Professional Builder July/August 2022

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FRE E TO THE TRA DE

Professional BUILDING ■ FLOORING ■ PLUMBING ■ ROOFING ■ CARPENTRY ■ PAINTING AND DECORATING ■ THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE BUILDING INDUSTRY

JULY/AUGUST 2022

NEW BUILD & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT THE PLOTS & PLANS!

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS PROFITS ON TAP! FORD PARTNERS WITH CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO “MAKE IT VISIBLE” – A SUICIDE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN THAT CANNOT BE MISSED! SEE INSIDE FOR MORE DETAILS.

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Total Average Net Distribution 112,725 112,628 1 July 2020 2019 – 31 June 2021 2020

JULY/AUGUST 2022 VOL. 44 NO.7 @PB_mag

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REGULARS 7 9 32 81 83

Editor’s Viewpoint News Free-for-All Wise Howell The Doctor’s Advice

In it to win it...pagesee 32

47 NEW BUILD & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

22 SPECIAL REPORTS 12 Charitable Plumber is Helping the Vulnerable 15 Wellbeing Tips From Mates in Mind 18 Former Bricklayer Turns Teacher 20 Inventors’ Corner: Rail Stay 22 Dulux Academy: Spray Course

34 Marshalls’ Driveway Inspiration 36 Aco – Rain Garden Installation 39 Armourflex Hard Wax Oil

66 TOOLS, EQUIPMENT & WORKWEAR

43 Oscar Acoustics – Noise Transfer 47 Marley – JB Red Battens 48 Knauf – Suspended Timber Floors 51 NEW PRODUCTS

60 Bosch Innovation Day 63 Snickers – Summer Workwear 66 Festool – Choosing the Right Screwdriver 68 Tibby Singh Reviews V12 70 COMPETITION: Trend Tool Technology 72 Norton: Hire or Buy? 74 NEW PRODUCTS

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75 Honest John: Van Servicing PLUMBING & BATHROOMS

THE BUILDERS’ OFFICE 25 Estimate with Price Builder 28 Win Work with Spetz 30 Buildxact’s End-to-end Job Management

VEHICLES & PLANT

54 Showerwall – Bathroom Wall Panelling 56 Methven – Water Saving Showering 59 NEW PRODUCTS

77 VW Transporter Sportline Kombi 78 Ford E-Transit

GENERAL BUILDING 80 Quickslide – Trends in Doors & Windows 81 Trade Media

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Total Average Net Distribution 112,628 1 July 2019 – 31 June 2020

MANAGING EDITOR TERRY SMITH EMAIL: tsmith@hamerville.co.uk DEPUTY EDITOR LEE JONES EMAIL: ljones@hamerville.co.uk GROUP ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER CRAIG JOWSEY TEL: 07900 248102 EMAIL: craig@hamerville.co.uk NORTHERN ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER IAN DUFF MOBILE: 07810 353525 EMAIL: ian@hamerville.co.uk GRAPHIC DESIGNER DONNA BOOTH GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER CAROL PADGETT DIGITAL MANAGER JASMINE SMITH EMAIL: jsmith@hamerville.co.uk DIGITAL ASSISTANT LUCY HARDING EMAIL: lharding@hamerville.co.uk DISTRIBUTION MANAGER KARL CLARK PRINTED BY WALSTEAD PETERBOROUGH PUBLISHED BY HAMERVILLE MEDIA GROUP Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts WD24 4YF Tel: (01923) 237799 Fax: (01923) 246901 Email: pb@hamerville.co.uk

Professional Builder is a business magazine for firms and individuals involved in all aspects of the building industry. It is available nationally – free to the trade through leading builders’ merchant outlets. © 2022 To be removed from this magazine’s circulation, please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk.

Subscriptions to Professional Builder are available at the following rates: UK: 1 year (11 issues) – £30.00 post paid Europe & Overseas: 1 year (11 issues) – £50.00 post paid Airmail: 1 year (11 issues) – £65.00 post paid

viewpoint COMING HOME TO ROOST! “They are a bloody nuisance quite frankly. Getting under your feet all day, complaining about the noise and dust, and regaling you with their life stories……. I wish they would all just b!@?*r off back to their own workplace. Fat chance of that, though, with the sun shining and neighbours constantly popping round for a gossip.” If that sounds familiar then you are far from alone because more and more jobbing builders are finding to their cost, yet another unexpected and little reported downside to the great work from home obsession that shows no sign of loosening its grip, post pandemic – despite Boris’s best protestations.

During the course of a typical career the average tradesperson will more than likely visit hundreds of homes, but if you thought that the absence of a regular brew and a piece of cake was the worst of potential client gripes then think again. In the present WFH climate it is becoming increasingly apparent that many builders, plumbers, and electricians are encountering the sort of behaviour that would be considered serious workplace harassment in any other context.

With millions of families confined to their homes during various national lockdowns, there is no disputing the fact that Covid had a very positive impact on the amount of renovation and home improvement work being undertaken by professionals. Unfortunately, even with the restrictions now pretty much lifted, these homeowners are still very much in evidence, making life extremely uncomfortable for those trying to carry out the works.

As another disgruntled builder told us “It’s hard to imagine someone in recently: “Tricky customers are nothing new, of course, but issues only ever really became a white-collar role encountering apparent first thing in the morning, or maybe such high levels of harassment last thing at night, and then we had the and casual disrespect without it property to ourselves for the rest of the day.

Now, they are on your case 24/7 with a totally ending in a tribunal hearing and cavalier attitude towards safety and unwittingly hefty compensation.” holding up the job by hanging around while you are doing the work, questioning your skills set and insisting they could have got the same materials cheaper online. Even though they have no idea of what real quality craftsmanship and products look like.”

Another big bugbear, it seems, is having to work around animals that are not properly under control. All those “not just for lockdown cute puppies” have grown teeth it would appear, with a recent survey suggesting a third of tradespeople have been attacked by a homeowners’ pet whilst a similar amount have actually walked off the job after being asked to work amidst dog mess, maggot infested rubbish or flea infestations. As one wag put it: “When you can’t see the floor through the rubbish and pet poo, it’s time to walk away”. And that’s not the only thing to make the skin crawl. Contrary to popular myth, many tradespeople say they have had a customer flirt or attempt to seduce them in a way which made them feel uncomfortable and, far from finding these situations comical, they often feel demeaned or threatened by such behaviour.

Whilst accepting that, like all sectors of commerce, the building industry has its fair share of unscrupulous operators, few professions have ever been subjected to the sort of sustained media scrutiny that appears to have an almost pathological obsession with the so-called cowboy builder. The end result is a society which, sadly, still tends to look down on skilled manual work in general, often devaluing the knowledge, judgment, and craftsmanship it involves. In fact, tradespeople are actually some of the best insured small businesses in the UK and are required to follow health and safety regulations designed to protect customers.

But it surely must cut both ways. Householders have a duty of care towards people in their homes too. At the most basic level, provide a clean workspace and ensure animals and children are well out of the way.

However tempting it may initially appear, the next time you are invited to quote for some domestic remedial work, it would be wise to take in more than just the job in hand and pay due diligence to the likely working conditions as the job unfolds. Scratch the surface just a little deeper and you may find a can of worms in more ways than you ever imagined.

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News Professional Builder

email your news to us at pb@hamerville.co.uk Tel 01923 237799

JUST REWARDS

MAKE IT VISIBLE

West Fraser (formerly known as Norbord) is offering its customers some amazing prizes

Ford partners with construction industry in suicide prevention campaign The automotive giant has teamed up with both the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity and Balfour Beatty with its “Make it Visible” initiative, where higher-viz safety vests will grab attention and point people in the direction of help when needed. “These highly distinguishable vans will be visiting sites across the country to deliver visible support to the boots on the ground,”

reveals Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. “The vehicles are manned by the Lighthouse Club’s on-site team who are all Mental Health First Aiders”. As many as two construction workers are lost to suicide every day, according to the Office for National Statistics.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI001

New research commissioned by the Ladder Association has raised serious concerns that unsafe and potentially dangerous ladders are being sold to unsuspecting consumers in the UK. The report, produced in partnership with the East of England Trading Standards Association (EETSA) and Suffolk Trading Standards Imports Team, found that over 80 per cent of commercially-available telescopic ladders tested in the study failed to meet the minimum safety requirements designed to keep users safe. Worse still, the research found that over half of the failed ladders were certified and sold as ‘compliant’ to standards such as CE marking, in a deliberate attempt to mislead consumers.

TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ON THE STEP UP TO SAFE LADDERS CAMPAIGN, AND TO VIEW THE FULL REPORT, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI004

A FULL LIST OF PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS AND FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI003

FIRE ALARM

Warning as three quarters of fire doors fail inspections

© Framestock/Adobe Stock

TELESCOPIC ‘SITE’

Ladder Association commissioned report finds telescopic ladders fail safety standards

Customers spending as little as £25 on SterlingOSB Zero, CaberFloor P5, CaberDek, CaberShieldPlus or CaberWood MDF at participating builders’ merchants’ can gain entry to the monthly prize draw for a chance to win great prizes. The more you buy, the more chances to win!

Participants just need to purchase products and upload a receipt at the West Fraser Rewards website WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI002 between June and November. Among the topbranded prizes on offer are a Lay-Z-spa, a Karcher pressure washer and a Samsung TV. Each month will see a different selection of prizes and there’s even a chance to be entered into the November draw to win a brand-new Mercedes van!

Three quarters of fire doors inspected in the UK did not meet the required standard, putting building occupants at significant risk, according to Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) data. The top three common reasons for failure are excessive gaps, issues around smoke sealing, and care and maintenance issues. 77 per cent of FDIS inspectors have seen an increase in demand for fire door inspections since the introduction of the Building Safety Bill (now the Building Safety Act as of April 2022). The figures are based on more than 100,000 fire door inspections carried out by approved inspectors in 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI005

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News Professional Builder

email your news to us at pb@hamerville.co.uk Tel 01923 237799

TAKE TIME

TRADESPERSON’S TURMOIL © von Lieres/Adobe Stock

Tools stolen every 17 minutes, finds insurer

PDA steps in to help members with cost of living

There have been 31,161 tool thefts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland since March 2021, which equates to a tool stolen every 17 minutes, according to new analysis of police force data from Direct Line business insurance.

Since March 2021, more than £80 million of equipment has been stolen from tradespeople in total.

Northumbria had the highest number of tool theft incidents per resident, followed by London, the south west and Yorkshire and the Humber.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DIRECT LINE’S TRADESPERSON INSURANCE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI006 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VAN INSURANCE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI007

ARMD AND READY

ARMD helps joiner get back on the tools just 72 hours after theft ARMD, the website and App built to protect the livelihoods of tradespeople, has released details of how it recently helped to negate the potentially devastating effect of a tool theft for Joiner Andy Jordan, turning his claim around in just 72 hours. “I had chosen ARMD’s tool insurance,” he explains, “which was half the price of my previous insurance. I then had my first ever claim.” The fast payment allowed Andy to get back on the tools in double quick time, reducing losses and saving his business.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARMD VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI008

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The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA), has signed a new deal which gives its members – and their employees – discounts on food, travel and entertainment. The Take Time membership is in addition to existing member benefits which include trade discounts, legal and business support, as well as the Association’s independent mediation and arbitration service.

PDA MEMBERS CAN ACCESS THEIR TAKE TIME MEMBERSHIP AT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI009 TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PDA, OR APPLY TO JOIN, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI010

EVERYONE’S A WINNER

Winners of Marshalls Register Awards 2022 crowned

The annual domestic contractor event rewarded winners in ten garden and driveway categories.

The Marshalls Register Awards are for the 1,000+ businesses which are accredited by the leading hard landscaping business. Over 450 projects from 156 different businesses were entered into the awards. The big prize went to Dawson Landscapes based in Hartlepool, who were given the highly esteemed title of “Contractor of the Year 2021/22” for which they won a 1.5 tonne Volvo excavator. See page 34 of this month’s issue for Marshalls project ideas.

FOR A FULL LIST OF THE WORTHY WINNERS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI011

HOME RUN

New home registrations up 25 per cent in first quarter, reports NHBC New data released by NHBC shows that UK new home registrations increased by 25 per cent in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period last year. A total of 45,991 new homes were registered to be built in Q1 2022 compared to 36,665 in Q1 2021. Private sector registrations were a key driver of growth with an increase of 31 per cent. There were also gains in the rental sector, up 10 per cent from 9,892 in Q1 2021 to 10,857 in Q1 2022, driven in part by the growth in Build to Rent.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI012

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MAKING PLANS

FIT FOR PURPOSE

OUR SURVeY SAID

Geberit survey seeks to discover influence of technology in the home

With all types of technology becoming more commonplace throughout the home, bathroom specialist Geberit is seeking to discover the features that builders are incorporating within the properties they are constructing.It is also looking to discover the reasons why technology is being included and how home technology may evolve in the future. As a thank you for taking the survey Geberit will automatically enter respondents into a prize draw to win a £250 voucher from Amazon.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI013

Planning restrictions halting green property renovations, study finds

MPs right to call on Government to publish retrofit strategy, says FMB

22 per cent of homeowners have looked into making their home more energy efficient, but found it impossible, whilst 45 per cent have found it too expensive without government support – that’s according to a landmark study from Cornerstone Tax. Although the government currently offers a 0 per cent VAT incentive on energy-saving renovations over the next five years, planning restrictions remain a major obstacle to the work going ahead.

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is correct to highlight that the Government’s missing retrofit strategy remains a barrier to green the nation’s homes and upskill the workforce in order to deliver a truly sustainable built environment, says the FMB. “A retrofit strategy and complementary upskilling programme will be vital if we are to reach net zero by 2050,” declares Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI014

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI015

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SPECIAL REPORT READERS’ LIVES

COMMUNITY SPIRIT Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to a tradesman who’s utilised his plumbing skills as a force for good

ames Anderson has been plying his trade in the Lancashire area for some 26-years and in that time had become increasingly aware that many in his community were struggling to afford vital repairs to their properties. It was a reality that would be starkly revealed in what initially promised to be a just another job.

“We’d been asked to quote by an old lady’s family,” recalls the Burnley-based plumber. “She had an old multipoint water heater that was in a state and needed replacing as a matter of urgency. The price for the whole job would have been a thousand pound or more, and it transpires that she was a widow for whom money worries had come to a head. On the dining room table was a bowl where she’d placed all her medications because she’d decided to take her own life and be with her late husband again. I contacted the Mayor of Burnley and with his support, together with Age Concern, we were able to enlist the help of a company

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in Preston to install a new boiler free of charge. That was really how it all started.”

“I learned a very valuable lesson that day – that when everything about a situation seems dark ordinary people do have the power to bring in some light – and that’s the principle behind D.E.P.H.E.R.” [Disabled & Elderly Plumbing & Heating Emergency Repairs]. That was in 2017 and, astonishingly, in the five years since its inception the 54-year-old tradesman has now helped over 40,000 individuals and counting. The organisation he founded can now boast a nationwide reach, with projects undertaken everywhere from the Highlands of Scotland to London and the Home Counties. “Sub-contractors will come on board to carry out some of the work, and

we’ll foot the bill, and when we contact a local engineer ourselves it’s always heartening to experience just how many people buy into what we’re doing. When we started it was just me and two lads but there’s now 13 of us, and that’s set to grow even more.”

Real need James is approached by family members, and community leaders with details of deserving cases. The work he does is hugely varied encompassing everything from accessible shower and bathroom installs to a blocked toilet or dripping tap: “At first I was shocked by the scale of the problem,” he admits. “With the effect of the pandemic, and now the cost of living crisis, however, it’s a situation that’s getting worse, not better. Over just one weekend recently we had 23 emails from individuals asking us for help. It’s not just about building or plumbing repairs either because – where we can – we’ll run food shopping trips for the vulnerable or top up meters for those who can’t afford the gas.”

