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Contents JUNE/JULY 2024 Industry update
Features
24 Diverse perspectives
BPIC Network’s Amos Simbo says we can all do our bit to champion inclusivity 26 Launching the drones Using this technology increases safety and surveying capabilities, and adds a fresh perspective to project imagery and videos
12
7 Welcome
The FMB is lobbying the next government
8 News
30 Fleet smart
The latest headlines from the industry
As ULEZ zones expand, builders need to plot out their vehicle strategy
12 Growth from the ground up
The FMB launched its Builders’ Manifesto, setting out key focuses for policymakers
32 Waste not, want not
Sam MacCuish of Lilium Homes chooses to reuse materials to reduce waste
15 The FMB’s viewpoint
Issues affecting the sector
Your FMB
Spotlight
34 Building the Master Builder brand
16 Building on the edge
Why supporting the FMB at key consumer events is mutually beneficial
Carreg Construction Ltd in Wales restores a Georgian home with a magnificent view
38 In your area
18 What clients want
Meet Paul Collings and Gareth Daniel from the South West Area Board
Questions asked by the public at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show
26
40 Time for the FMB National Conference Members and stakeholders discuss industry opportunities at this important event 41 A strategic partnership
Business support
20 Contractual changes
FMB Insurance has partnered with ICW to offer 10-year new home warranties
What changes to the FMB’s free suite of contracts means for members
42 Member update
22 Colour me green
Welcome to new members that have joined the FMB
Why plant-based paints is an easy sustainability win for your clients
45 Member news
30
23 H&S round-up
An update from members in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Keep you and your team safe on site
Editorial Editor Bradford Keen bradford.keen@redactive.co.uk Head of Communications Helen Wardley Designer David McCullough Picture editor Jessica Marsh Publishing director Joanna Marsh
Advertising Advertising enquiries
Master Builder has been carefully prepared but articles are published without responsibility on the part of the publishers or authors for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any view, information or advice included therin. Articles published in Master Builder do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Federation of Master Builders Ltd nor can the Federation of Master Builders Ltd, the publishers or authors accept any responsibility for any claims made by advertisers.
Andrew Matthewson +44 (0)20 7880 6245 masterbuilder@redactive.co.uk
Published by Redactive Publishing Ltd Fora, 9 Dallington Street, London EC1V 0LN www.redactive.co.uk
@fmbuilders
/FederationofMasterBuilders
FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS David Croft House 25 Ely Place London EC1N 6TD Tel: 020 7025 2900 www.fmb.org.uk
@federationofmasterbuilders
Production Production manager Aysha Miah-Edwards +44 (0)20 7880 6241 aysha.miah@redactive.co.uk
Federation of Master Builders
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Welcome BRIAN BERRY
T he FMB General Election Manifesto, ‘Growth from the ground up’, outlines five main policy areas to help our industry thrive and support the UK’s economic recovery. First is the urgent need to boost housing supply. We aren’t building enough homes to meet demand. More concerning is the percentage of all new homes built by local house builders continuing to fall, with just 10 per cent of new homes
‘Growth from the ground up’ outlines policy areas to help our industry thrive and support the UK’s economic recovery
Government and not hindered by it. To this end we are calling on the new government to cut the rate of VAT. You can read more about the FMB manifesto on pages 12-13. Most members join the FMB for credibility, which helps secure work and better contracts. Having a highly visible profile is important for any business but especially now as consumers cut back as a result of the cost-of- living crisis. On pages 26-28, two new associate members explain how professional photography and drone footage can boost your branding and your Finder Builder profile. Having the right contract in place is also essential, which is why the FMB offers members a free suite of contracts. On pages 20-21, Director of Membership Services Hayley Lorimer explains what changes to the contracts mean to you. At a time of ongoing skills shortages and in particular too few women in our industry, we need to be doing more about equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) to attract more people into the building industry. Amos Simbo from the BPIC Network explains on pages 24-25 why we should not shy away from conversations about EDI. Wishing you all a very happy summer!
built by SME contractors. The FMB is asking for a
dedicated Secretary of State for Housing and dedicated planning resources to help small house builders navigate a complex and underfunded planning system. It’s not just about building new homes, we also need to maintain those we have, which is why the FMB is calling for a long-term strategy to retrofit the UK’s existing housing stock. None of this will be possible, however, without sufficient labour and skills, so the FMB is calling for a skills plan to set out long-term delivery. Coupled with our call for support and training for builders, we want the new government to introduce a licensing scheme for construction companies. As it stands, a builder can produce dangerous or shoddy work and there is no easy method of penalising them or seeking compensation. Given the fallout from Grenfell this can’t be right and needs to be rectified.
