Skip and diesel price hikes are bad news for builders and home owners, warns FMB
Nearly two-thirds of builders have had to pass skip price increases on to clients and a fifth have had to pass on diesel price rises, making home improvement projects more expensive for home owners, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).The key results from the FMB’s research into skip prices are as follows:
The average cost of an eight yard skip has gone up by £24 over the past year, meaning an additional cost of £360 for the average extension;
Nearly two-thirds of builders have had to pass skip price increases on to clients, making home improvement projects more expensive for home owners;
Three quarters of builders said that skip price rises have squeezed their margins.
The widely-reported hike in diesel prices is also starting to bite and is having the following impact on small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms:
Nearly half of construction SMEs have made lower margins on projects;
Nearly a fifth (17%) have been forced to raise the prices they charge clients;
More than one in ten have had to turn down jobs they would have normally accepted as they are too far away;
10% have taken steps to reduce vehicle use.
Commenting on the research, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The increase in the price of skips and diesel is bad news for builders and home owners alike. Nearly two-thirds of builders have had to pass skip price increases on to clients and a fifth have had to pass on diesel price rises. This has made home improvement projects more expensive for home owners. What’s more, the impact of the rising price of skips could have an impact on our communities through a rise in fly-tipping. No matter how much the price of skips might increase, there is never any excuse for fly-tipping and any individuals found doing so should be severely reprimanded. In 2016 and 2017, more than one million incidences of fly-tipping were dealt with by councils in England and the last thing anyone wants is for this number to increase.”
Berry concluded: “The increase in the price of skips and diesel have come at a bad time for the UK’s builders. The cost of doing business is rising more generally for construction firms. Wages and salaries are all rocketing because of the ever-worsening skills shortages in construction. What’s more, material prices have been rising because of the depreciation of sterling following the EU referendum. Looking ahead, material prices are expected to cause an even bigger headache going forward, with recent research from the FMB showing that almost 90 percent of builders believe that material prices will rise in the next six months. We are advising builders to price jobs and draft contracts with this plethora of price rises in mind to avoid a further squeeze on already razor thin margins.”
GOING SOFT ON WATER TREATMENT
According to Rinnai UK, leader in continuous flow gas water heating products, stored hot water systems suffer badly from the problem of scale build up – even when water treatment measures are in place.
Lime scale consists of calcium carbonate (calcite) with lesser amounts of other calcium salts such as sulphate. Sometimes lime scale deposits contain corrosion debris and this scale build-up can affect the water heaters by reducing their efficiency and overall performance. Ultimately, ongoing use with hard water will shorten the lifespan of water heating appliances.
Limescale build up is a serious problem in Southern England, Wessex, Wales, Hull and the Thames area.
DEMARZO releases his first two statement pieces from his LENO collection
Upcoming furniture designer D E M A R Z O releases his first two statement pieces from his LENO collection.
The designer behind the name is from Leeds, North England. Who has a distinction in furniture & craft design. Inspired by his great great grandfather who was a furniture maker in the 1930’s.
With a brother who went down the music route producing music and DJ’ing all over the world, he pursued design.
Originally making studio furniture and various interior products, he has been motivated by the likes of designer Lee Broom’s story a fellow Brit, to produce his own collection of statement furniture under the name LENO.
SIMPLE FIX TO FUTURE-PROOF SUPPORTED LIVING HOMES FOR WELLNESS
Latest figures show that over 3million people aged over 55 are looking to move home, yet only 7% actually do so! The biggest reason is lack of suitable property.
A new option is enabling architects and their housebuilder clients to cost-effectively incorporate a design feature that differentiates the property, and adds value: a shower toilet.
The Closomat Asana delivers a stylish, wall-hung WC that has added value. Its integrated douching and drying functions deliver “the ultimate in intimate hygiene” for all users, regardless of ability and mobility. But, as the occupiers age, those functions save them having to struggle to clean after going to the toilet, and/or undertake refurbishment or adaptation of the bathroom.
