Almost all builders have used scaffolding or come into contact with it in one way or another. This blog post has been written to provide both novice builders and individuals unfamiliar with scaffolding with some basic information on the subject.

Scaffolding is basically the framework structure used to support builders working on repairing buildings and carrying out other external construction works. It is commonly used by both general builders working on residential projects and building companies working on larger construction projects.

Scaffolding basically consists of three things:

1. Tubes
2. Couplers
3. Boards

Tubes: scaffolding tubes used in the UK are made of either steel or aluminium. Aluminium tubes are popular due to their light weight. Aluminium tubes are also more flexible than steel tubes and hence less resistant to force.

Couplers: these are the joints which hold the tubes together to create the scaffold framework. There are three main types of scaffolding couplers: putlog couplers, swivel couplers and right angle couplers.

Boards: these are fixed onto the tubes to provide the working surface on which the builder can stand.

At Apple Construction our builders are experienced on working on scaffolds and specialise in all types of residential building works. For more information we can be contacted on 0845 224 9214.

Many property developers and builders feel that having a garage in a new home is essential. However is this really the case? Before deciding to proceed with building a garage in your property you should really consider whether it is actually necessary and whether the money could be spent more wisely elsewhere on other areas of the property. Conventionally, the main reason for building a garage is so that the property includes safe parking space. However, in reality not many people actually use a garage to park their cars and usually it is not really necessary if the property contains a driveway or adequate road parking. Saying that many people of course use their garages as storage space for items such as gardening equipment, bicycles, lawnmowers and golf clubs etc. But then again the main thing to consider is should the size of the utility room in the property just be made a little larger or does the property actually require a garage.  If you are unsure on building a garage then an alternative option is to simply obtain planning permission. The garage can then always be built at a later stage if required and if you are concerned about whether the property will sell without a garage you can always show the buyer the planning permission approval for a garage which will give them the flexibility to build one if they really require. At Apple Construction our builders specialise in building garages and can be contacted on 0845 224 9214 for more information.

As our regular blog readers will know, we often discuss in detail specific components of designing, building and obtaining planning permission for a loft conversion. However in this blog post we want to simply outline the specific steps involved in building a loft conversion for readers who have a very basic knowledge on the subject.

Step 1: Have a free consultation arranged with a loft conversion company or builder who you may consider using to carry out the loft conversion. Discuss your requirements in depth with the loft Conversion Company or builder and find out whether it is actually possible to do a loft conversion in the property.  The ceiling height must be a minimum of 1.8 metres at the apex to obtain building regulations and planning permission approval to carry out a loft conversion. If the ceiling height does not match this criterion then there may be the possibility that the ceiling of the upstairs bedrooms can be lowered. However this will depend on the height of the ceiling of the bedrooms and other factors which you will have to discuss with the loft conversion company or a structural engineer

Step 2: Get an architect to create the drawing plans for the loft conversion. Most good loft conversion companies have their own in house architects. Make sure you ask your architect whether he is a member of the Royal Institute of Architect. You architect should design the loft conversion according to your specification and should submit the drawings for planning permission and building regulations approval. Planning permission and building regulations approval usually takes around 8 weeks.

Step 3: Once planning permission has been obtained building works can commence according to the approved drawings. Make sure you get a few different estimates from different builders or loft conversion companies. Sometimes loft conversion companies actually make the client sign a total package agreement which means they will apply for planning permission and build the loft conversion as a complete package. However if you choose to go down this root, make sure you have done your research beforehand and are happy to sign the agreement. If you choose to go with an independent builder make sure you have a written contract for the project with him rather than just a verbal agreement.

Step 4: Once the job has been completed make sure your builder provides you with a guarantee for the loft conversion. The terms of the guarantee should be agreed before the project contract is actually signed.

At Apple Construction we specialise in loft conversions and can be contacted on 0845 224 9214 for more information.