D.E.P.H.E.R has also been called on to rectify the nefarious work of rogue traders, as James reveals: “In one case a supposed

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plumber had tried to install a bathroom but had actually put the occupiers lives in danger by leaving electric wires protruding from the wall. He’d charged them £9,000 so they simply had no money left – which is where we came in. As a result, they’ve now got a beautiful and safe bathroom at no extra cost.”

Disabled & Elderly Plumbing & Heating Emergency Repairs or D.E.P.H.E.R has since developed into a CIC (Community Interest Company) and whatever profit from the private work James still undertakes is fed into its fund. There’s also been seem very high-profile support, with actor Hugh Grant donating £25,000 to the cause.

As well as that James and the D.E.P.H.E.R team have received personal accolades, including from Pride of Manchester and an SGS Engineering 2022 Local Hero Award. The latter was based on a public ballot by UK residents and James received 70 per cent of the vote. “It’s very humbling to receive

James (left) has won a number of awards for his charitable endeavours including a Pride of Manchester accolade

recognition from ordinary people,” he admits, “and the cash prize will go to a very worthy cause in the community.”

“When you’re confronted with a vulnerable individual who can’t afford to repair or replace their heating – and are sitting in the cold as a consequence – you do consider your own humanity and what you can do to change things. It was a long haul to get going and there was a lot of debt at the beginning, because we

were going into something that we didn’t have any experience. At first we were just giving everything away with no real plan but we now have a definite structure in place and are able to help more people as a result. What was acutely apparent from the outset, however, was that there was a real need for what we are doing.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON D.E.P.H.E.R. VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI016

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SPECIAL REPORT MENTAL HEALTH

ast year, early findings from our major study into the mental health of self-employed construction workers and those working in small firms showed worrying results. Over 300 respondents suggested that almost a third are now living with severe levels of anxiety every single day.

Construction workers from a range of trades told researchers from Mates in Mind and the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) that the continuing stigma of mental illness prevents them from discussing it beyond close friends or family members. Over two-thirds of those surveyed believe there’s a stigma surrounding mental health which stops them from talking about it and 44% believe their workload is too high.

When asked how they had responded to low mood over the past six months, over 40% of respondents considered

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Mates in Mind is challenging the construction industry to start the conversation about mental health © Amy Walters/Adobe Stock

IT’S GOOD TO TALK

quitting or changing their job, 35% found themselves drinking more alcohol than usual and over 15% were taking any nonprescription drugs.

In the UK, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. And in construction – a male dominated industry – men are three times more likely again to take their own lives. According to the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), two people working in the UK construction industry die by suicide every day, over 700 people a year.

Until people feel comfortable to talk about the fact that they are suffering from stress or need help, it is difficult to identify problems and take steps to make changes. Currently we know that people

are often reluctant to open up for fear of appearing ‘weak’ or damaging their career prospects.

We all need to be proactive at starting the conversation with someone who could be struggling. For an individual, knowing that someone is there ready to support and cares about their wellbeing can be a massive help to their mental health.

Here are some basic tips for how to start the conversation with someone who may be struggling:

씰 Ask twice

© Seventyfour/Adobe Stock

‘How are you?’ can often lead to a standard response of “I’m fine” or “I’m okay”. The simple act of asking again, with interest, shows a genuine willingness to talk and listen to the person. If you’re worried about someone, the next time they say they’re fine, try asking “How are you really?” or “Are you sure you’re ok?”.

This may encourage them to open up to you about how they are feeling. It is vital that we get the conversation started.

씰 Keep it informal

You don’t have to set aside hours to have a talk with someone, 10 minutes may be enough, but just make sure there are no distractions. Perhaps turning off your

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SPECIAL REPORT MENTAL HEALTH

difficulties, making it easier for people to talk about them.

씰 Use open questions

The best types of questions are openended because the person can answer however they feel most comfortable. Such as “What kind of thoughts are you having?” or “How can I help?”

phone and minimising other distractions will help you focus on the person and what they might need. Talking when doing something else such as going for a walk during a break or whilst having a coffee can also take some of the initial pressure off – it doesn’t need to be a formal sit-down conversation.

씰 Be supportive

Make it clear that you’re there to listen and support them, without judgement.

Talk about mental health in the same way you would physical health. This normalises mental and emotional

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씰 Listen

Take time to listen to what they have to say – let them do most of the talking. If they don’t want to talk, don’t push them.

Respect their boundaries and try again another time.

씰 You don’t need to have the solution After they finish talking, don’t jump to conclusions or tell them what they should do. Resist the urge to offer quick fixes which can often lead to people feeling dismissed. Sometimes people aren’t seeking advice but, instead, just want someone to listen to their concerns.

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씰 Follow up

Show that you care by following up later on, even if they don’t want to continue the conversation at that exact moment.

씰 Look after yourself too

Choosing to talk can make a positive difference to someone’s life but it can also be very difficult. Make sure you look after your own personal wellbeing and mental health or seek support if you need it.

씰 Connect them to information and support Encourage them to seek professional help if they feel like they can’t cope or if the problem is impacting their daily life. Help them find mental health services in their area, such as counsellors or support groups. You could even offer to go with them to their first appointment or help connect them with someone who can support them through the process.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON MATES IN MIND VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI017

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SPECIAL REPORT FURTHER EDUCATION TEACHING

TOP OF THE CLASS From construction site to class leader – why sharing your skills could be the natural next step in your career. Former Bricklayer Dean Carpenter offers the benefits of his experience. have been passionate about the construction industry all my life – I started as a bricklayer and I’m now sharing my skills by teaching in Further Education (FE).

I have always enjoyed being on site.

Throughout my 26 years in the Army, I worked and trained across trades from bricklaying through to painting and glass installation. I love working within a team and experiencing the practical joy of building something with your own hands.

It’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about protecting our industry and preparing the workforce of the future.

Recently, the Construction Skills Network reported there will be an extra 215,800 construction jobs to fill in the UK by 2025. It’s never been more important to secure a strong pipeline of talent into our industry. The good news is it’s within our power to help support this.

Three and a half years ago I started working as a FE teacher as I wanted to share my skills with the next generation of workers. Now, I get the same kick out of teaching as I did in the early days of working on site. I’m currently working full time but there are part time and flexible

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opportunities available in FE teaching too if you want to teach alongside your current job in industry. The flexibility the role provides means I can also pursue my other passions outside of teaching and feed this experience back into the classroom. For example, I coach football, teach karate and work in youth clubs alongside my teaching role.

There’s a number of reasons why industry professionals make great FE teachers. Our real-life experience from industry allows us to better share our experiences and knowledge with the next generation. When I teach the Level 1 Construction Skills course to students, it contains much more than just bricklaying – we cover plastering, tiling, wallpapering and more. I want my students to be prepared for the real world of work, so I take them outside to understand how the weather, topography and foundations can effect building. I’ve also introduced students to site managers who I have worked in the industry with, so they can discover what employers look for in a good employee and how to practically build on their skills outside the course. Having these experiences and connections with industry

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really helps bring the course to life for the students and it’s invaluable in prepping them for work.

If you’re interested in exploring full time, part time or flexible FE teaching roles, why not reach out to your local college? Most FE teaching roles don’t require a degree or any previous teaching experience because you can undertake teacher training on the job whilst you start earning straight away. In fact, your realworld industry experience is highly valued by colleges delivering courses relating to construction. Teaching in FE was an amazing way to marry my love of the construction sector with my passion for sharing my skills. I believe there is a real role for current construction professionals to play in preparing a pipeline of talent for our sector. Any teaching role has its challenges, but if you can be patient and adaptable with your students, it’s a really rewarding job that enables you to change lives without changing your career.

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN SHARING YOUR SKILLS THROUGH FE TEACHING, VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI018

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Professional INVENTORS’ CORNER

STAY ON THE RIGHT TRACK Carpenter, Harry Radford talks to Professional Builder’s Lee Jones about a new tool for the trades uilders are certainly no strangers to tight spots. A compact conservatory space or loft can present particular difficulties if you’re in the business of cutting lengths of OSB, ply or plasterboard, for example, but one tradesman thinks he has a simple and very effective answer.

Like any time-served chippie, for Harry Radford a guide rail is an indispensable piece of kit for accurately cutting board materials with a plunge saw but it’s not always a straightforward proposition to find a convenient area in which to manoeuvre the workpiece into a flat position. His solution – which he has called Rail Stay – is a simple clamp system that attaches to the guide rail and the workpiece. An angled bradawl point ensures that, as you pull on the rail, the device clamps tighter, without damaging the material, and it is fastened with

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exactly the same Allen key that would be used to adjust a circular saw.

“If you can’t find a horizontal and secure space to cut sheets, then you’ll frequently need to be doing the work away from the job, and that’s not ideal, especially if you happen to be up scaffolding, or a few flights of stairs. The answer is to be able to use a plunge saw with the board in an upright position and that’s what our product facilitates. It means you can make rip and vertical cuts on a length of OSB to the right dimensions pretty much anywhere and, at the same time, be sure in the knowledge that it will be accurate. We’ve also found it very useful for cutting doors that have already been installed, and a low profile of just 18mm means you can make the cut without interfering with the sheets beneath.”

Harry had the germ of the idea more than two years ago, and has since proved its efficacy with a home-made prototype

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that has given him valuable service on his own carpentry projects. When he showed it to other builders the Gloucestershirebased tradesman was convinced that he’d found a solution for the industry at large, and not just those working with wood, as he explains: “I know dryliners and spreaders who will use a guide rail to score and cut plasterboard because, unlike a 6ft straight edge, they will fold down, and are far more transportable, so this is something that would work for those trades as well. In fact, anyone using board material of some kind would find a use for it.

We’re in the process of securing a patent on the product and already have three tool stores on board to stock with many more interested. Like all the best solutions it’s a relatively simple thing, but it’s still been two years of work to perfect the design.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SIXPENCE INDUSTRIES VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI019

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SPECIAL REPORT TRAINING & UPSKILLING

Inside the

SPRAY FOR SUCCESS In the second part of our Inside the Academy series, Professional Builder attends the Spray Introduction course at the Dulux Academy flagship facility in Slough. ur day at the Dulux Academy gets off to the ideal start with a warm welcome from members of the Academy team and a selection of breakfast rolls on offer. Bacon rolls and teas and coffees consumed, we’re then introduced to Matt Gray, Skills Development Consultant at Dulux Academy, who will be leading today’s course. Matt is an experienced member of the team, having completed a fiveyear P&D Apprenticeship before starting his own business – and lecturing at his local college on the side. Over the years, Matt has built up extensive experience within the training team at ICI / AkzoNobel and has been with the Dulux Academy team since launch in 2016. His passion for sharing his nearly 30 years of industry expertise with fellow decorators is evident from the outset.

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Spray Theatre, which is a purpose-built space sponsored by industry leading supplier partner Graco and aims to showcase their full range of equipment.

With a safety briefing going over the do’s and don’ts of spray application before

Getting the basics right Matt starts the morning session in the

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providing an overview of the various equipment available – including spray guns and spray units – and outlining the benefits of each to help decorators make more informed choices when choosing suitable spray set-up for a particular job.

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2ND IN A NEW SERIES

Attendees are asked about their own personal experiences with spraying and prompted to outline what they believe are the pros and cons. This leads to a lively debate weighing up the benefits of speed and quality of finish versus high levels of cost and maintenance. This conversation is used by Matt to further highlight the importance of using spray equipment correctly to achieve an optimal level of application with minimal waste. He goes on to demonstrate the correct way to mask surfaces prior to spraying, the best technique for operating spray guns, and how to maintain and clean equipment after use.

As Matt puts it: “You don’t get quality just by spraying; you get quality by the preparation you put into it.”

sizes and filters used in airless spraying and how each of these can be used optimally to adjust for different fan widths and various types of paint.

The course concludes with another practical session covering airless spray, with attendees using everything they’ve learnt over the course of the day to spray walls and other areas such as cornices and coving, before a final Q&A session covering equipment maintenance, spraying accessories and any outstanding queries.

At the end of the session, all attendees received a certificate – that they can use to showcase their experience and expertise to customers.

COURSE DETAILS Course name: Spray Introduction Location: Slough Trainer: Matt Gray Course cost: £150+VAT Course duration: 1-day What’s next: Delegates can also attend the Spray Advanced HVLP and / Spray Advanced Airless courses This course is pitched at those considering using spray equipment giving them the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of effective HVLP and Airless spraying across a number of surfaces.

Putting learning into practice After a short break, attendees are then given the opportunity to use Graco 9.5 HVLP spray unit themselves for the first time. Matt starts by demonstrating both effective and ineffective ways to spray various surfaces – including, doors and bannisters – to show how best practice techniques achieve excellent results.

Attendees then take it in turns to spray these surfaces, with Matt providing encouragement and guidance to help everyone improve their individual skills.

After a delicious lunch supplied as part of the course, the focus shifts to airless spray. Matt breaks down the basics of how airless spray differs from HVLP, showing how individual parts of the airless unit and spray gun are used to draw up and pressurise paint before application. He also goes into detail about the different tip

had led him to the Dulux Academy. “The course today has given me some strong pointers and tips, and I’m really pleased with what I’ve learnt. It’s a really enjoyable and informative course, and the techniques I’ve picked up here have taught me how to spray correctly and achieve a better finish with less overlapping, which will also help me save money on materials in the future. I’ve got another lad who works with me and now he’s coming to learn at Dulux Academy, so he can see how good the course is.”

“A really enjoyable course” Speaking to the decorators after they have successfully completed the course, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the quality and professionalism of the training and expert advice that they can instantly apply to their own work.

Russell Webb of Webb’s Services in Uxbridge said he recently purchased a spray gun and had initially seen strong results with it when coating walls and ceilings. However, he had been struggling to create the same quality finish when spraying woodwork, which

REASONS TO ATTEND: “The course gives decorators a greater understanding of what spray unit is best suited for the jobs they do on a daily basis, from painting walls, ceilings and woodwork We can advise them on the best unit to suit their business, so that they can invest in the right piece of equipment for the work they do both now and in the future.

The course also covers how best to mask up and the best materials to use for this, meaning preparation prior to spraying is done in the right way and protects surfaces that are not being painted from damage or contamination.”

Matt Gray, Dulux Academy Skills Development Consultant FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE DULUX ACADEMY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI020

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BUSINESS SOLUTIONS ESTIMATING

THE PRICE IS RIGHT PriceBuilder is designed to take the pain out of paperwork with an efficient and easy to use estimating system.

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones finds out more.

hat PriceBuilder is the product of a time-served tradesman should be evident from first contact with the system. Its developer, Mark Feldman, is acutely aware that builders want to be building, not doing paperwork, and it is upon that principle that this estimation tool is founded.

Mark’s son, Ricky Feldman, who now runs the family’s Hertfordshire-based firm, Mars Building Group, explains the history of this cloud-based solution. “My dad had more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and found many of the estimating products that were out there were either very expensive, difficult to use, or both. Initially he created his own version based on spreadsheets and it was refined and improved over many years of use on our jobs.”

PriceBuilder has now been in available on the market in for nearly three years, and its benefits have already gained many converts. “It offers the ability to provide a detailed and professional quote

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of a single storey extension in 15 minutes,” continues Ricky, “and that’s game-changing in pricing jobs.

Depending on the complexity of the projects, you could sit in the office for an hour and turn out five or six quotes. As a child I can remember my Dad would be

coming home from work and sitting at a computer until 8 or 9 in the evening.

That’s time you can win back with PriceBuilder.”

