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One of our officers offended a local builder recently when she refused to climb a ladder to inspect the roof timbers. What’s the problem he asked, it’s perfectly safe?!
Forever the sceptic, our officer commented that she hadn’t noticed this additional product advertised in the latest Stanley…
In the fourth Robust Details handbook update this year, guidance is provided for private stair situations.
This is where there are two flats (one above the other) incorporating internal stairs that are open to the upper flat.
Such an arrangement usually prevents the flanking condition…
Making your home more energy efficient will cut costs in the long run and make it a warmer, more comfortable place to live in the cold winter months and cooler on hot summer days. By reducing your energy usage, you'll cut your carbon emissions and do your bit for the environment too.…
This roof/chimney abutment flashing has been chased into a rendered wall to form a straight edge. It’s acting as a soaker because the lead runs under the roof tile, but water can penetrate when rainwater runs down the wall behind the flashing and through capillary action via the poorly fitted…
We all get frustrated at losing work to someone who's quoted significantly less. Even worse, you know that the job can’t be done for that price even if you were prepared to lower standards or dumb down the quality of your service to win the building work. But should the end result of that ‘cost…
LABC has launched a new website for homeowners - Front Door. The site provides practical guidance on all sorts of home improvements and renovations as well as technical advice on obtaining building control and planning approvals.
Launched in February 2021 the website has won plaudits from…
One of our officers was surprised to be greeted with this novel approach to childproofing windows at a recent completion inspection - a child safety gate.
An earlier inspection had highlighted the need to provide some form of guarding to the window because it was within 800mm of the floor.…
In July 2016 the All Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment Inquiry published a report on the quality and workmanship of new housing in England. The report 'More homes, fewer complaints’ revealed a high level of frustration and disappointment from buyers of new…
Time is running out for owners of commercial buildings to avoid the risk of breaking the law and make vital energy saving improvements, say energy performance assessment specialists Elmhurst Energy.
From 1 April 2018, it will be unlawful to grant new leases to new or existing tenants for…
It's your decision
You can choose which designer, builder and building control provider you use. The building regulations process needs your decision.
The building regulations involve you so you should choose the people you trust.