Self Build, Property Renovation and DIY
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Title: Staying safe in your home
DIY – How can I remain safe in the home?
Many people, being cooped up inside from the freezing weather outside, may be taking on DIY projects around the home at this time of year. However, it is, as ever, important to bear in mind how important safety still is.
Often, people become complacent about the real dangers presented by DIY projects. As seen elsewhere, people often underestimate danger in their home. It’s easy to see why; it seems so safe, so – as it were – homely, a place, that one does not expect to face significant dangers. However, in any DIY project, safety must always remain a concern.
Firstly, if power tools are involved – and, considering the huge saving in time and effort that power tools present – there is already a significant danger. It is advisable to wear safety gear when operating power tools – goggles should be a minimum, but gloves and head protection are advised, too. It is very easy to lose control when operating power tools. When operating with fire – when welding, for instance – this danger is even greater. Make sure no children are near. It is a good idea to ensure that everyone else in the house is aware of what you’re doing – then they can make sure of their own safety and yours.
Also, be very careful if ladders are involved. One of the most common types of household injury is falling from a ladder. Make sure your ladder is in working order – replace it, or borrow a ladder, if it isn’t –and don’t erect it near a doorway or gangway unless it is absolutely unavoidable.
Finally, if your project involves electricity, make sure the power is off. There are huge currents running through most homes – far more than people often realise – and it is present a serious threat. For absolute safety, it is a good idea to turn off the power to the entire house. Operate by daytime; if lighting is insufficient, use a local light source, like a powerful flashlight.
For more information and to read the rest of the useful report:
"The Top 25 Ways to Avoid Accidents In The Home" go to:
http://www.claimshelpline.com/top-25-ways-to-avoid-accidents-in-the-home.aspx
EDITORIAL:
Title: The "Community Right To Build Scheme" - What's it all about?
The Government is launching a major new scheme aimed at helping to cut down the red tape and beaurocracy for new building in the UK. - Passing the responsibility over more to the local communities for the decisions making process. Here are some questions and answers for those who are interested in finding out what its all about and what it will mean to Self Builders in the coming months and years:
Community Right to Build - Q&A General
Q: What is the Community Right to Build?
A: The Community Right to Build gives groups of local people the power to deliver the development that their local community wants, with minimal red tape.
Communities may wish to build new homes or new community amenities, and providing they can demonstrate overwhelming local support, the Community Right to Build will give Communities the powers to deliver this directly.
Q: Under what powers will the Community Right to Build be created?
A: We are introducing a Localism Bill which will pave the way for the creation of Community Right to Build. The Bill is at the heart of the Big Society and will transfer power from the centre to the local level.
Q: Where will Community Right to Build be used?
A: We see Community Right to Build as a means by which like -minded people come together with a shared vision of what they want to achieve in their community and how they can go about it. Initially we see this power getting off the ground more quickly in rural areas because communities there are much smaller and local people have a vast amount of shared knowledge about the immediate opportunities and challenges facing them.
Q: Who can use the Community Right to Build?
A: We believe that only people who live in an area should be able to use the Community Right to Build.
Q: Can property developers use the Community Right to Build?
A: We believe that only people who live in an area should be able to use the Community Right to Build. However, we envisage that communities should be free to use property developers, should they wish to do so.
Q: How would a community use the Community Right to Build?
A: In very broad terms this is how we anticipate a community would use the Community Right to Build:
1. It is likely that members of a community will come together and decide that they would like to take forward development in their community - be it homes, shops, businesses or facilities.
2. We anticipate that the community will need to set themselves up as a corporate entity.
3. Once established these community organisations will want to begin developing their projects. This will included engaging with their community in firming up ideas and in identifying local needs, discussing opportunities with land owners, engaging designers and identifying suitable project finance. They will also want to have some early discussions with developers and local authorities to identify development opportunities and obstacles to delivery.
Once a project proposal has been finalised and community buy-in has been secured and assuming that there are no other legal bars to the project, the community organisation will need to hold a referendum. We anticipate that the Local Authority will be able to do this on the community organisation's behalf.
5. Following a successful referendum we anticipate that the community organisation would submit their proposal to the local authority for checks for conformity with set criteria.
Size, type and location of development under the Community Right to Build
Q: Are there going to be any restrictions on a scheme?
A: Under the scheme, any community which wishes to benefit from development will be able to seek the Right to Build as long as they can demonstrate that they have met various minimum criteria to ensure development is sustainable and have the overwhelming support for the development through a referendum.
Q: How will overdevelopment of an area be prevented?
A: That is yet to be decided. We want to create a framework that allows communities to deliver the development they want in their communities quickly and with the minimum bureaucracy that is necessary. We have some ideas for how this will work but we welcome views on how that framework will work.
Q: What is the maximum size of a development using the new right?
A: Our vision is that communities should have the freedom to develop housing and other facilities that they agree that they want, subject to minimum criteria to ensure the development is sustainable. However, we are proposing that in order to prevent overdevelopment, communities will be able to expand the size of the community by a maximum of 10 per cent over any 10 year period. We welcome views on this maximum.
Q: What kind of property can a community develop under the new right?
A: The type of property to be built will be for the community to decide. Communities might wish to build a mixture of market housing for sale, affordable housing for rent, sheltered housing for elderly local residents, or low cost starter homes for young local families struggling to get on the housing ladder. Or they might wish to build a new play ground for children.
Q: Can communities take forward other types of development?
A. As well as housing, the Community Right to Build will allow the community to provide other services for the benefit of local people. For instance, they might offer long-term low rent commercial accommodation for a village shop on a serviced tenancy, a community hall, or a sports facility.
Q: Where can the Community Right to Build be used?
Q: What about larger market towns?
A: The new right is likely to be most relevant to rural communities, where local people agree that more affordable homes or, for example a new village hall are needed. We are proposing to initially restrict the size of community that might use the right to build. However, we are considering all options at the moment and would appreciate views.
Q: Won’t the new right lead to lots of small developments pepper potted across the countryside?
A: We want communities to deliver the homes and essential development that they want. The referendum is an essential element of this model - that the community must support the proposals. This means that development in locations that people think inappropriate, will not go ahead.
Q: What will be the role of the Local Authority?
A: Our vision is that communities should have the freedom to develop housing and other facilities that they agree that they want, subject to minimum criteria to ensure the development is sustainable.
We anticipate that local authorities will have a role in ensuring developments meet the minimum criteria, however the detail of how this will work is yet to be decided. We are looking to engage with our partners to ensure the framework is appropriate.
Q: What about Local Plan policy - in place to protect our community?
Q: What about national planning policy?
Q: What will the protections be for local wildlife and landscapes?
Q: What about greenbelt?
We want the Community Right to Build to provide genuine local democratic control over the delivery of new housing and facilities. For too long the planning system has failed to respond to community needs. We want to give communities the freedom to develop housing and other facilities that they agree that they want; subject to minimum criteria to ensure the development is sustainable. However the detail of how this will work is yet to be decided. We are looking to engage with our partners and others with an interest to ensure the framework is appropriate.