BRIAN BERRY, Chief Executive Federation of Master Builders
Finally, our industry needs a business environment that is actively supported by the
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INDUSTRY UPDATE NEWS News
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY NEWS
Consumers want an IBG-backed builder
DITT Construction Ltd in Shetland has transferred its entire shareholding to an employee ownership trust (EOT). The business, which started in 1974 and employs 95 people, made the shift to an EOT after shareholders Gibbie Irvine, Roy Leask, George Smith and Peter Tait – who took over the business in a management buyout in 2000 – decided to pursue the next generational change in ownership and management of the business. “Our success is thanks to the loyal team we have at DITT,” said Tait, Managing Director. “We are committed to an annual intake of new apprentices to refresh the workforce, and ensure there are training and development opportunities for everyone. “A sale to a third party would have potentially disrupted that philosophy. This move to employee ownership allows the company to continue offering an excellent service to our clients, and secure long-term employment opportunities. Gibbie, Roy and George are stepping down as directors, whilst Tait will remain Managing Director to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, the company has made three new board appointments in Lewie Tulloch, Steven Farquhar and Liam Spence, who will join Tait. FMB member is now an Employee Ownership Trust
A s many as 85 per cent of (IBG) over someone who doesn’t. The key finding came from research commissioned by the FMB into homeowners’ attitudes. Relying on three online focus groups and one consumer survey, the research consumers are more likely to appoint a tradesperson offering an insurance backed guarantee captured responses from a range of participants, including an equal split between men and women, and those who are unemployed right up to those earning above £100,000 a year. The research showed: 85% of consumers are more likely to appoint IBG-backed tradesperson, over one who does not provide IBG; 12% were unsure of what they’d do without more information; 3% were not more likely to choose an IBG-backed tradesperson; four in five respondents were happy to pay a slightly higher contract price
if the tradesperson offers an IBG; and 66% expected an IBG to last for at least five years after completion of the project. Ultimately, homeowners expect an IBG to reassure them that they will be protected in their dealings with a builder. They wanted an IBG to give them confidence and peace of mind, and felt it would instill greater trust in the builder. Interesting to FMB members were the key words that emerged from participants in the focus group when asked what is most important to them when hiring a builder. These included recommendations, reviews, reliability, quality, high standards, professionalism, portfolio of previous
work, membership of a trusted organisation, trust and price.
The research revealed an IBG plays an important role in winning work and building confidence in consumers. Some form of financial protection for consumers is a requirement for all Trustmark members. FMB Insurance has worked with Trustmark to ensure the IBG it offers serves the same purpose. FMB Insurance said: “Our message to Non-Trustmark FMB members is simple: IBG is a tool that can be used to win more work and stand out from the crowd whilst reassuring homeowners and demonstrating credibility and confidence in your company’s professionalism.”
FMB Insurance offers two, six and 10-year IBGs. Get in touch to find out more at fmbinsurance@fmb.org.uk or 01353 652 760
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NEWS IN NUMBERS
-13.8% The total annual rate of decrease of new housing output . Source: ONS
Engineers concerned about omission of embodied carbon
emissions of a new home coming from embodied carbon, which accounts for 10 per cent of UK emissions. The institution said the omission could leave the UK open to legal challenge on whether the legislation met net zero commitments. IStructE’s Head of Climate Action, Will Arnold, said: “Our letter urges DLUHC to consider consistent regulation, aligning the UK with global standards. Our view is that a building is only net zero if its whole life carbon emissions are considered.”
