anyone can Kick It With Keylite! Now, the charity initiative has been expanded to support the Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity local to Keylite’s head office in Burton upon Trent, and to raise the total fundraising target to £30k across the three charities.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB008
PITCHING IN
Russell Roof Tiles warns of disruption from proposed legislation changes
The modifications relate to BS EN 1991-1-4: 2005 + A1: 2021, part of the Eurocode series, and the European standard for wind actions on structures, which is currently undergoing its five-year review. Set for introduction in 2024, the revision will impact on the fixing requirements of UK manufactured roof tiles and slates and means costs will go through the roof, according to the manufacturer. Although Britain has now left the European Union (EU), there are still best practice standards we must adhere to wherever possible.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB009
#DownTools
VW has launched a campaign for a better work-life balance
With research revealing the damaging impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the mental health of the UK’s workforce, the manufacturer has partnered with the charity Mental Health UK to provide free well-being support and guidance. Research for the brand’s #DownTools campaign found that 75 per cent of people work beyond their contracted hours and almost half face having to work at least one weekend a month to catch up, with a third admitting working extra hours has increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. VW has partnered with Mental Health UK to curate an essential well-being toolbox, providing free support and guidance on how to look after your mental health.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB010
INTO THE WOODS
The Structural Timber Association (STA) has welcomed the Government’s Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener, which places a firm emphasis on reducing the embodied carbon of buildings by adopting more sustainable materials, such as timber. The STA provides an online library which contains a wealth of documents, including information on all aspects of timber construction, from Building Regulations to best practice principles. It can assist those specifying structural timber for projects or provide technical support during installation on site.
FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB011
BUILD BACK GREENER
Glenigan launches Sustainable Construction Report
The Glenigan Sustainable Construction Report: ‘Build Back Greener: Challenges & Opportunities for UK Construction’ is an analysis of how the UK construction industry is responding to the drive towards Net Zero 2050. It establishes a barometer, indicating positive steps already made and forecasting future progress towards a carbon neutral industry.
TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT GOT TO WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB012 TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GLENIGAN GO TO WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB013
© Flamingo Images MUCH IN DEMAND
Strong construction demand but supply hit by “perfect storm”
The Construction Products Association (CPA) has revised construction output growth up for 2021 from 13.7 to 14.3 per cent. Output in private housing, the largest construction sector, is forecast to rise by 17.0 per cent in 2021 and by 6.0 per cent in 2022, whilst the ‘race for space’ in the RMI sector will result in a 20.0 per cent rise in output this year. However, supply chain constraints, skills shortages, product availability and cost inflation, HGV driver shortages, the impacts of energy cost rises, and delays at ports are all expected to make up an unprecedented number of challenges for the months ahead.
FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB014
...problems solved
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE KIDDING?
Dear Professional Builder
Loved the analogy between all the recent shortages and Dad’s Army’s Corporal Jones in this month’s Viewpoint. So much so that myself and a couple of the guys on site took up your advice and spent some time over a brew playing the ministerial match up game….
This is what we managed to came up with: Boris “now look here men” Johnson – obviously Captain Mainwaring himself. Sergeant, “do you mind awfully” Wilson – AKA backstabber Michael Gove. Private “we are all doomed” Fraser – got to be Chris Whitty. Matt Hancock as accident-prone Pike. Wide-boy Walker played by Chancellor, Rishi Sunak. Priti Patel as Wilson’s flighty bit on the side, Mavis. Teresa May as Mainwaring’s heard – but never seen – nagging wife. Ken Clarke as “can I be excused” Private Godfrey. Then, of course, there is the self-righteous Vicar, portrayed by Sir Keir Starmer. Warden “F!@? off ‘Napoleon’” Hodges who in a nod to 21st century wokeness has to be sweary Labour Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner! Keep up the good work!
Pete Dowling, Reading. PB: Not a bad effort, we think, but sure other Professional Builder readers could do even better.
FEELING THE HEAT
Dear Professional Builder
I’ve been reading a lot lately about the incentives that the government is putting in place for heat pumps. I do think that the technology is fantastic but I fear they may be overselling it. There are going to be homeowners out there who do a bit of research and realise that the upfront cost is actually quite high, and there could be quite a lot of extensive and disruptive work required if you’re retrofitting these units into existing properties.
Ian Bidwell, Leeds, Yorks.
PB: Heat pumps are just one of many low carbon technologies with the potential to make a difference to emissions, but they are certainly not a panacea. As with any heating system it needs to be compatible with the property and it’s important that installers are equipped with the knowledge to advise the general public on what’s right for them.
