Ne 11ws NHBC Welcomes Callcutt Review
Welcoming John Callcutt's report, Imtiaz Farookhi, NHBC's Chief Executive says: "I am particularly pleased that the report recognises the importance of NHBC's role in consumer protection, acknowledging its standard setting role, inspection regime and Buildmark warranty, which provide "a valuable assurance to homebuyers and has real commercial value for housebuilders." The report also highlights NHBC's "international reputation as a centre of excellence and authority".
"On the important issue of customer satisfaction, NHBC is spearheading the development of an OFT (Office of Fair Trading) compliant code for customer care. This code, due to be launched next year, will greatly add to homeowner confidence. Measurement of customer satisfaction through surveys will be an important part of the code regime.
"We strongly agree with the need for sustained leadership on Zero Carbon. In order to ensure this work encompasses the important issue of customer satisfaction, this should take the form of an industry-led body, jointly financed by the public and private sectors. NHBC will be contributing to the scoping study being progressed by Paul King, chair of the UK Green Building Council in this area.
"We note with interest John Callcutt's thoughts on "incorporating compliance with planning conditions, building regulations and warranty in a single scheme", and look forward to further discussions with CLG. However it is essential that any changes to the regulatory framework take account of the primary importance of maintaining high levels of consumer protection at a time of considerable change.
"NHBC is ideally placed to help develop these recommendations and we look forward to being actively involved as they move forward."
READ THE CALLCUTT RECOMMENDATION PAGES 13-15
SMART HOME SHOW AT THE NATIONAL HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOW
Novabrik mortarless brick system.
NEW CERTIFICATE FROM AGRÉMENT
The British Board of Agrément has just awarded Novabrik with Certificate No 07/4421. This is for the dry-built brick cladding system designed for low-
cost/high energy efficiency housing developments. Novabrik is the BBA Certificated and NHBC approved cladding system that comprises brick- sized interlocking tiles which lock together to form a weatherproof, ventilated outer skin for timber- framed, steel-framed or concrete panel structures. It is also suitable for use with conventional block-work walls or ICF (Insulated Concrete Formwork) systems. The interlocking construction works as a cladding system with units overlapping, preventing water from penetrating the wall. The main benefits are speed of installation and the fact that no wet trades are needed, meaning that installation can continue in virtually all weather conditions. Novabrik is suitable for new-build as well as refurbishment projects. Savings in installation times of up to 50% have been experienced, resulting in earlier occupancy and overall reductions in contract duration.
This 10th - 13th April show within a show is growing, say the organisers and this 4th year will have three or four dozen exhibitors. It occupies a central position within the NHR Show which attracts over 500 exhibitors at the NEC.
Specialist Smart Home exhibitors cover: multi- room entertainment; home cinema; audio & visual components; lighting systems; climate control systems; security systems; telecoms/ Intercoms systems; touch control panels; remote access/monitoring; wireless, cabling systems; distributed internet access; planning, consultation, installation. Contact BICS Tel: 0207 6951500
BCIS, The Building Cost Information Service has compiled the Property Makeover Price Guide, which is packed with useful costs and advice about how to budget for repair, improvement, alteration and extension work.
The book is an essential guide to help homeowners, clearly setting out what they should expect to pay for over 1,300 different types of work to their home. It covers everything from inspecting blocked drains to fixing window panes, replacing chimney pots to doing a loft conversion. The guide also allows readers to adjust the figures for their particular location.
in brief
ECOBUILD 2008 - ZERO CARBON IN A DAY
Ecobuild returns to Earls Court (26-28 February 2008), double the size with more than twice the number of exhibitors, more free seminars and a whole series of impressive attractions linked to the key themes – zero carbon, water management and renewable energy.
ECOBUILD PREVIEW PAGES 36-38
THE GOVERNMENT has launched a review of the private rental sector in England, which it hopes will improve conditions for landlords and tenants. Researchers will examine the quality of rental properties, and assess the impact of the increase in buy-to-let investors and student tenants. The review will also consider the possible effect of demographic changes. The Government has already introduced a scheme to guarantee tenants' deposits, and boosted rights to demand repairs. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said tenants in England rented almost 2.6 million homes from over half a million private landlords. But a report from Citizens Advice published last year found that a fifth of tenants were dissatisfied with the quality of repairs carried out by their landlord.
Local residents face having to stump up £120 if they want to appeal against a decision by their Council not to grant planning permission for many minor schemes to improve their homes such as loft conversions, house extensions, fencing, garaging and replacement windows. This is under new laws set to be introduced by the government.
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), the professional body for planners, is launching a campaign this week to get the measure scrapped and is calling on residents to contact their MPs and councillors to voice their opposition. Appeals are presently heard by the independent Planning Inspectorate, and are
free.The laws, contained in little noticed sections of the Planning Bill, are currently going through the House of Commons.
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