Community and referendums
Q: How is community defined?
A: Community could be defined in a number of ways. We’re looking at the options for a simple way of defining a local community, and ensuring people can hold a fair and transparent referendum.
Q: What referendum result will be needed to get planning permission?
A: The precise criteria still need to be finalised but we envisage that communities will have to demonstrate strong local approval - with no more than a certain level of opposition in a formal community referendum. We are currently considering that thislevel of opposition should be set at 10% of those who vote in the referendum. However, we welcome views on this.
Q: Who gets to vote in a referendum?
A: We think that the most reliable approach would be for a referendum to seek the votes of all residents of the community that are on the local government electoral register. This is a tried and tested route for real democracy. However, we recognise that some members of a community may not be entitled to register on the electoral register. We would welcome views on how these members of the community should be involved in the process.
Q: Will the majority wish prevail over the wishes of the minority?
A: These will be local referendums run for and on behalf of the local community. It will be up to interested citizens in the defined community to make sure that their voices are heard through the ballot box. Where it is decided through the democratic process that there is no overwhelming support for the specified development then a community will not be allowed to proceed with that development unless it holds further referendums to gain the necessary support or it reverts to going through the normal planning process.
Q: Isn't it easier for a community to file a planning application rather than hold a referendum? Isn't this imposing more restrictions, not less?
A: By holding a referendum, local communities will have a direct say on the homes they want built in their local area. The Community Right to Build will give communities the right to deliver the homes and development that they really want, irrespective of whether or not their proposals fits with their local council’s plans. We intend to create a framework that allows communities to deliver the development they want in their communities quickly and with the minimum bureaucracy that is necessary. However, we must acknowledge that where a community's proposed development fits with a local authority's local development plan and other planning requirements, then the easiest route may well be to file a planning application.
Q: There is no way a local referendum will get 90% plus support for a development to go ahead - communities just don’t work like that?
A: We would challenge this perception. People power is all about giving autonomy to individuals and trusting that with this responsibility the right decision will be made for the benefit of the community. We do not see local people shunning the chance to get involved in shaping their community when it is in their interests to do so and it is clearly explained to them why they should seize the moment.
Q: Who holds the referendum?
A: The key is to ensure fairness and transparency. We propose that local authorities carry out the referendum on behalf of the community organisation and recover these costs from them. We welcome views on this point.
Q: How much will it cost to hold a referendum?
A: Departmental officials are investigating the likely costs of holding a referendum. We will be seeking to keep these costs to a minimum, whilst ensuring the integrity of the result.
Q: How can a referendum held by local people with vested interests be trusted?
A: The key is to ensure fairness and transparency. We welcome views on how this should be achieved.
Funding & Business Model
Q: Where will communities get the land?
A: Communities have the opportunity to find their own sites that are most suitable for their needs.
Q: How will communities buy the land?
A: The community will need to negotiate with the landowner and reach an agreement.
Q: How much will it cost to carry out the Community Right to Build?
A: This will depend upon the nature and scale of the development and what it wants to achieve for the community. This flexibility means that local people could set up a community organisation appropriate in scale and cost to the local circumstances.
Q: What are the sources of funding?
A: We do not wish to be prescriptive as to how the Community Right to Build business model should be structured or funded. There are a broad range of financial resources available to developers and community groups and a community organisation should have the flexibility to source the finance most appropriate to achieving their objectives.
Q: Will Government be providing any funding to support communities using the Community Right to Build?
A: We cannot pre-empt the outcome of the spending review.
Q: Will Government be providing any support for communities using the Community Right to Build?
A: We are considering the scope for a collaborative resource which would allow communities to take advice and learn from the experiences of others and may include some supportive element. In terms of funding, We cannot pre-empt the outcome of the spending review.
Q: How will the introduction of the Community Right to Build make places better?
A: The responsibility for the outcome rests with the community. The fact that the local community have got together to form an organisation to take control of how their community can be improved for the benefit of that is democracy in action at a very local level. The chance for members of the community to play a meaningful part in shaping their community is a golden opportunity to make it a better place.
Date Filed: 9/1/11
Source: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/newsroom/pdf/1647749.pdf
Title: The government wants a "Self Build Revolution"
Working with members of the National Self Build Association (NaSBA), the Government will develop an action plan to boost the number of self builders across the country, and address the common barriers aspiring self builders face, including the shortage of self build mortgages.
Mr Shapps said for far too long the aspirations of ordinary people to build their own home have been thwarted by barriers and red tape, and that the Government wanted the idea of ‘building your own home’ to become mainstream and less problematic. Barriers that stand in the way of self builders will be torn down - including a complex and bureaucratic planning system and regulatory burdens, and the Government is working with NaSBA to tackle the issues lack of access to land and finance.
The announcement has been welcomed by self build finance specialists as well as founding member of NaSBA, BuildStore, which has been developing practical funding solutions for the sector for over ten years.
The announcement has been welcomed by self build finance specialists as well as founding member of NaSBA, BuildStore, which has been developing practical funding solutions for the sector for over ten years.
Commenting, chief executive of BuildStore, Raymond Connor, said: “This is great news for aspiring self builders, the construction supply chain, and local economies
“This level of support from Government is exactly what is needed to kick start a new revolution of self build homes, and we are looking forward to working with Mr Shapps’ officials to develop the action plan and tackle the issues.
“We have been making the case for self build as a valid housing procurement route for some time and the current climate has created a unique opportunity for the self build sector, especially for mortgage lenders.
“By virtue of the political, social and economic conditions, demand for self build funding is expected to grow, especially considering today’s announcement. Currently, only one in four prospective self builders are able to secure the funds they need, so lenders need to respond and address the need for more meaningful, customer-friendly products in order to serve the sector appropriately.”
The new Community Right to Build will offer communities the chance to give the green light to new developments without the need for specific planning applications, whether its local people working alone to build their own homes, or entire communities coming together to build the homes and amenities the area needs.
BuildStore has already been addressing the availability of self build finance, with a new market report exploring the future of the self build lending market, and will host a lenders conference in March, in partnership with the Building Societies Association, to highlight the benefits of lending in this sector
Source: http://www.mortgageintroducer.com/mortgages/239247/5/Industry_in_depth/Government_wants_a_self_build_revolution.htm
Date Filed: 6/1/11
Title: Sustainable housing is “The New Black!
It’s funny how fashions change. One year its “black”, then next “brown”. One year “short”, the next “long”
It seems to be getting the same way in Self Build these days.
A few years ago, Timber Frame was still fighting to gain back its reputation for being a fast, good quality way to build houses, and “Traditional Build” was still the most popular route for Self Builders to go down.
Now, Timber Frame is considered to be every bit as good as traditional build, and there we were just getting used to it being used widely, - then along comes SIPS!!
Now SIPS is trying to gain its own reputation as being the “new” Timber Frame (and doing quite well), but then what happens? – We get the “Code for Sustainable Homes” suddenly appearing out of thin air to confuse us all again!
So what is this latest “new thing” that’s going to save the world?