So just how does it work? At its very simplest level if you’re quoting for a brick wall, for example, then start by entering

PriceBuilder was developed by experienced builder, Mark Feldman of Mars Building Group. His son Ricky now runs the family firm

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BUSINESS SOLUTIONS ESTIMATING

the dimensions. From there simply work your way through a list that would include every component part. Inner and outer leaf? Will it be plastered inside and with dot and dab or float and set? Will that wall be decorated? Working from top to bottom of the screen, you’ll be prompted at every stage. The system will then calculate cost of bricks, insulation, plastering & decorating, and everything else you’d need, all with one click. Every line item is editable so that the spec can be changed – from a standard plasterboard to soundboard, for instance – and every individual rate can also be adjusted. That’s a process that can then be repeated for every part of the build process, from foundations to roof. Ricky continues: “Its simplicity provides a level of reassurance that you haven’t missed anything out – which can be a costly mistake. Every variable is included, from site supervision and setting up the job, to welfare hire, muck away and grab lorries.”

Labour costs can be preset on the user’s dashboard, along with profit margin, whilst quotes can be customised to determine exactly what information is ultimately provided to the client in the finished document. In an age of rising inflation materials prices are also monitored and amended regularly. At the same time, if the builder is getting a better deal from their supplier and feels they can make a quote more competitive by lowering the existing values, these can also be changed. If the client’s not sure exactly what they want – they know they want bi-folds but are not sure of the brand – this can be entered as a provisional sum, which will then appear as such on the quote and then adjusted accordingly.

Speed and accuracy “A landscaper friend of mine enquired about PriceBuilder and I gave him a very quick and graphic demonstration of its speed and accuracy,” reveals the Hertfordhire-based builder. “We had a quick chat on the phone about a patio job he was pricing and within five minutes I had prepared a quote for the job. Without asking for his rates, profit margin or materials costs, my quote – compiled in just that short space of time – was pretty much bang on an estimate he’d taken several hours to put together himself.”

Anyone with basic computer skills can navigate their way around the system, and the end result is a professional PDF document that can be emailed to the client, complete with any company specific notes and clauses. Ricky reveals just why PriceBuilder is the right solution for the trades: “The initial cost of many of the estimating packages that are out there actually makes them quite expensive. Not only that but they’re often designed by quantity surveyors rather than builders, and that’s reflected in their complexity.”

Because it’s could-based, PriceBuilder can be accessed on any mobile device on site, whether that’s phone, tablet or laptop. There’s no contract required, with five packages available, starting from a Basic plan of £19.00 per month for 5 quotes in that period, up to the Enterprise level of 50 quotes for £79.00 a month, where multiple users can have access to one account. Once you’ve paid for an individual month there’s no obligation to continue beyond that.

“Clients of Mars Building Group have always complemented us on the level of detail in our quotes because they can then be confident that we’re not going to hit them with hidden costs and extras halfway through the job,” concludes Ricky. “If the quote includes four radiators, but the client then wants six, everyone can agree that’s an additional item, because every particular is clearly listed on the original estimate. It works both ways, of course, because if we quote for twenty downlights and only 15 are installed, that will then come off the invoiced price.” On any job the first thing you need to build is trust, and the developers of PriceBuilder believe its cloud-based estimating tool will do just that.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON PRICEBUILDER VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI021

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BUSINESS SOLUTIONS WINNING WORK

AN ‘APPY’ CUSTOMER A user of the global Spetz App reveals how he has used the technology to get his business off the ground.

Professional Builder’s Lee Jones talks to Olanrewaju Banjo about winning more work. n the fast-paced world of service provision – where consumers and prospective customers invariably require instant answers – online resources need to keep track. The developers of the Spetz app believe they’ve found the perfect formula for bringing together the homeowner in need with a tradesperon with just the right set of skills to help – and one of its users is very much in agreement.

“I first heard of Spetz through Facebook and, since I signed up, they’ve been a great support to our business,” enthuses Olanrewaju Banjo. His company, Magnate Resources, undertakes property renovation jobs in the Manchester area that encompasses the full general building package – as well as a contract cleaning business – and the ethos of the service he provides is in perfect step with the principles behind Spetz. “Many of my customers need the work done quickly – they simply can’t afford to wait – and that’s where the app is very useful,” he explains. “It can connect a property owner with the right person to do the job, in the correct location with what is, in my experience, an unrivalled speed.”

The benefits don’t stop there, however

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because, as Olanrewaju explains, there’s real benefits to the bottom line of his business: “We’ve actually won work of a high value through Spetz with a relatively small fee and have quite a high conversion rate from that first on contact. I like the fact that we’re only charged when we’re actually in touch with the customer because it’s at that point that we’ve got the best chance of securing the work. We recently secured a contract worth £10,000 through Spetz, for example, and there’s been a number of smaller projects besides that. Not only that, but it allows me to be in control of exactly where I want to work because I can define the

“Many of my customers need the work done quickly – they simply can’t afford to wait – and that’s where the app is very useful,” he explains. “It can connect a property owner with the right person to do the job, in the correct location with what is, in my experience, an unrivalled speed.”

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amount of miles I’m willing to travel, any locations I don’t want to travel to, and when I’m available.”

For a busy service provider like Olanrewaju, it’s not just speed but the simplicity of the system that appeals: “Once you’ve registered it’s very easy to set up your profile and you can then start receiving calls from potential clients.

Because everything can be managed through an app downloaded to your phone it’s actually a very straightforward and convenient concept.”

The Manchester-based tradesman is also full of praise for the support he receives, including a dedicated Spetz account manager. “There’s someone on hand if I need them and if I have any questions about the App and how it’s working for me. The loyalty programme has helped to save money by reducing the cost of calls and providing more value for money, for instance.”

SPETZ IS AVAILABLE ACROSS THE UK. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI022 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON MAGNATE RESOURCES VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI023

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BUSINESS SOLUTIONS JOB MANAGEMENT

GET THE JOB DONE Buildxact provides end-toend construction management software for small residential builders.

Professional Builder talks to the company’s David Murray about the solution.

Buildxact CEO, David Murray

time-poor builder in a competitive sector needs to work smart as well as hard and a new entrant into the UK market is providing a tool for the trades to achieve just that. Buildxact is the ideal companion on your journey through any job, from estimating to preconstruction, project and customer management, integration with accounting software, and much more.

Already well-established as a market leader in its native Australia since 2011, Buildxact has since migrated to New Zealand, Canada and the US. Wherever the company is in operation the mission is to improve profitability and ease those alltoo familiar pain points that builders experience around business management, estimating and admin.

“We’re a full end-to end service provider – right from the first contact with the client – and that includes anything from a take-off tool, to bill of quantities, and quotes,”

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explains the company’s CEO, David Murray.

“Once the job is won it can be run through Buildxact, even incorporating invoicing and access to your accounting provider at the final stage. At every point, it is about forming more effective and profitable lines

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of communication between builder, merchant and homeowner for the benefit of all concerned.”

Builders will know all too well that accurately pricing jobs can eat into their downtime from the tools but Buildxact can

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recover those lost hours of precious leisure and family time. The system operates on the basis of fully populated templates for the whole of the build process, of which there are 150 in total, and whatever is not required for that job can simply be deselected. As a result, the user can be confident that nothing has been omitted from the quote, and the estimate can be compiled in a fraction of the time.

David reveals more of the functionality: “In Australia our estimating service is linked to the country’s leading merchants and that’s a model we’re following here.

The platform allows the builder to share his quote with his account manager and obtain an accurate price for the materials.

It’s a win for both the tradesperson and the supplier, because the former will obtain precise and up-to-date prices – with the goods delivered exactly when they need it from their preferred merchant – whilst the latter is likely to increase the business they’re doing with that particular trade business.”

Professional and detailed When a builder quotes for a job the first time a merchant will often hear about it will be when a purchase order is placed, but not so with Buildxact: “We’re streamlining the supply chain by giving the merchant and builder a much a clearer idea of what’s coming down the line. When price rises do happen, for example, these are automatically communicated to tradespeople integrated with Buildxact and flagged as red on the quote. The builder will not then be able to submit that quote to their own customer until they’ve entered the alteration into their cost base.”

A professional and detailed document can then be delivered to the client. At the same time the homeowner can also digitally interact with the builder via a secure portal, with all communication pertaining to that job in one place. What that provides is an unrivalled level of transparency to the builder’s client, which can only enhance the company’s reputation. “Requests for quotes to subcontractors, any emails relating to the project, photos of defects of materials

supplied and extras over and above the original quote – all of that information is pulled into Buildxact in an easily accessible format and that’s where the service moves into the realms of job management. Similarly, planning approvals, compliance documents, and certificates of insurance can all be stored.

If you have a dispute with a client even long after the job has been completed, all of the records are to hand.”

Moreover, the job management element includes schedules of works, where a sub-contractor will be automatically notified when they’re required on site, both through SMS and email. Where a typical build might involve multiple sub-contractors the ability to manage those relationships on one platform, from quote to schedule, is an invaluable resource that will greatly simplify those working relationships and avoid conflict. There are also future plans for the subbie to be able to take photos of their completed works, and share them

on Buildxact in order to demonstrate that the work has been completed on time and to the required standard.

At the simplest business level, when margins are tight builders need to be sure that they’re making money on the work they do, and Buildxact is equally a tool for improvements in profitability. It allows the tradesperson to view what they’re spending at every stage with what has been priced, through a cost/quote comparison and a simple dashboard will display cashflow status, including payment milestones, and supplier costs, which can then be incorporated into accounting software.

Buildxact is a flexible solution where tradespeople can choose exactly what they want to engage with. The Entry level will provide estimating capability, whilst Pro adds the aforementioned end-to-end job management solutions. “The overwhelming feedback we get from our users is that Buildxact has won back time that they can spend with their loved ones,” concludes David. “Added to that is the peace of mind, that comes from being in full command of your cashflow and the certainty that you haven’t misquoted. All that adds up to a very liberating experience.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON BUILDXACT VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI024

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Professional

BUILDER’S

We give our verdict on new products in our unique site tests, but now we want to give you the chance to try them – AND KEEP THEM – for yourself! All you have to do to enter the free draws is simply just type in www.rdr.link followed by the unique code.

!

L L A R O F E E FR 4

X TOOLBAGS

MIRKA Mirka’s technical fabric tool bag has been designed to make taking tools on site easier and more stylish.

The bags dimensions are 40x28x26cm, which makes its internal compartment deceptively spacious, so users can keep all the tools and components they will need for that day’s job in one place, so they do not have to go back and forth to the their van throughout the day.

Get involved in our ‘Free-for-All’ and this Mirka tool carrier could be in the bag!

£50

SPETZ A special gift for Professional Builder readers! Get more customers and grow your business! Spetz is excited to offer you £50 FREE credit to get exclusive job opportunities. All you have to do is create your business profile and you’ll start getting customers directed to you based on your preferences.

Simply use the rdr link below to enter your details.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI026

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI025

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X 2.5 L

ARMOURFLEX HARD WAX OIL Armourflex® Hardwax Oil for wooden floors and furniture is tough, durable and water repellent. The flowing liquid penetrates deeply into the wood allowing it to cure within the wood grain in a strong protective hold, enhancing the woods natural beauty and authenticity. Containing a blend of natural oils and waxes, it is suitable for protecting and enhancing the durability of all interior wood surfaces including hardwood, softwood, parquet and veneer. It is also resistant to common stains such as wine, coffee and soft drinks.

Make use of our digital reader enquiry service and use the rdr.link below to go straight to Professional Builder’s great competitions.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI027

FREE CREDIT

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X SUPPORT TOOL SYSTEMS

KLIP_EZ Klip_ez is a quick to install and release support tool that allows you to cut or mark straight or at an angle on most construction boards (including plaster or timber) ranging from 6mm to 18mm in thickness. The device allows you to work in restricted areas on your own while accompanied with our 2,500mm interlocking straight-ez straight edge, for those longer boards.

Klip_ez can be used with most popular box levels.

The prize includes two prizes of 2x Klip-ez Clips with one 2,500mm interlocking straight-ez straight edge.

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI028

Easy to Enter! It’s now easier than ever before to enter the competitions on our website. We’ve collected all the competitions on one handy page, meaning you only have to enter your details once! www.rdr.link/BAI029 32

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new build & property development

LET THE OUTDOOR IN Marshalls is helping you find garden and driveway inspiration from awardwinning designs

hilst the focus is often on interior fixtures and fittings, the outdoor space of a new build or development is the key to creating a great first impression. Practical but welldesigned driveways can set your development apart from others on the market. The option to upsell a garden with a more polished feel and additional features can attract a higher sale price and appeal to those looking for zero work when they move in.

When inspiration is lacking or the client brief is too open, it can be helpful to get ideas from other projects. In this article, we look at award-winning gardens and driveways created by Marshalls accredited installers. These businesses are members of Marshalls Register, a scheme for patio and driveway installers run by the hard landscaping supplier.

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Creating a luxury garden with the latest features Modern new builds and developments can be expertly complemented by a luxurious garden complete with all the mod cons that the budget allows. Current trends are for fire pits, outdoor TVs, hot tubs and open-air kitchens, either in-built or stand-alone features. If space allows, recommend a zoned garden design which creates different areas for different purposes.

When it comes to a luxurious look, porcelain paving is the current favourite; it is loved as much for its low maintenance properties as its smooth, sleek lines and contemporary shades. Porcelain may look slippery, but quality products carry their slip skid rating details. Opt for a minimum rating of R9 for a dry area; if your build includes a swimming pool or hot tub go for a minimum of R11.

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Image courtesy of Walker Landscape and Design

Landscape and design Built-in garden features can often come with their challenges and may require a degree of engineering to make them fit in space; the above project by Walker Landscape and Design is an excellent example of that. Whilst these builds may require more complex problem solving, the end result can be truly stunning. Make sure you fully understand the scale of the task before committing to specific features such as swimming pools, and always seek further professional advice if it’s not something you have experience of building previously.

Design & build When it comes to smaller outdoor spaces,

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creativity is key, as is understanding how customers would use the area. The garden below, by installers Signature Landscapes Design & Build, demonstrates that a modern extension with bi-fold doors onto the garden can be complemented with contemporary porcelain in a pale finish. Adding garden furniture and accessories in similar shades also helps make the area feel more open and less cluttered – a great idea if you’re creating a show garden on a larger development.

Creating unique spaces If your customer wants to add personality to their garden, there are some great ways to do this. This project by Dawson Signature Landscapes Design and Build

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Aura Landscapes

Dawson Landscapes Landscapes was created for a Formula 1 loving family who wanted something truly unique. The team created the image of an F1 car using two different colours of granite and then produced a porcelain 3D effect of the car going through a tunnel, similar to that at Monaco.

the property as to how many vehicles may need to park there.

When it comes to driveway design, curved patterns remain popular and can add interest to the space. The design by CJ Paving, which includes pots and planters, is a great way to break up the hard landscaping and attract biodiversity.

Construction and accompanied by dramatic lighting.

Finally, you could recommend a natural stone patio for a subtle but classic approach. Natural stone is durable and timeless, but the natural variation of each slab appeals to people who prefer a less uniform look.

While a large driveway can accommodate multiple cars and still leave room for pathways and planting, a smaller space may need a single purpose. However, this doesn’t mean it needs to be dull.

Brockstone Landscape Construction used quality natural stone to create a unique pattern, adding interest and value to the property.

