Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer September 2021

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PROFESSIONAL

HOUSEBUILDER & PROPERTY DEVELOPER

WWW.PHPDONLINE.CO.UK

SEPTEMBER 2021

SMART SHOWERS Is it time to embrace digital showering?

ROOFING & CLADDING

HEATING & VENTILATION

Could integrated solar PV panels help new homes become more energy efficient?

Some of the main considerations to be aware of when selecting Air Source Heat Pumps

LAST WORD: FIVE ‘TOP TIPS’ FOR SECURING DEVELOPMENT FUNDING

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CONTENTS

PHPD SEPTEMBER 2021 VOLUME 15 NUMBER 7

REGULARS 5

First Word

6

News

8

Developments

18 Market Report 40 General Building 42 Product Focus: West Fraser 43 Last Word

SPECIAL REPORT 38 Full support Quality is the answer to long-term integrity of brick-built properties, says Scott Denham from IG Masonry Support

HEATING & VENTILATION 11

Pump it up Ryan Kirkwood from Baxi Heating explores some of the key considerations housebuilders need to be aware of when considering ASHPs

15 Breathe easy The importance of appropriate ventilation in new homes is examined by Stuart Fairlie from Elmhurst Energy 16 Look to the future – today Oliver Baker, CEO at Ambion Heating, outlines one path to low carbon heating in new homes

ADVERTORIAL SUPPLEMENT

36 |

Prefabricated roofing

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS 27 Smart showers Bathrooms are a key selling point in new homes. PHPD speaks with Mira Showers about benefits of specifying the latest showers

ROOFING & CLADDING 30 Perfect pitch Iain Fairnington, Technical Director, A. Proctor Group, looks at some pitched roof design considerations 33 Solar, so good PHPD speaks to Stuart Elmes, CEO of Viridian Solar, about its integrated solar PV panels

19 |

27|

Digital showers

36 Make room in the roof Kevin Sherlock, Managing Director of Smartroof, explores ‘room in roof’ solutions, a prefabricated roofing package

8|

The latest ‘developments’

Window and door solutions

Quickslide Windows & Doors 19

Front Cover

20

Company Profile

22

The latest Windows trends

24

The growing choice in Doors

26

Product Focus: Flush sash windows

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer September 3

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FIRST WORD

Editor Jonathan Cole phpd@hamerville.co.uk Group Advertisement Manager Craig Jowsey 07900 248102 craig@hamerville.co.uk Advertisement Manager Marcus Hooper 01923 237799 mhooper@hamerville.co.uk Northern Area Sales Ian Duff 07810 353 525 probuilder@sky.com Digital Group Manager Stuart Duff Digital Assistant David Molloy Design Adeel Qadri Group Production Manager Carol Padgett Production Assistant Kerri Smith Managing Editor Terry Smith Circulation Manager Kirstie Day Printer Walstead Peterborough Published by: Hamerville Media Group Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF. Tel: 01923 237799 Email: phpd@hamerville.co.uk Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer is a business magazine for firms and individuals involved in all aspects of the building industry. The publishers and editor do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors of translation in the subject matter in this publication. © 2021

Subscriptions to Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer are available at the following rates: UK: 1 year — £30 post paid Europe and Overseas: 1 year — £50 post paid Airmail: 1 year — £65 post paid To be removed from this magazine’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk

Total Average Net Distribution 13,292 July 2020 – June 2021

Bathroom bliss It has long been known that bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in new houses – but new findings from a recent survey by The Bathroom Showroom reveal just how important they might be. The company found that 86% of those surveyed would be willing to pay more if a property came with at least two bathrooms, with one in ten happy to pay £10K+ per extra bathroom.

And it would appear that younger buyers are especially keen on additional bathroom space. The survey found that 25-34s would pay 82% more than over 65s for an extra bathroom.

Technology within a bathroom would also tempt some house hunters with 12% of respondents looking for a TV in the bathroom and one in ten hoping for an electric smart toilet in their new home. (To find more details from the survey go to www.rdr.link/da001) Talking of technology in the bathroom, in this issue we chat to Mira Showers about the growing interest in smart showers and how the latest technology is being used to create immersive showering experiences. You can discover more on page 27.

With technology gradually infiltrating the home – even the bathroom – it should be of little surprise when purchasers (and especially younger buyers) look for integrated and app controlled features within a new home – especially in areas such as lighting and heating.

With new homes set to be heated by low carbon technologies from 2025, perhaps now is the time to investigate how heating systems can be controlled and integrated to provide homeowners with a seamless experience – not just a warm home. In this issue we’ve spoken with Baxi to discover what it is doing to bring Heat Pumps and hybrid systems into new homes (turn to page 11) and it is a topic we will be exploring more fully in future issues.

Eye-catching bathrooms remain key rooms in a new home – and will likely continue to be. Other factors such as design, layout and storage are clearly important too. But with the speed at which technology is being integrated more fully into our everyday lives, perhaps the time is ripe for it also to become a key consideration when developing and building new homes.

Eye-catching “bathrooms remain

key rooms in a new home – and will likely continue to be.

”

For more information from PHPD visit www.phpdonline.co.uk @phpdonline

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer September 5

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NEWS In Brief ■ Clay and concrete building solutions provider Ibstock plc has been named as a CO2nstructZero Business Champion – an initiative run by the Construction Leadership Council. The move recognises the commitment the company has made to reduce carbon emissions in the delivery and operation of the built environment.

■ Wavin is celebrating 10 years of no lost-time incidents at its Hazlehead manufacturing site in Sheffield which makes the majority of products for the company’s Hepworth Clay brand. Mike Ward, Managing Director of Wavin UK, said: “At Wavin, we pride ourselves on our health and safety practices, while also making sure that our high-quality clay products get to the customers who need them.”

■ Bosch Commercial & Industrial has launched a new educational online resource to help support the implementation of heat networks. The ‘Heat Networks Hub’ is intended to inform project developers, consultants and contractors about the cost- and climate-saving benefits of district heating technology. To view the video goto www.rdr.link/da002 ■ Derbyshire-based property developer Peveril Homes has announced a new partnership with shower and tapware manufacturer Methven, to supply products for new developments across its portfolio. The Methven ranges chosen

by Peveril Homes include the Wai Collection and the Tasman Collection.

E-mail your news & views to phpd@hamerville.co.uk or tweet us at @phpdonline

Home building stats on the rise

R

ecent home building statistics released by the government show an increase in starts and completions. The statistics show the number of completed homes almost hit 50,000 in the first three months of 2021 – the highest number in over 20 years.

There were 49,470 completed homes in the first quarter of 2021 – a 4% increase compared to the last three months of 2020. During the same period 46,010 homes were started, a 7% increase on the previous quarter.

Houses made up 81% of all new build

dwellings – the highest proportion since 2000-01.

Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “It is encouraging to see a continued rise in the number of new homes being built. The house building sector has shown extraordinary resilience and the government has continued to demonstrate its support for the industry throughout the pandemic. By enabling construction sites to remain open and operate safely, builders have been able deliver the homes this country needs as we build back better from the pandemic.”

ilke Homes introduce mainstream ZERO carbon homes

i

lke Homes, a modular housing company backed by Homes England, has unveiled a zero carbon home which it believes can cut energy bills to zero – thanks to progress in manufacturing, materials and renewable energy.

The company’s factory manufactured homes create low levels of waste and are thermally efficient because many of the components come pre-assembled or are cut and manufactured using robots.

Having already trialled zero carbon homes for five councils and housing associations, Yorkshire-based ilke Homes is now rolling out a mainstream zero carbon home.

The company explained that ilke ZERO is able to achieve a zero carbon specification due to improvements in the building fabric, efficient systems and incorporation of renewable energy.

Dave Sheridan, Executive Chairman at ilke Homes, said: “We’ve spent years investing in our factory and this mainstream zero-carbon home is a great example of how the private sector can respond to politicians’ net zero pledges.”

Online Kitchen visualiser tool launched by Create Homes

N

orth-West housebuilder Create Homes has developed a new online Visualiser App. The App allows customers to view different kitchen layouts of the new luxury homes at the company’s ‘The Sandpipers’ development, then visualise what they could look like in each of the five kitchen colourways available.

6 September Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Gill Mathison, Founder of Create Homes commented: “We believe our new online Create Homes Kitchen Visualiser App is unique in the industry. It has been designed to inspire and excite our customers and offers them the opportunity to customise the colour schemes of our new Stuart Frazer designer kitchens to their own taste and therefore create a beautiful and functional family space.”

To see the new App please GOTO www.rdr.link/da003

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New peatland construction methods could unlock housing developments in Scotland

A

research consortium including the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) is assessing the feasibility of a range of construction methods to minimise disturbance to peat and mitigate the environmental impacts. The research into laying housing foundations on peatland could pave the way for increased economic development in parts of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, while mitigating disruption to the natural ecosystem and captured carbon dioxide.

In parts of the Highlands and Islands, where peatland is commonly found, new housing is in short supply and some sites

Facts & Figures…

■ New research from finance platform Tide reveals that the construction sector has the second lowest percentage of self-employed women in the UK, with only 3.9% of the industry’s selfemployed workers being female.

