Housebuilding in England – Included in these figures is 195,290 new homes (the highest figure for ten years.) with the remainder coming from converting houses into flats and changing commericial or industrial buildings into domestic premises.

Despite falling short of the Government’s target of 300,000 it has still be praised by Ministers and Businesses amid Brexit deal woes over the last week.

James Brokenshire, Secretary of State for Housing, said:

‘These figures are great news. But we are determined to do more to keep us on track to deliver the homes communities need. 

‘That’s why we have set out an ambitious package of measures to deliver 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s. 

‘This includes an investment of more than £44billion, rewriting the planning rules and scrapping the borrowing cap so councils can deliver a new generation of council housing.’

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said:

‘It’s good to see that the number of homes has risen again. To end the crisis, it’s crucial this continues and that as many as possible are social homes.’

Stewart Baseley, at the Home Builders Federation, added:

‘Builders have continued to invest and increase output. The Government needs to continue to work with all parts of the sector if we are to hit the 300,000 target.’

However, the increase is slowing. While it rose by 2 per cent last year, it was up 15 per cent in 2016/17 and 11 per cent the previous year

—

References

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-6393103/Housing-crisis-set-continue-developers-slow-housebuilding-ahead-Brexit.html

https://www.building.co.uk/communities/housing-statistics-its-no-good-in-blaming-the-builders/5096682.article

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Competitively-priced loans ranging from £5m to a maximum ceiling of potentially £100m, will be on offer to house builders with the necessary experience and track records.

They will be made available to existing and new customers and are designed to cover up to 80 % of costs or 70% of the value of the project.

Under the new arrangement, Barclays is putting up £875m, while Homes England will release £125m.

A key priority of The Housing Delivery Fund is to support small and medium sized businesses to develop homes for rent or sale including social housing, retirement living and the private rented sector, while also supporting innovation in the model of delivery such as brownfield land and urban regeneration projects

Launching the fund, John McFarlane, Barclays’ Chairman, said: “There is a vital need to build more good quality homes across the country.

“This £1bn fund is about helping to do exactly that by showing firms in the business of house building that the right finance is available for projects that help meet this urgent need.

‘We are very pleased to be working with government to get the country building more homes, more quickly.

Housing Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire, added:

“My priority as Housing Secretary is to get Britain building the homes our country needs. This new fund – partnering Homes England with Barclays – is a further important step by giving smaller builders access to the finance they need to get housing developments off the ground.

‘This is a fantastic opportunity to not only get more homes built but also promote new and innovative approaches to construction and design that exist across the housing market.”

Reference: Construction Enquirer

Call us on: 0345 230 9873 or visit www.build-zone.com for more information.

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The Homebuilding & Renovating Show is the biggest homebuilding and renovating event in the UK. If you are a self-builder, renovator, tradesman or an inspiration seeker, the Homebuilding & Renovating Show is a must.

We often find that many of our visitors at exhibitions are interested in ‘One-on-One’ conversations with our team & we are very excited to announce that we can now offer this at the London show.

As well as the Self-Build Zone insurance and technical experts being available in the Homebuilding and Renovating ‘Advice Centre’…Self-Build Zone are offering you the chance to book your own ‘Ask the Expert’ appointment and have a ‘One on One’ conversation on our Stand 135.

(Please note that they will not be able to comment on ongoing legal matters).

We have created page dedicated to taking bookings for the duration of the event to help visitors plan their day, BOOK HERE!

Visitors are able to book 15-minute appointments with Self-Build Zone’s industry specialists. We have experts covering the following topics:

• Building Control, Surveys, Technical Audits and Fire Risk surveys
• Insurance Claims
• Insurance & Warranties

The experts hosting these allocated appointments are from specialist backgrounds. They have been chosen due to many years of experience and valuable knowledge of the industries they work within.

There are limited slots for appointments, book today to avoid disappointment.

We will hosting specialist advice sessions which you can book through our website at: www.selfbuildzone.com/bookings.