The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) queried the lack of embodied carbon regulation within the proposed Future Homes and Building Standards. Writing to Michael Gove, the Secretary of State at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC), IStructE said it is “a missed opportunity to regulate embodied carbon to meet the UK’s net zero legal commitments”. IStructE had concerns about the phrase, ‘net zero ready’, used in the consultation to refer only to operational carbon emissions – despite half of the
14% The percentage by which the trade gap narrowed in 2023 , which is now at £14bn and denotes the difference between the value of construction materials that the UK
exports and imports. Source: www.gov.uk
Labour unveils plans for green belt building
approach, announcing plans to create grey belt land in low-quality green belt areas including scrubland. The Labour Party said at least 50 per cent of housing developments on these sites must be considered affordable. Starmer commented: “Labour supports brownfield-first policies. But we must be honest, we cannot
Proposed plans by the Labour Party would have councils prioritising building on brownfield sites and poor-quality areas in the green belt – what is being called the ‘grey belt’. The party said it would override planning rules and local MPs to build 1.5 million homes to match the Conservative Party’s housebuilding target. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has committed to a ‘brownfield-first’
1st London is the
build the homes Britain needs without also releasing some land currently classed as green belt.”
most expensive city in the world to build in. Source: Arcadis
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INDUSTRY UPDATE NEWS
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has appointed five new trustees to its board – all of whom will serve a four- year term. The trustees are: Rachael Cunningham, Preconstruction & Bid Lead at Laing O’Rourke CITB appoints new board trustees
Nikki Davis, Principal And Chief Executive of Leeds College of Building Stephen Gray, Head Of Engineering Development at Bam Nuttall Julia Heap, Principal
Government enforces 55-day payment rule
And Chief Executive of Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale Herman Kok, Company Secretary at Lindum Group The trustees help to ensure the organisation meets its objectives and honours its commitments to the construction industry. CITB Chair, Peter Lauener, said the five new trustees “bring great experience to the board across both industry and further education”. Lauener added: “They will bring new ideas and will strengthen CITB’s ability to achieve our core purpose, which is to support the construction industry to have a skilled, competent, and inclusive workforce, now and in the future.”
T he Government has enforced its new rule mandating that any contractors bidding for public works contracts worth more than £5 million must show proof that they pay all invoices within 55 days. Failure to do so may result in a public work ban. The new, stricter payment rules, which came into force on 1 April this year, require firms to demonstrate that they pay 95 per cent of invoices within 60 days, and all invoices within an average of 55 days. In April 2025, the prompt payment rules will be made even stricter, requiring payment of invoices within an average of 45 days, falling to 30 days in following years. Contractors still need to pay invoices for public sector work within 30 days, as set out in the Prompt Payment Code.
Additionally, reporting on retention repayments will come into effect in April 2025, requiring main contractors and clients to report the following: the average number of days to make retention payments, after practical completion and end of contractual defects liability period; the percentage of retention payments made within the reporting period, which were paid in 30 days or fewer, between 31 and 60 days, and 61 days or more; the percentage of retention payments due within the reporting period that were not paid within the agreed payment period; and an average value of retention held per construction contract (percentage of contract value).
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Sarah Bolton and Bill Hill
NEWS IN NUMBERS
Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity Names New CEO
2m The number of homes that the UK is short of. Source: HBF’s ‘Beyond Barker’ report
A fter more than a decade of service, Lighthouse Hill, who stepped down on 31 March, has helped to grow the charity, particularly in the number of families helped and services offered. Joint Chair of Trustees Edward Naylor and Lyndsey Gallagher said: “Bill’s leadership has been instrumental in significantly growing the charity and guiding it towards its mission of providing essential support to those in need within the construction industry. His passion, commitment, and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our charity and the lives of those individuals we have been able to support through difficult times.” Taking on the title of Honorary Vice President, Hill will maintain his Construction Industry Charity CEO Bill Hill has retired.
involvement with the charity, focusing on growing the Lighthouse Golf Club. The charity has appointed Sarah Bolton as CEO. In the past five years she has worked with the charity to transform the services being delivered across the construction community. Bolton said: “I am extremely proud and excited to lead a charity that makes such an impact on people’s lives. As new CEO, I am responsible for the stewardship of our charity going forward and building on the significant achievements and growth during Bill’s tenure. “Achieving our vision that no construction worker or their family feels alone in a crisis comes with challenges, but those challenges bring out the best in our fantastic team and inspire us to deliver the best possible support to our diverse construction community.”
