Jenrick Says ‘Overly Bureaucratic’ Planning System Should be Reformed

Jenrick Says ‘Overly Bureaucratic’ Planning System Should be Reformed

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has announced the government will re-think the planning system to speed up applications and simplify decision-making processes.

Mr Jenrick described the current planning system as “overly bureaucratic” in comments made this week, and called for reform as a way to help the economy recover following the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Mr Jenrick also said that the planning system will be rethought “from first principles”, and is reportedly working on a series of radical planning reforms. 

“I want everyone, no matter where in the country they live, to have access to affordable, safe, and high-quality housing, and to live in communities with a real sense of place. It’s time to re-think planning from first principles,” he said. “The time has come to speed up and simplify this country’s overly bureaucratic planning process”.

Mr Jenrick was speaking following the release of a report by the Policy Exchange think tank, which described the current planning system as a “straitjacket”.

What Changes Could be Made?

Press reports this week have claimed that the government is considering the introduction of US-style zonal planning in the UK. 

This would see key planning decisions made by local councils divided into sections, permitting automatic planning permission in certain areas, such as those helping to shape the layout of towns and cities, and enable various types of development. 

This, the government says, would simplify the process of granting planning permission for residential and commercial development.

The government is also reportedly convening an expert panel to plan substantive changes to the planning system, and could introduce a new fast-track planning system for builders of high-quality, well-designed buildings. 

(MORE: ‘Fast-Track’ Planning Permission Should be Granted for Beautiful Homes)

But the radical changes could move the planning system back, according to Tom Fyans, campaigns and policy director at the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), the countryside planning charity. 

“The call to rip up the red tape in our planning system only moves us backwards. We cannot continue to allow a free-for-all for speculative developers and deregulation won’t improve the quantity or quality of homes,” he said.

“Recent reforms haven’t tackled the affordable housing crisis but have allowed developers to get poorly designed housing developments through the system, often on appeal.” 

Jenrick insisted that high-quality design and sensitivity to local areas must be paramount to any new reforms, but there is concern that further deregulation could end up hurting development quality. 

“To create a planning system fit for the future the government must introduce reforms to strengthen local participation and ensure our countryside and green spaces are protected and enhanced, not just seen as land waiting to be developed,” said Fyans.

“Only then will we create truly liveable, genuinely affordable and low carbon places to live, with plenty of access to green spaces for all.”

Mr Jenrick pledged in March to speed up the planning system, although the Planning White Paper scheduled for release in spring is yet to be published. 

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Major renovations: planning the right home addition

A new kitchen, or even a sunroom, are great additions that add value to your home. Additions are also a way to improve your current home, without the need ever to move. Keep in mind that an addition is a significant investment, which means it needs proper planning.

Four Elements Construction in Edmonton provides high-quality home renovations. When it comes to a major home addition, they share some tips to help you plan ahead:

Make sure it’s a complementary addition

Don’t plan an addition if you only want to add value to your home or want to make it more seller attractive. Additions do add square footage and value, but the recoup is not something to rely on purely to sell. Small remodels such as new kitchen cabinets or updating your bathroom, will appeal to buyers and add value.

Instead, for a home addition, focus on something that will complement your home if you’re planning on a long-term stay. If your house is older and without a master bathroom, a bathroom addition will improve the room. A new room over your garage can make a great bonus room or work as a new, large bedroom. If you want to extend both interior and exterior square footage, then a sunroom is the perfect addition. See what your home is missing, and choose an addition that’ll enhance it. That way, it’s guaranteed to give your home a value boost, and even make it a market contender if you want to sell down the road.

Budget for changes to utilities as well

Having a project planned is the first step, but don’t forget to factor in changes to your monthly utilities. New rooms will need access to electricity, heating, and cooling, which will be an added expense. Depending on what addition you have in mind, this number will vary, so be sure to factor in the cost. A new bathroom will cost more in water bills, while a new second floor is likely to up the electricity bills. If you haven’t planned for monthly bill changes, it’ll be an unpleasant surprise after your addition is complete.

