All Posts

UK construction faces a huge skills shortage. Discover why 140,000 extra workers are needed each year and practical ways to attract new tradespeople now.

What Are You Really Paying For in a Garden Room? Where the Outdoor Buildings Are All Displayed Undercover? Thinking about buying a garden room? Before you get swept up in glossy showrooms and sales pitches, read this. I share why our self-built Fox Den outperforms most market options, what to watch out for, and why real durability matters more than showroom sparkle.

Are you chasing extra space or a high-spec “wow” project? Knowing the difference can save you thousands. We could sacrifice a bedroom for a walk-in wardrobe but would that hurt resale? You don’t need a showhome to gain space that works. Our Fox Den wasn’t fancy, but it’s functional and still impresses. Before you dive in, ask yourself: do you want the space, or the statement? That answer shapes everything.

If a builder falls and dies during work on your home, you could be held responsible. Under CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act, homeowners have legal duties and “I didn’t know” won’t protect you. Here's what you need to do to stay safe and compliant.

It's crucial to plan within your budget, so it's best to address this early on. I organised all the materials in Excel. Visualising...

AI won’t replace construction workers, it’s stepping in because too many people are stepping out. With 56 build stages in a typical house, machines can support but never replace the skilled people needed on site. This industry is evolving, not dying, and it’s full of opportunity for anyone ready to step up.

Everyone’s talking about the “Golden Thread” — but what is it really, and is anyone actually doing it? This post breaks down what the Golden Thread is supposed to be, why it matters for safety and accountability, and why most homebuyers still aren’t getting the info they deserve. 🧵 It’s not a buzzword. It’s a legal duty. And it could save lives.

Carcinogens on site are killing people slowly — and most don’t even know it. From silica dust to solvents, this post breaks down the biggest risks in construction and how to protect yourself. Don’t wait for a diagnosis to take it seriously. Read the sheet. Wear the kit. Stay alive. #ConstructionHealth #Carcinogens #PPE #SiteSafety #COSHH #TransparencyConstruction

🏗️ The Building Safety Act 2022 changes everything — from how homes are built to who’s accountable when things go wrong. If you're a buyer, builder, landlord or site manager, this law affects you. Learn what the Act means, who it protects, and why it matters. 👉 Read more: https://www.transparencyconstruction.co.uk #BuildingSafetyAct #Grenfell #ConstructionSafety #GoldenThread #TransparencyConstruction

One of my primary concerns is property dampness, largely because I have some knowledge in this area. During my initial role as a supervisor in construction, I attended a course on damp issues to help diagnose and address the damp problems in the properties we were refurbishing.

Rising damp is a significant and distressing issue that many property owners may encounter. More importantly, newly constructed homes where the damp proof courses (DPCs) have been compromised and air bricks have been installed too low are equally at risk as older properties. This post is for homeowners to raise awareness and Understanding Rising Damp and Why Preventing It is Crucial for Your Home.

Builders routinely skirt rising-damp risks by simply lowering finished floor levels—but still install air bricks below the specified 75 mm above door thresholds. If site managers miss such a fundamental detail, what other critical standards are being ignored? Here, we unpack those unseen defects, demand accountability from every contractor, and arm homeowners with the know-how to insist on true compliance with technical drawings.