Professional Builder’s DI-WHY? feature is proof positive that the vast majority of repair, maintenance and improvement works are best left to those with the necessary experience and skills. There’s more to see on the Professional Builder website and if you’ve been asked to come to a client’s rescue then you can share your experiences with us via social media or email.
The hole truth! Tom Watson, via email
How do people get away with this? And probably get paid for it. This was on a roof two doors down from where I was working in Scarborough – shocking. Ian Atkinson, via email
I recently saw this on a very exclusive street in Leicester. I could not believe that any homeowner, especially not one with such a nice house, would allow this on their property – and on the front! It wasn’t impossible to reroute it into the roof and come out in the same place. Spencer Seal, via email
I took this last year of some really poorly aligned doors, drawers and end panels. A DIYer attempted this. Matthew Jones on Facebook
Good use of gaffer tape and foam! @JamesB177 on Twitter
SHARE YOUR PICS!
IF YOU’VE GOT A DI-WHY? DISASTER YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH YOUR FELLOW TRADESPEOPLE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB015
YOU CAN ALSO SEND YOU PHOTOS TO PB@HAMERVILLE.CO.UK OR TAG US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, OR INSTAGRAM.
BIG BAND TIME
Band of Builders is bringing tradespeople together on a mission to change lives. Lee Jones visits BoB’s latest – and largest – charitable endeavour.
It is their most ambitious project to date and a testament to the progress that the Band of Builders charity has made. “If we were to price this up as a job it would take four months and represent over £120,000 worth of work,” BoB volunteer, Kevin Cox tells us as he takes a break from ‘Cher’s project’, “and we’re doing it in just 24 days.”
The very worthy recipient of that aid is Cher Little, who was tragically struck down with meningococcal septicaemia last year, and subsequently had both legs amputated below the knee. After she was released from hospital, the home she shared with her plasterer partner, Mark proved to be wholly unsuited to a wheelchair-bound resident. “The NHS provided a bed, which we put in the living room, and that’s really been my world,” reveals the Flintshire mother of two. “Although I’ve since been able to make use of prosthetic limbs my mobility was still severely restricted. There was very little privacy, and it was difficult to cope psychologically.”
Enter an intrepid team of volunteer tradespeople, who answered the call after Cher’s sister appealed for help. “Over the course of three separate phases we will open up and increase the size of the ground floor, by removing internal walls, widening doors and adding an extension,” explains Kevin, who is the project lead on the Connah’s Quay site. “A downstairs toilet and wetroom will be added – all level access – with a landscaped garden to the rear, whilst Cher’s upstairs bedroom will be refitted.”
The East London based general builder is well versed in the worthy endeavours of BoB having previously worked on at least eight of their projects and estimates that he presently devotes around 200-man hours a year to the charity. “I’m passionate about what they do because it gives ordinary tradespeople like me the opportunity to make use of their skills and give something back, especially given that they devote their resources to helping people in the industry.”
“There’s a very special dynamic on a BoB site that you just wouldn’t get
Cher Little (right), with Band of Builders’ Ellen Manning (left), is “overwhelmed” with the support she has received from the charity
Plumbing and heating engineers, Robbie Browne (Right) and Sam Coaker (Left) of S Coaker Heating
anywhere else. Where ordinarily one trade might not care very much what they leave for the next coming in after them, everyone here is working together for a common cause and really can’t do enough for each other. That’s what makes it so special.”
Over the course of the works, this unassuming north Wales property will play host to over 70 volunteers, whilst the local community has also thrown in its support, with surrounding businesses delivering food, and a nearby pub lodging BoB personnel in rooms free of charge. Not only that, but Mold-based Rowlands Contracting have paid for skips, a grab lorry, and have supplied an excavator and manpower.
Two of the people to give up their time are plumbing and heating engineers, Robbie Browne and Sam Coaker, the latter the proprietor of Norfolk-based S Coaker Heating, with both undertaking a combi boiler conversion on Cher’s home. “The atmosphere of working for a greater a good and the camaraderie is infectious,” enthuses Sam. “We’re just doing what we do on a daily basis but, in this instance, it’s making an untold difference to someone’s life.”
It’s an opinion that Robbie reiterates: “The events of the last year have made it clearer than ever that we do need to help each other where we can and that’s where Band of Builders is providing such a great example.”
