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A raft foundation is a reinforced concrete slab under the whole of a building or extension, 'floating' on the ground as a raft floats on water. This type of foundation spreads the load of the building over a larger area than other foundations, lowering the pressure on the ground.This is an…
Smoke alarms have been a standard feature in new homes since they were first introduced into Approved Document B in 1992. Whilst they are now installed as a matter of course, just how much consideration is given to ensuring that they are located correctly?
Siting alarms correctly throughout a…
The challenge
The £22 million scheme was to develop a new A&E department, linked to the existing hospital buildings and with a helipad on the roof for the local air ambulance. The new three-storey building is located at the front of the existing hospital which remained operational…
Planning a home improvement project? Not sure where to start? Front Door should be your first destination.
If you’re a homeowner or are involved in a home improvement project, then this is for you. Whether you already have a home improvement idea in mind and need guidance, or want some…
Internal insulated dry lining involves lining the inside of the wall with insulated plasterboard and needs joinery-like precision to avoid air leakage and cold bridging.
How to install insulated dry lining
Make sure existing plaster is in good condition if it’s remaining in place.…
With an ageing work force there are many initiatives being put into place to attract younger generations to join the construction industry. As with anything, first impressions are a key factor when forming an opinion on someone or something.
The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) have…
Severe driving rain is a common occurrence in the UK and these days even sheltered locations may be subject to high levels of deluge. Flashings and cavity trays offer a way around this problem, but should they be provided to canopy roofs?
Site-formed canopies
Where a site-formed canopy is…
You may receive an enforcement notice from your local authority if they believe that building work in or around your home doesn’t comply with building regulations. What this means is that you'll have to rectify or even remove the work which is in breach of building regulations.
I've got an…
Now fully completed, the University of Brighton's Waste House is Europe's first permanent public building made almost entirely from material thrown away or not wanted with the creators having investigated strategies for constructing a contemporary, low energy building using over 85% ‘waste’…
One of the consequences of major disasters is an abundance of alternative solutions. Unfortunately after Grenfell a number of products have appeared offering reassurances of a safe means of escape.
Approved Document B focusses on acceptable means of escape and offers many routes to achieving…