 If you own or manage a construction, surveying or other business now is the time to enter the Havering Business Awards 2016.
You can come along to a free workshop on Wednesday
25 May to pick up tips about how to prepare a winning entry. Book a workshop place here.
There
are 11 categories to choose from with full details available here.
Finalists
and winners receive a package or PR and promotions to celebrate their success.
Winners will be announced at the Gala Awards
Ceremony on Friday 7 October at CEME
Conference Centre, Rainham.
Free entry is done on line here.
 Cavity wall ties
Incorrect use of cavity wall ties is one of the common problems found on site by our building control surveyors. The wrong choice of cavity wall tie, not enough ties, and wrong detailing around openings are frequently spotted.
The image above shows how not to do it; hooking wall ties together, using masonry chunks to retain the insulation and not maintaining the cavity width will all lead to cold bridging and dampness.
Get more information here from LABC.
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 Foundations on clay soil
Take extra care when excavating foundations in clay soils, especially if there are trees nearby. Clay soils are made up of 40% water, but trees can change this amount differently throughout the year - causing the soil to shrink or swell with enough force to affect the foundations of a building and so it’s vital that the foundation is the right depth to prevent movement.
You can tell if your soil is clay by giving it a squeeze - if it stays in the shape you’ve made with it and doesn’t crumble, it’s probably clay (but in very dry conditions even clay will crumble).
Get more information here from LABC.
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 New guide on installing staircases
Timber staircases are an integral part of many homes across the UK. While the design and manufacture of a staircase is key to its integrity and effectiveness, it’s just as important to install it right.
Poor installation can cause the stability of the stair to be reduced and lead to failure. A new guide from the British Woodworking Federation Stair Scheme tells you how to make sure it doesn’t happen.
Get more information here from LABC.
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 Advice on how to do demolition
Demolition is something you may have to do from time to time. Although not generally considered ‘development’, planning permission may be required - so confirm with your client this is in place before starting any work.
There are two types of demolition - partial or complete removal. Partial demolition is trickier as you have to provide support to the remaining structure, which may include window strutting, floor props and shoring. And it may also involve a lot of elbow grease as powered equipment may be unsuitable.
You must inform your local authority in writing at least six weeks in advance of your intention to demolish (the building control department usually deals with demolitions). Utilities providers and adjacent or adjoining building owners must also be informed in advance, especially if party walls will be affected.
Get more information here from LABC.
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 Construction careers event
Havering College of Further and Higher Education is holding
an Infrastructure
Careers Event on Thursday 14 July, 2pm – 7pm at its Rainham Campus
Construction Centre, New Road, Rainham, RM13 3GP.
The event will include networking and an opportunity for businesses
to promote their current vacancies.
Email Carmina
Ballantine if you want to get involved.
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Save your
time and book site visits online
It’s now easy to book visits by Havering Council's Building Control officers by using our
online service, which is available 24/7 and guarantees you a visit on the next working day.
By booking outside office hours you get ahead of those trying to book by
telephone. If you book online before 10am you will get an appointment for the same day
if required.
Sign up to Havering's My Account to use this service. Book
a site visit online here.
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 Available for you 24/7
You can use our online service to make your applications or book a site visit:
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 Detailed information
You can click on the links below for more detailed information on the following subjects:
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National expertise
Havering Council is a Partner Authority under the LABC scheme which operates in England and Wales. This means you can choose to work with Havering's building control surveyors to undertake all pre-application and design work, regardless of the project's geographical location.
Find out about the Partner
Authority Scheme here. More information on LABC is
available here.
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Regulation changes
Recent changes to Building Regulations could affect your
building projects. Check
out the changes here.
More information
More information is available on Havering Council's Building Control webpages.
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