Modern and stylish adaptive bathrooms

When it comes to refurbishing housing stock with fully adaptive bathrooms, many landlords, housing associations and local authorities think high-end aesthetics are simply not cost-effective. An evolving market is now challenging that view more than ever. Peter Melia, UK business... View Article

New rules for smoke alarms

New government regulations demanding smoke alarms and, in some instances, carbon monoxide alarms in privately rented homes add to a confusing mix of requirements, leading alarm manufacturer Kidde explains. With occupants at least four times more likely to die in... View Article

Buying into biomass

As a sustainable low-carbon technology, biomass has become an increasingly popular option for housing associations. What’s more, registered landlords who have installed biomass have seen a reduction in fuel bills for their tenants, making it even more attractive – particularly... View Article

Selecting the right flooring for your housing

Designer Contracts MD, Peter Kelsey, offers his expert opinion on how to select the right contractor and the right flooring products for any social or private rented property The nature of social and private rental properties should be researched and... View Article

Landlords and Legionella – complying with the law

In April 2014 the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines for prevention of Legionella were brought into law, requiring every landlord to undertake regular risk assessments for each of their tenanted properties, whether managed by themselves or an agent. Failure... View Article

Re-educating ourselves about space for staff

The interior design of office space within educational buildings is starting to become more innovative. Joel Barker, designer at Hunter Patel Creative Group, argues that architects, schools, colleges and universities increasingly need to be imaginative when it comes to creating... View Article

Construction safety should never be compromised comments BSIF

The recent (21st October 2015) BBC Newsnight investigation into the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card brings the health and safety of UK construction workers into focus. Commenting on the investigation, Alan Murray, BSIF CEO said: “We have a very good... View Article

Construction consultants comment on new housebuilding proposals

Commenting on the housebuilding proposals for 200,000 new ‘affordable homes’ to be announced in David Cameron’s Conservative Party Conference speech later today, Michael Thirkettle, Chief Executive of leading property and construction consultants McBains Cooper, said: “The construction industry will welcome... View Article

One million recruits needed to beat housing crisis

According to a white paper produced by EC Harris, construction companies will need to recruit one million new recruits by 2020 if the industry is to build more homes and beat the housing crisis. The paper, ‘People and money –... View Article

New housing stats comment from Mactaggart & Mickel Group

Ed Monaghan, chief executive of Mactaggart & Mickel Group comments on today’s Scottish Government house building figures: “The statistics released by the Scottish Government today showing a continued rise in new build completions are welcome news for the industry and... View Article

Government’s fuel poverty stats

Commenting on the latest fuel poverty statistics, Bob Mayho, Principle Policy Officer for the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), said: “The fuel poverty statistics do not exactly make for good reading. While the fuel poverty gap has been reduced,... View Article

Right to buy pledge will increase housing pressure

The Conservative pledge to re-introduce the Right To Buy for Housing Association tenants as highlighted in the Queen’s speech today could scupper plans for a much-needed expansion in public sector housing according to Simon Hay, CEO of the Brick Development... View Article

Story Homes’ statement on Queen’s Speech

Steve Errington, Chief Executive of Story Homes, commented on the Housing Bill outlined in the Queen’s speech. He said: “Story Homes welcomes the Government’s plans for Starter Homes which will help to provide more houses for first-time buyers – who are... View Article

CIOB responds to the Queen’s Speech announcements

As the Conservatives begin their term in government, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) provides its reaction to today’s Queen Speech. With the announcements in today’s speech already documented, the CIOB is keen to engage with policy makers on the... View Article

Queen’s Speech – Royal Town Planning Institute response

Following the Queen’s speech, Trudi Elliott, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “The RTPI welcomes more powers devolved to cities as outlined in the Queen’s Speech, including the widening of the functions of combined authorities. But it... View Article