Practical but beautiful driveways Whilst some people see their driveway as a functional space to park their car, others see it as an opportunity to make a statement at the front of their home. Opt for a design which suits the style of the home, and take your cue from the size of CJ Paving

Revolution Landscapes If a statement patio is a touch too far, bespoke features can be created using various materials. Revolution Landscapes created a sunken section to this garden, featuring a bespoke fire pit and a raised cocktail bar area. The stand-out is the feature wall, created using veneer walling

Utilise design tools Whatever the size or requirements of the outdoor space, it pays to thoroughly research ideas and understand the properties of the land you’re working on.

You should consider using an expert in landscape design for larger developments and some suppliers offer a design service too. Marshalls Register Members have exclusive access to their in-house CAD service and free training courses and sales referrals, for example. They are also the only installers able to offer the Marshalls guarantee on their work.

FOR MORE PROJECT INSPIRATION FROM MARSHALLS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI030

Revolution Landscapes

Brockstone Landscape Construction

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new build & property development

© Images courtesy of Kirsty Wilson

RAINING CHAMPIONS With climate change creating increasingly volatile weather conditions, garden and landscaping profesionals are compelled to be more inventive in the way they manage the effects, suggests ACO.

lso known as bioretention facilities, rain gardens are shallow, landscaped depressions that reduce stormwater runoff to mitigate pollution and prevent local sewers being overwhelmed.

As well as offering an environmentally friendly way to manage stormwater runoff, a rain garden can at the same time add both beauty and biodiversity to any outside space. It is for these reasons that the feature can function as a major component of a sustainable drainage system (SuDS). There are five key considerations landscaping professionals should keep in mind to design a rain garden that aligns with SuDS principles:

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adequate for the feature, a percolation test should be carried out. The test is conducted by firstly digging a 250mmdeep hole and filling it with water. Once drained, the pit should be filled with water again and the drainage speed timed. If the rate exceeds 50mm per hour, soil conditions may be unsuitable.

Soil percolation Soil suitability is an essential element to factor into rain garden design, as water must be able to drain away at a sufficient rate to manage quantity. Water is unlikely to drain away quickly enough if the water table is very close to the surface, or if the soil consists of heavy clay.

To determine whether conditions are

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Spatial proportions If soil drainage meets the required parameters, the next course of action is to consider the size of the area to accommodate water runoff. If the source is a roof, for instance, the surface area of the roof that is providing rainwater must be measured to gauge anticipated

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quantities. As a rule of thumb, a rain garden should be 20 per cent of this area in order to intercept sufficient volume of surface runoff.

Suitable measurements must also be kept in mind when excavating the site for a bioretention facility. The feature will typically need to be between 150mm and 450mm below original ground level.

When digging, removed soil may then be compacted around the lip to create a berm. Acting as an aid for containing rainwater, a berm should be around six inches high and a foot wide. At the same time, a gravel-filled channel will need to be implemented for excess water to flow out into an overflow system. In this instance, the channel should be approximately 150mm wide.

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Drainage ancillaries As mentioned, a rain garden is the main component in a SuDS. With this in mind, it’s important to also consider auxiliary elements for optimum performance. If the water source for the feature is ground surface runoff (such as a driveway, patio or similar impermeable surface), its best to implement a sump unit between the channel and the rain garden. This component will help to mitigate pollutants and improve water quality in line with SuDS principles.

A gulley is also recommended as an ancillary in rain garden design. This will ensure any overflow is captured, which is particularly important if the feature is going to be sited in close proximity to a boundary.

Plant diversity Chosen plants should consist of both non-indigenous and indigenous species for a densely vegetated bed that will attract native birds and insects. When planting, height is a factor that must not be overlooked. Taller species should be positioned in deeper soil around the centre of the rain garden in order for the roots to be fully embedded. At the same time, planting shorter plants around the edges allows for a clear view of all flora.

Typically, bio-retention facilities will be comprised of about 10 species planted two or three clumps per square metre.

Including a variety of species ensures that the feature will succeed even if one or two do not prosper.

For best results, it’s vital to establish plants that thrive in both dry and wet soil, as rain gardens are unlikely to be damp all year round. That being said, the feature will be subject to occasional flooding. It is for this reason that dry Mediterranean style gardens should be avoided.

Ongoing maintenance During the first couple years of life, occasional weeding may be required to ensure the plants will thrive. Once established, the beds will fill any gaps and suppress weed growth. Seasonal occurrences should also be kept in mind. During hot spells, the rain garden may need topping up from a water butt to maintain sufficient moisture. In the winter, dead plants will need removing and any signs of erosion should be counteracted through additional compacting of the berm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON RAIN GARDENS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI031

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SHINING ARMOUR Armourflex Hard Wax Oil is an easy to apply, high performance protection for internal wooden surfaces such as floors and stairs. The manufacturer, Barrettine explains more.

or centuries people have admired the beauty of wood, with generations using this versatile material in the construction of homes and workplaces.

Traditionally, combinations of beeswax and linseed oil were used for protection, offering a natural appearance whilst providing a layer of defence against water ingress, scratches and the inevitable surface damage which occurs over time.

Beeswax and carnauba in particular have a longstanding reputation for use in furniture protection but their application is labour intensive and high maintenance compared to modern finishes.

Recent customer trends are showing a revival of traditional materials in the name of sustainability, incorporating naturally durable wood, such as oak, into building design. The market renaissance of such materials requires treatments able to display and conserve the opulent feel they impart to a home or office space.

However, premium material quality comes

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at a premium price so the most costeffective solutions must not skimp on performance, as careful early maintenance pays dividends to protect this long-term investment.

Barrettine is a Bristol-based, UK manufacturer specialising in premium Professional, Trade and DIY wood coatings, with over 140 years of holding quality and service at its heart. With access to highly respected global suppliers, Barrettine use the highest quality raw materials to ensure the toplevel durability expected from tradeperformance products.

Our new liquid Hard Wax Oil is the latest addition to our ArmourFlex range of high-performance specialist coatings, designed to protect internal wooden surfaces such as floors and stairs. It offers a vastly easier application than the frequent, repetitive buffing of traditional beeswax films.

Whereas beeswax is a stiff paste, Hard Wax Oil is a flowing liquid so it penetrates deeply into the wood. This allows it to cure within the wood grain in a strong protective hold, enhancing the natural beauty and authenticity. This enhancement gives more depth and

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interest to the wood shades yet also offers a gentle, natural finish and enables the surface to breathe.

Two coats of Hard Wax Oil should be applied to clean, smooth sanded wood.

Application via either brush or high-quality roller (3mm velour) is ideal, and for larger flooring areas an electric-powered buffer saves labour time and cost. The product is ready to apply directly onto the surface, without requiring primers or thinners. For best results, the first coat should flood the pores of the wood, with thirstier species such as kiln dried pine requiring a more generous first coat than solid oak or iroko.

This first coat gives the internal protection, so any excess on the surface can be buffed away with a lint free cloth or industrial cleaning buffer to expedite drying. The second coat should be applied sparingly in line with the wood grain and will protect the wood surface, but only a thin layer is needed for optimal performance. Again, gentle buffing can optimise the surface coverage. It is important not to apply the product too

thickly, as a thick surface layer will detract from the subtle beauty of the wood grain and its characteristic texture.

Enriching and protecting As an elegant and protective finish, Hard Wax Oil will complement a range of modern and classic interior styles, enriching the colour of the wood whilst protecting the floor or surface against

Armourflex Hard Wax Oil is highly durable offering resistance against both scratches and common spillages

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liquid spills and scratches. Our new Hard Wax Oil is highly durable, and outperforms competitor products in testing for resistance against both scratches and common spillages such as wine, tea, coffee, and tomato sauce.

If surface damage does occur then the product can be spot repaired without the effort of renovating the entire room, saving both time and money. This gives an advantage over similar floor coatings, avoiding the need for lengthy re-sanding of the wooden surface before reapplication.

Our Hard Wax Oil offers excellent surface water-resistance and also won’t crack, peel, flake, or blister, making it highly durable and offering long lasting, low maintenance protection.

Hard Wax Oil offers both the customer and consumer an essential range addition, complementing our water-based Armourflex Lacquer. Both products protect the wood in different ways, contrasting traditional oils and waxes with fast-drying modern resins. The protection from our Hard Wax Oil comes primarily from its three-dimensional hold within the wood grain. In comparison to this, our Lacquer provides a tough, protective surface film, utilising the latest cross-linking resin technology and drawing on the hardness of innovative ceramic particles for additional strength and scratch resistance.

Together, they form a complete range of offerings for nourishment and protection of internal wood.

Armourflex Hard Wood Oil is also supplied ready to apply for easy application. Its competitive market pricing makes it accessible and affordable, bringing exceptional protection of internal wooden surfaces to everyone. Both are available in Matt, Satin, and Gloss finishes, catering for every taste and project type.

They offer low ongoing maintenance and assure the beauty of wooden structures for future generations’ continued enjoyment, making them a must have solution in every stocked range of woodcare products.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ARMOURFLEX HARD WAX OIL VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI032

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SOUNDS LIKE A WINNER Ben Hancock, Managing Director at Oscar Acoustics outlines how housebuilders can combat noise transfer

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onstruction standards – particularly around new build homes – have come under intense scrutiny in recent times. However, whilst safety and sustainability are main priorities, the important area of effective soundproofing often gets overlooked. It means that spaces may look the part but are in fact, hellish to live with – noisy, stressful and a far stretch from the harmonious environments they set out to create.

The problem is widespread and for many of us, particularly those working from home, it can affect our concentration and sleep. Over time, it can even lead to health problems such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, heart attacks and even strokes.

Tackling the crisis Building Regulations Document E sets minimum standards for soundproofing residential buildings in England and Wales. However, while these ensure newbuilds and conversions comply, the standards don’t apply to existing dwellings, leaving hundreds of thousands of previously built properties with inadequate sound insulation. Your upstairs neighbours may not even be particularly noisy, but due to the way most homes have been built, poor sound

insulation and how sound travels between floors, you can still hear them.

When noise from above is a problem, the simplest solution is to create an isolated, ceiling, or ‘floating ceiling’ using acoustic hangers, which work by absorbing the vibrations that cause the transfer of unwanted noise between floors. With the right acoustic hanger, you can install an isolated ceiling entirely from the room below with no disruption to the room above – perfect for those working in flats and apartments. Systems that are height adjustable can even be used across uneven joists to allow for a flat with minimum ceiling height loss. Once installation is complete, it appears no different to a normal plastered ceiling.

Putting fire safety first The issue of fire safety also needs to be considered and specifiers should always prioritise products that boast third-party tested accreditation. Acoustic hangers that have a BRE fire rating of over 90minutes and are compliant with British Building Regs Approved Document E for airborne and impact sound should be the only choice. Opting for sub-par products at this stage could present a risk to life.

Shut down sound transfer Another soundproofing solution for homes, no matter the size, is a cavity fill insulation. This works particularly well in conjunction with other soundproofing products for extra impact and works by creating ‘dead air’ spaces between and within its fibres, shutting down excessive sound transfer. It also helps lower heating

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bills by trapping heat, helping homeowners faced with rising energy costs. It’s one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to tackle unwanted sound transfer.

Typically, this can be sprayed into a cavity before the void is closed, or blown through carefully drilled holes on existing structures. It seals any gaps and cracks in the wallboard, around electrical outlets, plumbing and other irregularities so there are no compressed areas or voids to allow sound leaks or air infiltration.

Builders looking to boost their sustainability credentials should look out for recycled thermal sound insulation products that are made from natural, paper-based fibres. Again, as fire safety

becomes more prevalent, it’s crucial that the product in question is fire-rated and adheres to industry standards.

Pride of place New legislation such as the Building Safety Bill is continuing the conversation around the quality of new-build homes and it’s driving up building standards.

Unfortunately, a lack of clarity around Building Regulations (2010) Approved Document E – ‘Resistance to the passage of sound’ is muddying the waters. Whilst it stipulates that walls and floors should reduce transmission to conjoining rooms, it fails to give instruction on the type of soundproofing products that can help overcome this issue.

The issue of unwanted noise isn’t going away and unsurprisingly, since the start of the pandemic, the situation has got worse. Annually UK councils receive more than 420,000 complaints about noise. This should be a wake-up call to developers who fail to take acoustic health seriously – it’s becoming increasingly important to occupants as awareness grows.

With more of us at home than ever, having the right soundproofing solutions in place can bring huge benefits to the mental and physical wellbeing of occupants. Those that stay one step ahead will not only be placing buyers at the heart of their design strategy, feeding into the Golden Thread, but for the wider industry, they’ll receive further kudos, being seen as forward-thinkers on a growing problem.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON OSCAR ACOUSTICS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI033

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new build & property development TECHNICAL TEAM TIPS – NO 39

TAKEN AS Don’t compromise on quality with roof battens, urges Marley’s Rob Cookson n essential component of a roof, battens are structurally important, so it makes sense to use the best. However, current supply issues have meant that inferior and crucially, less safe, battens could have entered the market, and whilst some roofing battens may be slightly cheaper, they could cause problems down the line. Issues can be avoided though, when the right product, such as Marley’s JB Red roofing battens are used.

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Not all battens are the same Rob Cookson, National Business Development Manager at Marley said: “When it comes to battens, it’s important that roofers understand what they’re buying – not all battens are the same.

Cheaper and often inferior battens may carry imperfections that can cause breakages and lead to accidents on site, especially since, being weight bearing, battens are used as a step ladder whilst a contractor is working on the roof.”

Rely on Red Critically, only battens that have been preor factory graded to BS 5534 – such as Marley’s JB Red – can be called or used as ‘roofing battens’. It is also the only UK factory-graded batten available to the roofing industry with BBA certification,

’ D E R ‘

whilst the timber for the JB Red battens is sourced from the manufacturer’s extensive network of Scandinavian saw mills.

Rob continues: “Selecting the correct timber to use for roofing battens is of paramount importance. We only source slow-grown timber which ensures strength and durability, whilst our battens are cut from kiln-dried sideboards to provide maximum strength and stability plus they are less likely to distort.”

Produced at its specialist manufacturing site in Gainsborough, JB Red battens are stringently tested and graded using a dedicated roof batten scanning line – Goldeneye. Scanning each timber batten intricately to the millimetre, Goldeneye’s computercontrolled, dedicated laser and camera grading line produces battens graded to the performance regulations of BS 5534 both quickly and accurately. It is important to note that currently, many other suppliers within the UK batten market rely on visual grading only.

In addition, MicroPro, a preservative treatment that protects against wood rotting, fungi and insects – and gives a 60-year desired service life – vacuums a preserving red pigment into the timber

ensuring that the resulting battens are both completely protected and also transformed to give their distinctive and easily identifiable red colour.

Exceeding standards Whilst JB Red completely meets the NHBC requirements for fully graded roofing battens, the red colour means that they are highly visible on site, making it easy for Local Authority Building Control, NHBC as well as other inspectors to see that high-quality, pre-graded and compliant battens have been used.

“Our JB Red battens help to make your life on site both easier and safer,” concludes Rob. “Being pre-graded, no further grading on site is required, saving you time. Being red in colour, means that they are easily identifiable, making any inspector’s (as well as your!) job easier.”

FOR ADVICE AND FURTHER DETAILS ON MARLEY’S JB RED BATTENS VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI034

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No.11

TAKE TO THE FLOOR This month Bradley Hirst, Technical Services Manager at Knauf Insulation, provides his top tips for insulating a suspended timber floor.

When builders upgrade insulation, they tend to focus on the loft, but older properties may be losing heat through the ground floor.

Comply with Building Regulations Approved Document L of the Building Regulations was updated in June 2022. There’s a one year transition period, which means that projects granted planning permission before that date can still be built to the existing standard providing work starts before 15th June ‘23. After this date all projects must meet the new minimum thermal performance standards. This means if you are installing insulation into an existing floor, then you will need to achieve a Uvalue of 0.25 W/m2K. This is typically achieved using 150mm of insulation between joists but check with the manufacturers technical team to ensure the correct specification for your project.

