Search
The Stone Federation of Great Britain recommends using mechanical fixings to restrain stone fireplace surrounds, rather than adhesives, which are not considered sufficient to provide a safe and secure bond throughout the lifetime of the fireplace surround.
Modular stone or artificial stone…
The ‘Reaching New Heights Conference’, hosted by LABC and LABC Warranty, explored how the construction sector has been reshaped following the Grenfell tragedy.Aimed at contractors, designers and consultants, the event offered practical tips and insights for those designing and building high-risk…
A garage conversion doesn't always need planning permission as it often falls under 'permitted development'. But it's important to check permitted development rights still apply before starting any work, even if just for your client's sake.
Converting a garage will always need a building…
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…
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…
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…
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’…
Open Doors, which is delivered by Build UK in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) as part of the Inspiring Construction campaign, sees Build UK members open live construction sites and offices for the public to go ‘behind the scenes’ and showcase the huge variety of…