■ UK Construction equipment sales were more than 70% above 2020 levels in the first half of the year, according to the Construction Equipment Association (CEA). The strongest growth in sales has been experienced by Telehandlers (for the construction industry), with sales more than double last year’s levels in the first six months.

earmarked for development can be complicated by the presence of peat. The project will explore a number of options that allow peat – and stored carbon – to be left in place, such as deep-soil-mixing, and piling.

■ The August edition of Glenigan’s Construction Index indicates that the value of residential work being carried out on-site is on the rise, climbing 36% against the previous year. However, this fell 28% compared with the preceding three months and is down 33% on 2019 figures. Private housing is one of the best-performing sectors, with the value of project-starts rising by over half (54%).

Origin invests in new warehouse

O

rigin, a manufacturer of bespoke aluminium doors and windows, has invested in a new 55,000ft2 warehouse facility in Bicester.

Consisting of two units, the new space – named The Ark – will be used

by Origin’s supply and logistics teams to stock significant volumes of aluminium profile and components, and to maintain the company’s daily

production at its manufacturing facility in High Wycombe.

Daniel Baker, Managing Director at Origin, commented: “At Origin, our Partners are the beating heart of our business, and we want to make their lives as simple and easy as possible.

Our investment in this new facility is the latest demonstration of our commitment to them and their businesses.”

Imperial invests in new premises

I

mperial Bricks has invested £1.5million in a move to new, larger premises and development of state-of the-art machinery. The new, four-acre site in Bridgnorth, Shropshire – in addition to two other storage facilities situated across the country – means Imperial now has the capacity to stock 12 million bricks in the UK.

The new machinery has more than doubled the processing/finishing capacity of Imperial’s reclamation brick ranges and allows for further new product development.

The move was planned for several years in response to demand for Imperial Bricks’ range of over 70 handmade, pressed and engineering bricks.

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DEVELOPMENTS Mulberry Homes delivers 347 new homes in Bedfordshire.

Mulberry Homes, which is currently building new homes at its fourth and fifth developments in Bedfordshire, has launched two new developments this year – Manor Heath and Maulden Ridge. The sites follow the successful completions of previous Mulberry sites in Potton and Lower Stondon, both of which sold out ahead of schedule.

Located in Maulden, a collection of 49 three, four and five-bedroom detached homes, including 17 affordable homes, are being built at Maulden Ridge. At Manor Heath, which is located in Leighton Buzzard, construction work on a selection of 76 two, three and four-bedroom homes, including eight affordable homes, is well underway.

Both developments will benefit from electric car charging points in the visitor parking area and automated smart parcel delivery boxes as part of the developer’s ‘The Mulberry Difference’ initiative.

For more information GOTO www.rdr.link/da004

Bedfordshire

E-mail your latest developments to phpd@hamerville.co.uk

Nottinghamshire Avant Homes launches £43m development in Retford.

Avant Homes has launched the first homes at its £43m Trinity Fields development, which will deliver 187 new-build properties for Retford, Nottinghamshire. The new development will feature a selection of two, three, fourbedroom design-led homes across 18 of the company’s contemporary housetypes.

Avant Homes Central Sales and Marketing Director, Dawn Bennett, said: “We’re very pleased to have launched our Trinity Fields development and we have had a fantastic response since announcing the news of our new development in Retford, with interested buyers showing keen interest for our homes. We also look forward to opening the showhome in late 2021.”

Work commenced on the development in May 2021.

For more information GOTO www.rdr.link/da005

Gleeson Homes has secured planning for Deer Park.

The company has been granted planning permission to build 80 new two-, threeand four-bedroom homes on land located on Kingmoor Road, Belah, North Carlisle.

Previously vacant, this brownfield site has been allocated for housing since 2008. Construction is expected to start later this summer.

In total, the development will be built over two phases, with properties on sale in winter 2021. Show homes are due to open in February 2022.

For more information GOTO www.rdr.link/da006

Carlisle

Bancon Homes has opened a new show home at Overton Gardens in Strathaven.

Overton Gardens is a development of 37 four and five bedroom homes built to Bancon Homes’ luxury specification. The new fivebedroom Skibo show home has been decorated by Interior Designer Karen Wootton from The Design House in Aberdeen.

Allan Clow, Managing Director at Bancon Homes said: “The opening of our beautiful new show home is an important milestone for us, particularly as it’s the first home we’ve opened to the public in the central belt of Scotland.”

Caddick Construction breaks ground at 98-home residential scheme.

Forge New Homes and Caddick Construction have officially started on site at the new 98-home The Hedgerows development in Pilsley, North Derbyshire. The seven-acre scheme is due for completion in summer 2023. The development will also offer 30 affordable housing and shared ownership homes within a mix of two, three and four bedroom properties, including bungalows.

The £12m project, led by Forge New Homes, was made possible through a Joint Venture between five Sheffield housing providers - Great Places Housing Group, the Guinness Partnership, South Yorkshire Housing Association Together Housing, and Yorkshire Housing.

For more information GOTO www.rdr.link/da008

South Lanarkshire

For more information GOTO www.rdr.link/da007 8

September Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Derbyshire

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HEATING & VENTILATION

Pump it up

As demand for Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) grows, Ryan Kirkwood, Heat Pump Business Development Manager at Baxi Heating, explores some of the key considerations housebuilders need to be aware of.

T

he installation numbers of ASHPs are expected to grow, with the UK Government predicting 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028.

Part of the major drive behind this is the Future Homes Standard, which will mandate the end of all fossil fuel heating in new homes from 2025.

For housebuilders and developers, engaging with manufacturers early on in the planning and development of a property with an ASHP is recommended to ensure a smooth process.

that best suits the style and the budget of the development.

Early planning is a critical part of the process. As a manufacturer, our job is to help proactively engineer out any risks at an early stage to ensure a smooth project delivery. To assist developers, Baxi Design services ensure that all heat loss calculations are properly carried out, in order to appropriately size the heat pump and emitters, and to plan the space required for the hot water cylinder and heat pump.

Sizing and design

Training and education

When it comes to ASHPs, no one size fits all. Each house type needs to be individually assessed and the ASHP sized correctly based on the calculated heat losses.

ASHPs work well with both radiators and underfloor heating (UFH). However, in order to maximise efficiency performance of the heat pump, lower flow temperatures than traditional boiler circuits must be used. This should be taken into consideration when sizing the radiators or UFH loops. Developers can choose the method of heat emission

To install the vast numbers of ASHPs expected to be required in future, the number of competent ASHP installers must grow in parallel to match this demand. In the absence of a sufficient number of ASHP installers, the industry will face a skills shortage. To combat this, robust training and support from manufacturers is required. When supplying Baxi Assure ASHP’s we work with developers and their contractors and offer a range of training courses to build their product knowledge and skills and ensure a quality ASHP installation.

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer September

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HEATING & VENTILATION

Training however shouldn’t stop at the contractor. ASHP education should be targeted at all levels. For instance, a developer’s sales team and showroom managers will benefit from a sound understanding of the technology, it’s functionality and end user requirements of an ASHP. This knowledge is invaluable when educating prospective buyers on how their new home will be heated.

Baxi Training centres are available throughout the UK, delivering bespoke installation training, across the complete range of Baxi Assure heating and hot water solutions.

Setting the standard To ensure the best results, the ASHP design solution must be tailored every time, and Baxi is continually evolving solutions to meet the dynamic aspect of future heat and hot water generation.

With many efficient heating and hot water solutions to choose from, a range

of options can be considered to meet the needs of different new build residential projects.

Where housebuilders and developers are not yet ready to move fully into ASHP heated properties Baxi can also offer a boiler-heat pump hybrid system, or SAP energy booster accessories, where applicable. Examples include Flue Gas Heat Recovery (FGHR), Shower Heat Recovery Unit (SHRU) and smart, easy-touse comfort controls.

Despite the fact that heat pumps have been around for a long time, as wider adoption of the technology happens in order to meet Government targets, developers must carefully consider ASHP design and installation. By choosing solution partners like Baxi, who can guide developers through each stage of ASHP planning, the final result will be a correctly designed, highly efficient, accurately installed and easy to use system for the new homeowner to enjoy.

To assist “developers, Baxi Design services ensure that all heat loss calculations are properly carried out

”

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information about Baxi and its range of energy efficient Baxi Assure ASHPs please goto www.rdr.link/da009

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HEATING & VENTILATION

Breathe easy Stuart Fairlie, Technical and Operations Director at Elmhurst Energy, examines the importance of appropriate ventilation in new homes.

V

entilation is a key part of any building’s armoury – no matter the age or quality of build, a house needs to breathe.

But the emphasis on net zero by 2050 and a drive for increased energy efficiency in our new build homes brings an inevitable focus on improved airtightness.

Already the quality of insulation within existing buildings is, on the whole, very high, and next year’s interim uplift to Building Regulations Part L (conservation of fuel and power) – which asks for a decrease in a building’s carbon emissions of 31% – will make better energy efficiency mandatory.