Well, actually, it a very good idea, and its nothing to worry about, nothing to loses sleep over, and you can still choose “Timber Frame” or SIPS, AND use the “Code for Sustainable Homes” at the same time.
Basically, what the code is trying to do is think about the effect our new homes are having on the environment, global warming, waste generation, air and noise pollution and various other things, and minimize the negatives effects that developments can have.
There is an overiding aim for the code, which is to make all new homes “Zero Carbon” by 2016.
So, how do they do it? - And how does it affect your new Self Build Project? - Well, for a start it is still “kind of” voluntary at the moment, although a lot of the Local Authorities are now starting to make a certain level of compliance compulsory.
Different aspects of the development are considered for their impact on the environment and carbon emissions, and then you, as the developer can gain points for including suggestions as to how to make your new home a “low carbon generating” dwelling.
There is an emphasis on recycling, insulation, renewable energy, low waste generation and low pollution. – Basically, the more you design your home to reduce your carbon footprint, the higher you will generally score.
There are no prizes for a high score, but you will probably find that your house will have a higher value if the buyers know that it has been built following the code.
Here is a link if you’d like to find out more about the code and how it can affect your project: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/code_for_sust_homes.pdf
Whether or not “The Code for Sustainable Homes” will make a huge difference to the environment, the experts will no doubt disagree on for years to come, but, for YOU as self builders, anything that saves your heating bills and helps the environment, even if it only turns out to be "a little bit" (as long as it doesn't jeopardise the rest of the project) has got to be a good thing!
NOTE:
BEWARE! –A lot of Self Builders tend to get carried away with things that they think are “in Fashion” and “environmentally friendly”, BUT you need to be a bit careful.
If something saves you money, eg insulating your walls, it does not necessarily follow that twice as much of the same thing will save you twice as much. – Generally it doesn’t!! – It WILL normally COST twice as much, but the efficiency of the “saving versus cost” tends to reduce the more of it you use. – Just use your common sense and take expert advice.
Also, the cost of some of the new technologies is still quite high. – If you are building a small new home and you are tempted to put £12,000 - £15,000 worth of ground or air source heating, solar equipment, or anything else designed to give you free energy, make sure you do your sums first! – You might find that, in a smaller property, they will never be economical for you once you have paid there installation and possibly maintenance costs. – BUT, they may limit the rest of the projects scope by taking up an inordinately big chunk of your budget. - You may be better in some circumstance, simply increasing the levels of insulation in your home to achieve the “cost effective” savings you are looking for.
Never just take one persons opinion on these sorts of things – Try and do your own research. – Government figures are one of the best things to look at to make sure you get the truth and the whole story.
Title: What is a "Passive House" (also seen written as Passive Haus)?
As with SIPS (Structurally Insulated Panel System), we are starting to hear more and more about "Passive House" construction.
However, not many people actually know what the term Passive house or Passive Haus actually mean.
Here is a quote from an article I have come across that gives a brief explanation of what the term means:
"In a Passive House the consumption for space heating is reduced by 90 percent compared to average houses of the building stock and by 75 percent compared to ordinary new construction – the energy requirement for heating Passive Houses is 15 kilowatthours per squaremeter living space each year and thus far less than in low energy houses. But, at the same time the comfort in a Passive House is significantly better. In contrast to ordinary buildings, which in European climates loose a lot of heat and have to be heated actively, a Passive House uses the free heat sources inside of the building envelope - e.g. the heat from the persons in the house and from solar energy incidenting through windows – and the heating system is simplified significantly. Special windows and an envelope built from highly efficient insulation panels help to keep the heat inside. Fresh air is constantly delivered by a ventilation system without drafts. A highly efficient heat recovery unit reduces the ventilation losses to a great extent".
In the article where I found that information, there are also a couple of simple diagrams showing you how the Passive Haus system works. - You can find the full article at: http://www.passivhaustagung.de/Passive_House_E/Passive_House_in_short.html
Filed: 22/10/10
Source: Passive House Institute
Title: Thinking about planning or starting a Self Build or Property Renovation project? – Why not keep a diary with us?
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We’ve got a section of the site which is not yet up and running properly. It’s the “Diaries” section.
In this section we’d like YOU to let us and the “rest of the world” know about your project: - The ups, the downs, the problems and the triumphs.
You probably like to read and learn from other peoples “case studies” in magazines. – And if you think about it, half the Self Build and Property Renovation shows on TV are basically case studies of projects of different types.
You might think that because you are only in the initial stages, your project is not going to be interesting, BUT IT IS! – Those are some of the most interesting parts of a project – Finding land, getting Planning Permission, getting finance, finding Tradesmen and suppliers etc.
Between all of you there is an absolute wealth of information being gathered across the UK. – Why not share it with others? – Just as they learn from you, you may learn from them!
To start to keep a “live” diary of your project, all you need to do is to send us e mails. – We’ll do the rest.
You’ll find the diaries section at: http://www.buildinganddiy.com/self_build-property-renovation-conversion-diy/diaries-reports-photgraphs-photos.
Our e mail address is info@buildinganddiy.com
Filed: 20th Oct
Source: Building & DIY.com
Title: Grand Designs Live 2010
Well, did you go? – If not you missed a treat! – It was probably one of the best shows we have attended.
From first approaching the exhibition hall you were struck by the professionalism and the sheer size of the event.
The first thing to greet you is the grand entrance with bright carpets emblazened with the Grand Designs logo, huge hanging globes and a massive wall poster which all lead you into a long “other worldly” orange, red and white corridor along which you walk accompanied by soothing music, into huge central area with a huge white cone type central feature, probably about 40’ high (all photos taken before the show opened). Around the cone were congregated an assortment of counters for magazine orders, coffee, tea and cakes and an area for “general mingling”.
From here you had the choice of entering any of four “Grand” worlds: “Grand Build”, “Grand Kitchens”, “Grand Gardens” or “Grand Interiors”, all of which were packed with a mix of interesting, unusual, exciting and innovative stands, as well as presentations from all the people you would expect to see at such a show.
Stands that caught my eye in particular were: A tap which delivers both boiling and chilled water almost instantly, “Telebeams” an expanding floor joist system which can help to make loft conversion much easier, a bed that has a TV which rises up from the baseboard, and the large selection of audio visual offerings, all of which are getting to be very popular in this market.
SIPS (Structurally Insulated Panel System), which, to many people represents the way forward for the timber frame industry were there on a number of stands, and something you will be seeing a lot more of, which I really like, - driveways made from “stone in resin”, which not only give a porous driveway (now pretty much a standard requirement of Planning for a new self Build property), but is also (I think) much more attractive than standard tarmac or concrete, and gives brick pavings a good run for their money for “looks”. – We’ll be seeing if we can get some of these products into the “Innovations & Inspirations” section as soon as we can so you can see them for yourselves.
Kevin Mc Leod and George Clarke were there, leading seminars and appearing at various stands throughout the three days of the event. There was a section where a number of experts sat and dispensed free specialist advice to whoever wanted it. There were celebrity chefs, a food section offering all sorts of culinary delights and a mixture of labour saving devices for the kitchen.
