We sell, rent, manage, survey, plan and advise...what can we do for you?
As construction activity has surged in 2021, the availability of some materials has become extremely difficult. Many contractors are reporting issues regarding purchasing critical materials such as steel, cement, timber, roof tiles and plasterboard.
High levels of global demand have resulted in shortages in the UK, which is directly affecting availability and lead times and consequently many material costs are rising. Builders’ merchants and suppliers are warning that the situation is going to get worse before it gets better. If you are thinking about embarking on your own project then think carefully over the materials you wish to incorporate and order these in reasonable time wherever possible. If you have a completion deadline to meet, ensure you commence works sooner rather than later and factor in for expected delays. It would be advisable to enter into a suitable contract with your builder which makes provision for fluctuations in material prices and covers potential delays. Many solicitors are expecting a surge of disputes between property owners and contractors as tensions rise over delays.
It is a familiar story we have already experienced with one of our current projects in South Bedfordshire. With careful planning we have managed to keep delays to a minimum. However, it is still running late due to additional delays with delivering facing bricks (up to a staggering 12 weeks) and roof tiles (up to 9 weeks) causing issues with the contract programme. Many of the delays are outside the clients’ and contractors’ control but, with our close project management, things are just about on track. Having started earlier enough in the year, the works are still on course for the clients to move in for Christmas.
The project will provide clients with an ‘upside down house’ to take advantage of the great open countryside views to the rear. By reconfiguring the roof and internal arrangement, we have managed to create additional floor area which was previously unused loft space. We are also incorporating an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) to take advantage of the Renewable Heat Incentive which will enable the clients to benefit from a Government incentive to get paid for heating their own home from a renewable source.
If you are looking to develop your property and incorporate green technology in your building project, please contact Robert Franklin, Head of Architecture & Building Surveying, on 01234 362917 or email rjf@robinsonandhall.co.uk
The last twelve months has seen a turbulent time for the construction industry (as with most sectors) with the effects of COVID 19 being felt, causing staffing interruptions and material availability issues.
It was well publicised that the national housebuilders took the decision to shut construction sites in the first lockdown of 2020 and many suppliers and smaller contractors followed their lead. The supply chain has taken some time to recover.
The industry gradually restarted but some interruption is still happening with intermittent staffing issues due to self-isolation and home-schooling. Material availability has become easier but longer lead times on some materials is occurring, which has been compounded by uncertainty and more bureaucracy being experienced in the short-term resulting from Brexit.
What has happened at Robinson & Hall?
At Robinson & Hall we have continued to assist clients with their projects, fed a steady flow to the local planning authorities, prepared working drawings and sent work for tender.
What can we offer?
We can offer a one-stop shop for project design, planning applications and advice, construction drawings, specification and tendering of construction works, project management and contract administration.
We currently have in excess of three million pounds of construction work which we are project managing on site. This work has not been immune to the construction industry delays but with careful planning, the works have been able to move forward to minimise delays and additional costs.
What to do if you have a potential project?
If you have a potential project, then please be aware that under the current COVID 19 and early Brexit transition conditions, some delays are being experienced so planning for this at an early stage is advised. We will be happy to discuss and help you to plan for your project.
For more information or to find out how we can help you, please contact David Sawford.