The introduction of the Future Homes Standard in 2025 will go even further, seeking to ensure carbon reductions of up to 75-80% compared to current standards.

And so, good ventilation in our new build homes is imperative.

Overheating

emphasis “is more now being placed on developers to ensure appropriate ventilation and prevent overheating

”

Not only will it be trickier to replace stale, moisture-ridden air with fresh, dry and clean air to maintain occupant health and avoid damp, but the prevention of overheating also becomes paramount.

Overheating can occur when the indoor thermal environment is considered too high for the health, welfare or comfort of the residents or people who use the building.

In heat waves like the ones experienced this summer, overheating can also lead to severe illness and, in some cases, even death.

It can be a particular problem in apartments: they are surrounded by spaces of a similar temperature; flats on the lee side of buildings will get little fresh air through open windows; purge ventilation is almost impossible to

achieve; and communal heating is distributed 24/7.

Guidance Currently, there is no Government guidance on how to identify overheating risk or to mitigate those risks, but the recent Future Buildings Standard consultation has addressed that. It proposes to create a new legal requirement, placing the emphasis on developers to address risks by limiting solar gain and excess heat (for example by limiting glazing areas, providing shading, and taking into account heat gain from communal heating pipework).

Additionally, changes to Part F (ventilation) are also set to be introduced next year alongside the uplift to Part L, to address poor compliance and balance the drive for better airtightness.

As you can see, more emphasis is now being placed on developers to ensure appropriate ventilation and prevent overheating, which I suggest can only be a good thing.

Getting ventilation right at design and build stage will ultimately ensure lower costs for the building owner, removing the need for retrofit later in its life.

Compliance with building regulations and Part F will also ensure the creation of healthy and safe environments to live in.

We all appreciate clean air strategies within our towns and cities, and our homes are a microcosm of that scenario.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Ventilation inspectors can undertake inspections and commission ventilation systems backed by the support of Elmhurst’s ventilation scheme. For more information use www.rdr.link/da010

Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer September

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HEATING & VENTILATION

Look to the future – today Oliver Baker, CEO at Ambion Heating, outlines one path to low carbon heating in new homes.

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O

n any housing development project, efficiency is key.

Housebuilders want to minimise their time on-site by working efficiently, and they want the build to be as cost-efficient as possible, too. With sustainability standards increasing, many are also focused on improving the energy efficiency of their properties – which means finding low-carbon alternatives to traditional materials, fixtures and fittings.

According to the Climate Change Committee, the UK’s homes are responsible for around 15% of our overall carbon emissions, which means the Government is putting increasing pressure on housebuilders to improve the energy efficiency of new build properties by introducing legislation such as the Future Homes Standard. Under this, all new homes will be expected to produce

31% lower carbon emissions from 2021. By 2025, however, the Future Homes Standard will require new build homes to have ‘world-leading levels of energy efficiency’.

With less than four years until the Future Homes Standard comes into force, housebuilders are already preparing to deliver higher standards of energy efficiency by putting efficiency at the heart of their projects, from design to procurement. And it seems that their efforts are paying off, as, according to Government figures, 84% of new homes delivered in England between October and December 2020 were given an energy efficiency rating of A or B. To ensure efficiency improvements don’t impact their bottom line, however, housebuilders must find efficient solutions that are quick and easy to install and cost-effective.

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One of the critical “elements of the Future

A future-proof solution One of the critical elements of the Future Homes Standard is the ban on fossilfuelled heating in new builds from 2025, which means many housebuilders are seeking their ideal low-carbon heating solution. They need to find a heating solution that will help them to keep costs and carbon emissions low, and also provide their homeowners with a high quality, comfortable form of heating.

One solution is computer-controlled infrared (CCIR) heating, a ‘next generation’ solution for low-carbon heating systems. In-built processors and sensors give it the ability to adapt to the environment it is operating in and optimise heat settings accordingly. This enables homeowners to benefit from high-performance and cost-effective heating, achieving comfortable temperatures using fewer units of energy than a traditional heating system.

CCIR heating also benefits housebuilders because:

● It’s future-proof – CCIR uses up to 60% less energy than a traditional convection heating system, and it’s powered by electricity rather than gas, which means it meets the requirements of the Future Homes Standard ● It’s easy and cost-effective to install – as it is simply wired into the mains, CCIR is not only simple to install, it also costs around 40% less than an air source heat pump (ASHP). ● It is built to last – CCIR has no moving parts and requires no annual maintenance, meaning the risk of warranty claims is reduced.

Housebuilders can expect further government guidance on energy efficiency this year, as policies like the Heat and Building Strategy and the Net Zero Strategy are set to be published in the coming months. However, futurefocused housebuilders will be acting now to ensure that they find a low-carbon heating system that meets their needs and those of homeowners.

Homes Standard is the ban on fossilfuelled heating in new builds from 2025, which means many housebuilders are seeking their ideal low-carbon heating solution.

”

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information on computercontrolled infrared (CCIR) heating and Ambion’s solutions please use www.rdr.link/da011

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MARKET REPORT

Builders’ Merchants’ sales continue growth trajectory The latest figures from the Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI), published in July, reveal that year-on-year value sales to builders and contractors by UK builders’ merchants are on an upward trajectory, as high demand for building products continues.

Year-on-year Total Builders Merchants value sales were up 79.6% in May 2021 compared to May 2020 with no difference in trading days.

Comparisons with May 2020 show a turnaround in fortunes for many categories, including Tools (+180%) which was the weakest category in May 2020.

Six other categories more than doubled their year-on-year sales, including Kitchens & Bathrooms (+154.9%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+118.1%) and Timber & Joinery Products (+115.1%).

Decorating (94.3%) also outperformed general merchant performance.

The country was still in full lockdown in May last year, so significant increases are expected. However, total sales were also up compared to May 2019 (+7.9%), with two less trading days. See Chart.

Last three months Total value sales in March to May 2021 were 110.6% higher than the same three months in 2020, helped by one more trading day this year.

Total sales were also up on the same three months of 2019 (+17.5%), with no difference in trading days.

Month-on-month Total Sales May 2021 v May 2019

The Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) The BMBI is a brand of the BMF. The BMBI report, which is produced and managed by MRA Research, uses GfK’s Builders Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data which analyses sales out data from over 80% of generalist builders’ merchants’ sales across Great Britain.

The full report is on www.bmbi.co.uk

18 September Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

Total sales in May failed to reach the record-breaking heights seen in March and April (-6.1% on April, with one less trading day). All categories sold less, but some did fare better than merchants generally including Decorating (-5.9%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (-5.2%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (-1.8%) – a positive sign that inside trades are getting back on their feet after being hampered by the winter lockdown.

Index May’s BMBI index was 141.4, with two less trading days. Landscaping (220.5) and

Timber & Joinery Products (173.2) both out-performed merchants overall.

Expert Comment Neil Hargreaves, Managing Director at Knauf Insulation and BMBI’s Expert for Mineral Wool Insulation comments: “Confidence in the sector is sky high, with a healthy recovery forecast for construction and manufacturing. In fact, just after the first quarter ended the Purchasing Managers Index hit levels not seen since 1994. The end of lockdown restrictions, pent up projects and ongoing government support for the housing market has turbocharged demand and there is little sign of it abating.

“In the face of this voracious demand, supply has become a challenge. Across the board, from timber to plaster, steel to insulation, suppliers have faced a perfect storm of disruption which has inevitably meant price increases for common construction materials and in some cases, limited availability.

“We are working hard to bring new manufacturing capacity online to increase the supply of high performance, noncombustible mineral wool insulation for our UK customers. The non-combustible part is key. In the face of high demand, it’s vital that the construction industry doesn’t cut corners. We’ve all seen the headlines from the Grenfell inquiry, and the ongoing turmoil caused by cladding remedial work.

“With building regulations changing, the new Construction Products Regulator coming and mortgage lenders and insurers taking a keener interest in material choice, it’s clear that the issue of fire safety isn’t going away.”

WANT TO KNOW MORE? BMBI Experts speak exclusively for their markets, explaining trends, issues and opportunities. For the latest reports, Expert comments and Round Table videos goto www.rdr.link/da012

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PROFESSIONAL

HOUSEBUILDER WWW.PHPDONLINE.CO.UK

SEPTEMBER 2021

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20 September Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

largely hand-made timber framed windows that were way beyond most budgets. Quickslide is credited with popularising affordable replacements, manufactured on a large scale and using modern materials, with short lead times and national distribution.

Since then, Quickslide has developed the vertical sliding sash window in terms of its efficiency, quality of manufacture and authenticity of design. The company has also added a full range of casement windows and residential, bi-folding and sliding doors, in PVC-u and aluminium, all manufactured to the same meticulous standards. Quickslide is now regarded as a key supplier of all types of windows and doors, for all applications.

Why Housing?

The windows and doors and other fenestration elements of a property play a great part in defining the character and

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has more “thanQuickslide 15 years’ experience supplying new build projects, from small developments to multi-home sites.

”

personality of a home, as well as its performance, and the safety, comfort, convenience and wellbeing of the residents. The influence that windows and doors can have on the desirability of a property is often underestimated.