8 The number of months a company director has been jailed after failing to protect workers from exposure to asbestos at a student development project in Winchester. Source: HSE
Dogs used to detect leaking water
“However, some bursts in rural locations are more difficult to pinpoint and we are always looking for innovative ways to do the job more effectively and to continue reducing leakage. That’s where these sniffer dogs come in because their sensitive noses can detect
leaks in Ettrickbridge, East Linton, Hawick, Jedburgh and Mosstower to Hownam. Stewart Hamilton, a Scottish Water Customer Services Operations Team Manager who has been working with Cape SPC, said: “We use modern technology such as ground microphones, correlators, d hydrophones and other devices to pinpoint the exact location of underground assets and leaks. vices on of aks.
treated mains water at very low concentrations. When the dogs help pinpoint the exact locations of leaks we then come back to that point, investigate, excavate and repair the bursts. “The handlers walk the mains, following a mains app, and the dogs are very efficient and differentiate between the smells of surface water and treated water.”
Trained sniffer dogs are being used to locate leaks in pipes in rural areas of Scotland. Scottish Water has deployed springer spaniels and a labrador-cocker cross – all trained by ex-military dog handlers, to detect the smell of chlorine in treated water. The dogs, which are owned by Cape SPC, the company providing the service, located more than 20 suspected
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POLICY FMB MANIFESTO
What is a manifesto? With the general election expected in the second half of this year, political parties are building their policy agendas to show the public what they will do if elected. Importantly, organisations such as the FMB can influence policies that future governments implement. While the FMB does a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure builders get the best deal from future and current governments, a manifesto is an effective way to make it known to policymakers what FMB members want and how supporting them will help grow the UK economy. Inside our manifesto ‘Growth from the ground up’ focuses on five key areas: 1. Housing create a dedicated housing department with a Secretary
of State for Housing; introduce dedicated
GROWTH FROM THE GROUND UP The FMB launched its new
planning resources for small house builders in local authorities and set up developer forums; and unlock small sites by ensuring NPPF provisions are followed at local level. 2. Skills produce a construction skills plan to set out a long- term delivery schedule for vocational skills; set clear competence standards for retrofit work to guide current and future
training provision; and work with industry to
builders’ manifesto at Parliament to ensure the next government puts policies in place to support the nation’s small builders
create training pathways for prospective builders to help professionalise the sector. 3. Energy efficiency introduce a long-term strategy with steps to retrofit
existing homes; and develop industry and consumer incentives to
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FMB MANIFESTO
kickstart a thriving retrofit construction sector. 4. Standards work with industry to introduce a licensing scheme for building firms and sole traders operating in the repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sector. 5. Business resilience introduce a national scrappage scheme to coincide with the rise of vehicle emission zones; and reduce VAT on RMI work to boost small builders and encourage consumers to make their homes more energy efficient.
Dhesi set out his party’s views on how
Lee Rowley MP, Minister of State for Housing
Natalie Elphicke MP, event host
Labour will tackle the housing crisis if elected, and reiterated the importance of ensuring high standards in construction to safeguard the future of the industry. The FMB has fought passionately for many years for the introduction of a mandatory licensing scheme to set minimum standards for construction and end the scourge of rogue builders. The FMB will continue to champion the importance of a mandatory licensing scheme to ensure builders who deliver high-quality services to their customers receive the recognition they deserve. Wera Hobhouse MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change, offered her insights into the challenges the UK faces when it comes to retrofitting existing homes with energy- efficient measures. Hobhouse’s message underscored why the FMB has made energy efficiency a key component of the manifesto, calling on the next government to roll out energy-efficient measures. It makes the case for the introduction of a long-term strategy to map out the steps required to retrofit the UK’s homes, and to incentivise both industry and consumers to kickstart a thriving retrofit construction sector.
the Liberal Democrats Natalie Elphicke, former Conservative
MP (at the time of the event) and now Labour MP
Tan Dhesi MP, Labour Party
What the current government said?
Housing Minister Lee Rowley MP spoke about the challenges the UK faces in delivering high- quality, much-needed homes. Brandishing his copy of the manifesto, the Minister praised its ambition and highlighted the FMB’s valuable work fighting for real change for small builders. The FMB supports builders and works with top government officials to ensure members’ voices are heard. The Housing Minister’s support at the launch of the FMB’s manifesto is a clear sign that the message is being heard by those in power.
What happened at the launch?
The manifesto launch, which was sponsored by Openreach, featured speakers from across the political spectrum, as well as the FMB’s National President Chris Carr and Chief Executive Brian Berry. Notable political guests in attendance included: Minister of State for Housing Lee Rowley MP Tan Dhesi MP from the Labour Party Wera Hobhouse MP from
Wera Hobhouse MP, Liberal Democrats
What opposition parties said? Tan Dhesi MP, Shadow
Business Minister and long- term supporter of the FMB’s work, spoke on behalf of the Labour Party.
