Boxing Day

Another year over

Well, that's it, another Christmas over.  Another year gone - they seem to pass quicker as each year passes!

Taking the traditional walk to church to sing a few hymns and posting Christmas cards to my neighbours as I stroll.

Funny how I never seem to tire of doing the same things each year - in fact I actively revel in them, including having all the family round for dinner along with the inevitably chaos that will occur.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day is a totally different story and allows me to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet and mull on what lies ahead.
This day is celebrated across Europe and Canada and known as St Stephens Day.  It was instigated by the Aristocracy as they gave boxes of presents to their staff.

Nowadays we are more likely to spend the day watching television, taking in a soccer match or going for a walk.  I much prefer the modern version!
 
Watching old movies and contemplating on the previous days events.  Trying on the oversize, traditional jumper and deciding whether to quietly take it back and get a different size or hang it in the wardrobe, knowing that it will never been word but not wanting to upset anyone.

Will it be wealth and wisdom or is it all to late for me?  For the moment I have a new job in the right field has got to be a good start!  What happens after that, we shall just have to wait and see!

There's no doubt that the relaxation of Boxing Day is something that is much needed after the chaos of Christmas!

I am going to try to make an effort to watch my words and think before I speak.  It's all to easy to say something without thinking sometimes.

And on that note - a Happy New Year to you all!

Don't apologise for Christmas

Sitting here relaxing after a peaceful Christmas day I find it hard to believe how some try their best to destroy this relaxing time of year.  After all, it doesn't effect anybody how I choose to spend my holidays but it seems there is always someone who thinks they have the right to change my way of thinking.
For me personally I am happy to wish all people, of all religions, a happy and peaceful Christmas.  Now it may well be that some do not celebrate the Christmas break the same way as me but I don't see why I should feel guilty because of the way I do.  After all, "Religious tolerance lies at the heart of any civilised society. 

It is the right to respect the traditions and cultures of others."  "But because we respect and tolerate the views of others, it doesn't mean we have to apologise for our own beliefs, traditions or cultures".

All to often nowadays we are having our traditions undermined by a few of the 'politically correct' and 'the apathetic parts of our society'

The ridiculous attitudes of some and our concern of offending minorities is enforcing us to change the way we look at Christmas and performing traditional plays such as Scrooge.

This is not an imaginary loss as it is part of our heritage that is being erased r many kids.  It is time we reminded ourselves that we are largely a Christian Country and should be proud of our heritage. 

Why should we have to apologise or shy away from the religious element of Christmas?

Why are the angry crew so determined to be offended on behalf of others?  The truth is it is not just a few small-minded, petty people who instigate this but a self-righteous minority who want to change the views of the rest of us.

How long before they try to change our language by the back door because they know they would never get away with it if they argued for it openly? 

No doubt the usual crew will say I am being paranoid in my attitude and expect me to retract my view.  This simply makes my point for me as I am getting fed up with petty restrictions being imposed by the few who are allowed to enforce us on how we should conduct ourselves.

So finally, I hope you have all had a fantastic Christmas with a prosperous new year ahead.

http://dreamhomestoday.blogspot.co.uk

Has Health and safety got a lot to answer for?

When my kids ask me what it was like 'in the old days', I smile with the realisation that 20 years is forever in their young minds.  It's when I look at the famous image of the steel workers sitting on the RSJ, having their lunch while working on the building of the Empire State Building, it becomes very evident how health and safety issues have improved in the construction Industry in recent years.
This building that was constructed in 1929 and completed in 1931 was 102 floors and 38 metres high. 

When looking at the many images available it is easy to look in amazement at the conditions that they were expected to work in.  Perhaps it was mind over matter or just a case of needing the work!  Yet with all this, statistics show that only 5 people died!  One can only wonder how many more were covered up.

When looking back on the days when I used to push plaster up the wall for a living the world is a different place.  In those days Plasterers used to be expected to lay floors as part of their role, Plumbers were expected to be Gas-fitters while 1st fix Carpenters were expected to carry out a Joiners role and make the windows before they fitted them.  Who-ever had heard of UPVC windows?  All roles have changed beyond comparison.

