Do you know a good construction company in the South East?

I am trying to compile a list of some of the recommended construction companies in the South East, so i would be grateful if you could send me the information you have and then i can create a useful resource for people on this blog.

A good construction company makes all the difference, and some of the top criteria for a good construction company include:

• customer service - friendly, courteous, professional
• on time
• clean and tidy
• respectful of your home and its occupants
• complete the work in a timely manner
• complete the work to a high standard
• value for money

House Renovations: People Are Still Doing Them

My neighbours have just put up the scaffolding on their house as they are due to have a completely new extension added on to their house. So much for the credit crunch! It seems that home renovations are still in demand, or at least they are in my local area. I guess it depends on where you live, but it is important to remember that the construction industry in general is suffering quite badly at the moment. Many people are refraining from having their house renovated because they don't want to spend their hard earned cash improving their homes during a recession. Money is going on much more important things.

However, judging from where i live, people are still indulging in house renovations...perhaps they think they may as well go for it? After all, we don't know when the recession is going to end.

Do you need a construction estimate?

If you need a construction estimate then there are a few tips and tricks to remember:

• ask your friends and family for who they recommend - they might know someone who will do a great job for you and give you a construction estimate.
• dig deep - often, the best construction companies might be based a little further afield, especially if you live in a small town. Expand your search area and see what you can find.
• don't take the first cosntruction estimate - never take the first estimate, always shop around - othere might beat your construction quote.

So, if you want a construction estimate, then don't fall at the first hurdle - get the best quote from the best company.

Bathroom Improvements: Still Important

As well as undergoing some form of home construction, many people also like to renovate their bathroom.

The bathroom needs to be taken care of, so it is definitely worth investing some time and money into getting it looking sparkling. Ditch the old green bathroom suite and bring it bang up to date with some white furnishings.

Renovating the bathroom is a key home improvement, so well worth doing if you want to make the most of your home.

Home Construction: What Is Home Construction?

Some people might not be aware what home construction actually is. Let me define it for you:

"Home Construction is the fine art of constructing a home. It has been around since pre-history. Starting as nothing more than a way to shelter oneself from the elements, it has grown through ages and eras, regions and cultures, into the vast multitude of living accommodations available today. Different levels of wealth and power warranted various sizes, luxuries, and even defenses in a 'home'. Environmental considerations and cultural influences have created an almost infinitely diverse collection of architecturial styles. From castles to mud thatches, mansions to shanties, the 'home' has grown to represent a seemingly limitless array of constructs whose origins are found in the very nature of life."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_construction

Home Construction: Are You Doing It?

With the credit crunch biting at our heels, i am curious to know just how many people are still going ahead with any home renovations and improvements. Our neighbours were due to have a new kitchen fitted, but have confided in us that they simply cannot afford to do so this year, and have set it back a while. And that's with many kitchen companies offering half price deals this January. Interestingly, however, our neighbours on the other side have just bought a used car, because it was such a good deal.

When it comes to home construction, it is very much a personal choice, as is spending on it this year. It makes sense to put it off until you can afford it without credit, but some people who still want their little luxuries are going ahead with their construction plans.

I would be interested to know if anyone out there is still thinking about going ahead with their home construction plans this year, despite the global recession.

Survey Equipment For Home Construction

Just found a few useful tips for anyone undertaking a construction project. I think it is important to remember that people need certain survey equipment essentials in construction.

If you want the job to go right, get to know your technical terms, including Piling, Shoring and Formwork.

• Piling Equipment - Most building sites will require piling equipment at some point during their build. Common forms of piling equipment includes air hammers, concrete pile breakers and crane mounted vibrators.


• Formwork - this is like the very base of any construction project, so naturally it includes the essentials such as steel soldiers, anchors and struts.
  
• Shoring - this describes the process for supporting a structure in order to prevent collapse so that construction can proceed. Shoring is used to support the beams and floors in a building while a column or wall is removed. In this situation vertical supports are used as a temporary replacement for the building columns or walls. (Source: Wikipedia: Shoring)

What Is Piling? A Home Construction Essential

In the world of construction, piling is a very important term.

Piling is a technique used to set a deep foundation for structures. This is the essential part of any construction project. Wood, concrete or steel is driven into the ground, so that a strong support can be provided for the building structure.

It is important that contractors get things right first time when it comes to construction. Minimising costs by minimising mistakes is crucial, so that is why piling is so important.

Contractors have to take into consideration what type of land they are building on. If they haven't got the correct foundations then this could pose as a danger to the structure and consequently any people that decide to live there once the structure is in place.

Piling equipment includes air hammers, crane mounted vibrators and concrete pile breakers.

My View Of Construction Companies

If you have decided that you want an extension on your house, or you want to build a house from scratch, you need to know of a good construction company. These days, the good construction companies usually have a flashy website to impress you with, so this is important to note. A poor, basic website can often be a reflection on their work. I think most companies these days are aware of the importance of the web and how most people will log on to the Internet and do a Google search to find who they want to use.

