Oct 07
Our new project page on Building Contracts has received some great feedback, and the following comment from J. Kerr particularly caught our eye:
‘I have sat interested through reading all your information, and with 23 years experience in building, at last I’ve read something that makes sense and explains things exactally as they are. All Builders and clients should read this.’
The project page offers you the opportunity to email for our new ‘Desired Outcome Building Contract’ for FREE. The contract aims to benefit the homeowner and contractor by setting out what is expected from both parties when undertaking domestic projects, and we believe it is as good, if not better than the JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) which you have to pay for.
For further information, or to email for a copy of the contract, just go to the Building Contracts project.
Sep 28
DIY Doctor have just made their new building contract available for FREE on their website. Called the ‘Desired Outcome Building Contract’, it has been written by tradesmen, and aims to protect the home owner and contractor in equal measures.
The contract offers a simple solution in a document to every potential problem you might encounter during a home improvement project.
To read more on the Desired Outcome Building Contract and to receive a free contract, go to our Building Contracts project page.
Sep 14
Research done by the personal finance group, Saga, are publicising research they have done which reveals that women in particular are suffering financially, with one in five forced to allow their home to deteriorate as they cannot afford to repair it.
Our thanks to DIY Week for issuing the following story.
Saga’s poll of more than 14,000 over 50s in the UK found that 16% cite roofing as the area most in need of repair, while 13% say their drainage and guttering needs fixing.
When asked how they might pay for housing maintenance, more than one in seven respondents explained that they cannot afford it. Half of the people asked said they would use their savings and almost a third said they would turn to their regular income or pension.
More worrying is that many over 50s could be cold this winter as nearly one in ten said that their heating needs mending. London homes seem to be suffering most, with 42% of Londoners in need of housing repair, according to Saga. Meanwhile, 26% of Scottish respondents are in need of roofing repair.
Saga Group executive chairman Andrew Goodsell commented: “People are living longer which means that retirement incomes have to stretch a lot further to keep up with inflation. Many retirees find they need additional cash, whether it is to make every day life easier, fund house repairs, take the trip of a lifetime, or to contribute to care in later life.”
Jul 06
Travis Perkins is about to become the largest plumbing and heating business in the UK after agreeing to buy the BSS Group for £557.6 million.
“Our respective businesses are complementary and we look forward to working with BSS’s customers, suppliers and employees,” said Robert Walker, chairman of Travis Perkins.
But job losses are feared as Builders’ merchants Travis Perkins, which also own Wickes, will want to cut costs by more than £25 million.
The deal is subject to shareholder approval, although Travis Perkins said it had already received undertakings of support from around 35% of BSS investors.
Jun 30
Tesco have launched a range of large self-assembly log cabins, including the Finnlife Helsinki cabin which costs £9999 (earning customers a massive 19,998 Clubcard points!)
Manufactured from high grade scandinavian whitewood, the Helsinki log cabin has 5 rooms and a handy upstairs storage area. It is made from 44mm thick tongue and groove boards which slot together. The 32ft by 16ft 10ins building is topped off with eight double-glazed windows, French doors and a felt shingle roof. There is a terrace decking area and it can even be upgraded to include a guttering kit, laminate flooring and even underfloor heating.
The company’s website warns ‘Prior to purchase check whether planning permission and building regulations approval may be required.’
It is only available from the company’s website, with an additional £5 charge for delivery. It comes with a step by step manual including a list of tools required including a ladder, saw, screwdriver, mallet and tape measure. It states: ‘No specialist skills are required. Anyone can build a Finnlife log cabin although some tasks may require more than one pair of hands……Construction times will vary depending on your skills and the number of people helping you.’
It also suggests ‘it should be built on foundations of concrete or compressed gravel.’
Buyers might want to take a look at our Building a Shed Base project !!