All in all, a Grand Designs 2010 was a very good show, well worth the visit, and not a sign anywhere of recession or depression. It was upbeat, optimistic, bright and cheerful.
If you get a chance to go to the London event at the end of April next year, I’d recommend it.
Filed Date: 14/10/10
Source: Building & DIY.com
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Title: Your home could be eligible for a free solar system
Readers of the Daily Express this week will probably have noticed an offer which may allow you to get a free solar heating system worth up to £15,000 installed in your home free of charge. - Not only that but the company also maintain the system for 25 years!
The claim is that with one of these systems you could save about 33% of your electricity bills.
Is this genuine? - Well it seems to be.
It appears that there is now a government backed scheme which makes this possible. All you need to do tou find out whether or not you are eligible is to go to the site and fill in a form.
My take on this would be - Give it a try and see - What have you got to lose?
Go to: http://www.homesun.com/ to find out more
Source: Daily Express Newspapers
Date filed: 27/9/10
Title: Give your home a free energy check
The energy saving trust have a useful online tool you can use to check how energy efficient and eco friendly your home is.
It’s free and took me about 5 minutes to complete and they send a copy of the report to you via e mail or post.
The information it gives you could help you save money each year of you heating and lighting bills, so, as it’s free it’s got to be a good idea (they do get your e mail and phone details, so you may be contacted, but these days that’s pretty standard).
If you’d like to have a go at completing the report you’ll find it at: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/proxy/view/full/165/homeenergycheck
From this page you can have a look around the site to see if it has anything else which could be of interest or use to you.
Source: Energy Saving Trust
Filed Date: 25/09/10
Title: Fire Risks of Half Completed Timber Framed Buildings
Firefighters were called to a blaze at a half-constructed timber-framed block of flats in Glasgow last week.
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue were called at 4pm on Tuesday to the site in the Yoker area of the city where the 60-flat private four-storey building was being constructed.
The properties surrounding the building, which was 75 metres long by 25 metres wide, were evacuated with the help of Strathclyde Police.
Forty firefighters battled to bring the fire under control and managed to stop it spreading to nearby flats.
The cause of the fire is not yet known. A full investigation is being jointly undertaken by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and Strathclyde Police.
Concerns have previously been raised about the safety of part-finished timber frame homes under construction. Fire chiefs demanded urgent action to improve safety following a blaze in Peckham last year.
Filed date: 22/9/10
Title: Self Build Competitions
Here are 2 competitions you may be interested in:
1) On this site: If you are thinking of Self Building, all you need to do is send us your details, agreeing to keep a diary of the project so others can hopefully learn all about the ups and downs that you are bound to go through, and you can be entered in a draw for a prize worth £2000. - This prize is for a Professional Consultancy of your own project, by me, Barry Sutcliffe, the creator of this site.
I have been a Self Build Project Manager and Consultant for many years and have a Self Build Consultancy company running in parallel with the site.
The prize includes, whenever you are ready (whether its this year or next) me coming to your home and going through your whole project with you. This can be at the early stage, at the Planning stage, or when you are just about to start. - I will usually be able to give you advice that could potentially save you tens of thousands of pounds, and we can visit the site if you wish.
I will then prepare a professional report on your project covering everything we discuss. - I will then also be at the end of the phone or contactable via e mail to give you advice throughout the project.
Once you get started you will realise the value of this sort of back up. - Its alsmost priceless to have someone who knows most of the answers to the problems at the other end of the phone when you need them!
So, why not sign up and see if you get lucky? just go to: http://www.buildinganddiy.com/competition.php
2) Worcester Bosch are also running a competition:
It's open to all Self Builders, and the prize is £1,000 of leisure vouchers PLUS Worcester Bosch Domestic appliances. - Here's what they say about it:
The judges will be looking for projects which are having the widest positive impact on the local environment. So put your thinking cap on – and you could be on the way to a superb prize!
Quarterly awards: Each quarter, the system considered to be the best from an environmental viewpoint will win a great prize – a Bosch domestic appliance worth up to £500!
Installation of the Year Award: The overall winner will be invited to a Gala Awards ceremony where they will be presented with £1,000 worth of leisure vouchers or Bosch domestic appliances
To enter the competition, go to: http://www.self-build.co.uk/_documents/others/environment-2020.pdf
Article filed: 20/9/10
Title: FREE SHOW TICKETS
We now have free tickets to the Edinbrough Self Build Show (2nd and 3rd Oct ) and the Harrogate Self Build Show (5th - 7th November). - If you'd like a couple contact us at info@buildinganddiy.com and we'll stick them in the post to you.
Source: Building & DIY.com
Article Filed Date: 17/9/10
Title: Exeter Self Build Show - Feedback
Did you get to the show? What did you think of it?
We were there! - Five and a half hours of motorway got us to the event, but luckily our stand is quick and easy to set up.
At these shows, basically all we need to do is to give out our leaflets telling the public about the buiding and DIY. com web site. - All we want is for you to visit the site, and then to keep coming back! - We don't need to sell you anything, - we are just here to help!
There were about 90 exhibitors there, and some very interesting products (we'll be doing our best to get most of them to sign up in the "innovations and Inspirations" section of the site).
Probably not as many people attended as we may have hoped, but that meant that we could spend more time with each visitor and we were able to offer some advice and help to a number of people who are presently having problems either planning their projects or actually getting the work done. - One lady who has been approached by Grand Designs and turned them down, is hopefully going to record her pretty impressive sounding project in our "Diaries" section starting in the near future, another guy went home and will probably be approaching his Architect with some new ideas to help him get his stuttering project moving forward again.
All in all, a worthwhile exhibition to attend, some of the other exhibitors said they had a succesful weekend.
Our next show is Edinburgh. - If any of you would like us to try and give you some advice on your projects, bring along your sketches or drawings and we'll do our best, (time permitting) to help.
See you there.
For dates of Edinburgh and other shows and events go to: http://www.buildinganddiy.com/news-and-events.php
Article filed date: 14/9/10
Source: Building & DIY.com
Title: Free Tickets to Shows
We now have a small number of tickets left for the Exeter Self Build Show (Sept 11th & 12th) and the Edinburgh Self Build show (Oct 2nd & 3rd)
If you'd like us to send you a couple of tickets, simply contact us at info@buildinganddiy.com. - Give us your name and address and we'll stick them in the post to you.
Also, We are now booked in at the "Grand Designs" show at the NEC on 8th - 10th Oct. - Come and say "Hi" and let us know what you think about the site!
Source: Building & DIY.com
Filed Date: 3/9/10
Title: Insulated Concrete
Formwork
I came across this article recently which you may find interesting.
Insulated Concrete formwork has been around in the UK for quite a long time. - I seem to remember Beco Wallform being at the Earls Court shows in the late eighties (correct me if I am wrong Beco!). However as a construction process they have never really yet managed to get into the "Mainstream" Self Build thinking.
There are now a number of companies who offer this type of product. - You'll find them in our Trade Directory (http://www.buildinganddiy.com/ti-advanced-search.php), so I thought it would be worth pointing out this article so that if you don't know a lot about them, you can get some more info to help you decide if they would be a good idea to consider for your project.