Latest figures show that over 3million people aged over 55 are looking to move home, yet only 7% actually do so! The biggest reason is lack of suitable property.
VESTA INTERIOR DESIGN SEES TREND FOR FIRST TIME BUYER SHOW HOMES
The days of beige and neutral interiors are over, according to leading interior design firm, Vesta Interior Design, who have noticed a shift in demand for contemporary and accessible interiors across new developments.
Young professionals, first time buyers and millennials seeking a new London apartment are drawn to a new and ‘edgy’ design style when selecting their home, according to Chris, Dale, Managing Director of Vesta Interior Design. Chris notes that this is particularly true in areas such as Stratford, which since the 2012 Olympics has attracted a vast number of trendy young buyers and is seen as an urban hot spot on the rise for people more creative than city workers who tend to live in Canary Wharf or Greenwich.
As a result, the style and design of new developments in London has adapted with the perfect example being Bellway’s new Legacy Wharf development in Stratford. Interior Designed by Vesta Interior Design, the recently completed show home at Legacy Wharf, appeals to the younger first time buyer generation. More ‘edgy’ in its style, Legacy Wharf is not your usual show home, with no beige or neutral palettes in site, appealing to the creative side of potential buyers.
KITCHENAID LAUNCHES NEW VENTILATED INDUCTION HOB
KitchenAid, the luxury kitchen appliance manufacturer, has launched a new ventilated induction hob, which discreetly incorporates a downdraft extraction system.
The sleek and stylish KitchenAid 900 mm ventilated induction hob (KHIVF 90000) features four induction zones and an integrated, downdraft, extraction system that is both powerful and discreet. KitchenAid appliances are designed to enhance the user’s cooking experience and the ventilated induction hob guarantees outstanding results by combining precision, speed and energy efficiency.
With a dynamic surface that features two flexible cooking zones, the stylish black glass 900 mm ventilated induction hob (KHIVF 90000) accommodates large cookware and also makes it effortless to manage multiple pots and pans, which is particularly useful when entertaining guests or experimenting in the kitchen.
INSINKERATOR® APPOINTS NEW KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER
InSinkErator® has announced the appointment of Amy Patrick, to Key Account Manager, to support the independent kitchen retail and plumbers’ merchant distribution channels.
With eight years’ experience in account management, Amy joins the company from BCG and brings with her a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise in building and maintaining successful business relationships.
INSINKERATOR® WINS CONTRACT WITH GALLIARD HOMES
InSinkErator® is supplying its 3N1 steaming hot water taps to the brand new Galliard Homes development, Maine Tower, in London’s Docklands.
The Maine Tower, a focal point of the Harbour Central development, is to comprise of 297 exquisite apartments that are situated over 42 floors. Each apartment will feature an InSinkErator® 3N1 L Shape steaming hot water tap finished in Brushed Steel. Not only will this addition streamline the worktop, reducing the clutter of a kettle, the InSinkErator® 3N1 brings a number of convenient benefits to the end user. The all-private, Maine Tower, development will be situated just minutes from Canary Wharf, boasting a library, concierge, gym and spa, business suites and cinema, promising to offer luxury living for all of its residents.
MINI Living at China House Vision
Fourth interpretation of the MINI Living Urban Cabin concept presented at the architecture exhibition China House Vision draws on traditional Beijing forms of housing as well as developing innovative ideas for maximum quality of living within a minimum space.
Beijing. MINI presents the latest MINI LIVING Urban Cabin at the interdisciplinary architecture exhibition China House Vision in Beijing from 21 September to 4 November 2018. The micro-apartment concept was developed in cooperation with local architect Dayong Sun.
The Urban Cabin in Beijing is now the fourth interpretation of the concept developed by MINI LIVING last year. The Urban Cabin provides temporary living space with a high degree of flexibility and lots of possibilities – on a surface area of just 15 m2. One particular design focus is the local identity and culture of the specific location in each case. After stops in London, New York City and Los Angeles, the latest source of inspiration is Beijing.