We work with developers and builders to find the right combination of glazed elements for a property, from design and specification to the provision of supporting marketing materials and displays for show homes. In providing this service we are echoing the importance that established homeowners place on the choice of new windows and doors for their homes. And whilst developers attach more importance now than ever on this

detail, we believe that a great deal more can be achieved with the right supply partner, one that can share a deep understanding of the subject.

Quickslide has more than 15 years’ experience supplying new build projects, from small developments to multi-home sites. We understand the needs of developers and demands placed upon them, from local authorities to homebuyers and all points between. We work strictly to budget and deadline and understand the specific logistical requirements of new-build including sitesafety and protocols; and have the knowledge, experience, systems and capability to supply to site on-time, every time to agreed schedules.

Our award-winning PVC-u and aluminium windows and doors are consistent in quality, specification and appeal across every market that we supply, designed to meet the most rigorous challenges of Building Regulations as much as the discerning eyes of potential buyers searching for the perfect home for them and their families.

In short, we are the perfect supply partner for your windows, doors and fenestration products.

K E Y FA C T S Established: 2004, Privately owned Location: Brighouse, West Yorkshire Size of factory: 150,000ft2 No of Employees: 162 Production volumes: 60,789 products in 2020 Distribution: National, via own fleet of six 18-tonne lorries and four vans

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/da013

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Windows on the world The choice of windows for a new property can have enormous influence on a buyer’s impression of a home.

22 September Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

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erhaps to restate the obvious, windows achieve far more on and in a building than allowing light whilst providing protection against the elements and, of course, intruders. They provide the essential character of structure, for whatever it is intended. So much so that the choice of styling and detailed elements can define a building.

For better and for worse.

Windows and doors provide the ‘face’ of a home. And the prettier the visage the greater the immediate, kerbside appeal of a property. Potential buyers entering a home will be easier to close when they already like the look of a place. Sales basics, right?

And yet despite having a broad understanding of this point many housebuilders have neglected fenestration, relegating this key building element to one of providing the essential and largely regulated basics, in terms of styling and performance.

At Quickslide we know that choosing and specifying the right windows, the ‘eyes’ of a home, can elevate both the desirability of a property for potential buyers as well as generating higher revenues for the developer. This process is far more than simply choosing leaded lights or Georgian bars for period-styled properties. There is a huge choice of window and profile styles, frame colours, glass unit performance and style; and hardware, both its style and performance, can make an immense

difference to a buyer’s intuitive and analytical perception of a property.

In simple terms, the choice of windows for a home can have enormous influence during both the marketing and buying process as well as long term buyer satisfaction. Even more so in terms of that crucial ‘first impression,’ than kitchens, or bathrooms.

A finger on the pulse The most effective way of designers choosing the styling elements when designing homes is to follow the home improvement sector. Quickslide is an influential supplier of windows and doors to independent installers in this sector and their success is greatly dependent upon having the styles and options that homeowners are seeking at the point of sale.

Windows are no longer white squares, chosen in PVC-U principally for ease of maintenance and are as much chosen according to trends as any other element.

For example, more than half of all window frames that we manufacture for the home improvement sector at Quickslide are now coloured, with homeowners able to choose from a huge pallet.

Quickslide’s housebuilder customers benefit from both the finger on the pulse that we enjoy as fabricators in a highly competitive industry, as well as our ability to introduce new features with the minimum of notice.

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There is, however, a “clear trend by developers to move away from standard white frames Current trends

Case Study

Such is the fickleness of window trends, last year’s Number One choice for coloured PVC-U frames Anthracite grey, is now replaced in significant numbers by Agate Grey. Essentially, homeowners have moved away from what is essentially ‘black’ frames to the more subtle hues of the lighter grey, thus toning down what was a dramatic and defining effect on a property.

The choice of aluminium however, often follows a desire for an ‘architectural’ or ‘Scandi’ feel, dependent upon the core window design chosen. Black and darker greys remain very much the dominant selection here.

Woodgrains, those chosen to emulate rich hued timbers, are out of favour, with our Projects Manager unable to recall the last time she processed a frame in a rosewood finish.

There is however a clear trend by developers to move away from standard white frames of any design, something that will have a positive effect on their sales.

Flush sash frames are also continuing to sell well, providing a stylish alternative to many homes that is not constrained by historical authenticity; this style looks good on most properties and especially finished in a subtle tone. So popular is this choice of window becoming that we have prepared a special focus in this supplement. Turn to page 26.

PVC-U sliding sash windows from Quickslide have brought traditional style and Secured by Design-accredited security to a new apartment building, situated in a Conservation Area.

Contractor, MV Construction (GB), specified 52 Quickslide Legacy VS windows in Agate Grey on Smooth White for the West Street Apartments project. The three-story new-build, situated in Retford, comprises 6 x 1bedroom and 6 x 2-bedroom dwellings.

While the project’s Conservation Area status meant planning permission was originally granted based on the installation of wooden sliding sash windows, it was eventually agreed that PVC-U versions would also be considered for an aesthetic that was inkeeping with the character of the surrounding buildings and architecture.

Roger Vernon, Contracts Manager at MV Construction (GB) said: “When we started looking at costings for timber VS

Don’t forget the hardware Using the comparison with kitchens and especially the seductive silent, gliding drawers and cupboards, the tactile element of windows and doors should also be exploited and promoted. How a window unlocks and locks and then

opens and closes, can be highly influential on a buyer.

Satisfying such sensual elements can be equally important to a buyer even when compared to discussing the security elements. Choosing the most secure hardware is important and buyers may well be satisfied with a simple statement that ‘it is the most secure you can buy madam’, but increasingly, customers will have undertaken some research and at least an awareness of ‘PAS 24’ and other security standards.

But if the handle turns and opens smoothly and the window opens with a welldamped and oiled feel, well…sign right here.

”

windows, the quotes were alarming – coming in at around £55K plus installation – so we were glad when the planning and conservation teams finally agreed that we could look to install PVC-U instead of wood.

“We found Quickslide via Google, having never worked with them before. Jessica Saxby – one of the company’s Project Managers – was a great help. Not only did she fill us with confidence that Quickslide’s products were perfect for the job, in terms of aesthetics, security, performance and compliance, but she also provided us with a great deal!”

Roger added: “Quickslide has provided an exceptional service that we feel is efficient, effective and honest in its approach. All products supplied have been of a very high standard, and we would strongly recommend working with Quickslide. Their consistent reliability, professionalism, and product quality makes the whole buying process a pleasure.”

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more details go to www.rdr.link/da014

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Where once it was as simple as front and back doors, maybe with French Doors out on to a patio, the choice of doors can be made from a list that can be more comprehensive even than for windows.

If windows are the eyes… then doors provide the smile T he traditional ‘front’ door has remained a conservative styling choice for many homes with doormakers sticking to traditional designs for fear of taking home buyers too far out of their comfort zones. But these days the choice is enormous and with an emphasis on high quality both in appearance and manufactured quality. And just as homebuyers figure PVC-U or aluminium high on their spec list, then so too will they favour composite doors. Why? Pretty much for the same reasons: low maintenance, energy efficient, draft-proof and highly secure. And top of the list, for first impressions at least: looks!

And today there is an enormous choice, from traditional with leaded lights, through to some stylish, contemporary models which, whilst providing something more avant-garde, are increasingly popular amongst home buyers looking for

24 September Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

a modern – and upmarket – edge, without upsetting the aesthetic applecart..

Whilst back and side doors tend to remain functional over form, specifying and emphasising high security to home buyers for what is one of the most vulnerable parts of a home, will quickly get them onside and for very little additional cost.

Into the garden Traditional French doors have made a comeback because they offer a classy, stylish connection with the outside world.

French doors and the addition of side lights provides a stylish alternative to the ubiquitous sliders, and especially when space does not allow for wide openings.

Inspired by so many Grand Designs projects with their soaring glass walls and doors, people love bi-folds and actually, on upmarket properties, many buyers

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might expect them to be fitted as standard. Again, using the advice on choosing tactile, high-quality hardware on windows, a well-specced bi-fold provides a lure to homebuyers who will not be able to resist tugging the handles and swooshing the doors aside.

Sliding patio doors continue to provide a worthy alternative and their design and function have long moved on. The key

Case Study A range of high-performance door products, fabricated and supplied by Quickslide, brought period charm to the large-scale redevelopment of historic Featherstone Hall, the last of four great houses that once dominated the Yorkshire village of North Featherstone, near Pontefract.

The great house and its grounds have been transformed into 15 beautiful family homes by high-end developer, Brebur Ltd, who didn’t hesitate to contact Quickslide for the perfect doors and windows to complement the heritage site.

As part of the redevelopment, the hall itself has been divided into three stylish and characterful period homes, while the sympathetically restored coach house has also been converted into a charming, detached home. In addition, there are 11 new-build detached family homes on the site, each designed in keeping with the same classic and elegant feel of the original buildings.