However, some construction companies aren't having the business they used to. With the change in the economic climate, i would imagine it is only time before some major construction companies go bust. Take, for example, the news of Taggarts, a Londonderry based construction company. They complete work in Ireland and also in the UK. However, they have just announced that they will be putting their building program "on hold" in Northern Ireland. Work will continue in the UK, apparently. Still, it doesn't bode well does it? I wonder how many more will follow suit.

I think it is safe to say that not many people are going to be having extensions on their house at the moment, as they will be far more inclined to keep hold of the purse strings until things calm down. So what is the future like for construction companies? Well, we will wait to find out.

Construction Jobs - How Do You Apply?

If you want to branch into the world of construction, it might be hard knowing how to get your foot in the door. There's an old saying: "Its not what you know, its who you know" and i think this is important to remember. I was even told this at University in a Careers lecture! Doesn't do much for the old spirit, does it. Nevertheless, if you're looking for construction jobs, don't despair. It might be that you know someone through a family member who works in the trade. Use this contact! They may be able to offer you some part-time work and although the pay might be less than exciting, it is the experience you need. Have the dream that you can one day have your own business and your dream might just come true one day.

It may be that you are going to do a course at College. This will be beneficial to you because they can put you in touch with employers and you can work and study at the same time.

Find out as much information as possible from employers. Even if they cant offer you any work at this moment in time, ask to speak to someone who can give you advice about what employers are looking for and what the job really entails; including all the "grotty" bits. That way, when you go for an interview, you can make the employer aware that you are clued up on exactly what the job will entail. They will see that you have done your research and have a real passion for the work. I know it sounds awful , but "cold calling" can often unearth something really positive. You won't know unless you try and some employers might admire your tenacity.

My nephew is doing a construction apprenticeship at the moment and it is hard work, but he knows it is going to be worth it in the long run. Work like this is a bit of a dying trade, so if you have the skills and the right attitude, you can really go far. I think the problem we have these days is that many fathers / grandfathers have started their trade businesses many years ago and now the next generation aren't wanting to take over the reigns and do that sort of work anymore. Young people are being lured by the big money in the cities and it seems somewhat 'unglamourous' to be a proper grafter these days.

I think its sad that we're not embracing the real trades anymore. Hopefully, young people will realise the potential and want to get into construction.

The Costs Involved

I was thinking yesterday about what costs might be involved when undertaking any form of home construction. That's when i heard about home construction loans.

A home construction loan can be offered when the lender knows the full story behind the construction of the house and it requires interest-only payments while the construction is taking place and then the original investment costs are payed upon completion. Once a house is complete it should receive its certificate of occupancy.

Find out how much money the lender is willing to give you and bear in mind that the land you own ready for the construction of the home could be used as equity on the construction loan.

According to Kent Pinkerton, who wrote an article on home construction loans, you have an option whereby you can go for a "construction-to-permanent financing program" where the loan is then converted into a mortgage loan once the certificate has been issued. This might help make your repayments easier, since there won't be 2 loans.

Make sure you do make some research and compare rates from different lenders and always read the small print so you know you're not going to get caught out. Remember that the lenders are trying to profit too.

Home Construction for a Child's Bedroom

If you are considering redesigning your child's bedroom, choosing the right time may never be an easy one. They have probably grown quite fond of the Thomas the Tank Engine wallpaper, but as a parent, you may be thinking that it is time for a bit of re-modelling and updating to reflect your child growing up.

Firstly, i recommend talking to your child about what they would like. Don't simply go in there and make the changes, moving furniture etc, because you will confuse your child. They need to be aware of what changes are happening and be involved in the process. Guide your children in their choices. Home construction in your child's bedroom doesn't have to be tasking and stressful, but it should be remodelled with a clearly defined purpose.

I found some great tips here of what you can do to improve and how you should undertake the construction process for your child's bedroom.

You might be awaiting the arrival of your child, and you are planning the nursery design at the moment, if so, be thankful you have free reign over the design ideas! Choose a theme and decide whether you want it to be bright and colourful or calm and soothing. If you ever used to watch House Doctor on Channel 5 or UK Style, then you will know what Ann Maurice's thoughts were on all rooms, and they usually involved painting the walls Magnolia! But lets face it, that's not going to be very exciting for your child, is it?!

Tips For Home Construction

Some top tips for making sure you succeed with your home construction plans.


Firstly, you should choose the right location and I found some great tips here. This is just as important when buying a house as it is when you are constructing one. There's no point buying some land in the middle of a run-down housing estate and then thinking you can transform it into Buckingham Palace. Be realistic and be aware of the current housing market; which areas are booming and which are struggling.

4 people you need to make friends with ready for your home construction:

• A builder



• An excavator



• A surveyor



• An architect
  

Think carefully about cost; chances are you will need a mortgage, so decide how much you are prepared to spend on the build and budget for those unexpected extras.

When choosing the land, check if the area is prone to flooding, as this may make you reconsider your chosen plot. Factors such as soil condition and drainage are also important.



Get your plans drawn out and make sure you always get planning permission.





Home construction is a risky venture if you are inexperienced, so ask around for tips and advice from those 'in the know'.









It is also advisable to get all parties involved to sign a dated contract. This should describe the proposed plans in detail and will come in handy should anything go awry with your home construction plans.

If you like this blog, please take a look at my other Home related blogs! Home Improvements and Home Furnishings.