CRL Managment Construction News

Get the latest construction news from Northern Ireland, UK and Spain. We provide Structural defects insurance, 10 year construction insurance.

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Did you hear about Kate Moss’ moss problem?

Do you have that special dream for your basement? Are you like many who often fantasise about the ultimate games room or pub style surroundings? You’re not alone! The fact is, in the UK anyway, basement extensions are getting even more popular year after year. I mean, really think about it, you’ve got all this ample space for storage and whatever else just settling below; why not make it your very own?

This isn’t a bad news post or any sort of discouraging words to make you shy away from the ultimate games and pub room – it’s just a bit of a warning post to make sure you are prepared for the worst.

Conversion Insurance is your friend

House insurance, fire insurance and content insurance are all things you’ve no doubt considered and jotted down. But, do you know about conversion insurance? Or even barn conversion insurance? Any sort of construction you are planning to do around your home, property and yes, even your barn should be insured with a 10 year structural defects insurance policy – the reasons are plentiful, but they’re all good…we promise.

However, this post is about ample warning before you venture below to put up the dart boards and set up the snooker table. Basement extensions can be very problematic, and the most common problem is water ingress and damp. When these elements decide to go wrong during the construction of your basement extension, it can be very costly – you’re not alone though…supermodel Kate Moss and her neighbours found out the hard-way.

If you don’t know, the Witanhurst Mansion is the second largest house in London after Buckingham Palace; and it has been undergoing restoration with a £50M underground basement extension plan since 2010.

Kate Moss and other residents in the surrounding Highgate area of London reportedly suffered flooding of their basements which is thought to be related to works being done in the nearby Witanhurst Mansion.

When the extension was finally completed last year, the flooding miraculously stopped bothering the neighbours; this implies the initial cause was in fact the Witanhurst Mansion.

However, more work is due to start on Witanhurst Mansion to construct an underground link between staff quarters beneath the main house and the gatehouse off Highgate West Hill, causing the neighbours to be concerned that the damp and flooding problems will reoccur.

Camden Council say that said anyone applying to develop homes underground must provide a Basement Impact Assessment detailing the effect of the work and identifying any issues related to surface flows and flooding as a result of additional basement works.

So, take a quick lesson from Kate Moss and get the right information and especially the right insurance before you start. 

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Let’s imagine for one moment that Ikea built houses…

Are you imagining? Sure you are…and what’s the first thought to pop in your head?

We all know it’s the truth – when it comes to flat pack furniture sold around the world by the bundles or boxed bundles – Ikea reigns supreme. If you told us you’ve never visited an Ikea store, for at the very least, their cheap breakfast deal, we might not believe you.

But did you know that Ikea takes technology really seriously? Or at least the techno world with their augmented reality app that allows users to actually visualise the furniture in their homes – brilliant!

In case you didn’t already know, augmented reality was the big buzzword of 2013, and with the year quickly coming to an end, we are sure it might place second for buzzwords in 2014. In fact, Augmented reality and 3D printing go hand in hand in the construction business. We’re not exactly sure what that might mean for construction insurance or even structural defects insurance, but it won’t take long to find out! Honestly, what on earth would we quote for an entire home constructed with 3D printed construction materials? Is there even a chance for structural defects?

So, with all that said and done; the question still remains – if Ikea did really sell houses what would they look like? Well, flat pack of course!

To date, at the very least, Ikea hasn’t jumped aboard the flat pack build it yourself home wagon yet; however, according to a CNN report someone else has.

Welcome to the future of housing!

http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/international/2013/08/13/spc-index-facit-homes-vignette.cnn.html

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In memory of the builders bum, we present this cheeky video for your viewing pleasure...

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Is This The End of Builders Bum?

We sure hope not...but alas, it may be coming to an end.

Yes, it's finally happened and the news is sending the trades, construction and plumbing industries into a tizzy.

The new Public Health Minister, Jane Ellison is launching a "crack"-down on builders bum, and is urging builders to "ditch the fry-ups and get fit and healthy."

Ellison's "cheeky" jab is bound to ruffle some feathers through the construction industry; however, it might just leave many of us without our own jokes and jabs we depend on so much to pass the time around the water-cooler.