Why do these events matter?
The launch of the FMB’s ‘Growth from the ground up’ manifesto was a great success for the FMB. More than 100 industry stakeholders, MPs, Lords, and Members of Parliament attended, highlighting just how much support the FMB commands politically and throughout the industry. The FMB asked for the next government to take steps to:
construction firms in a difficult economic climate.
boost house building significantly; roll out energy efficiency measures; encourage young people to enter the workforce by funding training and apprenticeships; introduce minimum standards to professionalise our industry; and provide wider business support to SME
Events like this ensure the voices of the nation’s hard-working local builders reach the widest possible audience and are heard by the country’s decision- makers to bring about positive change for the industry.
To read the manifesto, scan the QR code or find it on the FMB’s website.
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ADVERTORIAL NEXT TECH
C onstruction projects comprise a number of processes across multiple levels – from physical labour on the ground to drawing up plans in the office, and many third parties working around each other. Enter project managers – the people who sort through all the noise and impose consistency from delivery to execution. They typically have years of experience and a penchant for keeping all parties on the same page, but what if you could arm them with a tool that would allow your business to scale?
THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE RIGHT JOB
Project oversight The first step in any construction project is to establish key contacts, responsibilities, budget, deadlines and other such details. The dashboard of
each project in Next Project displays this information so all stakeholders know who’s involved, what they’re doing, and how to contact them. While seemingly obvious, we believe the road to a successful project begins with getting everybody on the same page. Documentation records Once work starts, it’s important to know who did what and when, what the state of the work was at various points, and what checks have been carried out. It’s useful, then, to have documents stored in one repository, where all stakeholders can store information and retrieve it as needed. This can save time, eliminating hours of backtracking through texts, email chains and paper files. Another way the software saves time is through work orders. If a worker is assigned a task without context then the desired result may not happen.
Project management software can boost efficiency, doing the heavy lifting so your teams can focus on getting the job done
demanding progress updates and explanations for setbacks. Next Project allows clients to gain visibility of the project so they can see how much progress has been made and what is left to do. This frees construction professionals to focus on the job at hand. Time is money The sooner a project can be completed, the less costly it is, and the happier the client. Every project manager’s goal is to run a smooth operation, keeping misunderstandings, frustrating setbacks, scheduling errors and sub-par work to a minimum. Next Project makes such goals easier to reach.
Having the ability to log in and instantly decipher how well the project is going can enable decision-makers to identify bottlenecks and address them. Less negativity from clients Clients can get nervous when they feel that they aren’t in the loop. They consequently barrage project managers with emails, voicemails and texts
By providing documentation that details what needs doing and why, such as meeting compliance or client specifications, you minimise the likelihood that the job will need doing a second time. Deadline and budget forecasting Workers can log into Next Project via their smartphone or tablet and record what they have done and how many hours they have worked. The platform automatically factors in how much money was spent in hours worked and building materials consumed and adds information to the deadline and budget forecasting modules.
Looking for further guidance? See Next Project in action by booking a demo of the project management software, at
next-tech.com/en/book-a-demo-of-next-project-fmb . FMB members benefit from preferential rates on our services.
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INDUSTRY UPDATE VIEWPOINT
Viewpoint
The FMB gives its viewpoint on the headlines affecting the construction sector
‘Grey belt’ proposal is promising
Struggling in a difficult economy
The Labour Party’s proposal to introduce ‘grey belt’ development is an important initiative to deliver more homes. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “While brownfield land should be prioritised, introducing new measures to create more buildable land is vital, particularly small sites for local house builders, as this will create more diverse, quality housing. “More detail is needed about the proposal, particularly as to how ‘poor-quality and ugly areas’ are to be classified as grey belt. However, we know that many small sites in green belt areas, such as disused car parks and petrol stations, would be perfectly suitable for housing. Unlocking small sites would present significant opportunities, and these proposals must be
Survey responses from the ONS research suggested this was down to poor weather conditions, with heavy rainfall hindering many projects, and we’ll have to see if warmer spring weather brings a welcome boost for builders.” Berry concluded: “As we head into the drier months, the Government needs to take this opportunity to boost construction activity, which could take the form of stepping up house building and offering support to homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient. These two measures would help drive economic growth.”