The article can be found at: http://www.icfinfo.org.uk/pages/what-is-icf.php
Source: The Insulated Concrete Formwork Association
Article Filed Date: 2/9/10
Title: House Prices fall
Well it seems that we aren't quite out of the woods yet with regard to house prices. - Below is a report on the present situation in the UK housing market.
When your read things like this, it becomes even more obvious that Self Build is a very good idea, - whatever the market conditions. - In a good market, as well as expecting to make 25% - 30% profit on the house as standard, the value of the property actually increases while building progresses. - So, you win twice!
In a bad market, the 25% - 30% acts as your buffer against any "slips" in house prices. - So where others may be in negative equity, in theory (unless you make a complete "hash" of it), you should always come out smiling!
The problem with the Self Build industry and the Renovation industries at the moment is that they are too complicated and "disparate". - They need simplifying. - That's what this site is designed to start to do. - Make the whole process less complicated, user friendly and faster. - The more of you who start to use the site regularly, the more weight we'll have to "throw around" in the industry to make people start to listen. - Hopefully the time when we can start to do that is not too far away. - We are already growing quickly. - Our site hits have increased TEN FOLD in just 3 months since the new look site was launched!
Anyway, here's the article. - Don't get too despondant: - Prices rose for about 10 months in a row until recently and I'm sure that once the economy starts to get a bit more steady (there have been good figures out this week) and the extra properties start to get "bought up", the trend will become positve again.
Article: "House prices in England and Wales edged lower during August following a decrease in demand and an increase in the availability of homes for sale, research has indicated.
The average cost of a home dropped by 0.3% during the month to £158,300, compared with a 0.1% decrease in July, according to property intelligence group Hometrack.
The decline was driven by a fall in the number of people looking to move home, with demand for housing dropping for the second month in a row by 2.2%.
At the same time, the number of new properties on the market increased, with estate agents reporting a 2.4% jump in the number of homes they had on their books.
Hometrack said the latest fall in demand reflected a trend seen during the past five months, a trend that is driving the price falls.
The change in conditions has seen the average time a property takes to sell increase to 8.9 weeks, the highest level for more than a year, Hometrack said.
Sellers are also getting a lower proportion of their asking price, dropping to 93.5% from 94% in July.
Richard Donnell, director of research at Hometrack, said: "The unmistakable fact is that the availability of homes for sale has improved markedly and this has reduced the support for house prices provided by the scarcity of housing for sale over 2009 and early 2010. This comes at a time when there is growing weakness on the demand side - a weakness which represents more than just a seasonal blip."
He added: "We expect further modest price falls in the coming months."
But there were some reasons to be cheerful among the otherwise bleak figures, with the number of sales agreed modestly rising by 0.8% during the month.
Source: MSN news
Filed Date: 30/8/10
Title: Building & DIY at the Autumn Shows.
We are now signed up to appear at three shows during the autumn season:
1) The Exeter Self Build Show - 11th - 12th Sept - www.selfbuildanddesignshow.com
2) The Edinburgh Self Build and Home Improvement Show - 2nd & 3rd Oct - www.homeimprovementshow.co.uk
3) The Northern Self Build Show - Harrogate - 5th - 7th October - harrogate.homebuildingshow.co.uk.
You will also find our advert in the latest "Homebuilding & Renovating" magazine.
These shows are part of our marketing plan which is intended to introduce the site to more potential self Builders. - The more of YOU who visit us regularly, the more our hits will increase. - The more our hits increase, the more the companies assoicated with the industry will want to be on the site. - So you win by being able to find more of the people you need in one place, and we win by getting more advertisers!!
We hope you agree with us 9 and it seems that most people do) that this is now the best "all encompassing" Self Build and Property Renovation site on the net in the UK. - To make it even better, we need more and more companies to be registering with us all the time.
By the way: If you are attending the show, why not come along to the stand and say "Hi"! And, If you have any questions you'd like us to try to answer to do with your projects, feel free to bring sketches, drawings or photos along and we'll be pleased to see if we can help.
Source: Building & DIY.com
Filed date: 27/8/10
Title: Free advice for your project at the Exeter Self Build Exhibition
We have booked a stand at the Self Build Exhibition in Exeter on 11th - 12th sept 2010.
Barry Sutcliffe, the creator of this site will be attending the exhibition on both days.
If you would like to come along and ask any questions about your project, please feel free to do so. - You may wish to bring along some sketches, drawings or photos or anything that could help us to advise you.
If this is something you wil be thinking about doing, it would be good if you could drop us a quick e mail to let us know, so we get an idea of how many people and how many questions we can expect. - We may need to bring someone else along if its going to be busy!
Write to: info@buildinganddiy.com
Article filed date: 22/8/2010
Title: Follow a "Multiple plot Self Build project from "Day 1":
From today you can follow, right from day 1, a Self Build project which hopes to develop multiple self build plots on one site .
One of our site users has agreed to try to keep a diray of her project, right from having pretty much the first thoughts, taking the whole project through the planning stages, finding the land, planning permission, floor layout design and construction.
If she gets time this could provide a unique insight into all the ups and downs of one of these rare projects. - It may inspire you or others to give it a go yourselves.
Kathryn has started a new heading in the forum section, and if you can offer her any help, advice or contacts, she would be more than happy to receive any contacts you may wish to make. - e mail here
You can read the very first entry into her diary here: http://www.buildinganddiy.com/contact-us.php
Source: Building and DIY.com
Filed date: 18/8/10
Title: New Video Section: Wet Room Installation
We have just added a new selection to the DIY videos section: "Wet rooms".
This is becoming a fashionable addition to any renovation or new build project and this new section will help save you all time scouring the various sources to find videos telling you how wet rooms are installed.
If there are any other video sections you would particularly like to see, let us know and we'll see what we can do.
Source: Building & DIY.com
Filed date: 13/8/10
Title: Free tickets to The Self Build & Design Show
We have booked a stand at the Self Build and design Show at Exeter on 11th and 12th sept 2010.
We have been given some free tickets to the show.
If any of you would like one or two tickets, simply contact us with your postal address and we'll send them to you.
E mail at: http://www.buildinganddiy.com/contact-us.php
Source: Building & DIY.com
Date filed: 12/8/10
Title: News and some new sections on the site:
This weekend sees a few new articles and events going live on the building and DIY.com site:
1) We have launched a competition to win a £2000 “Professional Consultancy” for your project:
If you are thinking about Self Building, property renovating or Converting, you can enter the competition. – All you have to do is send us details of your project and, if you win, you agree to give us (and the rest of our visitors) a regular update on what’s happening with your project.
There are 6 prizes to be won:
1) A Full Professional Consultancy by Barry Sutcliffe, creator of the site. – This will include:
· A visit to your home and / or plot.
· A full project evaluation
· Sketch ideas for your new home design (if required)
· Ongoing telephone or written help and advice for the duration of your project.
This prize is not only worth £2000, but the advice you receive could also save you tens of thousands of pounds on the cost of your project.