“I really don’t have the words to express how much this will mean to me, and I’m so very grateful for everyone who is taking part,” declares Cher. “It’s completely overwhelming to think that complete strangers would come together to help.”
BoB Project Lead, Kevin Cox (left) is a Band of Builders veteran
IF YOU WANT TO GET INVOLOVED WITH BAND OF BUILDERS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB016
BEST FOOT FORWARD
In addition to taking on bigger projects Band of Builders has also developed a number of commercial partnerships in recent years, with V12 Footwear one of the companies to step up to the challenge and pledge to raise funds.
“From the moment I heard of the charity, I knew we should throw all we could at it to support such a great cause,” reveals Managing Director, Andy Turner. “We feel humbled and privileged to be involved in a support program for Band of Builders.”
On Cher’s project many of the BoB volunteers and staff were sporting the latest in V12 footwear – the V2150 BoB Charity Boot. Featuring exclusive Band of Builders laces, every pair sold will see £5 donated to the charity.
Tony Steel, Operations Director at Band of Builders, said: “To receive backing from a company like V12 is yet another great development for Band of Builders. They’ve got some exciting plans that we know will not only raise funds but will be really engaging for both our members and supporters. Our motto at BoB has always been ‘TogetherStronger’ and V12 really get that – coming together with us to help us achieve even more and help more people.”
Just because you’re helping a charity doesn’t mean you’ll be missing out on any of the features you’d expect from high-quality safety footwear. The boots feature a lightweight composite safety toecap, cushioned anti-fatigue insole and moisture-wicking lining to keep feet cool and dry. There’s also a flexible anti-penetration steel midsole for underfoot protection, all finished in suede leather.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE V12 V2150 BOB CHARITY BOOT VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB017
ON A PEDESTAL!
Professional Builder finds out more about the growing ambitions of a company which is looking to raise the profile of all types of decking in more ways than one!
the Self Levelling is the best product for 20mm ceramic which is the best selling slab
QWe have to confess that the Jouplast brand is new to us, and we suspect the vast majority of Professional Builder readers. However, we understand that the company, through its UK distributor Plastic Mouldings Northern, now has its sights set firmly on becoming a significant player in the UK landscaping market during 2022 and beyond. Tell us more?
ASince 1986, Jouplast has been recognised as the leading name in France for adjustable decking and paving pedestals. Its success is credited to a combination of great technical expertise, creative design, and a desire to manufacture products which meet the needs of the market. The decking and paving pedestals allow the user to raise and lower the head by simply rotating the green (decking) nut or the (blue/grey) nut for the paving and by doing so perfect levels can be set on timber joists or on 20mm thick ceramic slabs.
TMP Convert, who produce the components, are based in south east France, within the ‘Plastic Valley’ industrial region and have long been experts in the design and manufacture of landscaping products. Starting with the simple pedestal the range has grown into an impressive offering of innovative solutions for outdoor construction projects – all designed to make the job easier for professional installers.
QAs in France we would imagine, the decking market here in the UK is constantly evolving. How are the company keeping pace with these new trends and materials and how adaptable to this new market is the product portfolio?
Picture courtesy of Aggregate Industries France
AThe range has expanded considerably in recent years to cover a wide variety of paving projects, as well as wooden and composite decking. Our R&D team is continually developing new products to solve practical on-site issues, from levelling without the need for groundworks, rot-proof structures, and even simpler methods of height adjustment. These are the same problems facing the landscaper the world over. We also focus on developing products that are as easy as possible to install, including urban garden design, small garden spaces and combinations of different elements and materials.
QFor those landscapers who have typically employed more traditional methods of providing a base for the decking, can you explain how the pedestal concept works in principle?
The Jouplast, 50/80mm plastic adjustable, pedestal risers provide an innovative and simple way to ensure that you end up with a perfectly level deck. Laid onto an existing solid surface and spaced at 700mm centres, the decking joists are placed onto the head of the risers and attached through the moulded slot with a 30mm screw.
AOne of the biggest recent trends in landscaping options is the emergence of 20mm ceramic tiles. We have responded to the popularity of increasingly large tile formats – and tiles that mimic wood planking – with a comprehensive choice of paving pedestals that simplify installation. These include adjustable pedestals, both fixed head and self-levelling versions, perimeter support plates, right down to the lateral support clip to cover edges of the terrace — all for a professional result. The over-riding motivation behind all of our pedestals is to allow the contractor to achieve precisely the look the customer desires without the need for invasive major groundworks and large-scale machinery. This is particularly useful in tightly packed urban environments where space and access may be restricted. QThere’s much more to the range than just pedestals right?