The 1.9 per cent fall in construction output, as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), is a warning that the construction sector is still battling a difficult economic climate. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “It is concerning to see another decline in construction output. While growth had been recorded in January, these figures underline the challenging winter period that UK construction has faced. “It is particularly concerning that this decline was in part led by a drop in repair and maintenance work, a sector that had been doing well last year, compared with other sub-sectors.
Calls for Cabinet Minister for Housing
supported with increased funding to support SME housebuilders through the planning system.”
A dedicated Secretary of State for Housing is needed to tackle the housing crisis amidst the falling number of new homes being built and the failure to retrofit the UK’s existing 29 million homes. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “As we approach the General Election, the new Government needs to address the housing crisis. Without an adequate supply of homes people can’t move freely, which stifles growth and opportunities. The FMB’s General Election manifesto calls on the new Government to boost house building rates, tackle the skills crisis, support energy efficiency upgrades and introduce a licensing scheme for builders. “The next Government should ensure the profession finally rids itself of cowboy builders. It’s not right that anyone can call themselves a builder without any minimum level of competence. We want to see the new Government work with the industry to make this a reality.”
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SPOTLIGHT CARREG CONSTRUCTION
BUILDING ON THE EDGE Rejuvenating a Georgian home at the top of a steep cliff above the ocean was never going to be easy, but Carreg Construction Ltd wasn’t deterred
R enovating a heritage building to meet not a simple project to take on. It’s even more difficult when the Grade II listed property is situated at the top of a steep cliff with the cold ocean below. The challenges, however, didn’t deter Carreg Construction Ltd in Wales from saying yes to carrying out a large renovation on a five- storey Georgian townhouse in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, modern standards while maintaining its legacy is with breathtaking views of St Catherine’s and Caldey Islands. Known as Lexden House, on the edge of Lexden Terrace, the home was built in 1848. Regarded as exemplary Georgian townscape architecture in Wales, the building team had a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. They needed to restore this heritage property
in a way that respected its history, while making it a practical space for contemporary living. The project, like the
property itself, was extensive. Spanning five floors, including a basement that extended to a vaulted undercroft, the client wanted new courtyards on multiple levels. Meticulous planning was key, and meant the project was essentially treated as six distinct projects delivered within a three-year phased programme of works. Cliff hanger The precarious location of the property required specialist rock anchoring, and stainless steel grade netting secured to the cliff face directly beneath the property to keep people safe on the beach below. Once that was done, Carreg Construction got
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CARREG CONSTRUCTION LTD
to work, carrying out the renovation in four phases, starting at the roof and finishing in the basement. Working from the vision of Murray John Architects of London – a renowned heritage designer originally from Tenby – Carreg Construction needed to carry out a “sympathetic modernisation whilst retaining all key heritage features of this iconic property”. The main objectives included: new bathroom and shower suites; new kitchen on the existing ground floor sitting room; replacing a large, fully glazed conservatory; and restoring a dilapidated vaulted basement. With the key outcomes in sight, the team also needed to complete a lot more work, which included: removing, refurbishing and reinstalling all of the original cast iron railings onto a reconstructed masonry wall that reused existing stone cills and cappings; refurbishing all windows and internal timber shutters; and installing new plumbing and electrical services – including an air source heat pump for underfloor heating in the new conservatory. Overcoming challenges Making sure all repairs and refurbishment works remained sympathetic to the heritage aesthetics of the building was the key point of focus for the Carreg Construction team. This meant preserving the original fabric, whilst meeting current building regulations. But to make matters more challenging, Lexden
Good relations Keeping the client happy was key to the success of this project – and Carreg Construction Ltd did just that. Given the client was based outside of Wales during the initial phase of the project, the team worked hard to build trust quickly. They did this through regular and transparent communication, ensuring any questions of cost variations were discussed immediately. Specifically, Carreg Construction relied on technology to facilitate good relationships. Using a web application named Agored Build – which, interestingly, was developed by the building company – the contractor and client were able to communicate in real time regarding any cost fluctuations. The result was complete cost transparency, which meant the client could make informed decisions, understanding immediately how they would affect the overall project budget.
