Search
The combination of timber separating floors and masonry walls needs very careful detailing.
Sometimes, the designer has forgotten to take a look at what’s there already. You may even build exactly to a drawing but still fail your test!
In this article we look at the ‘why and how’ to avoid…
One of our surveyors was alarmed when called out on site recently for an excavation inspection. Above is what he saw.
The Building Regulations application was actually for a new foundation to connect the back of the house to the detached garage, but the builder had taken the opportunity to…
One of our surveyors had a bit of a shock recently when visiting a site for a domestic extension.
They were called out to inspect reinforcement prior to concreting foundations but hadn’t been to site previously for an excavation or commencement inspection. The ‘builder’ proudly stood back and…
Most pre-1930s houses will have traditional lath and plaster ceilings. Picture courtesy of Malone Associates Ltd
What is lath and plaster?
Laths are thin strips of wood (around 25-38mm wide and 3-8mm thick) spaced around 5mm apart and nailed to the ceiling joists above. Plaster was then…
Front Door – because every home has one.
One year ago, LABC launched Front Door and this month Front Door celebrates its first birthday! Front Door is a home improvements website providing impartial advice for homeowners embarking on a home improvement project.
Front Door is a great…
Do you work with structural steel frame buildings? If so, read on...
A new Alert guidance document published by Structural-Safety* incorporating CROSS (Confidential Reporting on Structural Safety) and SCOSS (Standing Committee on Structural Safety) and the HSE (Health & Safety Executive…
In the current economic climate homeowners are naturally more cautious about investing their savings or borrowing to improve their home.
The media is full of horror stories about cowboy contractors and consumers are becoming savvier about their rights and protecting their assets.
Increasingly…
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…
Are you looking to progress in your public service building control career? LABC’s level 6 qualifications allow learners to develop their knowledge in specialist subject areas and become experts in their field.Our award-winning qualifications are the most comprehensive and relevant, of any other…
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’…