Use netting Always support Mineral Wool insulation with netting stapled to the joists to stop it from becoming loose, due to vibration from people walking across the floor above over time.

Ensure the quality of installation Use Mineral Wool insulation As well as providing thermal performance, Mineral Wool insulation for suspended timber floors is non-combustible. This means you can reassure your customers that it will not add to the development or spread of fire should it occur.

Unlike rigid board insulation, Mineral Wool is flexible, so it is easier to install correctly. It friction fits between the joists and knits together at joints, preventing gaps that can reduce thermal performance and fire safety.

Choose a slab or roll based on the installation method There are two methods for insulating a suspended timber floor: from above by removing the floorboards, or from below if there’s a crawl space. When installing insulation from above, use a Glass Mineral Wool roll, such as Knauf Insulation’s OmniFit® Roll 40, because it’s quicker. But when working below the floor, use a Glass or Rock Mineral Wool slab, such as Knauf Insulation’s OmniFit Slab 35 or Rocksilk® Flexible Slab, because slabs are easier to manoeuvre in a confined space.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON KNAUF INSULATION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI035

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new build & property development product round-up

OUTDOOR SPACES

The 20-mm thick porcelain tile solutions in the Ceramiche Keope K2 system emphasise indoor and outdoor continuity in design. The 2cm thick tiles of the outdoor collections (1cm thick options are also available) can be matched to the Keope indoor tile range, with stone effect, warm wood or industrial finishes to choose from.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI036

INSULATION

Recticel Insulation has obtained the PEFC label for its multilayer thermal insulation solutions, making them the first PIR/PUR manufacturer authorised to use this environmental label. The multilayer paper facings are made from wood fibres sourced from PEFC-certified forests and will feature on Eurothane GP, Eurothane Eurodeck and Eurowall Cavity solutions.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI038

SUBFLOOR PREPARATION

Setcrete has created a subfloor preparation system for luxury vinyl tile (LVT). The system comprises the company’s High Performance levelling compound, Acrylic Primer and Rapid Set DPM. LVT flooring is susceptible to subfloor imperfections and undulations showing through to the final finish, which makes a high quality levelling compound essential.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI037

ORIENTED STRAND BOARD (OSB)

The greenest of its type in the UK is how West Fraser (formerly known as Norbord) is describing its SterlingOSB Zero precisionengineered OSB3. The loadbearing board has been extensively developed to be free from added formaldehyde. The material will not delaminate, and is easy to saw, plane, drill and fix.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI039

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PRECAST CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS

A greener way of using concrete has gained the thumbs up from the National House Building Council (NHBC). Roger Bullivant’s factory produced RBeam precast concrete foundation system for low-rise developments comes with a range of piled foundation techniques for different soil types and ground conditions, including clay heave situations.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI040

LUXURY VINYL TILE (LVT)

An alternative to tiles and real wood, the Malmo Freedom stickdown LVT range includes 25 decors. Because it can be installed without transition strips the flooring allows for the seamless flow of one design between different areas, or alternatively it offers scope to create unique patterns, such as creating a border around a herringbone design.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI041

RECYCLED KERBS AND DRAINAGE

It’s the recycled polymers construction of the Dura Products range that provides a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete products. This includes its lightweight Durakerb, its combined kerb and drainage (CKD) system, Duradrain; and its heavyduty linear surface drainage system, Durachannel.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI042

HYDROGEN FIRED CLAY BRICKS

Michelmersh will conduct a feasibility study to replace natural gas with hydrogen in the brick making process. Green electrolytic hydrogen will be used to manufacture the HyBrick and the project will determine any impact on overall quality, brick integrity or aesthetics. The bricks will then be compared against control bricks produced using 100% natural gas.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI043

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one are the days when tiling was the only option for bathroom walls. Wall panelling is taking the market by storm, giving installers and homeowners stylish new options that are easy to fit and keep clean.

Tiles may well be the traditional choice for shower enclosures, bath surrounds and basin splashbacks but the time and hassle associated with grouting and keeping them clean has long been a bugbear for trade professionals and homeowners. Wall panelling has been available as an alternative for some years, but design choices have historically been quite limited, perhaps slowing its mass market appeal in its early days.

Today, the wall panelling market could not be more different. Hundreds of design choices are now available, ranging from tile-effect designs and replica marble finishes to wallpaper-inspired prints.

Homeowners can choose panels that replicate the look of metro, scallop or herringbone tiles; all popular on-trend looks that can be intricate and timeconsuming to achieve with individual tiles.

There are also mineral and marbleinspired finishes available that give the effect of these stunning natural materials but without the cost and need for grouting. And for homeowners looking to create a feature wall effect, there are a whole host of designs that reflect wider interior trends, from nature-inspired botanical prints to vintage floral patterns and travel-inspired safari-scapes.

The ability to make a style statement is resonating with today’s increasingly Instagram-inspired bathroom renovators – especially when wall panelling offers practical benefits too.

The large scale panels are easy to fit with near invisible joins, saving time for installers and speeding up bathroom fitouts. Simply cut to size, fix to the wall, fit the finishing trims and seal. There’s no need to cut tens of tiles to size, mix grout or bring in specialist trades, and the panels can typically be installed in less than half the time it would take to tile a like-for-like space. They can also be retrofitted over existing tiles to reduce preparation time.

No grout means less gaps and

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PANEL BEATERS

John Bagshaw, Managing Director for Showerwall, reveals what’s now available for the modern bathroom décor

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grooves for the build-up of dirt, soap residue and mould, keeping bathrooms looking new and cleaner for longer. The panels provide a hardwearing, hygienic and waterproof surface that is easy to maintain with a simple wipe down. Wall panelling’s low maintenance credentials are beneficial for time-stretched busy families with high-use bathrooms, older customers who want to minimise the physical effort of cleaning and landlords too, who need bathrooms to stay looking as good as they can, irrespective of tenants’ cleaning patterns.

Growing appeal The volume of homeowners and trade professionals who are switching on to the benefits of wall panelling is reflected in reported market growth. The sector has seen estimated growth of 25 per cent year-on-year for the past six years, with over 3.5million square metres of wall

panelling sold within the UK. My own company has experienced this growth too, recently investing in new digital printing technology that increases capacity by 400% to meet demand for its premium Acrylic panels, which offer a high-end polished finish.

Consumer demand also led the business to launch its Find a Fitter scheme, matching bathroom installers, plumbers, joiners and builders with homeowners seeking professional wall panelling installation. Homeowners can find local fitters in their area through our online search function and approved installers benefit from increased business opportunities in their local area through the listing as well as receiving an enhanced service offering from us. This includes video guides to help with training and sales, regular prize draws and a gift on registration.

Our own product offering includes

“The large scale panels are easy to fit with near invisible joins, saving time for installers and speeding up bathroom fit-outs. Simply cut to size, fix to the wall, fit the finishing trims and seal.”

Laminate panels as well as an Acrylic Collection and brand new Compact Collection. The Laminate range has a highpressure laminate surface, which delivers a smooth, watertight finish that’s tough, hard-wearing, stain resistant and hygienic.

The Acrylic Collection offers a library of modern designs including a bespoke facility which allows customers to feature an image, photograph or artwork of their choice on their wall panels. Manufactured using a 4mm acrylic sheet that is rear printed to create a glass-like finish, the material is 100% waterproof and doesn’t require trims so can simply be joined with sealant for a streamlined finish.

The new Compact Collection offers the real look and feel of tiles without the need for grout. With five designs available, the Compact panels are made from a strong solid composite material, embossed to create a tile effect wall.

The Compact Collection panels measure 1,220mm x 2,440mm and are a waterproof system when installed correctly with coordinating trims, available in four complementing colours including Chrome, Satin Silver, White and Black.

The full collection offers over 100 decors to suit all tastes, with Laminate panels available in 600mm, 900mm and 1,200mm x 2,440mm and Acrylic available in 900, 1200 and 1,220 x 2,400mm. The panels are backed by a guarantee of up to 30-years.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON SHOWERWALL VISIT:

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI044 IF YOU WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SHOWERWALL FIND A FITTER SCHEME VISIT

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI045

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WATER WORLD

Martin Walker, CEO of Methven, explores the role tradespeople can play in improving the overall water efficiency of their bathroom projects

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n 1960, around 85 litres of water were used per person, per day. Fast forward to 2022 and this figure is around 150 litres and rising. As the UK continues to face significant water scarcity, and homeowners shift towards environmentally friendly solutions, tradespeople now need to futureproof a property against upcoming changes, without compromising on performance or aesthetics.

Sustainability and being more environmentally conscious have been on the agenda for many years, with manufacturers looking for ways in which they can help create energy efficient solutions. However, while the spotlight remains on carbon reduction, water sustainability is often an area that is

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overlooked. It is vital that water efficiency is addressed because there are genuine concerns that the UK is set to face severe shortages over the next 20 years. As a result, the Environment Agency is urging people to reduce their water consumption by 40 litres or more.

There is a desire from homeowners to be more environmentally conscious, with 79 per cent of consumers saying they would likely fit a water saving device, according to research by the Consumer Council for Water. As bathrooms account for the majority of daily water usage in residential homes, builders can help by taking a proactive approach in the products being specified to not only future-proof properties but also protect the UK’s diminishing water supply.

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Historically, some water efficient showerheads, particularly the white plastic, entry level models, have gained a negative reputation for low performance and compromising the overall bathroom aesthetic. In recent years, the industry has begun to develop a new generation of low flow showers and, while some of these products may have significantly reduced the flow rate of water used per minute, the overall function was so limited that individuals had to shower for up to twice as long, resulting in the same level of water usage as a normal showerhead.

New technologies Here at Methven, we have invested in water saving technologies and have put a great emphasis on creating stylish and modern products that don’t compromise on performance. Our designs offer a high quality and visually appealing showering experience so there is no compromise on the final look of the bathroom.

In order to prove that a property, extension or conversion is water efficient,

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ABOUT METHVEN Designed and engineered in New Zealand, Methven is a global manufacturer of showers, taps and valves. The company holds three of six worldwide patents for showering technology and is committed to conserving energy and water to protect the planet for generations to come with solutions that deliver an invigorating showering experience whilst actually using less water.

Methven has won prestigious design awards including Red Dot, Red Dot ‘Best of the Best’ Design Award, German Design Award, Chicago GOOD DESIGN Awards Designer Kitchen & Bathroom Award and BKU Best Shower brand.

Part G Water Calculations are now a legal requirement. This means a home must not use more than 125 litres of water per person per day. Once you factor in high water usage items such as dishwashers and washing machines the figures really add up. In water stressed areas a standard of 110 litres PPPD is in place, and it is widely anticipated that this requirement will be adopted under Building Regulations. Therefore, choosing solutions that adhere to this ‘optional’ requirement to achieve water efficiency can ensure the property is future proofed and proactively helps homeowners to reduce their usage.

Methven offers a range of technologies that provide low flow rates and focuses on harnessing the natural power of water, rather than adding unnecessary pumps and components. These include Satinjet, Aurajet and Vjet shower spray technologies, which maximise each individual droplet of water to make contact with the skin in the most effective way.

Spray patterns are crucial to the showering experience and Methven’s technologies are designed to provide more coverage than a conventional shower.

The patented designs can save up to 50 per cent on energy costs and up to 55 per cent on the cost of water used in the shower. For a family of four this could equate to over £200 off their utility bills annually. Methven has taken a different approach from many other manufacturers by engineering the spray experience based on a desired, limited flow rate whilst maximising the user experience.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON METHVEN VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI046

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plumbing & bathrooms product round-up

QUARTZ KITCHEN WORKTOP

The first of its kind to be sold in the UK, is how Gemini Worktops is describing its Gemini Quartz Ultra HD. Made using 5D nanotechnology printing that infiltrates deep into the stone, the quartz kitchen worktop material exhibits high definition, natural-looking stone patterns. It is available in 10 colours and is scratch, stain and impact resistant, and non-porous.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI047

QUIET FAN

Ultra-quiet yet effective and efficient ventilation is promised with the Manrose’s Quiet Fan X5. A running volume as low as 25dB(A) is complemented by a high extraction rate of 90m³/hr, avoiding condensation and mould, whilst improving indoor air quality. The low energy motor also benefits from an energy conscious maximum consumption of six watts.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI048

INSTALLER-FRIENDLY BATHROOMS

Thomas Crapper toilet cisterns are created using traditional Victorian tooling but, instead of being made from cast iron, are formed with a durable, plumberfriendly marine alloy and a plastic liner to prevent condensation and reduce noise. Toilet cisterns are six- and four-litre dual flush but with more reliable and better functioning syphon valves.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI049

SHOWER TRAYS

A slate effect finish has been introduced to the Kudos Connect2 shower tray collection. The dark grey tray features an exclusive surface pattern, taken directly from a piece of locally sourced slate. There’s also a super low profile when installed, standing at just 35mm in height, whilst other installer-friendly features include an offset dual waste outlet.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI050

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

THE INNOVATION GAME Professional Builder looks at some of the tools and accessories on show at the Bosch Innovation Day

Bosch Professional Power Tools recently played host to an audience of end users at Colchester Community Stadium.

Some of the manufacturer’s own experts were on hand to explain the latest technologies, whilst tradespeople themselves could get to grips with advances in machines and accessories.

Bosch Professional pitches its Expert range as problem solving accessories, and many of the products in this premium brand have been designed around what’s currently in vogue in home improvement.

The HEX-9 HardCeramic bit is, for example, an answer to the recent trend for hard tiles – including porcelain. An asymmetric drill tip ensures the bit

catches the material as soon as you start drilling – without any wandering – which makes for greater accuracy, less chance of damage to the worksurface, and a hole exactly where you want it. In addition, a durable blue carbide tip offers up to ten times the longevity of a standard drill bit.

It’s more resistant to heating up, so no cooling or lubricant is required, and the increased efficiency means less dust.

Not only that, if you’re drilling holes close to each other through porcelain with a standard bit then you risk compromising the integrity of the tile, but not so with the HEX-9 HardCeramic bit, where there’s a much-reduced chance of the whole thing cracking. As we discovered at the Innovation Day demonstration, starting slowly – and in a low gear – the bit will positively sail through a material which at times can seem impenetrable to the mere mortals currently available in the drill bit market.

Make your calculations in cost per hole, in fact – as well as reduced damage to tiles – and it becomes a very economical proposition.

Expert range Elsewhere in the Expert range the Bosch MultiConstruction bit for drill drivers and impact drill drivers can be used on a wide range of materials, many of which are handily depicted on the packaging. As an accessory this multi-tasker is all about precision, with the same high performance carbide material at the tip and patented Bosch Centering Geometry to ensure accurate drilling, and a clean hole from start to finish.

Where this power tool expert has really taken a further leap forward is with its wood drilling spade bit design. One look

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at the business end of the Expert SelfCut Speed and you’ll notice the difference.

Thanks to Bosch Tip Technology, a selffeeding thread drives itself into the material with significantly increased speed – and less effort for the end user.

Available from 10-32mm sizes, the manufacturer boasts that it’s up to three times faster than a standard bit, whilst a wave-shaped spade configuration aids material removal whilst drilling.

Drill Driver & Combi As a manufacturer Bosch is striving for the perfect combination of precision in its accessories and power in its tools. If it’s muscle you’re after then the coming together of the company’s BITURBO Brushless motor and ProCORE 18V Battery in tools like the GSR 18V-150C Drill Driver – and GSB 18V-150C Combi – are eloquent demonstrations of what that can achieve in practice. Indeed, with a 12Ah ProCORE 18V power source, delivering 150Nm of torque, the latter has the distinction of being the most powerful tool of its kind available today – and that’s with a battery that can easily complete a full day’s work on a single charge.