Brighouse-based PVC-u specialist, Quickslide, provided more than 100 products for the development, including five PVC-U sliding patio doors with a laminated glass upgrade to meet the stringent PAS 24 security criteria. The fabricator also supplied 27 composite

advantage that sliders have over bi-folds, is the relative, uninterrupted view provided by the larger glass area/less obtrusive framing that they offer.

Combined with slim framing and supersmooth runners and locking systems, the arguments for specifying sliders, especially on wider openings, is compelling. And price differentials are closer than ever.

doors with PAS 24 as standard, and six bi-folds, also upgraded to meet PAS 24 with laminated glass, 10mm shoot-bolts, and high-security cylinders for the master door and the intermediate door handles.

Tom Swallow, Quickslide’s Sales Director, said: “We’ve been working with Brebur on the Featherstone Hall project since January 2019 and we’re proud that we’ve managed to minimise disruption and keep within budget despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As specialists in heritage products, our door and window ranges were perfect for the redevelopment of a site steeped in history like this, that combines old with new.

The project has allowed us to showcase all the things we excel in at Quickslide: quality, contemporary products that bring all the benefits of modern PVC-U to the traditional window and door designs of the past.”

Summing up, Tom Swallow added: “The Featherstone Hall redevelopment project clearly shows that Quickslide can deliver for large-scale builds as well as the smaller domestic projects, and everything in between. Whether the client is large or small, we can offer a bespoke service to meet their needs, ultimately ensuring that we deliver innovative products which add comfort, security, style and value to any home.”

Traditional French “doors have made a comeback because they offer a classy, stylish connection with the outside world.

”

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more details go to www.rdr.link/da016

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Britain is going flush!

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Flush sash windows are fast growing in popularity.

Bringing it all together Identifying the very best components and materials and pulling them all together to provide one, beautifully coordinated package, is best achieved through a partnership. Quickslide don’t just understand windows and doors, we are passionate about them. The best results are achieved through a true partnership with our customers, in which ideal solutions are achieved by working closely together.

Our partnerships with housebuilders provide a close relationship that is focused on specifying the right combination of product, styles and finishes for every property. Experience spanning fifteen years allows us to provide a balanced consultancy based upon aesthetics, budget, local competition and architecture and even such considerations as local social needs and expectations. Our focus is on supplying the perfect style and specification of windows and doors, for every development and build.

26 September Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

he flush sash window frame is currently the fastest growing new window in Britain. And yet the style is centuries old. As the name suggests, the casement in flush sash windows sits flush with the fixed part of the frame, thus offering a clean, uniform look. And whilst the style is first recorded installed in properties during the 19th Century, unlike other window types that clearly define the architectural period of a building, flush sash windows look good in a range of homes.

Although ‘rediscovered’ relatively recently, flush sash windows are fast growing in popularity. And Quickslide’s supply partner for this style of window, renowned international brand Deceuninck, recently carried out independent research to determine this. In the survey, which was carried out by YouGov, 62% of those surveyed said that they would choose a flush casement compared to just a third (33%) who would rather have the standard casement option.

Window renaissance In fact, this style of window, combined with the availability of coloured finishes and other options, have been responsible for a renaissance in home improvement window sales. From being largely a distress purchase, increasing numbers of homeowners now replace their windows and doors as part of home refurbishments that are more connected to redecoration and improvement rather than failure.

Housebuilders and developers are now tapping into this, appealing to potential buyers with well thought out windows and doors that remove any question of having to make early improvements to their new homes.

The industry leading Deceuninck flush casement window manufactured by Quickslide offers a Window Energy Rating (WER) of as high as A and U-values as low as 1.4W/m2K. Airtightness is Class 4, Water tightness Class E900, Wind Resistance Class A4.

PAS 24 security tested, and Part Q approved, Quickslide offers the flush window with standard 45-degree welds, seamless welds or with ETL (external timber look) joints for greater authenticity and comes with a night vent facility, Georgian bar option and choice of traditional ironmongery.

Open the Door Quickslide also offers the Deceuninck dedicated open-out flush door sash to match the windows, achieving U-values as low as 1.4W/m2K. As with the window, the door is also PAS 24-approved and comes with option of standard or seamless corner welds, achieving Class 4 Air Permeability, Class 4A Water Tightness and Class A3 Wind Resistance.

Our flush sash windows and doors can be colour matched throughout, with subtle greys, greens and creams most often chosen by our home improvement customers, with colour now accounting for more than 40% of our factory output.

Quickslide is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of the flush sash window and door, having invested heavily in production facilities together with customer support advice and marketing assets to strengthen this position in the market.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/da034

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

Smart Showers Bathrooms are a key selling point in new homes. PHPD speaks with Suzannah Hallam, Product Manager for Digital Showers at Mira Showers, about benefits of specifying the latest smart showers.

Q

Smart, digital and immersive showering experiences have been introduced to the market in recent years as luxury bathroom options, suitable only for the highest-end bathrooms. Is it time for that technology, and the experience it provides, to proliferate into a wider market?

A new generation of consumer is emerging, and they’re increasingly seeking the opportunity to control household devices via a smart phone, home hub, or even their own voice. This is already having a big impact on the heating sector due to smart thermostats, enabling homeowners to control the temperature and timing of generating hot water. This trend is continuing to grow even faster than expected within the use of bathrooms, in particular the showering experience.

The use of smart technologies within the home has continued to grow over recent years as consumers are willing to spend that bit more to benefit from the added advantages a digital device can offer them, such as water monitoring and remote/app control functionality.

Smart devices also offer additional value to bathrooms. In fact, as the smart home concept continues to take hold, insights into consumer attitudes towards technology purchases suggest that, in time, the use of digital technology as part of shower installations could rise significantly.

Q

Housebuilders and developers must always take into account the bottom line when purchasing products for their properties. What would you recommend to developers looking to update their shower offering?

Digital showers are an economical investment that not only create a truly exceptional showering experience for users, but also come with benefits such as water monitoring and temperature management to help homeowners stay in control. Digital showers also allow for a modern aesthetic, along with unrivalled functionality that adds value for the homeowner.

Q

What are some of the benefits and features of a smart shower?

All of our digital showers offer accurate temperature control and our Mira Platinum and Mira Activate ranges also offer precise flow control. Consumers no longer need to guess the water temperature as this is communicated via the user interface on both the Mira Platinum and Mira Activate.

The Mira Activate also comes with a water monitoring function, as well as user presets to make showering even more enjoyable – depending on whether you want to wake yourself up in the morning or de-stress after a long day.

The Mira Activate also offers the ability to consciously reduce water usage through the eco mode which limits water flow whilst still maintaining impressive performance through the 4 mode. Its award-winning Switch shower head and 250mm deluge overhead is also available with the dual outlet upgrade option.

The unique benefit of a smart shower offers the user and installer the ability to connect to a specially designed app, offering additional functions for the end user, including customisable pre-sets as well as helpful installer tools such as outlet selector and warranty registration.

Q

Does installing a digital shower pose specific challenges?

Digital showers are perfectly suited to new bathrooms or complete refurbishments as there are a range of different configurations available to suit different bathroom layouts, including rear fed and

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

ceiling fed fittings, and high pressure and pumped valve options. The digital mixing valve can be installed easily in a loft space or under the bath, leaving a clean aesthetic in the bathroom.

Q

There are a range of water heating systems currently in use across the UK, does Mira provide a digital shower suitable to each type?

Across the Mira digital shower range, options include the high-pressure digital mixing valve, which is suitable for combination boilers and mains pressure systems, as well as a pumped valve which is suitable for gravity fed, low pressure systems.

The Mira Activate low pressure utilises a silent running integral pump and is an ideal and more efficient alternative to a power shower.

Q

What are some of the showering and bathroom trends you are seeing since the onset of Coronavirus?

With people spending considerably longer periods at home, smart technology is certainly becoming increasingly popular with more and more customers as they integrate digital showers into their bathrooms.

Additionally, home spas are becoming more desirable. It’s no surprise that following the stresses of the last year, many consumers are wanting their bathrooms to act as their very own spa retreat. Mira products - such as the rainfall showerheads and massaging handheld showerheads help homeowners achieve this.

Minimalism is also a trend we are continuing to see grow. When done well, a minimalist bathroom is far from unattractive, and is instead pared-back, relaxed and peaceful. To help respond to this growing trend, Mira launched its Mira Minimal offering earlier this year which maximises the space available in the bathroom. Mira digital showers also support the trend for Minimalism. The Mira Level Tray and Ascend Frameless Enclosures combine perfectly to create a wet room aesthetic.

Digital showers are “perfectly suited to new bathrooms or complete refurbishments as there are a range of different configurations available to suit different bathroom layouts

”

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information GOTO www.rdr.link/da017

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D

LPG: still a viable solution for housing developers

emand for new build homes in rural areas is at an all-time high1.

For housing developers in offgrid locations which are ready to start projects in the near future, LPG still offers a cost-effective fuel choice, due to significantly lower build costs than other off-grid options such as Air Source Heat Pump or Electric Heating Systems.

The Calor LPG Metered Estate option is the closest alternative to a mains gas connection for housing developers in rural areas. Each property has its own LPG boiler in addition to a separate gas meter, which is individually read and billed by Calor – just the same as if the property was connected to the mains gas grid.