The Self-Build Zone team will be exhibiting on stand B135.

Get your tickets here.

For further information please call us now on 0345 230 9873, email sales@build-zone.com or visit www.build-zone.com

 About Self-Build Zone and Build-Zone:

Self-Build Zone and Build-Zone are trading style of Sennocke International Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Self-Build Zone & Build-Zone provide site insurance and structural warranty packages for new builds, renovations, extensions and conversion projects from DIY home improvements and new build, to major renovations incorporating large scale alteration, employment of tradesmen and extension work.

Site Insurance is essential for anyone planning an extension, renovation, conversion or new build project. Self-Build Zone have several different site insurance options to protect your project during the build process, including flexible short term extendable policies as well as the traditional 2-year policy.

Go online at www.selfbuildzone.com or www.build-zone.com or call the team on 0345 230 8974

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 The Homebuilding & Renovating Show is the biggest homebuilding and renovating event in the UK. The #HBRshow18 visits multiple locations across the UK ever year.

If you are a self-builder, renovator, tradesman or an inspiration seeker, the Homebuilding & Renovating Show is a must.

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show offers a wide range of free talks including topics on self-build, renovating, innovative products, extensions, conversions and DIY projects.

Self-Build Zone, working with HBR, have a Team of Experts from different areas for you to talk to ‘One to One’ including Surveyors, Inspectors and Fire Risk Assessment Surveyors to Claims to ‘All things Insurance’ relating to Site Insurance, Warranties and Indemnities.

Book your own appointment NOW.

Come and talk to our team about:

• Site Insurance – Site Insurance is of fundamental importance when investing your money into property development especially as the sums are almost always five or six figures. Whether your project is a Conversion, Renovation, Extension or a New Build you will invariably need comprehensive protection for the new works, existing structure (if there is one) and the rest of the site.
• Building Control – Using our in-house team BZSS we can facilitate all the Building Control and Technical Audit Surveys needed for the warranty and building regulations. This can save time and money over using the local authority.
• Structural Warranty – Self-Build Zone Warranty provides a much better alternative to Architect’s Certification and is similar to NHBC. It is specifically designed for New Build, Conversions, Extensions and Completed Properties and is backed by Lloyd’s of London.

We will hosting specialist advice sessions which you can book through our website at: www.selfbuildzone.com/bookings.

The Self-Build Zone team will be exhibiting on stand B135.

Get your tickets here.

For further information please call us now on 0345 230 9873, email sales@build-zone.com or visit www.build-zone.com 

About Self-Build Zone and Build-Zone:

Self-Build Zone and Build-Zone are trading style of Sennocke International Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Self-Build Zone & Build-Zone provide site insurance and structural warranty packages for new builds, renovations, extensions and conversion projects from DIY home improvements and new build, to major renovations incorporating large scale alteration, employment of tradesmen and extension work.

Site Insurance is essential for anyone planning an extension, renovation, conversion or new build project. Self-Build Zone have several different site insurance options to protect your project during the build process, including flexible short term extendable policies as well as the traditional 2-year policy.

Go online at www.selfbuildzone.com or www.build-zone.com or call the team on 0345 230 8974

For interviews or comments, please contact our PR agency: SMPR (Simply Marcomms Limited) 02476 546150 Email: info@simplymarcomms.co.uk
 

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Build It Live Bicester is packed full of practical information and tips that will educate and inspire you. Here is a taster of what you can expect from the show:

