Cole Management’s Post

There is a desperate need to address the skills shortage in UK Construction. Many existing sites are not progressing due to high materials prices, a slow market and, in particular, a severe skills shortage. Add more houses and the crisis deepens. This skills drain has been going on for 30+ years, leading to skilled workers leaving and not returning, because: 1990-91 - Recession - Construction is the first industry hit by recession and the last to recover. 1992 - Polytechnics abolished 2000s - Drive for all to have a degree - students pushed away from skilled, technical and vocational qualifications towards soft degrees, and office-based careers. Respect for trades plummeted - despite being skilled, rewarding work. 2007-9 - Recession 2016-20 - Brexit 2017 - Grenfell Tower Fire - increased (and 100% justified) focus on fire safety and building regulations compliance leading to increased costs and greater complexity in the design and construction process 2020-24 - Impact of Covid and war in Ukraine Rising costs mean clients want more for their money from specialist subcontractors. Trades are paid late or not at all - 17% of all UK insolvencies in 2023 were in Construction. Retention periods and percentages have increased, with many trade contractors waiting years for retentions to be released - if at all. Welcome improvements in safety and quality standards place considerable administrative and financial pressures on contractors. Skilled trades often carry the burden of proof for "Golden thread" and improved customer care. Skilled trades also carry much of the rising costs of labour, materials, PPE, admin and supervision, technology, insurance, training, etc., whilst trying to meet the reduced budgets of their clients. If a large company isn't paid it can cushion itself by delaying payments to suppliers and contractors. However, if SMEs aren't paid they or their workforce may lose their homes, or not be able to pay bills or for food. There is therefore a desperate need for more mental health, financial, administrative and regulatory support for SMEs and sole-traders to enable them to meet the increasing pressures and requirements and stop the exodus. New T-levels and apprenticeships are a positive step to encourage new entries, but more work needs to be done at primary and secondary education to promote construction and skilled trades as a positive career choice. But more than this, there is a need for a concerted effort from Government to fund initiatives to encourage skilled tradespeople to return to the industry, unskilled to retrain and join the industry and to promote construction, and the skill trades in particular. And crucially, more needs to be done at all stages of life from infancy to adulthood to encourage the missing 50%+ - women, BAME, LGBTQIA+, disabled, etc - to join this industry - particularly on site. #construction #apprenticeships #SkillsShortage

I am sharing share latest work on comprehensive quantity takeoffs of a Proposed 2-Story House, calculating room dimensions, attached spaces, and total floor area to ensure accurate project planning and budgeting.  #Construction #QuantityTakeoff #ProjectManagement #BuildingDesign #Architecture #Precision #ProjectPlanning

Discover the Transformation: No.48 Extension and Refurbishment Project Construction Overview! We are thrilled to share the incredible journey of one of our latest extension and refurbishment projects! Over the past 5 months, we've transformed an existing house into a beautifully modernized home, seamlessly integrating new additions with the original structure. From initial demolition to the final finishing touches, to create a space that perfectly aligns with our clients' lifestyle needs and preferences. Month-by-Month Breakdown: Month 01: Focused on the side extension, with works on foundations, below ground drainage, and the beam and block floor. Month 02: Progressed the side extension walls and roof, ensuring the structure was watertight. Month 03: Interior transformations, including the removal of walls and the existing fireplace to create an open-plan living area. Month 04: Completed internal openings with structural steels and plasterboarding, and made external openings for picture windows and bifolding doors. Month 05: Installed underfloor heating pipes and began kitchen installation. Final Weeks: Focused on finishing touches like painting, door hardware, flooring, skirtings, and kitchen worktops. Read the Full Construction Story on Our Blog! Click the link below to dive deeper into the details of this remarkable project and see how we've turned our client's vision into reality. #architecture #cambridge #lvparchitects 🔗 Read the Full Story Here: https://lnkd.in/echPRURP

As stricter building codes are established around life safety and fire protection, ensure your choice of fire-rated expansion joint is certified and approved to maintain the fire-resistance requirements. Learn more about fire-rated expansion joints and how they can help keep your building and occupants safe. https://lnkd.in/ekeffq4t #expansionjoints #firebarriers #firestopping #firerated #firerating #UL #ULCertified #UL2079 #interior #interiordesign #interiorconstruction #construction #constructionindustry #constructionproducts #constructionservices #buildings #buildingproducts #buildingowners #buildingconstruction #architects #architecture #consultingengineers #propertymanagement #propertyowners #facilitiesmanagement #Sika #Emseal

Knowledge is power. But knowledge without practice develops EGO. Understanding the process, along with the people working on it, will foster the growth and development of an employer and the employee's too. Here at SAHIB INDUSTRIES, we regularly encourage our team to interact with each other and create a friendly environment by having get-together functions, also including the employees' families. The technical training sessions are also provided by higher officials, which helps our team identify and ameliorate minor to major issues. #construction #architecture #design #building #interiordesign #renovation #engineering #contractor #home #realestate #concrete #constructionlife #builder #interior #civilengineering #homedecor #architect #civil #homeimprovement

Learn how to design versatile post-frame buildings with Chief Architect! Whether it's for barns, garages, or commercial spaces, see how post-frame construction offers strength, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Get inspired and read the full article here.

Anyone who is involved in designing with SIPSs would do well to get a copy of this recently published book by Hugh Morrison, an ex colleague from my Anthony Hunt Associates days. Incidentally, I proofread the book for Hugh last summer, and can highly recommend it: https://lnkd.in/e3cy7g3U #SIPs #StructuralDesign #TimberConstruction #SustainableDesign #HouseDesign

You love the character and charm of old buildings. Yet, renovating one can feel overwhelming. That’s why partnering with a qualified architect is essential for your project's success. Explore our blog for expert tips on navigating the renovation process with confidence and creativity.

On site progress - quicker than planning… Seeing these projects progress is what makes architecture so interesting if a little challenging along the way. Our projects are all unique to our clients, their brief and location. This diversity along with various design stages (concept through to completion) makes our day to day different every day and motivates us all. What motivates you?

Part 2 - Planning drama.  Still waiting to hear back from the planners, but on inspection, the project looks great and is in line with the approved drawings.  This was a proposal for the rear extension and loft conversion of a bungalow with a new roof ridge height to allow for a good, useable space within the roof. As you can see from the plans, this is a decent space that will fit two ensuite bedrooms, both with large windows.  We are suspecting that one of the neighbours at the rear of the property has complained about the build - but no objections were made during the consultation period and everything seems to be in order on site.  This has been one of the most difficult planning processes that I have experienced (unnecessarily), and I am so happy to see it finally taking shape! 🔨👷♂️🏠 #newconstuction #newconstuctionhomes #building #buildings #architecture #architecturelovers #interiorarchitecture #architecturestudent #loftconversion #loftconversions #loftconversionideas #architecturedrawings #architectureplans #architectplans  #sitevisit  #sitevisits  #jobsitevisit