2) 5 Runners up prizes of a 4 – 5 page written appraisal of your project, based on details, photos etc that you send to us by main / e mail. This prize is worth £200, but again could save you tens of thousands of pounds on the cost of your projects.
To enter, go to the home page and click on the yellow box.
OR Go to: http://www.buildinganddiy.com/competition.php
NEW SECTION IN “SELF BUILD SIMPLIFIED”
We have also published a new section in Self Build Simplified: Timber Frame floor Plans, discussing how timber frame has advantage when it comes to planning your floor plan design.
Find at: http://www.buildinganddiy.com/self_build-property-renovation-diy/timber-frame-%7C-sips/timber-frame-floor-plans-424/ch1
NEW SECTIONS IN “SELF BUILD VIDEOS”
The new sections are:
· SIPS (Structurally Insulated Panel Systems): http://www.buildinganddiy.com/self_build-property-renovation-diy/self-build-and-property-renovation-videos/sips-structurally-insulated-panel-systems-430
· Timber Frame House Building: http://www.buildinganddiy.com/self_build-property-renovation-diy/self-build-and-property-renovation-videos/timber-frame-431
Source: Building & DIY.com
Filed Date: 7/8/10
Title: Some REALLY GOOD NEWS!
If you are contemplating starting a Self Build, Property renovation or property conversion project in the next few months, we’ve got some good news for you! – You can enter our FREE competition to win up to £2000 worth of PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANCY from the creator of this site, Barry Sutcliffe. The prize includes a home / site visit (anywhere in the UK), a full discussion of your project, and written report, design sketch ideas (where required) and ongoing help and advice by phone, e mail or letter as your project progresses.
There are also 5 runners up prizes of £200 worth of consultancy, where you send us details about your project (text / photos / sketches etc) and we return them to you together with a written report covering feasibility / likely cost / design ideas / contacts and other useful information, which, if used correctly, could save you thousands of pounds on your projects.
DON’T MISS THIS FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY – See the header bar on the home page to go to “more details” and for an entry form.
Source: Building & DIY.com
Date Filed: 1/8/10
Title: "The Self Build Industry: Past, Present & Future"
This has been published here before but we'll mention it every now and then because its something that could be quite interesting to a lot of people.
If you would like to read a report on how the Self Build Industry has grown over the past 20 years, learn why it has presently got major problems and hear some ideas on how we can not only solve the problems, but also grow the industry dramatically over the next few years, follow the link:
Find at: http://www.buildinganddiy.com/downloads/pdf/uk-self-build-industry-report.pdf
Source: Building & DIY.com
Article filed: 1/8/10
Title: Orders for new work still falling for small to medium construction companies.
Construction workloads for small building companies have shrunk for the 10th consecutive quarter, according to new figures from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB)……….
This means 2 things to me:
1) It’s probably a good time to be getting on with those projects you’ve been thinking about! – According to the survey, there has been a levelling off of the decline, so it looks like things will soon be picking up. – When workloads go up, so, generally do the prices given on new quotes! – A 5% - 10% increase on a Self Build cost can mean £5,000 - £15,000 extra on the project budget. Even on something like a £10,000 conservatory can add an extra £500 - £1,000 to the cost.
2) For anyone reading this who is in business in the industry and is looking for work: get yourself signed up on this site!! – there are loads of ways to promote your company. – most of them are on £5 / month for 2 months trial with no contract. – If you are short of work, the best way to get more is to let more people know you are there. – Anyone who says “We are tight for cash, we can’t afford to advertise” is Not serious about getting new business!! Go to http://www.buildinganddiy.com/advertise.php for details of our advertising offers and options
Source: The Construction Index
See report at: http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/the-construction-index-news/Construction-SMEs-workloads-continue-to-fall?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Date Filed: 28/7/10
Title: See the “ups and downs” of the UK housing market since 2006. - In “graph form”
Here’s an interesting little tit bit I found that you might like to take a look at. – Its a chart that shows you how house prices have changed in the UK from early 2006 to June 2010. There are buttons that bring up “pop ups” telling you what happened at specific points in time and you can follow the trends past the “frightening” lows of early 2009 to the relative highs of today.
Find at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/interactive/2008/apr/15/houseprices
Source: Guardian.co.uk
Filed date: 27/7/10
Title: Construction Industry leading faster than expected growth
The news today is that the economy has grown by more than expected, and, believe it or not, the previously ailing, stalling, failing, Building sector has lead the way with growth of around 6%!
This has got to be good news for the House Building, Self Build, Property Renovation Industries.
I don’t know about all areas of the country, but where I live and as I have travelled around the country in the past few weeks and months, there has definitely been more new house building going on.
More house building obviously means more employment, but it’s the reasons behind the increase in activity that makes it more interesting. – To start a new site, there has to be the money available and there has to be the thought by the developer that when the houses are ready, they’ll stand a good chance of selling. – So, that suggests that as an “overall” picture, there is more money being lent by the banks and that they have more confidence in the construction industry. Also, the developers are less worried about taking a “hit” now than they have been over the previous couple of years.
If that’s the case, then if you can buy land NOW, before the market starts to see price increases, you may find a get a bargain.
What are things doing in your region? – let us know at info@buildinganddiy.com
Source: Building & DIY.com
Filed date: 23/7/10
Title:Government reveals £34 million cuts to low carbon technology funding
Details of £34 million of cuts to spending on low carbon technology were published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) today as part of the £6.2 billion savings across Whitehall.
The department said the Carbon Trust, which receives funding to promote the move to a low carbon economy, would see its budget for helping green technology and businesses cut by £12.6 million.
Source: 24dash.com
Find at: http://www.24dash.com/news/central_government/2010-07-16-Government-reveals-34-million-cuts-to-low-carbon-technology-funding
Article filed: 17/7/10
Title: Design your own house layout
Have you ever tried to design your own house layout? - Its quite a trick to get everything in the right place and drawn the right size so that the design would actually "work". - If you would like some ideas on how to prepare a set of design drawings which could be taken to an Architect to give them an accurate idea of what you would like, you may wish to read one of the articles on the site. The link is to a shorter article but there is also another section which looks at the subject in a little more detail, in "Self Build Simplified" (- see Home Page for the longer article).
Find at: http://www.buildinganddiy.com/self_build-property-renovation-diy/how-to-design-new-self-build-dream-home-house/hints-tips-ideas-368
Source: Building & DIY.com
Article Filed: 14 /7/10
Title: How Heat Pumps work
Steve Brown of "Envirotec" has kindly sent in an article on "How Heat Pumps Work". - We have added it to the "Self Build Hints, Tips and Ideas" section so that it doesn't dissapear in a few days, but you can access it from here:
Find at: http://www.buildinganddiy.com/self_build-property-renovation-diy/self-build-hints-tips-and-ideas/how-heat-pumps-work-423
Source: Envirotec
Article filed: 9/7/10
(Don't forget, if you have any articles or blogs on your own "specialist subject" we have thousands of people waiting to read them - Simply upload them to info@buildinganddiy.com and as log as they are suitable for publication, we'll add them into one of the sections)
Title: "More Space Weekend"
Incase you didn't know, its the "Making More Space" weekend this weekend (10th - 11th July), at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon. There are seminars and you can make the most of your time there to have a look round the place - Its pretty impressive! (and NO, they don't pay us to say that! - we're unbiased, - we say what we think!!) Could be worth a visit if you are a bit cramped where you are living, or are planning a new build, so you can think about how you plan your storage facilities.