AAbsolutely. Our 2.40m Heavy Duty Lawn Edging strip can be used to clearly separate distinct areas of landscaping (lawns, gravel, sand, paving, concrete paths, etc.), provide firm and stable edge support for exposed aggregate concrete and cold lay asphalt, and create distinct landscaped spaces, such as paths, flowerbeds, and terraces. For ground stabilisation there is a range of honeycomb stabilisation gravel mats for landscaping pedestrian areas, traffic routes and parking areas in public and private spaces. We are committed to developing products that are as easy as possible to install so that you can achieve a perfect result quickly and easily.
With gravel stabilisation mats you can create all-gravel surfaces that are perfectly level and stable, easy to walk on and wheelchair friendly. QWe have seen a lot of attractive decking projects which have been somewhat spoilt by unsightly fixings. How have you addressed this issue?
AThe solution is a totally invisible fixing system that allows timber boards to be fixed to the joists with no visible screw heads. It’s a little more time consuming but the end results are well worth the extra effort. It’s part of our mission to constantly develop new accessories to optimise the work involved in building all types of patios and decked areas.
QEnvironmental issues are obviously high on the agenda these days. How are you helping your customers to meet those commitments in what can be potentially major changes to the landscape?
AAs a business we fully understand the importance of protecting nature against the damage that can be caused by impermeable surfacing materials like concrete and tarmac, and are proud to offer products that can be driven on to make access roads and parking spaces more natural and kinder to the environment. Whether in landscaped, urban, private, or public settings, it is possible to consolidate the ground used for this type of access without the need to use polluting materials.
As part of our contribution to creating a healthier environment for future generations, we use only 100 per cent recycled materials in the design and manufacture of our products.
QAll sounds very encouraging. How soon will UK landscapers be able to access the full Jouplast range?
AThe range is available right now from Plastic Mouldings Northern who hold over a quarter of a million units in their UK warehouses enabling prompt delivery. In addition some of the best selling products are stocked by a well known UK wide merchant. The clear ambition within the business is to make Jouplast the go to brand for all types of decking solutions here in the UK as it is in France.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON JOUPLAST VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB018
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
Like many sectors, the building industry is suffering and has been experiencing a skills shortage for some time now. This has been exacerbated by the pandemic, Brexit, and an ageing workforce.
Despite this, trades are seeing an increase in demand for work which has largely been driven by an increase in consumer confidence, repair and maintenance work, and a renewed interest in home improvements.
Now more than ever, we need to ensure training is an integral part of the construction sector if we want to meet the current demand for work, increase productivity, retain staff and attract a new generation of workers by positioning the trades as an attractive vocation.
Evolve with the industry
It doesn’t matter if you’re an employer, part of a team or a sole trader, training plays an important part in any business. It can help retain experienced workers, upskill new employees, increase productivity and minimise issues around liability.
Training is not a box-ticking exercise, it should be seen as a continual process. The sector is constantly evolving with new product innovations, working practices changing, and legislation and building standards being updated or introduced, so continuous training is essential if you want to remain competitive and win new work.
The benefits of training
Of course, training can cost, both in time and finances. But when you look at the benefits it brings to a company or individual tradesperson, the return on investment can be vast. Some key benefits of training include: ■ Staff Retention – By training employees, you not only increase your offering, but make them feel valued,
which helps to boost morale. ■ Improved performance – Improving skills and knowledge builds confidence and improves both performance and productivity. ■ Increased safety – Training is one of the best ways to reduce errors and ensure staff safety. ■ Quality control – By participating in manufacturer training, you can ensure that installations run smoothly, minimising the risk of liability issues later down the line.
At a time when skilled tradesmen are in high demand, Luciana Kola, Marketing Manager at Uponor, explains the benefits that training can bring to your business and how it can give you a competitive edge.
The competitive edge
Consumers are aware of new technologies and expect their plumber, electrician or builder not just to be aware of these, but to offer them. Keeping up to date with current best practices and learning new techniques will ensure you remain competitive.
For example, when you look at the heating industry, the popularity of underfloor heating has risen over the past few years as people look for more sustainable ways to heat their homes. In fact, the latest research suggests that the market is likely to grow by between 4 – 6 per cent over the next 4 years. This presents a huge opportunity for plumbers to make the most of this growing market by learning how to install the different product options, in particular those that work alongside more energy-efficient heating methods, such as heat pumps.