The only thing that seems to be dragging behind is Health and Safety.
In Afghanistan 448 British soldiers have been killed since 2001 while 760 construction workers have been killed during the same period.  People are still suffering from ill health due to matters such as asbestos, lifting weights, noise and dermatitis.
Even with all the regulations that we have put upon us such as the CDM regulations 1994 and RIDDOR 1995.  Now we are expected to wear the correct PPE for any given circumstance to ensure our safety as much as possible.  Undoubtedly, the use of welfare provisions such as decent toilets and eating areas make for a happier workplace.  But we mustn't allow any room for complacency.

In comparison, the 'Burj Khalifa' in Dubai is 828m tall and was built between 2004 -2009 with 1 recorded death!  This was the tallest building in the world at that time.
Construction has changed beyond recognition.  It's about time Health and Safety caught up with it!

It's all a matter of taste

Refurbishment
I always listen with interest when I hear of someone building their own home. There are of course many cases whereby someone buys a derelict property and does it up from scratch. This will likely include changing the doors and windows as well as the standard redecorations and refurbishment such as a new bathroom and kitchen. However they are restricted to a certain amount by the size of the openings and the design of the original structure. In many cases the soldier brickwork around the top of the openings have been designed to emphasis the door or window opening, and changing the size of the opening will have a detrimental effect with the rest of the house.

New build
In the case of a new build, even more consideration needs to be given to the final look and intended future for the property.
I am in complete agreement with building your own home if it is only for the tax savings as you only pay 5% on new build properties rather then 20% on refurbs. On top of that you can make the property more energy efficient and better insulated which will save you money in the long run.
Of course, the main reason people choose to build from scratch is to get the design and size they want providing they stay within planning regulations. This allows you to have as many rooms as you like and include any additional features that may take your fancy.

Planning for the future
One of the many hundred things that can go wrong is getting the design right for any future owners. It is all right being 'loud' with your colour choice because that is what suits, providing you intend to live in it for quite a few years. The more items you include that are a tad 'off the wall', the more likely you will restrict your selling audience. Just because you think it looks fantastic doesn't necessarily mean your potential buyer will. Remember, having massive rooms cost more to heat and keep clean especially shared rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens.


On the other hand, what's the point in all the aggravation of building your dream home if you are going to make lots of compromises and design it for the next owner? So just be warned to give lots of consideration to the future of the property.  It's all a matter of taste!

UK Construction output fell during October 2014

 

Surprise drop in UK construction

Construction output in October grew at its slowest annual pace since May 2013

 

Output in the UK construction industry suffered a sharp fall in October, official figures have shown.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said output dropped by 2.2% in October from the month before.

However, there was a sharp upwards revision to construction output growth for the third quarter of the year, which doubled to 1.6%.

The ONS said this could mean that overall economic growth in the quarter could be revised up to 0.8% from 0.7%.

It said this assumed growth in manufacturing and services remained unchanged in the quarter.

The ONS publishes its third and final estimate of GDP for the third quarter on 23 December.
Data warning
As well as falling in October, construction output grew by just 0.7% when compared with a year earlier, the slowest annual growth rate since May 2013.

The ONS said there were reductions in output across the construction industry, with only public new work - excluding infrastructure - showing a slight increase.

Last week, the closely-watched Markit Purchasing Managers' Index for the construction sector showed activity expanded at the slowest pace in more than a year in November.

Data on Tuesday showed manufacturing output fell unexpectedly in October after a strong September, but economists said the country's economic recovery still looked set to slow only slightly at the end of 2014.

On Thursday, the UK Statistics Authority said the monthly construction output data had fallen below required standards for it to be considered a "national statistic".

It said this was because the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (DBIS) had failed to meet a request to improve data standards on costs and prices.

The ONS said it was working with DBIS to introduce a new methodology by March.C

Is your loft suitable for converting?