Depending on the size of the development, Calor can install between one and six 4,000 litre underground LPG tanks which are topped up automatically when needed, to ensure that all residents receive an uninterrupted supply of affordable, reliable, and secure LPG. And, as the LPG tanks are installed underground, site aesthetics can be maintained with limited visual impact on the site.

As LPG boilers are exactly the same size and have an identical flue clearance as mains gas boilers, this means they can be installed to the same housing layout designs that developers would use for a standard on-grid development. Unlike air source heat pumps (ASHP) or electric systems there is no requirement to install separate hot water storage. For smaller properties, up to four bedrooms, this also saves developers space, as the installation of an LPG combi boiler also removes the need for a hot water cylinder, nor is there a requirement to install larger radiators or underfloor heating. An LPG boiler also offers housing developers significant reductions in build costs, which, based on current building regulations, are as much as £5,000£8,000 per plot against ASHP.2 Housing developers will also be able to offer new home purchasers all the benefits, comforts, and reliability of a full gas central heating system as well as optional gas cooking – despite the properties’ highly sought-after rural location – with many developers recognising this as a solid selling point.

Building Regulations Under current building regulations (SAP 2012), LPG has a lower fuel factor compared to oil and electricity, and therefore only small ‘bolt on’ energy saving measures are required to achieve building regulations compliance.

Compared with electric or oil heating systems, there is no need to install solar PVs to compensate for the higher CO2 emissions of the fuel, and only low-cost modifications such as the addition of hitherm lintels or wastewater heat recovery are needed alongside LPG technology to reach the required SAP ratings.

Under the current timeline for scheduled changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, which is linked to the proposed Future Homes Standard, it is outlined that to build a property to the current building regulations, the plot must have been started by June 2023. This is on the stipulation that it has been logged with the relevant body by June 2022, in order to qualify for the ‘transition arrangements’ part of the guidelines. This timetable has not been confirmed yet by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Governments and therefore is subject to review. However, developers with projects in which each plot can be started by June 2023, should consider the many advantages that a development fuelled by LPG can offer.

In addition, Calor is committed to playing its part in the battle against climate change and are investing in a sustainable future. At Calor, we’re aiming to offer our customers 100% renewable energy solutions by 2040.

With this commitment to a low carbon future clear, Calor is hosting a series of webinars in October 2021 to offer advice and support to housing developers looking to build in an off-grid location. To register, simply contact contactcalor@calor.co.uk or enquire on https://www.calor.co.uk/businessenergy/solution-for/developers ___________________ 1. https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/ countryside/a35191740/moving-to-countrysideadvice/ 2. https://www.calor.co.uk/businessenergy/resources/briary-report/download

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ROOFING & CLADDING

Perfect pitch Iain Fairnington, Technical Director, A. Proctor Group, looks at some pitched roof design considerations.

Since 1996, the A. “Proctor Group have played an important role in pitched roof design, helping develop effective air and moisture movement strategies to ensure roofs are energy efficient and condensation-free.

”

30 September Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

S

ince 1996, the A. Proctor Group have played an important role in pitched roof design, helping develop effective air and moisture movement strategies to ensure roofs are energy efficient and condensation-free.

The two main sources of moisture that roofs must control are: 1) moisture from internal sources, water vapour and condensation, and 2) moisture from external sources, rain and snow.

Protection from external moisture is assumed to be handled by the external weatherproofing, but roofing underlay membranes provide temporary weather protection while the outer covering is being completed. Underlays continue to support roof systems throughout the life of building by providing wind uplift resistance and protection against winddriven moisture penetrating the structure.

BS5250 gives detailed guidance on different combinations of roofs and underlay types (HR vs. LR) to ensure each roof system can respond to moisture challenges within acceptable limits. A roof that cannot adequately deal with moisture is susceptible to negative effects including mould growth and long-term structural damage.

Before looking at different roof types, an important first factor is the air permeability of the external roof covering.

If it is considered air impermeable, in the case of metal sheeting, some degree of ventilation will be required. Natural slates

and tiles are usually considered to be sufficiently air permeable.

Cold Roof (Ventilated) This traditional pitched roof is used as the historic standard against which modern alternatives are evaluated in terms of condensation risk and timber moisture contents. Given the various categories and differing guidance for ventilation, and the lack of clear specification advice for more complex roof types and shapes, a simpler option is often to omit the ventilation and rely on the vapour permeability of the underlay to remove moisture.

Cold Roof (Non-Ventilated) Where an airtight LR underlay is specified on the roof, BS5250 does not directly address situations where ventilation is reduced below the levels given in L5.5.

However, if the underlay membrane is covered by appropriate third-party certification, it may be permissible. Using an air permeable low resistance (APLR) underlay such as Roofshield in this roof type requires no additional ventilation. APLR underlays allow vapour to escape by diffusion and provide a degree of airflow to boost the transfer of moisture vapour.

APLR membranes can generally be used in all circumstances without ventilation, regardless of the size and shape of the roof. They also do not require a well-sealed ceiling, and may not

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require a VCL, making this type of underlay a good choice for refurbishments where the precise ceiling specification may be unknown.

Warm Roof The lack of a large cold void in warms roofs makes controlling moisture simpler, provided the correct specifications is followed. Warm roofs with impermeable HR underlays will always require ventilation below the underlay in addition to a VCL at

ceiling level. Moisture control may be simplified by using an LR underlay – this may allow the ventilation to be removed provided the internal layers are convection tight. If this can’t be guaranteed, or if the outer covering is not air permeable, then ventilation will be needed.

Where the insulation follows the pitch of the roof from the eaves all the way to the ridge, the lack of roof voids means there is less benefit to using an air permeable underlay. A pure warm roof design lends itself to maximising energy efficiency and prioritising low air leakage rates. If we extend this principle to the rest of the building, the airtight warm roof construction could be integrated into the wall assembly with an external air barrier membrane such as Wraptite.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information on pitched roof design and moisture control use www.rdr.link/da018

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ROOFING & CLADDING

Solar – so good

PHPD speaks to Stuart Elmes, CEO of Viridian Solar, about its integrated solar PV panels and the future for the company following its acquisition by roof systems manufacturer Marley.

Q

Tell us about Viridian Solar, the size of the company, history, location etc…

Viridian Solar is the UK’s leading supplier of roof integrated solar panels. Founded in 2003, our headquarters are in Cambridge, and we currently employ a team of 22 people.

In 2021, Viridian Solar was acquired by roof systems manufacturer Marley, providing a strong foundation for further growth.

Q

What products and technologies does Viridian specialise in?

Viridian Solar specialises in roof integrated solar PV systems, which are growing in popularity with housebuilders due to their aesthetics, durability, and ease of installation. Unlike traditional ‘onroof’ systems, integrated solar panels simply replace a section of tiles or slates, becoming a seamless part of the roof design, rather than a bolt-on afterthought.

We supply our Clearline Fusion integrated PV to housebuilders and homeowners across the UK and internationally. This is also the same technology that sits behind Marley’s SolarTile, which launched in 2020.

Q

Why has Marley chosen to acquire a solar panel provider? Will Marley sell the panels under its own brand?

Solar PV roof systems have an increasingly important role to play in making the nation’s houses and buildings more energy efficient, particularly with the

introduction of new Part L carbon reduction targets and the Future Homes Standard. In fact, Solar Energy UK predicts that Part L changes could lead to a fivefold increase in the number of new homes built with solar technology.

We had already established a partnership with Marley back in 2020 to provide the technology for its new SolarTile and the acquisition was the natural next step, combining roofing heritage and experience with our solar expertise. This means Marley can now offer an unrivalled, single source pitched roof system, including integrated solar PV, for housebuilders and property developers.

The Viridian business will continue to operate as a separate entity, selling its Clearline Fusion integrated PV to our solar distributor and installer customers, who serve the housebuilding sector. Marley will continue to sell its SolarTiles, either separately, or as part of a full solar roof system, to roofing contractors and merchants for housebuilder customers across the UK.

Q

What can Marley now offer SME housebuilders that it couldn’t previously? Will builders be able to buy the solar panels at the same time as the roofing materials?

Marley can now offer SME housebuilders a single source supply for all pitched roofing components, including integrated solar PV. This means SME housebuilders can specify a full roof system from a single

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ROOFING & CLADDING

source, that will not only ensure quality, compatibility and compliance with British Standards but also help them to meet Part L carbon reduction targets.

Using a full integrated solar PV roof system makes it much quicker and easier for housebuilders to include renewable technologies on their developments.

Q

Is there a benefit to purchasing and installing solar panels from the same company as the roof tiles?

Yes, purchasing integrated solar PV as part of a full roof system offers some significant benefits, including guaranteed compatibility and quality of all roofing components, compliance with British Standards, a single point of liability, reduced contractor risk and less chance of product substitution. The Marley roof system includes choice of roof covering, battens, underlay, all fixings, ventilation, dry fix, and the option to add integrated solar PV, all backed up with a free 15year guarantee.

Q

What are some of the challenges inherent in installing solar panels?