All that force requires a good-sized and robust side-handle and, with the ability to cut with a 150mm hole saw, that’s complemented by KickBack Control, which will shut down the machine if the tool binds up in the material. The GSR unit

is equipped with both drill and screwdriving functions, whilst the GSB combi adds a hammer setting to those two. In either case, the power of these deceptively small machines is prodigious.

At the innovation day the GSR was set up with a 26mm auger bit which was drilling through an old oak beam, a feat it comfortably achieved in the second of the two available speed settings. Try that with an inferior product and at the very least the tool will give up the ghost – worst case scenario and you’re looking at a burn-out gear box.

The Electronic Angle Detection on both machines is equipped with two presets at 45 and 60° and allows for screwing and drilling into a surface at a specific angle.

There’s a further custom option that is accessible via the Bosch app on a mobile phone, and where any angle that’s required can be set.

On other tools in the Bosch range – such as the GKS 18V-68 GC Professional Cordless Circular Saw – BITURBO Brushless can provide up to 1,800 watts of power, which is equivalent or exceeds mains powered units. Inside, an incredibly strong magnetic armature, and larger coil windings allows the motor to take full advantage of the power in the ProCORE battery, and that makes matching their corded counterparts a feature of this technology.

ProCORE Battery The ProCORE Battery Range is available in 4.0Ah, 8.0Ah and 12.0Ah and has its own 16amp dedicated charger.

Crucially, however, the current generation of Bosch batteries remains compatible with all the chargers and 18V Li-ion tools the manufacturer has produced since 2008. At the same time, it’s equally possible to use a Bosch Coolpack battery on any BITURBO machine – without, of course, the full power that the latest platform provides. In summary, not only are ProCORE batteries delivering additional power and run times, they’re more compact and, thanks to superior heat dissipation in use, will last longer, and are capable of delivering mainspowered performance.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS FEATURE USE THE APPROPRIATE LINK: EXPERT ACCESSORIES WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI051 GSR 18V 150-C WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI052 TO WATCH A VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS THE BITURBO CONCEPT VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI053 FOR A VIDEO THAT LOOK AT PROCORE TECHNOLOGY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI054

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WORKWEAR

COMFORT ZONE Peter Dumigan, Managing Director of the Hultafors Group UK, is your guide to a summer of sustainable garments

In today’s climate of carbon footprints and wastefulness, environmental considerations are more important than ever. Snickers Workwear clothing is trialed and tested from the Arctic Circle to the southern Mediterranean, in extreme environmental conditions – cold, heat, wind and rain. But not only are these working clothes evaluated for performance, they’re now assessed for ‘Environmental Sustainability’. What makes these garments so appealing to forward-thinking individuals is not only the comfort, functionality and ergonomic body mapping designs but also the 21st century fabrics found in the latest in sustainable, organic and sports fabric technologies.

Fabric technology and sustainability If you want to be more than just cool and comfortable at work this summer – and do your for bit for saving the planet – the ‘Verifiable Sustainability’ in Snickers Workwear new T- and Polo-shirts will suit you down to the ground. The new

lightweight Polo and T-shirts are made of 100 per cent recycled polyester with a bio-based, anti-odour finish plus a smooth texture and efficient moisture transport for great working comfort.

If your focus is on being kind to animals, the Sustainable Merino Wool mid- and base-layer clothes are ‘Mulesing-Free which will help you stay warm or cool because of the nature of its 100 per cent all-natural Merino Wool fabric that delivers optimal comfort for all kinds of working environments and leisure activities.

Designed by nature for excellent ventilation and insulation, Merino wool is extremely soft, and naturally odourpreventive for an all-day fresh feel. It’s also temperature-regulating, repels water, and dirt particles. It’s anti-static and Snickers Workwear ensures that the wool it uses is produced in kind-toanimals ‘Mulesing-Free’ environments.

If recyclability is your particular focus in eco-friendly priorities, then the AllroundWork Hoodies and Gilets could be your ‘Sustainable Choice’. Made from

4 Cool facts About 37.5 Technology

씰 The active particles used in 37.5 technology are derived from natural sources such as coconut shells and volcanic minerals. 씰 Fabrics with 37.5 technology dry up to five times faster than performance fabrics without. 씰 The hotter a user gets the stronger the drive force removing moisture becomes. 씰 37.5 works to the level of 37.5 degrees, both when it comes to humidity percentage and temperature.

100 per cent recycled polyester, the clothes are comfortable and lightweight with great freedom of movement. They’ll also deliver just the right warmth and comfort to keep your body warm in chilly early mornings or comfortably cool in the warmer evenings.

Making the choices For you to stay cool and comfortable in warmer weather, workwear choices matter a lot. For optimum performance your workwear needs to deliver great ventilation, have a fabric that dries fast while still offering the protection you need. Make the right choices and you’ll be well prepared for a hot day at work.

Dress for the heat The sun’s warmth burns, you need to stay cool and turn down the heat. So here are three key facts to keep in mind when dressing for warm weather.

Ventilation When temperatures are on the up, ventilation is crucial. It can be achieved in different ways, either by how the workwear is designed or the functionality it delivers. Two of the main features Snickers Workwear integrates into its workwear to offer great breathability are the 37.5 technology for cooling comfort and Mechanical Air Flow.

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WORKWEAR

Fabric technology and comfort The fabric in your workwear definitely affects how comfortable you’ll be throughout the workday. Cheap workwear that uses poor quality fabrics might be easy on the wallet, but they wear easily, cause discomfort and chafing, affecting your mood and wellbeing. Good quality lighter fabrics – especially those with good stretchability and those that offer UV protection – offer more ventilation and they dry quickly. While cheaper cotton-based fabrics absorb moisture and dry slowly.

Snickers Workwear’s LiteWork collection is specially developed for warm days at work, giving you good-looking, quality clothes made in lighter fabrics to ensure great ventilation and comfort.

Quick-drying workwear The LiteWork collection is specially developed for warmer weather. It features the revolutionary 37.5 technology and stretch fabrics for the best in mobility,

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And finally…

moisture transport and ventilation. What’s more, advanced functionality and great fabric technology will ensure cool and dry working comfort, no matter what the weather conditions are.

If it’s performance you need, check out the upgraded lightweight and breathable 37.5 fabric technology in Snicker’s Workwear’s shirts and base-layer clothes.

Cooling technology makes them great for demanding tasks on site as well as high intensity gym work, circuit training, jogging, hill walking and mountain-biking.

Look out for styles made from the 37.5 fabric for optimal ventilation, cooling and moisture transport to keep you feeling fresh for longer.

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While style, comfort and functionality have been key drivers in Snickers Workwear clothing development over the last 50 years, fabric technology, performance and sustainability is now central to the technical design of the brand’s clothing, just as it is in performance sports and leisurewear. The result is environmentally friendly, ergonomically designed dualpurpose working clothes that are not only designed to meet the physical demands that tradesmen and women face at work but are also ideal for some sports and leisure activities. Most important in today’s climate, they’ll help reduce your carbon footprint too!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON 37.5 TECHNOLOGY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI055 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SNICKERS WORKWEAR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI056

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

DRIVING TEST How do you choose the right tool for screwdriving? Festool reveals all.

Which screwdriver is best suited to the different tasks and applications? One with two or maybe even four speeds?

10.8V or 18V batteries? An impact screwdriver, a percussion drill or a drill?

A specialist tool or one for all applications? The variety of cordless screwdrivers can seem overwhelming.

But one thing is clear: The only way to achieve the best result is to work with a tool that is precisely matched to the application.

The torque setting and selection of the right speed are the two most important factors for achieving a perfect screwdriving result, since they precisely adjust the screwdriving process to the screw properties, screw diameter and, most importantly, the material.

Cordless impact screwdrivers are taking tradespeople by storm. Those seeking a solution only for screwdriving – with optimum performance and endurance and no strength-sapping back torque – will benefit most from the TID 18 impact screwdriver. This tool enables screwdriving over long periods without tiring. Cordless impact screwdrivers are

significantly lighter, more compact and enable working more comfortably – especially for repetitive screwdriving tasks. The essential feature here is the extremely low back torque, made possible by the tangential hammer mechanism which minimises impact on the wrist during screwdriving.

Georg von dem Bussche, Festool trainer and master carpenter, explains: “The smart T-mode is an especially practical feature of the TID 18 cordless impact screwdriver. When fitting sheet metal to wood with self-tapping screws, the tool detects the transition between the different materials and automatically adapts the speed. To drill into the sheet metal as effectively as possible, the tool starts off driving in the screw with a high speed, low torque and without impact loading. Once the torque increases due to the commencing screwdriving process in the wood, the machine independently reduces the speed and only then begins impact loading.”

Versatile tools The range of applications that are possible with the QUADRIVE TDC cordless drill and QUADRIVE TPC 18/4 cordless percussion drill with four-speed gearbox is extremely versatile. The fourspeed powerhouses are ideal both for screwdriving tasks involving high torques and large diameters as well as quick and powerful drilling. As a rule of thumb, the

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and adds: “If screws are overtightened or screw heads are even shorn off, this is usually due to mistakenly using maximum torque for screwdriving. This damages both the screw and drill bit.”

Talk the torque

larger the drilling diameter is, the lower speed needs to be.

Festool has developed a clever solution for switching between speeds, with both tools allowing users to switch from one gear straight to any other. Fixed stops ensure clear engaging, saving you time and guaranteeing full control while screwdriving. KickbackStop protects the wrist Both the QUADRIVE TDC and TPC ensure that your hand twisting dangerously if the tool suddenly jams is a thing of the past. The intelligent KickbackStop minimises the risk of this happening. How does it achieve that? A sensor detects a tool jam and stops the drive within a fraction of a second – before the force can be transferred to your wrist.

Drilling or screwdriving? That is not a question you have to ask with cordless drills, which is why the all-rounder tools in the 18V class are so popular. The T 18+3 cordless drill and the C 18 cordless drill in the ergonomic C-shape are also equipped with fully electronic torque setting, the Centrotec quick-change system and special attachments, a brushless motor and high-performance battery packs. That makes them a universal solution for most screwdriving and drilling applications.

Many tradespeople often use maximum torque for screwdriving. With the T 18+3 and C 18 cordless drills, you can switch from maximum torque to a lower torque setting simply by pressing a

button. “Our cordless drills feature fully electronic torque setting and shut-off. This is particularly useful for screwdriving, since it allows for a very precise adjustment of force and speed. And that is exactly what many tradespeople value, as they prefer screwdriving with high precision,” continues von dem Bussche,

“Precise screwdriving requires an ideal torque, a high-quality bit and a tool chuck that can be changed quickly. The bits are very important for the power transfer, which is why they need to be of a high quality. Magnetic bits and bit holders are particularly useful. Professionals appreciate it when bits, drills and attachments can be changed quickly. That is why we have combined chuck and bit holder in one with our unique Centrotec tool chuck: It is half the size and 80% lighter than comparable chucks. It fits all cordless drills from Festool with FastFix interface and enables users to change tools in a matter of seconds, which has proven to be a very popular feature in practice,” confirms von dem Bussche.

The EX-UNI eccentric attachment is recommended for screwdriving close to the edge. The angle can be adjusted simply by turning the ring. The same principle is used for adjusting the angle on the AN-UNI angle attachment. You no longer need to remove the attachment from the tool first. The DC UNI FF depth stop is perfect for achieving reproducible screw fittings in façade cladding or patio flooring. The rubberised protective ring prevents undesirable, visible impressions in the surface. The DD-DC depth stop is perfect for fitting drywall panels, since it allows many screws to be placed with a uniform screwdriving depth and offers an optimal view of the screwdriving site thanks to its narrow design.

TO WATCH AN EXPLANATORY ANIMATED VIDEO ON THE FESTOOL TPC 18 HAMMER MECHANISM WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI057 TO WATCH A VIDEO ON THE TPC / TDC QUADRIVE CORDLESS DRILL DRIVER WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI058 FOR AN EXPLANATION OF THE TID 18 HAMMER MECHANISM VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI059

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Tibby Singh — www.TibbySingh.com

SAFETY FOOTWEAR

GREEN FOOTPRINT Tibby Singh reviews the latest in vegan-friendly footwear from V12

Stepping back to a sunny morning in September 1998, two brothers launched V12 Footwear. Today it’s still very much a family owned and run business with generations of shoemakers’ experience behind them. So, I was intrigued to find out what the V12 Velocity IGS and Torque IGS Safety Footwear had to offer.

The V12 Velocity IGS Trainers are certainly visible due to the striking cobalt blue colour. On the other hand, the Torque IGS are grey toned, and are a hiker style which offers additional protection to the ankle area. At first glance they looked a little on the bulky side but, thanks to a composite safety toecap in combination with the materials used, they are in fact light in weight. I love the fact that they are constructed from advanced leather free materials, making them very comfortable and a great ethical choice.

The Velocity and Torque have an Intelligent Grip System (IGS) heat resistant sole. Inspired by car technology it is described as a revolution in sole design. Looking closely at the sole it has a unique hexagonal tread, which provides superior grip. In the middle, it has a ladder grip meaning it provides safety

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off the ground as well as on. At the back, there’s a heel strike pad to assist with water dispersal.

I was pleased to learn these shoes themselves are part of their ‘Vegan-Friendly’ range; a development which is a step in the right direction, allowing those that want to eliminate the use of animal products to

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literally vote with their feet.

Something that you can’t prevent is the shoes getting mucky, but V12’s MukGuards can prevent you creating a trail of muck into someone’s home. They come with a carabiner attachment, so they’re always on hand and on your feet within seconds. This is particularly efficient when you’re working on jobs going in and out of client’s homes.

The single-use disposable plastic overshoes I’ve used in the past can’t be used over and over and even had them tear on me whilst struggling to get them on. Whereas the V12 MukGuards are not only reusable and washable, but they’re also stitched and glued and are made to last. Unlike the plastic ones that are slip hazard, thanks to their design, these V12 MukGuards offer excellent grip on carpets and smooth surfaces.

A lot of companies are talking about going green and the steps they’re taking to lower their environmental impact, but V12 Footwear have walked the walk with all these products. The innovative overshoe covers have won them the ‘Green Apple’ Award. It’s also proof that great products can be made using alternative materials whilst protecting the planet we walk on for generations to come.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE V12 VELOCITY IGS AND TORQUE IGS SAFETY FOOTWEAR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI060

New Style PB Live - PB_Layout 1 27/04/2022 10:41 Page 1

THE TRADESHOW FOR PROFESSIONAL BUILDERS

Professional

LIVE!

Top trade products, exhibition specials and hands-on demo zones FORTHCOMING SHOWS: CBS ARENA, COVENTRY 14TH/15TH SEPTEMBER 2022 WESTPOINT ARENA, EXETER 20TH & 21ST OCTOBER 2022 SANDOWN PARK, SURREY 3RD & 4TH NOVEMBER 2022 Register for free at www.probuilderlive.co.uk

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

FOLLOWING

THE TREND

Tibby Singh continues to explore what setting the Trend in power tools

I’ve previously discussed how Trend Routing Technology has evolved to Trend Tool Technology and has rapidly grown its product catalogue with the introduction of 11 new cordless tools, including the Cordless ¼” Router and Mitre Saw which I have already reviewed in Professional Builder.

In this review I’m going to take on the manufacturer’s: 씰 Impact Driver 씰 Combi Drill 씰 LED Site Light 씰 Random Orbital Sander 씰 Detail Sander 씰 Third Sheet Sander As before, all these cordless tools run off Trend’s T18 TX Lithium-ion batteries which have light indication and are available in 2Ah, 4Ah and 5Ah. The 2Ah is better for lighter tasks such as light drilling and sanding, 4Ah for more demanding tasks like routing and the 5Ah is for extended capacity and power

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usage, such as repetitive cuts on the mitre saw or more demanding materials.