• Meet hundreds of the UK’s leading suppliers, see thousands of products on display and specify the right items for your project.
• Build It Live features dozens of daily FREE demonstrations, seminars and workshops. From eco-friendly construction techniques, to securing a plot for your build, our interactive talks are there to guide you in the right direction.
• Meet Build It’s team of industry experts, with decades of knowledge and experience under their belts. Ask them questions and even show them your plans for top tips on making your project a success. Make sure you book a session early in the day, for a FREE face-to-face consultation with some of the most experienced names in the self-build and renovation industry.
• See a cut-away show home at ‘1st-fix’ – a fascinating insight into how things are installed, from ICF blockwork to underfloor heating. Click here to see who is contributing to this year’s Naked House.
• Make sure you visit Build It Live’s new Land Zone to discover the various routes to finding the right plot for your build. The Land Zone will offer valuable tips for finding land including a gallery of available plots plus information about the latest custom build (serviced plots) projects across the UK.
• FREE taster sessions from the Self-Build Academy delivered by Potton – providing essential knowledge for all self-builders. View the timetable here.

And many more…

Come along to stand C44 to meet the Self-Build Zone and Build-Zone teams or come and listen to our workshop at 3pm on Saturday!

Self-Build Zone & Build-Zone provide site insurance and structural warranty packages for new builds, renovations, extensions and conversion projects from DIY home improvements and new build, to major renovations incorporating large scale alteration, employment of tradesmen and extension work.

Click here to buy your tickets.

For further information please call us now on 0345 230 9873, email sales@build-zone.com or visit www.build-zone.com

The post Self-Build Zone & Build-Zone, to exhibit at Build It Live in Bicester appeared first on Self Build Site Insurance | Structural Warranty for UK Self build sites.

Self-Build Zone are a market leader in Self-Build Insurance and the sole provider for the NHBC Self-Build insurance products.

If you would like to visit us on stand at our next event, we will be exhibiting at Build It Live on the 9^th and 10^th of June in Bicester.

Download it here.

For further information please call us now on 0345 230 9874 or visit www.selfbuildzone.com

The post Self-Build Zone host Self-Build Insurance Masterclass at HBR appeared first on Self Build Site Insurance | Structural Warranty for UK Self build sites.

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show is the biggest homebuilding and renovating event in the UK. The #HBRshow18 will be visiting multiple locations across the UK during 2018, starting with the NEC in Birmingham this week.

If you are a Self-Builder, Renovator, Tradesman or an inspiration seeker, the Homebuilding & Renovating Show is a must.

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show offers a wide range of free talks including topics on Self-Build, Renovating, Innovative Products, Extensions, Conversions and DIY projects.

Come and talk to our team about:

• Site Insurance – Site Insurance is of fundamental importance when investing your money into property development especially as the sums are almost always five or six figures. Whether your project is a Conversion, Renovation, Extension or a New Build you will invariably need comprehensive protection for the new works, existing structure (if there is one) and the rest of the site.
• Building Control – Using our in-house team BZSS we can facilitate all the Building Control and Technical Audit Surveys needed for the warranty and building regulations. This can save time and money over using the local authority.
• Structural Warranty – Self-Build Zone Warranty provides a much better alternative to Architect’s Certification and is similar to NHBC. It is specifically designed for New Build, Conversions, Extensions and Completed Properties and is backed by Lloyd’s of London.

We will be doing a masterclass on the Do’s and Don’ts of a self-build and how to protect your project from the start.

The Self-Build Zone team will be exhibiting on stand E153.

Get your tickets here.

The post Self-Build Zone kick start their #HBRshow18 exhibitions in Birmingham appeared first on Self Build Site Insurance | Structural Warranty for UK Self build sites.

Here is some advice to avoid expensive problems further down the line with your underfloor heating.

First ensure that the Designer chooses a system which is well recognised in the building industry and has all the relevant certification and check what Warranties/Guarantees will be provided by the manufacturer, supplier and installation contractor once the work has been completed. Don’t forget to make sure that you have a written contract with your Designer and that he has Insurance should he incorrectly advise you!

With wet underfloor heating systems workmanship is key. Leaks arise most often through poor workmanship issues. Make sure all sealing rings are installed complete and undamaged, and that pipe cutting is accurate and cut at right angles with any joints correctly made.

