Features

Site appeal

Having announced this year’s 400 Quality Award winners the judges of NHBC’s 29th annual Pride in the Job Awards have a unique view of how operations on thousan…

Elmhurst Energy

Autonomous assessment

The Long Sutton Autonomous House, to be occupied by the end of the year, is a different approach to Code level six, incorporating zero heating and body heat. S…

Know your site’s planning history

Developers should ensure they are aware of the history of planning applications on a development site or they may encounter delays in the planning process, acc…

Probably the best UDC in the world

Urban development corporations are normally set up to stimulate development. But the West Northamptonshire DC is different. Even in these difficult times it is…

Rental adjustment

Is it time for housebuilders to take a serious look at getting involved in the private rented sector? With initiatives under way to boost new build for rent an…

Hidden extras

“Our thermal break plate lintel was invented and patented by us to add rigidity and structural efficiency to the product while achieving the highest possible t…

Ground designs

Suzie Mayes looks at the ground inside and outside the house, tackling permeable paving – a mandatory requirement by 2011 – and flooring systems that have a lo…

Brick factors

Despite the serious downturn in housebuilding’s fortunes, Andrew Leech discovers that the traditional masonry side has kept its eye on the ball and is very wel…

Boosting skills in the downturn

When the recession ends and demand increases, it is vital that housebuilders are able to respond. Rob Lockey, training services manager at NHBC, outlines how b…