Find at: http://www.buildstore.co.uk/mykindofhome/events/making-more-space-2010.html
Article filed: 6/7/10
Title: House price inflation slows during June. According to the Nationwide Building Society, the annual house price growth slowed during June form 9.8% to 8.7%. - However, during June, the average price of a house actually increased by 0.1%
From what I have seen, these figures must have fairly substantail regional variations. - Let us know what house prices are doing in your area.
Source: Guardian.co.uk
Find at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/jun/30/house-price-inflation-slows-june
Article filed : 4/7/10
Title: "The Self Build Industry: Past, Present & Future"
This has been published here before but we'll mention it every now and then because its something that could be quite interesting to a lot of people.
If you would like to read a report on how the Self Build Industry has grown over the past 20 years, learn why it has presently got major problems and hear some ideas on how we can not only solve the problems, but also grow the industry dramatically over the next few years, follow the link:
Find at: http://www.buildinganddiy.com/downloads/pdf/uk-self-build-industry-report.pdf
Source: Building & DIY.com
Article filed: 2/7/10
Title: If you are thinking about extending, - Get on with it!!!
It turns out that those development rights we have been enjoying for a while which allow people to "add space to their homes without planning permission if it is within 15 per cent of the total volume of the property and a maximum of 70 square metres", might be for the chop!! - They may be replaced by new rules which make it more costly and harder to make these changes. - There are sections in"Self Build Simplified" which cover the subject of Planning Permission (and Building Regs). - We may have to do some re writes soon!!
Title: Yorkshire company launches "Recycled Paint" range
Hebden Bridge based Low Carbon Products Ltd has launched its British Recycled Paint range of recycled paint, made in the UK from unused paint otherwise destined for landfill.
The process uses between 90% and 95% recycled paint in each pot, and can currently reuse 5 tonnes of paint per week, preventing incineration or land filling of the substance.
The Yorkshire company will supply the paint to public sector organisations like councils, schools and housing associations as well as trade and business customers. In addition, a small selection of carefully chosen distributors will also sell to the public.
Available in a wide variety of colours in matt, eggshell or silk finish, the paints have the same high performance as the most well know brands but are priced considerably lower, creating a viable recycled alternative to new products.
Managing Director, Jason Elliott added “Paint is one of the least recycled materials in common use, so I am delighted that we can offer organisations the opportunity to keep so much of it out of landfill.” The range is also available with an optional anti-bacterial element, making them ideal for Health and Education sectors.
For more info Contact: Rachel Hammond, Low Carbon Products Ltd on 01422 847130 or rh@lowcp.com
Article Filed: 30/6/10
Title: So how about todays news?
After being told that no one will put their property on the market because there are no mortgages available for them to move up the housing ladder and because no one will want to buy them, and because it will cost them £350 + for a HIPS pack, NOW we are told that the problem is TOO MANY houses on the market, and that’s because there are NO HIPS packs and there’s still not enough money to borrow! – Talk about negative thinking!!
If the British public are as bad as the experts say they are, and we see the glass half empty at all times except when there is a major “boom” going on, maybe it REALLY IS time for a lot of us to start to think about doing a Self Build!
At least Self Build “builds in” buffers to help protect people from the ravages of this volatile market. – It helps people to make a far higher profit per project than pretty much any form of “relocating”. – It gives us the chance to get more space, a better quality build, bigger gardens, more parking, bigger garages, a layout that we design ourselves for our own needs. – And, when we want to move on, the fact that it is something “a bit different” and “a bit better” than the norm will give it a far better chance of selling WHATEVER the state of the mass housing market.
So, don’t let the doomsayers get you down. – Get into gear and start to think about a Self Build. – We’ll help you. This site can be a great help on its own, but we will be adding new ideas regularly. – at the moment we are working on launching a “Self Build Consultancy” within the site, offering a variety of services to help you to save thousands, if not tens of thousands of pounds on your projects.
We are also launching an “ask us” feature on the home page which should be up and running in a few days.
Keep us on your favourites list – There will be stuff going on all the time!
Title: Orders for new work still falling for small to medium construction companies.
Construction workloads for small building companies have shrunk for the 10th consecutive quarter, according to new figures from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB)……….
This means 2 things to me:
1) It’s probably a good time to be getting on with those projects you’ve been thinking about! – According to the survey, there has been a levelling off of the decline, so it looks like things will soon be picking up. – When workloads go up, so, generally do the prices given on new quotes! – A 5% - 10% increase on a Self Build cost can mean £5,000 - £15,000 extra on the project budget. Even on something like a £10,000 conservatory can add an extra £500 - £1,000 to the cost.
2) For anyone reading this who is in business in the industry and is looking for work: get yourself signed up on this site!! – there are loads of ways to promote your company. – most of them are on £5 / month for 2 months trial with no contract. – If you are short of work, the best way to get more is to let more people know you are there. – Anyone who says “We are tight for cash, we can’t afford to advertise” is Not serious about getting new business!! Go to http://www.buildinganddiy.com/advertise.php for details of our advertising offers and options
Source: The Construction Index
See report at: http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/the-construction-index-news/Construction-SMEs-workloads-continue-to-fall?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Date Filed: 28/7/10
Title: Some REALLY GOOD NEWS!
If you are contemplating starting a Self Build, Property renovation or property conversion project in the next few months, we’ve got some good news for you! – You can enter our FREE competition to win up to £2000 worth of PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANCY from the creator of this site, Barry Sutcliffe. The prize includes a home / site visit (anywhere in the UK), a full discussion of your project, and written report, design sketch ideas (where required) and ongoing help and advice by phone, e mail or letter as your project progresses.
There are also 5 runners up prizes of £200 worth of consultancy, where you send us details about your project (text / photos / sketches etc) and we return them to you together with a written report covering feasibility / likely cost / design ideas / contacts and other useful information, which, if used correctly, could save you thousands of pounds on your projects.
DON’T MISS THIS FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY – See the header bar on the home page to go to “more details” and for an entry form.
Source: Building & DIY.com
Date Filed: 1/8/10
Title: Some REALLY GOOD NEWS!
If you are contemplating starting a Self Build, Property renovation or property conversion project in the next few months, we’ve got some good news for you! – You can enter our FREE competition to win up to £2000 worth of PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANCY from the creator of this site, Barry Sutcliffe. The prize includes a home / site visit (anywhere in the UK), a full discussion of your project, and written report, design sketch ideas (where required) and ongoing help and advice by phone, e mail or letter as your project progresses.