Current Building Regulations have particular requirements relating to insulation above, below and of any pipe runs for Underfloor Heating Systems. Be sure to consult with your Building Control Inspector, whether Local Authority or Approved Inspector, when the time comes to lay the network to avoid a contravention of Building Regulations.

Often claims occur because there has been inadequate testing and commissioning.

On completion of the work and before any expensive finishes are applied it is essential that you make sure that there is adequate pressure testing of the whole system. Prevention is always better than cure – so with that in mind it is always easier and cheaper to rectify any problems whilst the relevant trades are still on site and before final finishes go on.

Bear in mind that once the underfloor heating system has been installed and before the final finishes are applied, you will undoubtedly still have other work to be completed by other Trades. Therefore, make sure that the pipe runs and cabling are fully protected to prevent the Trades following on from stepping or dropping tools or other items on them……..

This is a common problem and sets up the potential for hidden damage which becomes evident much later and which will be expensive to put right. Also before the floor screed has been laid, make sure that there are comprehensive and accurate drawings done so that that the follow trades know where all the pipe and cable runs are so that they can avoid inadvertently damaging it.

Once you have completed your build and have moved in there are still things which can go wrong with underfloor heating (particularly wet systems) such as gradual leaks caused by wear and tear rather than poor workmanship. This can cause substantial damage to your home and contents.

Remember escape of water from pipes and any consequential damage is unlikely to be covered by a Structural Warranty Insurance Policy.

Therefore you are looking to your Home Insurance – but this will generally cover the cost of repair to the damage caused by a leak and may not cover the cost of finding the source of the leak, leaving the homeowner to foot the bill for finding the leaking pipe and repairing it and then reinstating the fabric of the home.

Check your Home Policy to make sure you have ‘Trace and Access’ cover because if a leak occurs in your underfloor heating system then removing and reinstating floor coverings and floorboards can be expensive, particularly if it includes expensive tiled or marble floors, say, in ‘wet rooms’. Also make sure the amount of cover is adequate bearing in mind the average claim for Underfloor Heating Systems is believed to be in excess of £40,000 !

Written by: 

Peter Richardson

Peter Richardson is a Director of Sennocke International Insurance Services Limited, the company behind Self-Build Zone and Build-Zone which has been providing Insurance solutions to self-builders for over 15 years.

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In a new build situation, the payback with a heat pump should be three to five years at the most. The marginal cost of installing a heat pump, appropriate cylinder and potentially larger radiators is likely to be similar to the fossil fuel alternative. This is because a gas + connection to grid (and associated developer infrastructure) or oil + tank will require the addition of photovoltaics to comply with Part L of the Building Regulations.

Even though you can currently comply with Part L of the Building Regulations with a high efficiency boiler and solar thermal panels, (with a very high building fabric specification in every other respect), the spirit of the regulations is to encourage renewable heating sources. The upcoming changes to Part L will see this requirement become even more stringent with, possibly, the need for heat pumps and PV to be installed on all new builds.

In terms of retrofit, the economic case is slightly less generous. The catch is that the cost of a retrofit of this nature including the airtightness measures, the ventilation system and the heat pump is unlikely to be less than €15,000 (excluding other likely required insulation measures) and over the next 20 years this is about €3.75 per heating day, gobbling up about 50 to 70 per cent of the energy efficiency savings.

If we take energy price inflation into account, using the last 15 years as an indication of the next 15, you’re likely to break even in 10 to 12 years. The 50 per cent grant available within the Superhomes programme for homeowners brings this down to seven to 10 years.

So economically you will not win or lose in the short term, but environmentally and from a comfort point of view, you will be significantly better off, and if you have children, at least you will have the peace of mind that you did your bit from a heating point of view. Just don’t go spending the savings on a trip to New York!

— Paul Kenny of the Tipperary Energy Agency

Reference: SelfBuild.ie

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Thank you for your continued support in 2017, we are looking forward to working with you in 2018.

The Self-Build Zone Team

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