Fire Sprinkler Valve Systems
Applications Engineering specialises in creating high quality fire sprinkler valves. We have developed innovative, compact and easy to install valves for sprinklers that cover all the relevant requirements for modern domestic and residential properties. Our products are of the highest standard and represent fantastic value for money. We additionally offer everything from single and double check valves that can be used in a range of applications, as well as a pump cyclic test unit.
Formica Group brings pre-packed Scandi-style cladding to UK shelves
- Overlap cladding available in pre-packaged planks
- Ideal for installers, self-builders and professionals
- A screw fixed solution means fixings are concealed for a perfect finish
- No pre or post installation treatments required
- Available in eight colours and four wood tones
VIVIX® Lap in Chalet Oak
THE PERFECT TOUCH
Established in October 1982, Touch Ironmongery is one of London’s leading ironmongers. Originally called “A Touch of Brass”, the firm changed their name in 2003 in reaction to slowly advancing market changes in architectural ironmongery which is no longer supplied solely in brass, and to also reflect the broader range of products and finishes that they sell.
In fact today, Touch can supply a wide range of finishes including Brass, Satin Brass, Polished Chrome, Satin Chrome, Polished Nickel, Satin Nickel, Copper, Bronze -solid and plated, BMA, Antique Brass, Black, Pewter, Ceramic, Leather, Stainless Steel, Satin Stainless Steel, Gun Metal, and the list keeps growing. Whatever finish you require, Touch can help you get the right look.
Attaching and removing panels the right way
Tony Wills
Buttonfix Limited director and partner at design consultancy Wills Watson+Associates
A classic dilemma:
Your plumber needs to provide access to some pipework behind a panel so cannot glue it in place but as the client, you don’t want to see ugly screw heads on your expensive finished panel. Also, the plumber doesn’t want to go through a lengthy marking out process or spend time on the equally long and frustrating task of trying to locate pairs of components which are hidden from view.
We faced this exact problem when designing a commercial washroom system. The same issues arise in fitting domestic bath panels, hotel or office wall panels and auditorium acoustic panels – in fact almost any panel that you might want to change or remove – or simply not wish to see the fixing method. We couldn’t find the right fixings anywhere, so we took the bold step of designing and manufacturing our own.
Richard Morton Biography
Richard Morton is a practising architect with over 35 years’ experience in a range of sectors, including retirement housing and heritage projects. Previously a Partner at Sidell Gibson and currently Vice-Chairman of the Retirement Housing Group, Richard founded Richard Morton Architects in 2012. He has continued to develop his portfolio which includes central London offices, luxury residential, specialist conservation and housing for older people. He has recently contributed to the latest APPG report – Rural Housing for an Ageing Population; Preserving Independence.
An update for chair 404 by Stefan Diez – how a modern classic remains vibrant
Oak replaces beech, with ergonomic enhancements – and a place in a Munich design museum
For the 10 year anniversary of the successful wooden chair 404, designer Stefan Diez and Thonet decided to make a few adjustments to keep this iconic design in touch with the times. Therefore, the streamlined 404, plus the slightly wider version, the 404 F, and the barstool 404 H are now constructed from oak instead of beech. The natural beauty of the oak timber and tactile finish of the surface, which provide the chair with a fresh and inviting touch, appealed to a designer known for careful attention to materials. The colour choices have also been augmented: In addition to the natural oak version, six shades of colour stains – some more discrete, some boldly hued – are also now available. The incline of the backrest, which is now formed on three planes, has been ergonomically improved, making these popular chairs even more comfortable.
Commercial Interiors Designed to Impress with South Eastern Interiors
First impressions do count….
It only takes seven seconds to make a first impression on another human being. Here at South Eastern Interiors we create interiors for commercial properties that help businesses create desirable brand environment that leaves a positive first impression on every visit whether you work rest or play there.