Decide now where to splurge or save

A good rule of thumb for splurging is to do so depending on the purpose of the room. If it’s a new living room, splurge on the right lighting system or crown moulding. In a bathroom addition, invest in high-quality cabinets and countertops. Investments such as these will add even more value to your home. Splurges can also be about décor, though, such as a focal feature fireplace or real hardwood floors. It’s a matter of knowing ahead of time where and on what you want to spend a little extra. Once you’ve decided, you can work the costs into your budget and plan the new designs.

Major Renovations in Edmonton

With over 10 years of experience providing quality renovations, Four Elements Construction guarantees they are the company to choose. They pride themselves in going above and beyond for every project and every customer. Whether you need a living room, kitchen, or basement renovation, or new addition, they can exceed your expectations.

Four Elements Construction is ready to transform your home, so call today!

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Lockdown Divorces Could Spike Property Sales by £9.3bn

Property sales could surge by £9.3bn this year because of a rise in divorce enquiries made during lockdown, research suggests.

There has been a 42% increase in divorce enquiries between 23 March and mid-May, compared with the same period in 2019, according to Co-op Legal Services.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that there are 91,299 divorces each year in England and Wales, and this 42% increase means that an additional 38,346 couples could be ending their relationship in 2020. 

While not all of these couples may sell their homes, estate agents Barrows and Forrester has calculated that with the average house price currently £243,809, the addition of these 38,000 homes could equate to a total value of £9.3bn in transactions for the housing market. 

James Forrester, managing director of Barrows and Forrester, said: “Unfortunately, divorce is an inevitable aspect of modern day life and one that has been exacerbated as a result of a lengthy lockdown at home with our significant other. 

“It’s also one of three influences that regularly see properties come to market, along with death and debt, as couples look to divvy up their existing assets in order to move on in life.”

Housing Market Recovery

The number of homes sold this year is likely to be significantly lower than in 2019, when it was over just one million according to Barrows and Forrester, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the housing market.

Around 373,000 property sales were put on hold during lockdown, with social distancing rules making home viewings and valuations more challenging. Although the housing market reopening in May led to housing demand hitting the highest level in nine weeks.

House prices have plummeted at their fastest rate since the financial crisis, it was reported last month, although experts disagree on how damaging the impact of the pandemic could be on the housing market, with experts predicting price falls of between 3% and a worst case scenario of 30%. 

But the increase in divorce enquiries could be a surprising route for the housing market to recover, depending on whether these initial enquiries are finalised and houses are subsequently put up for sale. 

“Of course, not all married couples will own their home and not all of them will opt to sell it on, with some using it as collateral within the divorce proceedings. However, many will take this route and with such a notable spike in the number of divorces, it’s very likely we will see a boost in the amount of stock reaching the market, and the value of homes sold,” said Forrester.

“The one positive of this is that we’ve seen a huge uplift in buyer demand since the property industry reopened last month but a continued hesitance by some sellers to list and this stock boost should help meet this demand while helping keep house prices buoyant.”

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Deck and fence features to improve curb appeal

Now that the sun is finally shining, you can enjoy spending time outdoors. If you have a deck that’s old and dated and needs some revamping, it’s the perfect time to make some changes. Updating or adding new features to your deck and fence can improve the look and feel of your yard, even increasing the value of your home. Here are some deck and fence features to improve the curb appeal of your home, from Highlander Construction LTD in Calgary.

Add a pergola to your deck

Need some shade over your deck? Consider building a pergola! It not only gives you the shade you need but makes the deck feel like an additional living space. It can be built with the same wood as your deck in order to match. This way, on those hot summer days, you can relax comfortably in the shade and still enjoy your deck.

Add wooden accents to your fence

There’s nothing wrong with a plain-looking fence: it gets the job done. However, if you’re looking for something extra to bring your yard to the next level, consider adding wooden accents. For instance, if your fence has a gate, put posts alongside it, or have a piece of wood extending above the gate to make the entrance grander. Something as simple as the added wood changes the look of your yard in an easy way.

Put decorative railing around your deck

Depending on the height or style of your deck, you may or may not already have a railing around it. If you don’t, it may be a feature worth considering. It not only adds an extra level of safety and privacy but gives you the ability to decorate. You could attach lighting, plants, or anything you want to make the space your own.