Ellison's mission will see Britain's builders (hopefully) hoist up their trousers while on the job. On a more serious note, many are already crying foul and using words like "nanny state" to show their disdain for Ellison's meddling. Afterall, Ellison is the new girl on the block, and to set her sights firmly on builders bum, as if it's of most importance, has many shaking their heads. But, Ellison's point may get lost among all the jokes and snickers. Ellison is in fact urging construction workers to "get into shape", and at the same time encouraging others to participate in a healthy life-style on the job.

Over thirty companies are already on board, and each are taking a number of measures to encourage their staff to stay healthy and fit. This includes urging staff canteens to serve healthier, low fat, low salt meals. This type of healthy food along with the stricter measures, will see the "builders breakfast" of bacon, sausage and eggs take its leave.

Ellison and some of the industry leaders seem to be aiming for a more rugged healthy look when it comes to construction workers; the image of bum barring builders on work sites would be replaced instead with hardworking, and the hands-on types of workers. Many are even going a step further, with other recommendations that include the "responsibility deal construction pledge", this would see regular health checks be implemented, stop smoking clubs introduced and even some help for employees with long-term sickness to get back to work.

"The construction industry is a vital part of the UK economy and it is important we do all that we can to sustain a healthy workforce. Builders often work in difficult and demanding environments and we must support them to ensure their health is not put at risk," - said Ellision.

Construction companies that have already signed up to the Construction Pledge include Crossrail, ISG plc, and Arup.

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Kate Moss runs into a Moss Problem - Consider some tips before planning or building a basement extension. Top tips to consider at CRL Management, Home of Structural Insurance. 

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We love these! We love them for so many reasons...this structure took over 2 years to build, but you can see it here rising to the perfect build in about 24 seconds.

This is a "Super School", and worth around £7M. The cost for structural insurance or construction insurance? We'll never tell! But seriously, fast motion cameras just got a whole lot cooler. 

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Later Life Housing: Do you have a plan?

All we’ve been hearing about lately across the UK is about the housing bubble. It’s actually amazing how split down the middle the opinions really go. There are also many things happening in the world of homes, structural insurance, self-builds and construction industry news.

One story being covered is about the ageing UK population – the ageing population and what we intend to do in the future; especially when it comes to the roofs over our heads.

Here are some interesting and fast facts for you to ponder:

By 2030, one in three people in the UK will be aged over 55

The UK needs to address the ageing population with housing to suit the needs and lifestyles of those over 50

Older people spend between 70 and 90% of their time in their homes

Many older people want to stay in their current home for as long as possible

Many older people have strong emotional ties to their homes and neighbours

What choices are available for the ageing population in the UK?

There are several proposed solutions being carefully considered, and we will summarize them up here for a quick analysis.

Later Life Housing

Specialist homes like a retirement village or even an assisted care living environment specifically designed for the elderly. These houses will be purpose built, and are meant to full-fill the requirements expected from the UK’s ageing population.

This may sound more like retirement homes, something we no doubt know a lot about. However, if this particular was to seriously be considered, many things must be taken into account – such as the above bullet list. Remember, we have attachments to our homes, not just because of the walls around us; but also because of comfort and accessibility.

The ageing population will still want an aspirational home, with great looking facilities in a nice area. Besides, most over 50’s are not even ready for a retirement home or easy living – most will more than likely tell you they don’t even feel old.

How about Lifetime Homes?

What are Lifetime Homes?

Lifetime homes are just ordinary homes that can be adapted for all stages of our lives. There are a few principles that help govern all thinking about inclusive design in housing, and they are; inclusion, accessibility, adaptability, sustainability, and value.

You can check out a technical standard called the Lifetime Homes Standard. In this technical standard you will see 16 set designs that can be applied to new homes at very little cost. The homes can be adapted for every stage of life.

And what about more bungalows?

The government is considering another more simple solution – simply building more bungalows to offer the ageing population in the UK. But, because of the large footprint created by single storey properties built on individual plot of lands, it isn’t exactly the most sustainable of solutions.

Let’s not forget about the worst case scenarios for our ageing population – what about loneliness and isolation? Did you know that 1 in 10 older people report loneliness and social isolation in later life?

This also links to depression – mental health must be a priority when considering all options for the UK’s ageing population.

What do you think?