Given the restricted access and the need for extensive scaffolding to complete work on the roof, windows, and replacement conservatory, the company was concerned it would need to transport the necessary equipment manually across neighbouring gardens, as this is the method previously used in the area. However, Carreg
Construction worked closely with the local
planning authority to create a permanent direct access route to get materials, equipment and labour from the front driveway directly to the rear, which can also be used in the future to complete any maintenance work on the property. What the client said A positive testimonial goes a long way to winning future work, but it’s also a rewarding affirmation of a job well done. This was certainly the case for Carreg Construction, earning high praise from the client, as they said: “The wider team became part of the family and we always felt that they were emotionally engaged in what they were doing. Great technical skills, an eye for detail and a desire for quality were key attributes and were all much valued and appreciated.”
House – perched above Tenby’s south beach – is only reachable via a narrow road, access to which is restricted during summer. So the team needed to schedule deliveries according to a specific project timeframe. With the client and builder eager to reuse as many of the existing materials as possible, the team constantly looked out for opportunities. For example, they demolished a workshop by hand and used the recovered bricks to pave the rear patio, side walkway and front screen walls. Not only was it a cost-effective solution, it was also light on carbon.
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SPOTLIGHT MEMBER VOICES
WHAT CLIENTS
Members who supported the FMB at the recent National Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the NEC in Birmingham reveal the question they were most asked by visitors to the stand V olunteering your time and expertise at the FMB’s stand at various public-facing and inquisitive visitors to the stand, Master Builder wanted to know what they were asked most frequently – and why they thought these were important questions to the public. For Lewis Curtis, Director of our biggest challenges as a domestic construction company is managing clients’
to meet the budget. It works a lot better when builders and architects collaborate with each other to manage the expectations of clients before the tendering or build phase.” On the back foot The challenge with a lack of collaboration is not the builder’s fault, but they usually have to deal with the consequences – and so does the client. Curtis explains: “Clients and builders tend to be on the back foot from the beginning of projects due to the client having to accept a reduced scope of works, and the builder having to repeatedly quote the same project until it is within budget. “This can strain relations from the beginning as both client and builder feel hard done by.” The question of costs came up a lot for Tony Hately from
expectations about what is actually possible, compared with their design, which is supposedly to a client’s budget. “It’s a frustrating case of a project moving too far along the design stage without having any input from a builder,” Curtis bemoans. “The main reason is due to architects having no real experience with paying for labour or materials,” he says. “This makes it incredibly difficult to design something
events can be valuable to your business and future pipeline of work, as it gives you a chance to interact with potential clients, answer their questions and share your knowledge. At the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the NEC in Birmingham on 21-24 March, several FMB members made themselves available to interested homeowners. While they received many questions from earnest, eager
at Cubit Contracts Ltd in the West Midlands, attendees at the show were most interested in matters related to building costs. Specifically, they wanted to know why builders’ quotes were “coming in way over budget” compared with designs from their architect. The problem, says Curtis, is all too common. “One
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MEMBER VOICES
recommended they visit the FMB website for a list of expert builders who could help.” Many members of the public sought advice on extensions, specifically asking Rich Hawley, Construction Director at Hampton Group in Balsall Common and Sutton Coldfield: “What should I look out for when choosing a contractor; what should I look out for in their quote?” Lack of knowledge Hawley acknowledges that building works can be very complex for homeowners and understands why they are apprehensive about starting a project. “Many people do not have the knowledge to understand everything that is involved,” Hawley says. “Quotes should be clear and the contractor should be on hand to explain to them exactly what is in the quote, why it is required, and give them guidance on their options.” Sadly, this does not always happen, which underscores the value of clients choosing a Master Builder from the FMB. Hawley rightly notes: “Being open and supportive with clients shows you are a true contractor and not here to fob anyone off. “My advice to those at the show, and anyone looking to start with building work, is to go with recommended contractors. Do not accept the first quote you receive and go with a contractor that is there to offer guidance and answer queries. In this industry, the client should feel like there are no silly questions!”
WANT
Above: FMB NI Director Gavin McGuire and FMB Central Director Nicola de Sousa speak with homeowners
TH Developments UK Ltd in Redditch. His thinking was that clients don’t have access to costs when searching online. He says that accurate costing requires a “skilled person to complete the works, and cost it accordingly”. Pete Bird, Director of Pete Bird Property Maintenance in Peterborough, says he had a mixed bag of questions coming his way, with no particular theme standing out. However, he notes that many people who sought out the FMB experts “were looking to build a new home and didnt have a clue where to start”. Bird says FMB members answered questions and offered guidance to attendees at the show on how best to get started and where they should look for information. “Of course, we
Tony Hately
Pete Bird
Members who want to offer their time and expertise at
Rich Hawley
Lewis Curtis
future events where the FMB is in attendance should get in touch with their Hub Director.