With the additional costs involved with buying a bigger house, I occasionally get asked about the advantages of a loft conversion in comparison to an extension to the rear of a property. 
Quite naturally, many find it hard to believe that a loft conversion will probably cost them more then a new build.  As the walls appear to be already constructed, understandably, one would expect the costs to be the other way round.

Loft conversions

Converting the space under the roof of your home can be a cost effective way of creating extra bedrooms.  But not all lofts are suitable for conversion and consideration must be given to:

• Height:  Is there enough room in your loft to stand up?  For your loft to classified as a bedroom you will need a minimum of 2m headroom.  Remember, this will be after new floors have been fitted which may take up another 300mm of headroom.
• Floor-space:  Is the floor area big enough to make a useable room?
• Utilities:  Will any chimneys, tanks or pipes need moving to create a usable space?
• Is there enough room on the landing to fit your new staircase on the second floor?
• A Dormer window may not be acceptable if the pitch of the main roof is too shallow.

Any loft conversion is a complex project and will need professional plans drawn up by an Architect and approved by your local councils building control team - you may also need Planning Permission so best check with your local Authority Planning Department.

Extensions to the rear of property

Unlike loft conversions there are very few, 'hidden' costs which allow a better idea on the overall budget.  Most builders will give you a sqm price to allow you to work out the final costs but always make sure you get at least three quotes and a breakdown on what you are getting for your money.
Consideration must also be given to the need for the additional room.  Should it be for someone who uses a wheelchair or elderly you would need to go for the extension rather then the loft conversion.  Large extensions will not get planning permission if they are outside of the building line or cause a loss of natural light to the neighbours.

In either type of extension it is always best to discuss your plans with the neighbours and Building Control first to avoid any problems at a later stage.  In this modern world thought also needs to be put into Environmental issues such as solar gained - thermal insulation to walls and ceilings, recycled materials, double glazing and a highly efficient heating system.       

Comparison between the options

When all your costs are put together it may be more beneficial to move house rather then the inconvenience of a construction project in your home.
The main difference between the two options is the need for a fire assessment of the property.  This will include escape windows at the first floor, the kitchen must have a 'fire resisting' construction and all doors in the property must be fire resistant.  The ceilings may need upgrading with all rooms needing smoke alarms.  All fire doors need to be continually checked to ensure they are doing the role they were intended for.  All smoke alarms will also need checking regularly.

Due to these additional costs that are not necessary on the ground floor, the extension on the ground level works out cheaper as well as being more useable friendly to all.  

http://dreamhomestoday.blogspot.co.uk

Never Assume

IT Confusion

Why does it always seem that everyone else understands computers better then me?

It seems that every time I start a new job role I am told 'there will be a new computer package you will need to use but you will soon get used to it'!

It's about this time when the panic sets in and when you are hoping you will get to understand this package without making yourself look totally useless.

Many moons ago back in the 1960's, the US Department of Defence sent a message over the ARPANET to Stanford Research Institute.  This would officially become the first network in the world to use Internet Protocol.

Little did they realise the massive effect they would cause for the future of the world at that particular time.  This was well before the days of any social media enterprises such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or any of the many other method that are today routinely used for raising awareness and improving branding for individual companies.

For many years Microsoft and Apple followed the same basic principles but nowadays it seems that the more confusing they can make things the better.  Statistically, three quarters of the information on the latest I Phone is not understood by it's owner so why continue insisting on investing even more in the latest one?

Surely, simplicity has got to be the best option.  The current Information Technology (IT) environment offers too many excuses for failure.  Was the continuous chanting of the multiplication table around the classroom such a bad thing?  After all, so many of us learnt our times tables that way.

Perhaps even more disconcerting is the distance it is driving between parents and children.  We have always struggled when our offspring have asked us how to do a piece of work set by their Teacher, but nowadays we are expected to know how to configure it by the use of some computer package we have never heard of!

Saying all this, I still get a thrill when I hear someone scream at their computer, 'why won't this thing do what I want it to?' especially when I can say 'let me help you with that'.

Perhaps I am not quite a dinosaur after all!

http://dreamhomestoday.blogspot.co.uk