Fast track planning urgently needed, says FMB

Government proposals to offer a fast track planning process for house building are needed urgently, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “It’s very welcome news that the Government has listened... View Article

New SDLT rules a ticking time bomb, says lawyer

A leading residential property lawyer in the Midlands has claimed residential property purchasers are confused and panicked as the new Stamp Duty Land Tax rules are set to be introduced in April. “Confusion, and panic, amongst residential property owners is rife,” says Alison... View Article

Timber cladding secrets explained

Timber cladding has boomed in recent years. However, as early installations now mature it’s time to reflect on what has and hasn’t worked. Tom Barnes of Vastern Timber reflects on the ways to ensure cladding installed today looks good and... View Article

Repairs, refurbishment and water ingress by the sea

Stuart Hicks, from cold liquid-applied wet-on-wet waterproofing specialist, Kemper System, discusses the problems caused by a failed waterproofing system at a luxury residential development near Brighton and outlines the project undertaken to replace it You only need to see a... View Article

Improve the build quality with glue-less flooring

Between 50-75 per cent of traditional vinyl installations in new housing developments require remedial work, which is costly to housebuilders and tiresome for home owners. However remedial work can be dramatically reduced if housebuilders opt for loose-lay rather than glued... View Article

Talking tiles

Martin Currell, Sales Director at Domus Residential, discusses the benefits of using tiles in a bathroom, the options available and the trends for 2016 There are numerous benefits with tiles: they are modern, easy to clean and compatible with underfloor... View Article

Council Tax misuse hitting SME house builders, warns FMB

Central Government must prevent local authorities from hindering SME developers with unfair Council Tax burdens, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has warned ahead of the Budget Statement. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “If the Government is... View Article

McBains Cooper says “chronic” skills shortage must be addressed

The monthly construction output figures published by the ONS revealed that comparing the annual 2015 data with 2014, output in the construction industry was estimated to have increased by 3.4 per cent. Michael Thirkettle, Chief Executive of leading interdisciplinary international construction and... View Article

BSRIA welcomes the Lyons’ Housing Commission Review

The Lyons Commission has released an independent review underlining five key actions to deliver the increase in house building to tackle the nation’s housing challenges. The report highlighted the drastic need for more subsidised affordable and private-rented homes and welcomed the priority government... View Article