Jury out on need for further housing standards

It was confirmed at the recent Housing Standards Review briefing that the government would consider implementing further standards or regulations in the future if the review process identifies the need. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) head of... View Article

Self-build property planning applications fall to six year low

Figures released by Barbour ABI today reveal that UK-wide self-build planning applications in 2014 have decreased by 28% compared to 2008. Barbour ABI, the chosen provider of the Government’s Construction and Infrastructure Pipeline, shows that 16,792 self-build planning applications were... View Article

Design trends at Orgatec 2014

Orgatec in Cologne, Germany is a biannual event that attracts exhibitors from all over the world; this year the trade fair hosted 624 companies from 41 countries, underlining Orgatec’s importance as one of the leading events in the global office... View Article

Small builders face barriers to growth

Small housebuilders and developers in the UK face serious barriers to growth, with planning, access to finance and land availability highlighted as the biggest challenges for small companies. Research by the NHBC Foundation shows that there has been a significant... View Article

Government launches ‘Rent to Buy’ scheme

The government has launched a ‘Rent to Buy’ scheme, backed by a £400 million fund, to encourage the construction of new homes that tenants can rent, then buy at a later date. Housing associations and other providers can bid for... View Article

Permissions recover to 2008 levels

Planning permissions hit a six-year high in Q2 2014, according to the Home Builders Federation (HBF) Housing Pipeline report. The report, compiled by construction analyst Glenigan, showed that permissions for 56,647 homes were granted in England in the second quarter,... View Article

Eight steps to the perfect roof

SIG Design & Technology’s Sales Director Ross Finnie outlines how the perfect roof can be built using a structured approach to roof design and specification. He offers useful guidance which you can apply time and time again to ensure maximum... View Article

SIG Zinc & Copper detects metal renaissance

Growing numbers of architects are choosing metal for roofs and cladding not only because of its undoubted green credentials and lustrous good looks but also because the use of the material has evolved stylistically. By Simon Walker, category manager for... View Article