Learn invaluable skills
Like many product manufacturers, we do all we can to support our customers by providing specific product training to help you keep up to date with the latest developments in the industry, as well as support those just starting out.
We launched our free on-site installation training programme at the end of 2017 and have so far issued an incredible 2,000 certificates and trained staff from around 300 companies.
Manufacturer training such as this is invaluable as it gives delegates an indepth understanding of how products work, correct installation methods, and important health and safety aspects of carrying out an installation, including the correct handling of tools.
By partaking in manufacturer training, you can have confidence that the products you’re installing are not just high-quality but are backed by the manufacturer. This way, if a problem does arise, as long as you installed the product correctly, you won’t be liable for any potential damage or claims.
Investing in your future
With a skills shortage across the sector, now is the time to invest in both your own training and that of your workforce. The long-term benefits are substantial and will help you to become more productive, more competitive and make the most of the increased demand for skilled trades.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TRAINING AVAILABLE FROM UPONOR, VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB019
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Through Payaca the trades can manage their business and the projects they undertake –and upsell along the way. Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to the company’s Matt Franklin about the functions available.
For time-poor tradespeople the business of actually managing a building firm can often be the most frustrating of tasks, but one software developer is priding itself on listening to what builders need and providing some answers.
“From Payaca’s inception as an idea we’ve always communicated with small businesspeople in the building trades to find out what they wanted,” reveals company founder, Matt Franklin. “Our initial prospective was to develop a digital tool that could help SMEs provide multiple payment plans and credit options to their customers, as well as helping them to upsell in the process, but the functionality has since grown quite considerably.”
Multiple functions
Indeed, it became clear to Matt and his team that was just one of the issues that they could help the trades address. Accessible via desktop, tablet or mobile, Payaca is the result – an easy-to-use job management software platform from which builders can run their business, grow as a company and potentially increase the value of the individual projects they undertake. It automates and digitalises many of the process that might presently be undertaken manually, including quotes, invoicing and communicating with customers, and provides real added value along the way.
Any business that’s required to deliver a quote to a customer, and then fulfil the work, will experience many of the same problems, and that’s very much Payaca’s area of expertise, as Matt explains: “Our quoting system can include a multiplechoice list of add-ons that the prospective client can then easily select from. It’s how we’ve all become accustomed to buying things as consumers, whilst from the tradesman’s point of view, there’s the potential for additional revenue built into every quote, and it presents the professional image of a builder who provides a full-service offering.
“The upselling opportunities don’t end there because the tradesperson can also offer individual packages. If you are a plumber or heating engineer, for example, and you wanted to upgrade a client to a smart thermostat installation, that service and its costs can be included as an optional extra. We’ve spoken to tradespeople who are producing multiple versions of quotes for the same job but through our system you can get to the customer agreement stage much more quickly. At the same time, it will improve the client experience in a way that they will really appreciate, increasing the prospect of a recommendation.”
Moreover, materials and services that a building firm sells can all be easily uploaded onto Payaca. The system has been designed to integrate with leading accountancy programmes, such as Quickbooks and Xero, or they can be easily imported from spreadsheets. Once you’ve built up that catalogue Payaca can calculate a profit margin on an item-by-item basis, and then summarise those figures at a job level. If you need to include additional mark-up to account for unforeseen costs that can equally be achieved without being visible to the customer.
All the information pertaining to a particular job, from quote to invoice, and all the communication in-between, is accessible in one place on the platform. Tradespeople can also download any forms and certifications, or any further documentation the customer needs to sign digitally.
“From sole trader status through to five or six employees, and multiple projects, we want the entrepreneur to be able to grow with us and help them along that journey,” concludes Matt. “We’ll be expanding the business analytics tools available, so that users can easily interrogate the profitability of different parts of job, quote success rate, and profit margin. We’ll soon have a facility to organise staged payments through the lifetime of a job, and there’s much more to come.”
PAYACA IS AVAILABLE TO THE TRADES AS AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAB020
OUR HOUSE
© soundsnaps/Adobe Stock
Style and sustainability: St. Modwen Homes explores how the UK housing landscape has changed over time
Our home designs are an identifying aspect of our nation’s culture. Wood panelling, bay windows, and stone bricks are instantly recognisable as a product of British construction when compared to other homes around the world.As we progress through the years, it’s inspiring to see how our homes have also changed with the times – both inside and out.
From Tudor panelling to double-glazed windows, home designs throughout history have played a bigger role in our lives and culture than you may think.