I was surprised to see Trend also launch an Impact Driver and a Combi Drill.

Both feel well ergonomically designed and with the slimline 2Ah batteries they feel incredibly light in weight. It has all the standard features, such as quick release chuck and LED work light. Originally, I was impressed with the Impact Driver’s two speeds for driving thin gauge screws and heavy-duty fixings respectively. They’ve even squeezed in another surprise function in the form of the no load cut off, which switches the driver off when the tool is torque free in reverse. Turning to talk about the Combi Drill, you always know it’s quality when it has a metal chuck, which has a 13mm capacity. It has three functions for drilling in wood, metal and masonry.

All the company’s cordless tools can shine beneath the power of the LED Site Light. It features three levels of brightness from low (10W), bright (20W), and extra bright (30W) which is equivalent to 1,100,

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2,000 and 2,700 Lumens respectively. I can even vouch for its long runtime as it’s the one out of the whole range I’m constantly using at the moment. It’s easy carry handle makes it great for moving it around and it even has a hook mount to hang if needed. When hanging it can smoothly swivel 360 degrees, so you won’t ever be left in the dark.

The tools I’d expect to be smooth operators are the sanders and the Random Orbital, Detail and a Third Sheet Sander don’t disappoint. All three are compact, well-balanced and have a dust sealed switch. They all have a rubber over-mould making them comfortable to handle. They have a dust extraction port, which allows you to connect to an extractor or, alternatively, the dust bags provided. The standard hook and loop system allows you to change sandpaper quickly.

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Tibby Singh — www.TibbySingh.com

COMPETITION! The Random Orbital sander is ideal for fast stock removal and, thanks to its eccentric 2mm orbits, leaves a fine finish. As the name suggests, the Detail Sander is for finer, more intricate detail work with a shape that helps you control the tool in those tight spaces. Last up is the larger Third Sheet Sander which is perfect for sanding large flat surfaces. On this one you can even use sander paper straight off the roll thanks to the additional wire retention clamps. It’s even supplied with a punch base to punch holes into the sandpaper, so that the holes match up to prevent your sandpaper from clogging up.

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! Trend Tool Technology has teamed up with Professional Builder to give away a choice of T12 2300W ½” Plunge Router or a T14 2300W ½” Workshop Router.

Both machines benefit from an 80mm plunge depth, auto locking plunge lever a precision centring system and topmount cyclone extraction.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON TREND TOOL TECHNOLOGY VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI061 TO ACCESS TIBBY SINGH’S REVIEW OF THE CORDLESS ¼” ROUTER AND MITRE SAW VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI062

For your chance to win the fantastic prize simply use the rdr.link below to go direct to the Professional Builder website, where you can enter your details:

WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI063 I

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

ARE YOU HIRING OR BUYING ?

Research has found that over 70 per cent of construction companies have experienced decreased turnover in recent years, with 80 per cent having to postpone or cancel upcoming work. As the cost of raw materials saw a 40-year high in 2021, and is set to treble in 2022, profits may continue to strain.

Construction workers could not do their job without tools and machinery. Big or small, there is some equipment that a contractor can never enter a site without, and others that are only used occasionally but are essential to the delivery of a job.

There are only two options to choose from when acquiring construction equipment – hiring or buying. Each has its cost and time-saving benefits, but it’s essential for construction companies and tradespeople to think about their own individual circumstances to truly get the best value.

First, let’s look at buying. The main reason businesses will choose to invest in construction tools and machinery is when they know workers will get plenty of use from them on the majority of jobs. In this case, purchasing is more cost-effective in the long term and saves the hassle of repeatedly arranging rental from hire merchants.

Once equipment has been purchased, availability is pretty much guaranteed as and when needed, providing all upcoming projects and workforce numbers have been taken into account. High demand, particularly in peak periods, such as

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Dom Waring, Technical Manager for Hire, Machines and CP Engineering at Norton Clipper, discusses how contractors can make the most of their equipment

option if businesses are short on cash flow and unable to purchase the machine upfront. This also provides the option to ‘try before you buy’, allowing operators to test the performance of machinery and whether it’s suitable for the business’ needs.

Aiming ‘hire’ springtime, and machine maintenance can mean that some equipment may be hard to get hold of when hiring.

Having brand new, unused equipment is also one of the big benefits of purchasing tools and machinery. The owner has complete control over how equipment is looked after and maintained.

But while buying might seem like the logical choice, there are equal arguments to suggest that hiring is the best option in many cases. Most prominently is if the equipment is only needed for a short period or for one specific job. From both a financial and a sustainability point of view, it can be unnecessary to spend a lot of money on equipment that is used only once or infrequently.

Hiring can even be the only feasible

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While one of the pros of buying is that owners have complete control over the upkeep of machinery, some labourers actually prefer not to have that responsibility. Renting equipment allows businesses to leave this in the capable hands of the hire merchant. Hire merchants will perform thorough maintenance and checks and assist in rare cases of rented products experiencing issues or breakdowns.

Similarly, construction companies also often choose to hire so that they don’t need to spend time and money on servicing and sourcing replacement parts.

Less equipment also means less storage required, and therefore any additional costs to rent or buy storage space can be cut as well.

Similar to when buying new

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equipment, there are considerations to bear in mind when hiring to ensure operators are getting value for money: 씰 How old the equipment is, and how long the merchant has had it 씰 The reliability and range 씰 Whether the machine needs access to a water source permanently or if it has a water tank 씰 The features and benefits, such as whether it has vibration dampening technology 씰 Whether the machine is simple and easy to use 씰 Whether a smaller alternative machine can be used instead to achieve the same result

The overall cost With cost savings to be had on both sides, businesses and trades must think about which method is best for them.

Overall, construction machinery hire can become expensive and labour intensive in the long-term. However, it does take away the ongoing maintenance, storage and

transport costs involved in owning equipment. When deciding which option is best, businesses should balance the cost-effectiveness of buying versus hiring for the required length of time.

Norton Clipper want to ensure its construction equipment is available to

both buy and hire from local merchants to give operators as much choice as possible.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE NORTON CLIPPER RANGE VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI064

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT POWER TOOL OFFER

MULTITOOL ACCESSORIES

A Carbide Blade (T0877), Scraper (T0878) and Box Cutter (T0880) are the latest additions to C.K Tools’ multitool accessories range. The Multitool Carbide Blade (T0877) is designed for heavy duty jobs and cutting through tough metals such as steel pipework or conduit, as well as damaged fixings such as screws, nails and bolts.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI065

SANDER

Multiple applications – from detail sanding to window frames – can be undertaken with the Mirka DEOS 343CV sander. The 75mm x 100mm pad will access hard to reach areas, a low profile allows the tool to get closer to the surface – making it easier to control – and the lightweight ergonomic design provides a comfortable grip.

Tradespeople can get their hands on a free MR002GZ01 Bluetooth Job Site Radio, or MP001GZ XGT 40VMax Inflator, or ML003G XGT 40VMax Worklight, with the purchase and registration of selected Makita XGT 40VMax machines. The manufacturer’s latest on-line redemption offer is available until 30th September 2022. For more information use the rdr link below: GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI067

Save time, make money all year with the reliable, easy to use and clean, pneumatically powered, vibration free Pnu-Point pointing tool.

sales@pnupoint.co.uk

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With their compact small size and light weight, Wiha PocketMax screwdrivers fit into every shirt or trouser pocket. Safely tucked away in the handle, the bit depot includes either eight popular standard bits 1/4” C 6.3 in the magnetic version or four slimBits in the insulated electric version.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI069

HAND TOOLS

The product portfolio already includes 7,000 solutions and now TIMCO has launched a comprehensive range of hand tools, consisting of 150 items. All the latest additions are included in the company’s Product Catalogue Spring/Summer 2022 Edition. From striking and demolition to bricklaying and plastering, as well as sawing, cutting, clamping and measuring, the range has been specifically designed for a wide variety of tasks.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI066

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SCREWDRIVERS

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI068

WATER PUMP PLIERS

It’s the arched adjustment slot and slim head shape of the Knipex Alligator that makes them suitable for confined spaces. Thanks to a 9-step locking adjustment there’s a large number of grip widths, which will accommodate pipes up to 50mm (2in.) and nuts up to 46mm – which is 30 per cent more than with standard water pump pliers.

TO WATCH A VIDEO OF THE TOOL IN ACTION VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI070

Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

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builders’ vehicles 씱

SERVICE WITH A SMILE Dan Powell, the Editor of Honest John Vans, tells you everything you need to know about van servicing.

Should you take your van to a dealer or a local garage for its annual service? It’s a question we get asked a lot at Honest John Vans by builders and tradespeople.

The answer, however, will very much depend on the age of your van, your personal circumstances and whether your vehicle has a ‘premium’ badge on its bonnet. You will also need to understand the benefits and potential drawbacks of each method, as the decision to use a dealer or independent garage will vary from person to person.

If your van is leased or on a finance agreement the choice may have already been taken out of your hands. Some finance and leasing companies will insist that you use a manufacturer-approved dealership for all of their vehicle’s maintenance and servicing needs (but you’ll need to check your finance documents to confirm this).

Benefits of dealer servicing When you take your van to a dealership you tend to get a cast-iron guarantee that all of the staff are trained to the manufacturer’s highest standards. They will have access to the latest equipment and manufacturer approved parts, which means your van will get the very best treatment.

A van with a fully stamped service book will always be more desirable on the second-hand market than one without.

Especially if it’s a popular or premium model. This means you’ll be more likely to get the full asking price when you are looking to sell your vehicle. You may also sell it quicker, as buyers will tend to favour a dealer serviced van over one with a patchy service history from a number of local garages.

If your van suffers a serious fault outside of its manufacturer warranty

Daniel Powell of Honest John Vans

period then the dealer/and or the manufacturer will be more willing to help you if your van has been serviced without the dealer network. In some cases, this will be in the form of a ‘goodwill contribution’ that will cover parts and/or labour costs – always handy if something big and expensive on your van goes bang.

A dealer service may also include some free software or mechanical updates for your van, while any outstanding recall issues will also be addressed as part of the annual service.

This may not happen if you take your van to an independent garage.

Benefits of using an independent garage The UK has some brilliant independent garages. Many of them specialise in a particular make of van. And the staff will know every nut and bolt of your vehicle.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to take your van to a dealer to maintain its manufacturer warranty. Any garage can service your van, but they must use approved parts and fluids (and

document them all on an itemised invoice). Failure to do this may result in your van’s manufacturer warranty being void or a warranty claim being rejected.

Using an independent garage can also offer big cost savings – the labour rate of a local garage can be 50 per cent cheaper than that of a flashy dealership.

If your van is outside of its manufacturer warranty period, you may also make big savings on parts, with independent garages having access to a broad range of spares from third-party manufacturers.

Should the worst happen, and your van suffers an engine or gearbox problem, an independent garage will be able to recommend or source a specialist who will be able to offer a repair rather than insist on a full replacement.

FOR MORE VAN ADVICE, VISIT: WWW.HONESTJOHN.CO.UK/VANS OR TYPE “HONEST JOHN VANS” INTO YOUR ONLINE SEARCH ENGINE OR VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI071

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077_PB_JUL22_Layout 1 13/06/2022 11:43 Page 77

builders’ vehicles 씱

TRAVELLING IN A FAR-OUT KOMBI!

On the move for business or pleasure? You’re guaranteed to have the best seats available in the VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group) Sportline Transporter Kombi van.

With record fuel prices, and ever spiralling insurance and maintenance costs, it’s a real challenge for many small building companies these days to keep one vehicle on the road, let alone having the luxury of owning an additional family saloon for weekend outings. Perhaps not surprisingly then, we are seeing more and more tradespeople consider an option that would have previously passed them by — the Kombi van.

To all intents and purposes, it represents a functional weekday workhorse, but with the option of three rear passenger seats which can be easily removed and repositioned depending on the daily requirements. And, even with the seats in situ, there is still plenty of useable space for tools and materials, or the sort of paraphernalia which goes with typical family excursions.

Most of the major vehicle manufacturers now have a Kombi version within their medium light commercial van offering, but few have taken the concept as far as VAG with its latest top of the range Transporter Sportline T32. It’s a real statement piece – which you would expect with a price tag of up to £60,000 including VAT on the road price – but for

that hefty investment you get a level of style and performance which will be the envy of many top of the range five-seater SUV’S. Plus, there is a healthy workable payload of 1,039kg and plenty of useable storage compartments for five fully grown adults who can enjoy well upholstered Nappa leather and Alcantra with red contrast stitching seats and a coil springbased suspension system not found on any standard LCVs.

The 2litre TDI Diesel bi turbo with intercooler common rail direct injection engine will produce a top speed of 126 mph and 0-62 in just under nine seconds although at that sort of pace you will clearly struggle to get anywhere near a claimed mpg of 37.2. There’s far too many driving gizmos and safety features to list here (we counted 35 on the press pack), suffice to say that VAG have thrown everything their technical boffins currently have at their disposal in the direction of this Kombi to make it almost certainly the best equipped drive away from the dealership van currently available.

Looking after such a highly priced and prized vehicle would give most builders we know nightmares, of course, and somehow you can’t see it being loaded up on a regular basis with bags of cement and the general detritus which comes from a busy day on site. Heck, we were even dismayed to see it covered one morning in fine Sahara sand which had blown in overnight! For so called clean trades such as plumbers, sparkies and joiners, however, the appeal will be much greater and a real statement of a business clearly going places in some speed, style, and comfort. That’s some Kombination!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TRANSPORTER SPORTLINE T32 VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI072

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builders’ vehicles

PARTY LIKE IT’S

2030!

There are still some obvious cons to driving an all-electric van but, thanks to Ford, these could soon be outnumbered by the Pros!

It’s not like the mighty Ford to ever be late to the party, so eyebrows were certainly raised when they didn’t immediately jump on the electric van bandwagon like so many of their commercial vehicle competitors. As a serial A lister, with ownership of Britain’s perennial best-selling van – the Transit – you get the distinct impression that for them it was more a case of the old saying: “marry in haste, repent at leisure.” And, of course, now the music has stopped, they have dramatically appeared centre stage with what looks very much like a double act which could top the bill for the foreseeable future.

The launch of any new Transit, and there have been eight upgrades during its almost sixty years of unrivalled success, is always a headline grabber, of course, but few have been as eagerly anticipated as the E version. One would imagine that – given what is at stake for the company globally – the vehicle has been tested and trialled more rigorously than any of its previous

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incarnations and feedback from businesses across the spectrum has played a key role in delivering a vehicle which will set the benchmark towards complete electrification of the Ford commercial offering within the next decade.

We all know, that right now, the diesel version, in terms of price and range, still makes most sense for professional tradespeople but there will come a time when the talking has to stop and the combustion engine will, well, selfcombust! By then, of course, the market

78 JULY/AUGUST 2022 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER

will have evolved significantly but right now, pound for pound, the E-Transit looks like being a real game changer in terms of appeal to the masses.

Total cost of ownership For one thing it is aggressively – and many would say much more realistically – priced with basic models starting at around £47,000 plus VAT. That’s still a considerable investment but one which should very quickly start paying dividends in terms of lower running and overall

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maintenance costs, which are predicted to be 40 per cent lower than equivalent diesel-powered models. A 68-kWh battery will do around 197 miles and rapid charging can be completed to 80 per cent capacity in just over 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, even Ford can’t hide the fact that fully laden in winter with the heater on full blast this will be reduced quite significantly. However, unlike many other electric vehicle manufacturers, they are being up front about this and pretty much guarantee a range north of 100 miles whatever the conditions.

