APPOINTMENTS & NEWS
local SuDS Approval Body (SAB) we were able to secure approval for a much more straightforward design. This whole process took months and we had to pay twice for drainage surveys and designs, but we estimate it will still have saved money overall.
One of the planning conditions,
relating to the bat survey, was the requirement to complete demolition work between the months of November and March. We were keen to start work in early 2024, and so with the expert help of our quantity surveyor we had several competitive tender responses and were able to confi rm the appointment of our building contractors in November 2023. The following two months were a hectic time of packing, decluttering and enjoying our last Christmas in the old house before moving out in mid January 2024. There were early delays due to snow and the unexpected fi nding of asbestos, but by mid February the bungalow was demolished; a bittersweet mix of emotions and excitement for what lay ahead. We are now almost a year into the build and it’s been great to see the progress. We are lucky to have found a great building fi rm, who are proect managing and are reliable, very tidy and friendly. We are currently aiming to
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ecological surveys, energy effi ciency reports, to name a few, all add up. After all this expense we felt too far in to turn back!
• Don’t take recommendations at face value and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
fi nish in summer it can’t come soon enough! I’m sure we have much more to learn as the project evolves, but some of our main learning points and top tips so far are: • Find a local architect and have a look at their typical style of design. They will be familiar with your local planning department and what they are likely to accept, which could save you a headache! They will also be able to recommend local building contractors and trades.
• Don’t underestimate the upfront costs before you even put a spade in the ground. The architectural and structural designs, drainage surveys and designs, ground surveys,
• For a big project, unless you already have experience, we would recommend employing a quantity surveyor. Although he or she will be an extra person to pay, we feel our QS has held our hands through the process and has helped everything run smoothly. Their experience and guidance in writing up the tender documents, drawing up contracts, monitoring costs and chairing monthly progress meetings is invaluable.
• Meet your builders before employing them. I’m sure that all the contractors who submitted a tender for the project would have done a great job, but it was so important for us to have a friendly, communicative team on board who we wouldn’t be afraid to call in the event of any problems.
• Have a healthy contingency!
To follow our progress, take a look at our Instagram @
dyffrynconwy.new.build
Homebuilding Centre earns Good Business accreditation
T
he Homebuilding Centre Limited, the employee-owned business behind the award- winning National Self Build & Renovation Centre, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the highly respected Good Business Charter (GBC) accreditation, underscoring its unwavering commitment to ethical business practices and social responsibility. The Good Business Charter is an independent certifi cation recognising responsible business behaviour across ten key components. These components ensure that businesses operate with integrity, fairness and respect for all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers and the environment. To earn the GBC accreditation, The Homebuilding Centre Limited adhered
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to the following ten principles: Real Living wage Fairer ours and Contracts Employee Wellbeing Employee Representation Euality, iversity and nclusion Environmental Responsibility ay Fair ax Commitment to Customers Ethical Sourcing rompt ayment to Suppliers. In a recent survey, 97% of people
expressed that they value businesses that operate ethically and sustainably.
he C’s independent certifi cation distinguishes The Homebuilding Centre Ltd as a leader in ethical capitalism, highlighting its commitment to putting people and the planet fi rst. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this signifi cant achievement. To learn more about the Good Business Charter and how it promotes responsible business practices, please visit
goodbusinesscharter.com.
The National Self Build & Renovation
Centre’s next event is the winter edition of the ‘National Self Build & Renovation Show’ taking place from Friday 31st January to Sunday 2nd
February. This is
always their best-attended event of the year, offering guidance and advice on sustainable and energy effi cient homes.
0345 223 4455
nsbrc.co.uk
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