Is there a risk of thermal bridging where the panels meet the roof structure?

There are three types of solar PV, a traditional on-roof panel, or integrated PV system. On-roof systems need to be fitted by specialist PV installers but integrated systems, like Marley SolarTiles and our Clearline Fusion panels, are easier to install and can be fitted by a roofing contractor.

One of the challenges of installing onroof systems is that walking on the tiles to fix the panels can cause hairline cracks in the tiles and invalidate the manufacturer warranty. With an integrated system like ours, as both tiles and PV are installed together, it means there is no modification to the roof tiles, securing the warranty.

Another advantage of both Clearline Fusion and Marley SolarTiles is that they can be fixed directly to the battens, without the need for modification to the standard roof. The industry-leading wind resistance is achieved without the need for additional timber. They are also compatible with all clay and concrete tiles and slates, so it

34 September Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

is easy to incorporate solar PV into any roof design. This means that on a new build property, 1kWp can be fitted in just 45 minutes.

There are no thermal bridging concerns because the panels replace tiles or slates and the space behind (the batten space) is ventilated. Insulation is either between and over the rafters or at the level of the ceiling below the loft space.

Q

How eco-friendly are Viridian panels? What benefits do they offer to the eventual homeowner?

Solar PV panels are an ecological product, as they repay the energy used in their manufacture many times over during their lifetime. The main materials used in solar panels are glass and aluminium, which can both be recycled, and Viridian Solar is a member of an approved waste recycling scheme. Our Fusion Forest Initiative supports reforestation projects across the world, and we plant a tree for every Clearline Fusion solar panel that is purchased by a customer.

Our roof integrated solar panels generate a similar amount of electricity to the bulkier ‘on-roof systems’ but offer significant aesthetic and maintenance benefits for the homeowner. With on-roof panels, any future roofing work can be a complex process, involving the use of scaffolding. However, roof repairs can still be carried out with our integrated panels in place.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information use www.rdr.link/da019

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ROOFING & CLADDING

Make room in the roof Kevin Sherlock, Managing Director of Smartroof, explores ‘room in roof’ solutions, a prefabricated roofing package that can increase the space in new homes.

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n the past 18 months we have spent more times in our homes than ever before. But in the UK our homes have been getting smaller. A 2019 survey carried out by LABC found that UK homes have reduced in size by an average of 10m2 since 2010. Much of this is a result of affordability and developers maximising the land on which they are building. Logic says that below ground basements or lofts are the best options for maximising smaller footprints and increasing the space in homes. However, basement excavation is a costly proposition and construction work below ground complex and carrying a significant degree of risk.

It’s why the smart decision is to go up.

Habitable roof space Creating habitable roofing spaces has been easier by the increased use of offsite fabrication and systems such as structural insulated panels (SIPS), and preengineered insulated roof systems, such as Smartroof’s ‘room in roof’ system.

Manufactured offsite, the Smartroof system is a complete room in roof system.

Comprising a series of factory produced panels incorporating insulated roof panels, spandrel wall panels, dormers, roof windows, GRP chimneys, soffit and fascia, it is delivered to site and craned into place. Once in place, the roofs simply require roof tiling.

In addition, the interlocking design of the system makes it suited for housebuilders adopting a fabric first approach. Production of the system in a factory-controlled environment ensures consistent and predictable thermal performance. With the latest changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, Smartroof’s factory insulated panels eliminate voids or cold spots and offer design flexibility as insulation levels can be easily upgraded to meet requirements.

An off-site solution such as Smartroof

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can also reduce the detrimental impact of bad weather on build times, whilst faster weatherproofing of structures will reduce delays for follow on trades. Its off-site manufacturing reduces the time spent working at height and decreases on-site wastage to provide a cost-effective, modern method of construction. A full vaulted ceiling and an extended floor area in the eaves can be achieved in a matter of hours, making it a highly cost-effective package for house building projects of all sizes.

Plumb Park Situated on the fringes of the seaside town of Exmouth, Plumb Park, being built

by Taylor Wimpey, comprises 264 two, three and four-bed homes designed in the arts and craft style. The centrepiece of the development is a curved crescent of 18 terraced homes overlooking a public hilltop park. Each of the 2½ storey homes in the terrace feature a panelised ‘room in roof’ system with the developer specifying Smartroof as the company to deliver the bespoke curved roof structure.

For Smartroof, the big challenge was the curve and how to make straight timber appear as if it is effectively bending. In addition, the gable roofs on these terraced houses had a triangular apex projection on the front elevation which also necessitated a curved design. To achieve this onsite would have been a technical challenge for the joinery contractors, however the controlled environment of the Smartroof offsite fabrication facility meant the technical team could achieve the architect’s design with millimetre precision both in terms of cutting and fabrication.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? To find out more about Smartroof and to download the company’s brochure use www.rdr.link/da020

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SPECIAL REPORT

Full Support Quality is the answer to long-term integrity of brick-built properties, says Scott Denham, Sales Director, IG Masonry Support.

38 September Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

I

f the properties we build today are to remain standing for generations to follow, quality must be central at all stages of the construction process. Hitting the mark on quality, offsite construction is helping housebuilders and developers create buildings that embrace the traditional beauty of brick through the utilisation of hygrothermally-tested brick slip soffit solutions. But how do these systems combine modern engineering and familiar aesthetics with safety and long-term performance?

Brick has been used by housebuilders and developers for many years, mainly because of its consistent shape, compressive strength and ability to absorb water. Brick buildings leave a lasting legacy, as they can endure the test of time for many years and still look as good as they did when completed.

The intricate detailing that brickwork enables is like no other and can be utilised to ensure a brick-based building sits perfectly within its surrounding environment.

Brick detail in the form of brick soffits, deep reveals and flying beams continually make for stunning exteriors, enabling truly unique detailing to be created. It is no surprise then, that brick continually proves to be of popular use among housebuilders, as

quality and significant aesthetic impact can be achieved.

With these designs in high demand, offsite manufactured brick slip units fill a huge gap in the market. Intricate designs are no longer solely reliant on the domain of skilled craftspeople; they can be created in the quality-controlled, efficient environment of a factory, without the need for any lengthy and costly fabrication onsite.

New processes Construction processes and regulations are continually changing. As such, product manufacturers have to change and adapt, to ensure their products conform. In recent years traditional brickwork has been paired with a more modern form of fabrication that assures quality, intricacy and long-term value: offsite manufacturing. Many housebuilders and developers are looking at how factory produced systems can support the onsite processes as a way of speeding up the build process, improving safety and ensuring quality and conformity.

Offsite manufactured solutions can be utilised to create intricate brickwork detailing that would be costly and complicated to fabricate onsite. It takes time and skill to

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create complex and uniform brickwork detailing to a project’s brief, yet with prefabricated solutions this level of detail and replication isn’t an issue. Taking the construction of complex brick features offsite into factory-controlled conditions drives the level of quality and consistency that is needed to achieve excellence.

Testing, testing Many manufacturers weather-test prefabricated products so they know the solutions are built to last. The external walls of buildings are exposed to a wide range of weather conditions including: wetting and drying, heating and cooling, freezing and thawing, to name but a few.

IG Masonry Support recently launched its BBA Certified B.O.S.S. A1 system, a

hygrothermally-tested, carbon neutral product which is ‘A1’ fire rated and suitable for use on projects that require Building Regulations Document B compliance.

The B.O.S.S. A1 units were tested to demonstrate structural performance, following a period of accelerated weathering. The bond strength of the system was evaluated after being subjected to hygrothermal conditioning in accordance with EAD090062-00-0404.

The testing involved subjecting the B.O.S.S. A1 units to repeated heat/rain cycles, followed by repeated freeze/thaw cycles at a controlled temperature and humidity, all designed to simulate naturally occurring conditions. This testing validated the physical performance and long-term durability of all components as well as ensure the products are fit for purpose and conform to regulations.

housebuilders “andMany developers are looking at how factory produced systems can support the onsite processes

”

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For further details on IG Masonry Support please use www.rdr.link/da021

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GENERAL BUILDING

DOMUS VENTILATION SOLIS AIR BRICK metal – non-combustible Domus Ventilation, part of the Polypipe group, has launched the new Solis Air Brick range of low resistance, non-combustible metal air bricks that are compliant with the revised Building Regulations Fire Safety Approved Document B. The Solis Air Brick comes in three options: 204x60 single metal air brick, and 220x90 and 220x126 double metal air bricks. They are fully compatible with the company’s rigid ducting ranges and Domus Thermal duct insulation.

www.rdr.link/da022

GROHE DIGITALLY ENHANCED TAP Water saving – temperature control The new Grohe Plus digitally enhanced tap has been designed to support energy and water saving. It provides precise control of water temperature and features an integrated LED display – users are made aware through a visual colour change displayed on the spout of the tap when hot water is flowing in order to encourage users to avoid wasting energy.

www.rdr.link/da023

KNAUF INSULATION NEW PACKAGING more compression – easier to recycle Knauf Insulation has launched new packaging which has been designed to make it easier to choose, use, transport and handle its insulation products.