Currently there are 25 models of the E version on offer with multiple lengths and heights, as well as gross vehicle weights from 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes and payloads up to 1,758kg to choose from. Rear wheel configured, there are also three driving modes to select – normal, eco and slippery – and the regenerative braking system is graduated – unlike some vehicles which almost slow to a stop the moment the foot is removed from the accelerator. The ride experience is also enhanced thanks to a cleverly reengineered suspension system to accommodate the drive motor.

One thing which tradespeople in particular will really applicate are the three strategically placed 2.3kW sockets in the cab and cargo area which can be used to power work tools and lighting. Most, importantly, extended use will not drain the battery significantly, an hour’s work using only about three miles of mileage.

And rather than a site supervisor ordering a downing of tools, the van itself will flash its lights and honk its horn to make sure there is enough juice to get home.

Behind the wheel, one of the most surprising aspects of the base 180 hp 450Nm engine is just how much power it can generate, considerably more than any diesel Transit available, making it extremely quick off the mark and, of course, noticeably quieter. There’s an impressive 12in. touch screen lifted from the electric Mustang which runs a fully integrated Sync 4 multimedia system as standard, as well as heated folding mirrors, quick clear windscreen, cruise control plus a host of the very latest driver

assistance aids which have rightly earned the Transit the reputation as one of the best appointed and safest LCV’s around.

Charging ahead Top marks all round then for the new van, but crucially Ford has also correctly identified that one of the biggest obstacles to going fully electric in the minds of many potential owners is the sheer hassle and anxiety surrounding the actual charging process. We often hear about vehicles being returned to a depot for overnight charging but what about the one-man van owner? The Transit clearly wouldn’t be the iconic preserve of white van man without the army of builders, plumbers, and electricians who after a

In keeping with the party atmosphere – amidst a wall of dry ice – Ford took the opportunity to give the assembled press gathering in Barcelona a sneak preview of what’s up next – the biggest selling Transit Custom as a fully electric vehicle. By the end of 2024 Ford will have five pure electric vans within its stable.

hard day’s graft park up at home overnight. For these guys and girls Ford, in partnership with British Gas/Centrica, will now install a rapid charging connective wall-box at home and any oversight with regards to plugging in will be met with low charge sound alerts, avoiding the unwelcome possibility of ending up stranded on the hard shoulder before the day’s work has even begun.

And in the event of that highly unlikely scenario, there is a one-year electric roadside assistance package including rescue charging.

It’s all part of the Ford PRO concept which you can sign up for whether you are a one-man owner, a fleet operator, or, indeed, even if you don’t actually own a Ford vehicle at all. It’s a dedicated service covering sales, conversions, financing, servicing, smart charging, and software all under one central umbrella. As Ford Pro CEO Ted Cannis explains: “The biggest bugbear of any small business is paperwork and the ambition of Ford PRO is taking away the hassle of admin with automatic billing for charging, mileage reports, servicing reminders and so on.”

Let the roofers fix the roof the plumbers do the plumbing, he enthuses……. A sentiment which will certainly strike a chord with all parties concerned!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE FORD E-TRANSIT VISIT WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI073

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Adrian Barraclough runs Quickslide, one of Britain’s leading window & door manufacturers.

6h in THE series

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Quickslide’s Ade explains how you can maximise the service you’re providing your clients.

More than half-way through the year and still the opportunities – and orders – for garden doors are rolling in. But how much more competitive could you be?

And how much happier could your customers be if you deliver them something really special…?

The window and door industry discovered some years ago that offering something above and beyond ‘ordinary’ puts money in everyone’s pockets. And once again there has been an astonishing number of new developments and special ‘tweaks’ that will excite your customers and encourage them to say ‘yes’.

Having said that, some old favourites are still dominating the market, but quality is something that separates the wheat from the chaff. The good old bi-fold continues to sell in enormous numbers. Following the pandemic we thought bi-fold doors would slow down a lot, but since January 2022 the interest has been consistent. We track the number of searches for bi-folds and on average we’re seeing about 80,000 searches a month, which is pretty much bang on prepandemic levels. Sometimes it’s easiest to give punters just what they want…quite literally pushing against an open (bi-folding) door in fact.

An alternative that has been around now for some years but which we predict will surge in popularity with the establishment of a reliable supply chain and

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greater availability, is the folding/sliding door. A take on the bi-fold, these comprise a series of individual leaves, instead of being hinged along the width of the door. Once the master door is opened outwards, the leaves may be slid into various positions as required and fully opened outwards to provide the unencumbered opening of a normal bi fold, when the weather demands it. Watch this space for more news on availability.

French doors also remain popular, especially for homeowners looking for a little more traditional style for their homes. These look even more effective when flush frames are chosen and matched to a house-full of similar windows.

Tap into homeowners’ desire to preserve or add

ONSITE

WITH

a ‘heritage’ feel to their home – flush sash is one of the most popular frame styles available today and looks terrific as doors.

A further take on heritage-style is now available in the form of steel-looking sliding doors, with ultra slim frames. Now manufactured in thermally broken aluminium, offered in black-onblack and even with a Victorianstyle mock mid-rail, skinny is back but without the hideous condensation issues that saw the death knell of steel windows in British homes. We predict that we will be selling a lot more of these in the coming months, also complemented by matching internal dividers. More details on these very soon.

And finally, integral blinds look great, prevent heat build-up when the doors are shut on sunny days, and, although they’re maybe not quite right on Heritage-styled doors, suggesting them on classic french and bi-folds will increase your reputation – and your margin!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON QUICKSLIDE VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI074

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wise howell

TRADE MEDIA If you are away on holiday this

KNIPEX VIDEOS

month, then congratulations, you’ve

All the new Knipex products for 2022 now feature in a YouTube video.

Filmed at the Knipex HQ in Wuppertal, Germany, and on location in the UK. It runs through the key tool innovations including the TubiX Pipe cutter, TubiX XL Pipe cutter, BiX Cutter for plastic pipes, sealing sleeves, and DP50.

TO VIEW THE VIDEO VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI077

SETCRETE PRODUCT DEMONSTRATION VIDEOS

The Setcrete video library features all of the products in the range, including its High Performance levelling compounds. Each two-minute video explains the benefits of each product, where and how it can be used (e.g. interior/exterior, compatible substrates, depth of application), the preparation required and the correct application process.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI078

FORGEFAST VIDEO SERIES

There’s practical hints, tips and expert advice in a new series of videos from ForgeFast. The nine new productions cover Self Drilling and Low Torque screws, Decking screws, Anti-Split and Fast Start screws, Exterior Elite 2000 screws, Timber Fixing screws, Construction screws and Flooring screws.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI079

KUDOS PRODUCT BROCHURE

There’s a complete range of shower doors, walk-in enclosures, bath screens, shower trays and wet-room systems showcased in the Kudos product brochure.

The new 88-page brochure includes all the latest showering additions, a host of design ideas, and easy navigation through the broad selection of showering products.

GET MORE DETAILS AT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI080

deserved it. And if you’ve gone abroad then I hope the under-staffed airlines and ferry companies didn’t make life too difficult for you.

And I hope you remembered to take some tools with you. Because almost every hotel room I’ve ever stayed in has required some kind of running repairs to keep it up to scratch.

Of course, this might just say something about the price range that Mrs Wise Howell and I pitch at for our holiday budget. After all, if you’re paying five star prices, then you wouldn’t expect to have to get the Swiss Army Knife out to adjust the shower head, would you? I wouldn’t know, I’ve never stayed in a five star hotel. No, we prefer to spend our money on the finer things in life – otherwise known as good food and drink.

Which means our accommodation often requires an occasional tweak with the pen knife, or even the travelling multi-tool, with its handy selection of screwdriver heads and little spanners.

Aside from fixing the plumbing and the creaky furniture in my budget hotel accommodation, I do tend to quickly get bored on holiday.

Lazing around the pool, or on the beach, is OK for the first couple of days, but then I’ve usually had enough. I get restless just hanging about.

So when I see local builders doing stuff, I often feel the urge to join in. The Plaster-

of-Paris cornice carvers in Morocco was a real treat, although I wasn’t actually allowed to have a go myself.

But the lime plasterers in Sicily graciously let me do a bit of spreading.

In India, I got so fed up with the sand blowing in from the beach and forming dunes on the patio, that I grabbed a shovel and started clearing it up. This led to great hilarity amongst the locals, one of whom filmed me on his phone.

They had never seen a European man doing physical work before!

But I also love seeing the different ways that builders work around the world. The variations in materials, and the working practices. Italian tradesmen drinking coffee and shots of spirits at 7am (not sure how that goes with the H&S rules over there!)

In Malaysia I watched a gang of carpenters fitting out a shop front with ornate carvings. None of them seemed to have a tape measure. If a piece wouldn’t fit, the chippie would toss it down to his mate on the ground, who would chop a bit off with a chisel and toss it back up to him. I’m guessing that’s how it used to be done everywhere.

Happy holidays!

Jeff Howell

E-mail Jeff via his website www.askjeff.co.uk Use our digital reader enquiry service for further information online

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ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Builder.

Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information

Barrettine Group (page 24) ..............................www.rdr.link/BAI120

Marmox UK Ltd (page 57) ..................................www.rdr.link/BAI141

Buckbootz (page 73) ..........................................www.rdr.link/BAI121

Marshalls PLC (page 42) ..................................www.rdr.link/BAI142

Build Aviator (page 14) ......................................www.rdr.link/BAI122

Moody Venture Capital (page 62)....................www.rdr.link/BAI143

Dulux Academy (page 53) ................................www.rdr.link/BAI123

Pnu-Point Ltd (page 74) ....................................www.rdr.link/BAI144

Easy Innovations (page 11)................................www.rdr.link/BAI124

Pricebuilder (page 49) ......................................www.rdr.link/BAI145

Easy Innovations (page 13) ..............................www.rdr.link/BAI125

Pro Builder Live (page 69) ................................www.rdr.link/BAI146

Eclisse UK (page 49)..........................................www.rdr.link/BAI126

Quickslide (page 5) ............................................www.rdr.link/BAI147

Estimators.com (back cover) ............................www.rdr.link/BAI127

Robert Bosch Ltd (page 8) ................................www.rdr.link/BAI148

Faithfull Tools (page 16) ....................................www.rdr.link/BAI128

Rocket Door Frames (page 46) ........................www.rdr.link/BAI149

Fast-Form Systems Ltd (page 49) ....................www.rdr.link/BAI129

Norton Clipper (page 52) ..................................www.rdr.link/BAI150

Federation of Master Builders (page 4) ..........www.rdr.link/BAI130

Scruffs (page 58) ................................................www.rdr.link/BAI151

Festool UK Ltd (inside front cover) ..................www.rdr.link/BAI131

Simpson Strong Tie (page 46)..........................www.rdr.link/BAI152

Fischer Fixings Ltd (page 59) ..........................www.rdr.link/BAI132

Spetz Ltd (page 6) ..............................................www.rdr.link/BAI153

Hambleside Danelaw Ltd (page 64) ................www.rdr.link/BAI133

Tesco Mobile (page 27) ....................................www.rdr.link/BAI154

JCP Construction Products (page 44) ............www.rdr.link/BAI134

Toolfair Exhibition (page 76) ............................www.rdr.link/BAI155

Knipex Tools UK (page 33)................................www.rdr.link/BAI135

Toupret (UK) Ltd (page 37) ..................................www.rdr.link/BAI156

Made for Trade (page 17) ..................................www.rdr.link/BAI136

Toupret (UK) Ltd (page 51) ................................www.rdr.link/BAI157

Made for Trade (page 19) ..................................www.rdr.link/BAI137

TuffX Processed Glass Ltd (page 41) ..............www.rdr.link/BAI158

Made for Trade (page 21)......................................www.rdr.link/B138

Virtuoso (page 50) ............................................www.rdr.link/BAI159

Makita (UK) Ltd (page 65) ................................www.rdr.link/BAI139

West Fraser (page 29) ......................................www.rdr.link/BAI160

Marley Ltd (page 38)..........................................www.rdr.link/BAI140

Wienerberger (UK) Ltd (page 45) ....................www.rdr.link/BAI161

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GOOD HEALTH NO. 34 ALCOHOL

Let’s talk about

ALCOHOL...

I mention alcohol in nearly every column because it is linked to many medical conditions; alcohol can have such a negative impact on both mental and physical health. It is worth regularly checking in on your alcohol intake as it can be easy to fall into the habit of drinking more than you should.

Let’s begin with a reminder about the recommendations for drinking to ensure it remains “low risk” to health. The UK current guidance suggests that for both men and women, less than 14 units of alcohol should be consumed per week, ideally spread over three or more days. Binge drinking should be avoided.

So, what does 14 units of alcohol look like? It is: 쎲 6 pints of average beer 쎲 6 medium sized glasses of wine (175ml measurement) 쎲 6 pints of cider 쎲 14 single shots of a spirit (25ml measurements) 쎲 12 bottles of alcopops

THIS MONTH GP, ALICE FITZGIBBON, RETURNS TO A FAMILIAR TOPIC ONCE AGAIN – ALCOHOL. ‘beer-belly’. Your skin may also be affected; it can dry out or you may develop facial redness or flushing known as rosacea.

Mental health and wellbeing are also affected by alcohol. Alcohol as a substance has a direct impact on the chemicals in our brains that control our thoughts and feelings. Too much alcohol can affect the balance of these chemicals and lead to low mood, depression, anxiety and memory problems. Many people use alcohol to help them deal with their feelings; doing this can be dangerous as it may lead to impulsive actions whilst under the influence. Use of alcohol to self-treat stress or low mood will not help in the long term.

Alcohol also slows down how quickly our brains can react to what is happening around us. This is why drink-driving is banned. Please always consider if you are safe to drive following alcohol consumption, even if you have been drinking the night before you drive.

If you are getting behind the wheel, drinking no alcohol is best.

Does this surprise you? Often when discussing alcohol intake with patients, they are often surprised by how little alcohol is in 14 units.

I often use a handy calculator (available on www.drinkaware.co.uk) to calculate weekly units What should I do now? based on drinks. Many people underestimate By talking about alcohol this month, I hope it their alcohol intake and, particularly if people makes you think about your own intake. Use drink at home, they will tend to drink more as the calculator discussed above honestly and they are unlikely to use standard measures when see what your numbers are – it may surprise they pour a drink. you! Unless you have been specifically advised Too much alcohol is bad for our health. Many to stop drinking altogether by your doctor, then physical health conditions are directly related to cutting down your intake will help you see alcohol consumption including high blood some health benefits. Ways to cut down pressure, liver disease and problems include having alcohol-free days during with your pancreas and stomach. Over “Often when discussing alcohol intake with the week or reducing the volumes you the long term, drinking more than 14 drink (half pints rather than pints). patients, they are often surprised by how If you want to discuss alcohol intake and units per week increases your risks of cancer; particularly bowel, breast, get help to cut down, then seeing your little alcohol is in 14 units.” mouth, throat, liver and oesophageal GP is a good place to start. cancers. It also increases the risk of having a stroke or a heart IF YOU WOULD LIKE FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT attack.

ALCOHOL THEN THE DRINK AWARE WEBSITE Day to day, you might also notice the effects of alcohol on WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI075 AND THE NHS LIVE WELL WEBSITE your body. You might feel more tired after drinking; this is WWW.RDR.LINK/BAI076 HAVE LOTS OF INFORMATION AND because alcohol affects the quality of sleep you get. Alcohol is SUPPORT OPTIONS. also full of calories so it can lead to weight gain or developing a

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