So, how have we got here? How have housebuilders and homemakers through the years shaped the development of what we call home?
Here, with some help from national house builder, St. Modwen Homes, we take a look at the history of British homes and how they’ve changed to fit our culture and needs through the ages.
© Tony Baggett/Adobe Stock
Georgian: 1714 to 1830
Georgian homes were characteristically grand. Even on a smaller scale, symmetrical and tall facades matched Greek-style motifs and spacious interiors. However, you wouldn’t find natural brightness in every room. The window tax, which was based on the number of windows in a house, lasted the duration of the Georgian era.
Some homes would brick up window facades to avoid paying an additional levy on their property. Even today, you can see some buildings with bricked up gaps where reglazing has not occurred even 170 years later. Compare that to the new homes of today where large windows are popular to maximise natural sunlight and brighten the space.
Victorian: 1837 to 1901
The Victorian era moved us nearer to many of the houses we know today. Bay windows were popularised along with red-coloured brickwork. The centred and symmetrical fashion of Georgian homes had also been abandoned, favouring offcentred doors to the left or right of the façade. Geometric tiling also featured heavily in Victorian properties, adding decoration to flooring and walls.
For those living in working-class areas, you would expect the toilet to be in an outhouse. Thankfully, this Victorian trend hasn’t lasted. Modern houses are more likely to feature toilets both downstairs and upstairs. However, bay windows and stylised interiors are still popular today.
Edwardian: 1901 to 1910
Edwardian and early twentieth-century homes build on the architectural stylings of the Victorian period. A return to
symmetry, bay windows were boxed, and doorways became ornate and trimmed with white wooden frames.
Moving communities into garden estates, families enjoyed a simpler style of house. Corners became squared, and ceilings were lowered for a cosier interior. However, people could enjoy peering out into their own gardens through characterful windows – making homes even lighter during the day.
Post-war: 1945 to 1979
Following the Second World War, Britain faced a housing crisis. To combat the national shortage, then-Prime Minister Winston Churchill envisaged the construction of temporary accommodation for the public. Alongside 1.2 million new homes, over 150,000 prefabricated homes (or ‘prefabs’) were built between 1945 and 1951. Prefabs were intended to be used by occupants for up to ten years.
Bungalows were a suitable choice for simple timber or steel frames, with concrete also being used. While simple in design, this era of accelerated construction demonstrated British innovative approaches to construction. Non-traditional building techniques were developed, including prefabricating structural elements of the homes away from the site. This allowed for faster construction while maintaining the quality that homeowners would expect.
Now, over 75 years later, some prefab homes remain occupied, and their unintended longevity is inspiring architects to consider modular homes as one option for future housing.
© 1000 Words/Adobe Stock
Turn of the century: 1990 to 2010
By the 1990s, the style of the modern new-build house had been refined. The brickwork was neat, featuring classic red or newer beige colours that helped create vibrant estates, echoing the stone facades of the Georgian period. Meanwhile, streets of semi-detached or townhouses maintained a consistent style that helped create culture and inclusivity within communities.
Driveways and front gardens became more common, while inside the house, ceilings remained low and windows were wide. Double glazing and insulation were also used to help maintain heat and keep utility bills low.
The home of today: 2021
Now that we’re caught up on the history of homes in the UK, we can see how old architecture has influenced the homes of today. Taking the best elements from a range of historical styles, new-build homes today are more than just an amalgamation of older properties; they represent future ambitions in our culture.
Sustainability is now a key part of construction and life. Homes today can be upgraded with electric vehicle charging ports, solar panels on the roof, or a waste water heat recovery system. Plus, insulation ensures that homes remain warm in the winter with limited energy needs.
In some cases, tall ceilings have made a triumphant return and floor-toceiling windows allow natural light to fill rooms. Some windows even cover two floors – but don’t worry – there’s no tax on these panes.
As well as decadent gardens, communities are based around green space. Parks and woods are never too far from reach for families to enjoy.
Interiors are as spacious as the outdoors, with the return of open plan living, making kitchen and living areas the perfect place to host gatherings with family and friends. So, whether you’re looking for houses for sale in Burslem or houses for sale in Copthorne, you know that a lot of history has gone into its style, design, and construction.
Our homes aren’t just parts of our culture and history – they’re also a big part of our lives. From raising families to creating a space to work, our homes have changed to make our lives easier, more enjoyable, and more sustainable.
© KB3/Adobe Stock
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