New designs also feature across the whole range and new compression technology allows a 10:1 ratio. The new packaging film is made from a minimum of 30% recycled plastic, and the new designs use less ink, which makes the packaging easier to recycle.

POLYPIPE BUILDING SERVICES TERRAIN Q High rise – noise insulation Polypipe Building Services has launched Terrain Q, a polypropylene push fit system with multi-layer technology designed for a commercial and high-rise residential buildings. The pipework’s blue external layer is made from PP+UV+RF, providing resistance to attack from UV radiation, fire and impact damage. The black intermediate layer comprises a mineral-reinforced plastic for high stability, noise insulation and fire resistance. The final white internal layer provides resistance to high temperature waste.

www.rdr.link/da025

www.rdr.link/da024

REGINOX HAMPTON SINK Granite – durable – natural feel The Hampton is a granite sink that has been manufactured in a new material finish with a natural feel and textured finish, giving the appearance and touch of a durable product. It is available in both single bowl and bowl and a half configuration, and also comes with a slightly revised, updated drainer profile. Hampton is available in black, grey, white and cream.

www.rdr.link/da026

40 September Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer

GEBERIT RENOVA PLAN geometric design – furniture Geberit has updated its Renova Plan range of bathroom furniture, with two new finishes and a series of product enhancements across the collection. The range is now available in Hickory Light and Hickory furniture colours, in addition to existing White high gloss coated and Lava matt coated. The range brings modern, geomatric design across a wide range of ceramic and furniture products.

www.rdr.link/da027

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GRANT AERONA³ HEAT PUMP HANDOVER GUIDE Operation – registration – guidance

HONEYWELL METALCLAD CP 18th Edition – lockable

Grant UK has produced a Handover Guide which will be supplied with all its Aerona³ heat pumps. The Guide is split into sections so that homeowners can find the information they require, from how to register their appliance through to advice about servicing and maintenance. The Guide also includes useful explanations about how the Aerona³ operates, its energy usage, defrost cycle and how to monitor the system pressure

Honeywell has entered the circuit protection market with a new consumer unit range – Metalclad CP – specifically designed to meet the IET’s 18th edition wiring regulations. The Metalclad range features a fully earthed lockable consumer unit (populated and unpopulated) with options to include two Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDD) and a Surge Protection Device (SPD), both of which are recommended in the current 18th Edition.

www.rdr.link/da028

HMG FENCE AND SHED PAINT water-based – weather fastness – spray applied HMG has expanded it Fence and Shed Paint range of colours.

The range offers a premium quality water-based, protective finish for use on rough sawn wood. It can be used on fences, sheds, other garden areas and furniture. Water-based MSH colourants have been used across the range to provide colour retention and weather fastness. The Fence and Shed Paint can be applied by brush, roller, or spray application.

www.rdr.link/da029

www.rdr.link/da030

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PRODUCT FOCUS: WEST FRASER

Modern flooring – less carpentry, more engineering This month West Fraser outlines some flooring options.

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odern suspended floors in timber are a far cry from the traditional combination of sawn joists and nailed planks. Today modern manufacturing not only makes better use of a raw material that was previously unsuitable for structural purposes; it also results in a high quality and more reliable product.

Structural beams Instead of the traditional 9” sawn softwood joists, builders can now choose from a variety of composite structural beams that employ the same web-and-flange configuration as a hot-rolled steel beam.

With flanges of softwood and webs of either oriented-strand board (such as West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero) or a pressed steel lattice, these beams are as light as a solid timber beam, and just as strong. These engineered products are free of defects, such as knots, splits and cracks that occur naturally in solid sawn timbers. And, being engineered as opposed to simply sawn to size, their strength and other physical properties can be accurately ascertained.

Floor decking When it comes to floor decking structural integrity is invariably provided by particleboard panels, tongue-and-grooved to provide a solid, continuous floor surface.

West Fraser’s CaberFloor range of flooring systems combine structural strength, stability and reliability with low cost and ease of installation. Unlike traditional floorboards, every sheet of CaberFloor flooring is the same as the next because the particleboard from which it is made is, like the modern joist, an engineered product meaning post-installation defects are less likely in a modern floor.

The suspended first floor of a new house is often pressed into service as soon as it is installed, initially as the working platform for following trades, before the roof is installed.

So, floors are often exposed to the elements for days or weeks while workers complete the brick-and block-work, fit windows and erect interior partitioning. In wet weather, the floor can be drenched with rain and, in winter, that rain can turn to sleet or snow.

Many modern flooring panels are, therefore, designed to withstand harsh conditions for extended periods without any deterioration. West Fraser’s CaberDek is one example; it is guaranteed to withstand full exposure to the weather for up to 42 days, when laid in accordance with fitting instructions, and fixed with CaberFix Pro. This is achieved by selecting moisture resistant, load-bearing (P5) particleboard and sealing the surface with a tough waterproof protective film which is peeled away after completion, revealing a pristine surface.

In the case of West Fraser’s toughest flooring product, CaberShieldPlus, the protective surface is bonded permanently to the board on both sides. CaberShieldPlus is designed for the unpredictable British weather. It is BBA approved for 60 days exposure to the weather when used with CaberFix D4.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? To order free samples of CaberWood products please use www.rdr.link/da031 For further information about West Fraser please use www.rdr.link/da032

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX A. Proctor Group Ltd ........................................................................page 35 Calor Gas Ltd ....................................................................................page 29 Domus Ventilation ............................................................................page 31 Dynamis Associates Ltd ..................................................................page 39 Energy Saving Innovative Controls Ltd ........................................page 17 Goldcrest Finance Ltd ......................................................................page 28 Grant Engineering (UK) Ltd ..............................................................page 10 Kubota (U.K.) Ltd ..........................................................outside back cover Marley Ltd ............................................................................................page 37

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Marmox (UK) Ltd ................................................................................page 41 OMNIE Ltd ............................................................................................page 13 Polypipe ................................................................................................page 12 Quickslide Ltd ..........................................................................pages 19 - 26 Scotts of Thrapston Ltd ......................................................................page 4 Ubbink UK Ltd ............................................................................pages 14, 32 West Fraser ..........................................................................................page 9 WMS Underfloor Heating Ltd ........................................inside front cover

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LAST WORD

Five Tips for Securing Finance Henry Manley Cooper, Head of Credit Analysis at SME developer funding business Avamore Capital, shares five top tips for securing development funding.

1. Cover the basics early

3. Consider everyone involved

The key to securing funding successfully is being open, transparent and upfront. A funder is likely to work with you around difficulties if you share them at the outset, if they come up later on, it often makes the path to completion far less smooth.

The start of the loan application process can be relatively straightforward. Funders will need to have access to the following:

Whilst there may be one developer leading the project, it is not uncommon to see multiple shareholders or directors involved in an SPV. When a funder conducts their Know Your Client (KYC) checks, they will need to receive the full information around everyone involved in the deal, not just the main point of contact.

The KYC process is important because it highlights whether there are any historic insolvencies relating to the people involved.

It is also important to know the source of where money that is being put into the deal comes from. This includes whether there are any third-party investors involved. Whilst many specialist lenders are unregulated, it’s important to ensure that funds are legitimate and could not implicate the borrower or the funder later on in the loan.

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Full address (including postcode): Some lenders have restrictive geographic parameters and so, providing this at the outset is a quick way to tell whether a lender can proceed.

Current & gross development value: A funder needs to understand whether the proposed works are reflective of the expected value at the end of the project.

Loan amount & term: Another area which could lead to a ‘quick no’. If your request falls outside of a lender’s minimum or maximum loan parameters, a funder will be able to confirm straight away whether they can proceed.

Confirmation of asset class (current and proposed): Clarifying the asset class of the scheme is important, for example, Avamore only does residential development and so, highlighting this point early is again, useful.

General deal description: A lender will need to understand what exactly the developer plans to do with the funds.

2. Share information The process of securing development finance involves a number of different service providers. At a minimum, the developer will be liaising with the lender, valuer, monitoring surveyor, solicitors and, if they choose to use one, a broker.

It is critical to be extremely organised and it is advisable to set up a file sharing system to store all deal related information in one place.

The provision of information is extremely important and doing this quickly means that the deal can complete in a timely manner.

By not sharing what is required, completion timelines are likely to be pushed out. The same goes for payment of service providers.

4. Think about planning All development finance deals will need to have some sort of planning in place. Even if the proposed build is under Permitted Development Rights, there are still highlevel sign offs involved.

To make this as easy and transparent as possible, we would advise supplying relevant reference numbers for the planning portal so that the lender can cross check the transaction.

You should also check when the planning permission is set to expire.

Similarly, the funder will need to understand whether appropriate action has been taken to discharge pre-commencement conditions in order for works to proceed.

5. Be realistic on costs Costing up a development project accurately is crucial when working with a development funder. If developer predictions are too low, it could mean that they run into cash flow issues, and if build costs are too high it could indicate that the developer will not get sufficient profit out of the project.

Having a realistic cash flow schedule is also important so the project does not experience delays during the process.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information go to www.rdr.link/da033

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