There are also 5 runners up prizes of £200 worth of consultancy, where you send us details about your project (text / photos / sketches etc) and we return them to you together with a written report covering feasibility / likely cost / design ideas / contacts and other useful information, which, if used correctly, could save you thousands of pounds on your projects.
DON’T MISS THIS FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY – See the header bar on the home page to go to “more details” and for an entry form.
Source: Building & DIY.com
Date Filed: 1/8/10
Date Filed: 22/9/10
Title:We have an international market for carbon, why not one for conservation?
Government should compel property developers and companies that degrade the ecosystem to buy conservation credits
Find at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/17/international-market-conservation-credits
Source: Guardian.co.uk
Article Filed date: 27/6/10
Article: Renewable Energy - An Introduction.
Solar Energy / Heating:
“Shell Oil” report that 50% of the worlds energy will come from renewable sources by the year 2040.Solar energy is becoming a very “fashionable” addition to any Self Build and many Renovation projects across the UK.It’s not a difficult or complicated subject to learn about, and your decision as to whether or not you use it, will often not just be solely dependent on how much energy it generates, but rather a mixture of that, plus the fact that if you do use it, then you are "doing your bit" for the planet.
How does it work? There are really three main ways to benefit from the energy we receive from the sun. - All three systems work best when they “point” in the right direction! – The right direction in the UK is facing South East to South West.
1) Solar water heating: This system basically consists of a “heat collector” which is normally situated on your roof. This can be either:
A Flat Plate Collector: Made up of a flat sheet of metal or glass, with pipe work (usually copper) fitted behind, all set in an insulated box, through which water is pumped. In the UK the average panel size is around 3m sq to 4m sq, linking to a storage tank of around 150Litres to 200Litres. The water absorbs the heat generated from the sun hitting the flat plate and passes into your hot water cylinder where it heats up the water for your use (in the same way as an immersion heater works). It is a very simple process which should need very little looking after over many years.
Evacuated tube: Similar in operation to the flat plate collector, but made up of glass tubes with a vacuum inside. The area needed is less than you will need to give the same performance as the flat plate system (probably 2 m sq evacuated tube, compared to 3 – 4m sq. flat plate). Heat is transferred, via the pipe work, into the building where it releases its energy into your domestic water system.
These systems cost from as little as £500 for DIY systems, up to £5000 for professionally installed systems.
2) Photovoltaic Cells: Photovoltaic cells (otherwise known as “solar electric” cells) do not use the water or vacuum system; instead, they use the suns energy to directly produce electricity for your usage. The system usually goes onto the roof in the same manner as the water heating system, but you will need a larger area (around 10m sq – 15 ms sq) to generate the same amount of energy "like for like".
The energy generated can be stored in batteries for use at any time for your domestic energy requirements, so it is not so dependent on the sun actually shining. - In theory you could have as many batteries as you want to store the power generated to see you over periods of low generation.
The cost to buy and install one of these systems will normally be considerably higher than for the water or vacuum system (with estimates of around £8,000 -£20,000 being about the range at the time of writing). However, as systems become more popular, these prices should fall.
3) Passive Solar Heating: This is the cheapest option and is ideal for “New Build” property. – It basically involves designing, positioning and building to make the most of the suns energy, and at the same time, using insulation and draughtproofing to reduce heat loss.
The direction your main windows face, the size of the windows, the type of glass, the construction materials used in the walls, floors, roof etc all come into play, when you are designing a property for passive solar heating. - In other words, rather than heating by mechanical means, you simply give the sun the best chance it can have of doing its normal job of “warming things up”, and then you make sure you “keep hold” of that warmth, for as long as possible!
Just using “passive solar design techniques” when creating the layout of a new building, together with a good level of insulation and draughtproofing, you can reduce your expected heating bills by up to 40%! - With low installation cost. - Multiply this potential 40% saving a month over the period that you would expect a solar heating system to work for, and you may well find that you would actually be better using a passive system than an “installed” system!
(Note: If that's the case, then using both “Passive” and “Installed” systems together should give you an even better money saving package!)
Installation: DIY installation of these systems is quite possible. You can buy full “kits” giving you everything you need. However, you will need to have a reasonable understanding of DIY plumbing and Electrics to install a system successfully. - You will also need to think about scaffolding around the working area for safety.
Alternatively, you can get the system professionally installed. – It is not usually a major construction exercise, and can be done in a couple of days. – Installation will normally be more straightforward on a new build than it is on a renovation because you will usually design the new building specifically to receive the system.
Energy Fact: The capacity / output of solar energy systems are measured in “kilowatt – hours”
1 Kilowatt – hour (kwh) is the amount electricity it takes to light a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours or a 1000 watt fire for 1 hour. - Using these figures should help you make a bit of sense of the technical figures you will see on all the advertising and technical information.
How much will it save us each year?
That’s hard to say, and don’t believe anyone who tries to tell you: “You will save “£X a year” without working out some proper figures.
The way to calculate the heat generation potential of a system is to:
1) Choose a system.
2) Find out “which way” your roof is facing together with its “pitch” and take into account overhanging trees, adjacent buildings, or other things that may block the sun.
3) Take into account the “geographical location” (a property in Scotland would not be expected to produce the same energy each year, as one in the South East of England).
You can then make reasonably accurate "energy generation" predictions. By doing these calculations, you can also test one system’s potential against another, BEFORE you buy!
You can now also sell your excess energy BACK to the “National Grid”. – If you are in a particularly sunny area, this could be a major factor in whether or not a system will be economically viable. – For more info on this go to: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Sell-your-own-energy/Feed-in-Tariff-Clean-Energy-Cashback-scheme
Article Author - Barry Sutcliffe
Date Filed: 26/6/10
Title: Mortgage approvals up 7% on 2009
Mortgage approvals hit their highest level of 2010 last month, according to the British Bankers Association.
Total mortgage advances reached £9bn during the month of May.
In the third consecutive month of rises, a total of 36,709 home loans were granted in May.
However, the figure was below the 27-month high reached in December 2009, attributable to the stamp duty holiday and severe cold weather.
Find at: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Mortgage-Approvals-Hit-Highest-Level-of-2010-in-May-Savings-Low-As-Borrowers-Prefer-To-Repay-Debt/Article/201006415653823?f=rss
Source: Sky News
Article Posted Date: 24/6/10
Article: Enjoy Your Summer Garden
Enjoy Summer in your Garden
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4) If you are treating your decking, think about using the better quality treatments. – The thinner cheaper ones will do the job – For a few months! – But, after just one winter they can often be just about useless. – If you pay extra one year and get a treatment that is going to last 2 or 3 years, you’ll save time and money NEXT year and possibly the year after!Source: Barry Sutcliffe
Article Submitted: 23/6/10
Title: The "Salvo Fair" - Knebworth - 26th / 27th June 2010.
Salvo Fair is an annual exhibition of architectural salvage, garden antiques and reclaimed building materials. Everything is for sale. Salvo Fair is an outdoor event with marquees in the grounds of Knebworth House.
For more events go to our Shows & Events section: http://www.2010.buildinganddiy.com/news-and-events.php
Source: Salvo Fair Web Site
Article filed: 22/6/10