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FEATURE MENTAL HEALTH BUSINESS SUPPORT FMB CONTRACTS
To keep in line with evolving regulations, the FMB has adapted its
suite of contracts for members. FMB Director of Membership, Hayley Lorimer, explains
CONTRACTUAL CHANGES
T he FMB
Simple Free of jargon Easy to use Clearly structured
and they have been tested in court during disputes – so we know they work. Sometimes members need to use different forms of contracts, but we discourage you from devising your own. You may end up facing a client in court and if key terms have been omitted the contract may be unenforceable. You can’t be too careful. We’ve recently updated our contracts so you should always
download the latest version rather than reusing one that you downloaded previously. What do the FMB contracts cover? basics – client and builder’s contact details, and the project address; work – what you’re going to do, and references to any important documents such as drawings; timings – an estimate of how long the work will
will always encourage you to use a written contract for jobs to achieve
Flexibility is key FMB contracts are flexible, allowing for any changes that occur during a project such as delays and cost fluctuations, which have to be handled clearly and legally so you can get paid what you’re worth. Members have used FMB contracts for many years –
clarity for you and your client, avoid misunderstandings and demonstrate professionalism. Ultimately, written contracts protect your business. That’s why the FMB provides members with template contracts that are free to download. FMB contracts are:
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FMB CONTRACTS
We welcome feedback on the contracts as they remain one of our most used and highly valued member services. throughout the contract, and pop-out notes to help you fill in the fields you need to complete. cancellations – cancellation form, if the client wants to exercise their legal right to cancel within 14 days; and guidance – guidance notes regulations, party walls, fees and documents? It includes a requirement for additional insurance if the builder takes on design responsibilities; changes – why circumstances may change and how it should be handled, including timescales or prices; health and safety – both parties’ obligations, and whether Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations apply; builder’s right to end the contract – when this applies and how; disputes and differences – what to do if these arise, starting with an amicable meeting to understand each other’s position; client’s main obligations – to pay for the work; risk management – is an insurance-backed guarantee in place? How long will the builder make good on any defects? Who is responsible for losses or damage, and who should insure for what? permissions and documents – who is responsible for what in relation to design, planning and building
Reasons for contract changes The FMB contracts have changed because of the introduction of the Building Safety Act (BSA). The contracts have gone through a rigorous process to make sure they are up to date with the new legislation. The Building Safety Act Throughout the contracts we refer to the Building Safety Laws (BSL) because the Building Safety Act does not operate in isolation and is linked to a range of other sources of law. The builder’s obligations: sets out the builders’ duties and obligations as Contractor and, where applicable, Principal Contractor, in accordance with BSL; requires confirmation as to whether the builder is to, or may, carry out design work and, if so, sets out their duties and obligations as Designer or Principal Designer, in accordance with BSL; requires the builder to confirm their competence to carry out work in accordance with Building Regulations and fulfil the duties of contractor, and, where applicable, designer, as required by BSL; previously required an individual to be named as the dutyholder under CDM, and this now extends to the appointment of dutyholders under BSL and explains the consequences if no appointments are made; and sets out need for a 15-year new build warranty when the project is a new home (no insurers offer this product but you should still add a note). The client’s obligations: in accordance with BSL and notes what is to be fulfilled by the builder if the client is a domestic client. The FMB contracts : stipulate BSL will apply to the work, and directs users to Government guidance on the legislation; must not be used for projects involving higher-risk buildings as defined in BSL; and refer to the limitation period as a contractual limitation period, because alternative, extended limitation periods apply under BSL in relation to certain claims and regulatory matters.
take, with an FMB contract including a timeline to demonstrate to clients the impact of delays or changes during the work; payments – how often the client will be invoiced, deadlines, penalties for late payments and a schedule for stage payments; practicalities – does the builder have access to water, electricity, storage, toilets? Will the client be living in the property during the work; materials and goods – acceptable standards and clarification on who owns goods delivered to site but not yet paid for; builder’s main obligations – to work with reasonable skill and care, and comply with building regulations;
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