Add to the stairs on your deck

Stairs don’t have to exist purely for their function. One way to change the look of the stairs is by adding built-in planters along the sides. It gives you the chance to add pops of color to your deck to cut through all the wood. You could also include a wooden railing with different details to give your deck a much-needed makeover.

Deck and Fence Builders in Calgary

Highlander Construction LTD has dedicated itself to providing its clients with highly skilled craftsmen, superior quality, and exceptional craftsmanship tailored to your requirements at affordable prices. They deliver a comprehensive range of services in both interior and exterior renovation projects. From your initial consult to the overall completion of the project, they work with every client one on one to ensure your renovation dreams come true.

For more information, check out Highlander Construction LTD today!

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Why you need residential cleaning services

There is nothing like coming home to a sparkling clean house. Now more than ever, homeowners are prioritizing house cleaning. A clean home is a healthy home, especially when you hire residential cleaning services from Calgary Trusted Cleaners. Here’s why:

Your house gets a thorough clean, every time

Professional house cleaners are experienced and knowledgable cleaners. They go through a comprehensive checklist of things and areas to clean, every time they come into your home to do the job. The cleaning check-list will include every cleaning detail room-to-room including the kitchen, bathroom, living room, all bedrooms, and other parts of the home. Calgary Trusted Cleaners offers a deep cleaning regime, which can be done in between your scheduled standard cleaning services, to ensure your house cleaning is kept on top of.

They have equipment and supplies to your home healthy and safe

If you are worried about the health of your family, ask Calgary Trusted Cleaners about their electrostatic disinfecting cleaning services. If you’re worried about preventing viruses and bacteria from spreading in your home, this disinfecting process can help. Electrostatic spraying uses a special solution combined with air and is atomized by an electrode inside the sprayer. It adheres to surfaces and objects, effectively disinfecting those surfaces from thing viruses and bacteria that can cause illness.

Hiring house cleaners means more time for you

Maid services will free up your time, so you can spend it doing something other than cleaning. Whether that’s time spent relaxing, with family, working, or on other projects around the house, outsourcing your house cleaning can be very beneficial. Time is our most valuable resource, and you’ll find that cleaning services are affordable too. This small investment in maid services will give you that time, reduce stress, and enhance your quality of life.

Move out cleaning services takes the stress out of moving

Move out cleaning services will make moving homes so much easier. Moving is a stressful and time-consuming task. With packing, unpacking, dealing with landlords and real estate agents, the last thing you want to do is clean the house. Leave that to the professionals and you will have one less thing to worry about. Plus, professional cleaning can help you get your damage or security deposit back if you are moving out of a rental suite.

Have questions? Contact Calgary Trusted Cleaners!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Benefits of hiring a professional to help with AC services

Summer is well on its way, which means that your AC is going to see even more use. Regular maintenance and checkups will help keep it in tip-top shape, but don’t just rely on DIY. When you hire a professional, the benefits will go beyond just improving your AC.

Spark Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd.in Edmonton is a professional HVAC company. They share the many benefits of hiring their professionals for any AC services:

Save money in the long run

True, you are spending money to hire a professional, but you’ll end up saving more in the long run. Energy bills over the summer, frequency of repairs, and unexpected costs will all be lower thanks to a professional. Once your AC is professionally tuned, all you have to do is continue to keep up the care of your unit. Future maintenance will also cost less since your unit will only need a checkup and not a full-service repair.

Your AC will last longer

Regular maintenance of your AC will keep it running smoothly, but a professional ensures it does for so many years. Early warning signs of problems needing repair may not always be obvious or noticeable. Even just a dirty spring coil can affect how efficient your AC is and cause it to work harder than it needs. If your AC burns itself out prematurely, the unplanned cost of a replacement may be a financial blow.

In addition to professional maintenance checks, a tune-up will catch any such issues right away. Even if there isn’t an immediate issue, little corrections and basic cleaning will stop problems before they even appear.

Cleaner air and a cooler home

Dirty or clogged air conditioner filters and coils will very quickly affect the quality of your indoor air. People with allergies or sensitivity to dust will be affected by breathing in dirty air. It’ll also affect how well your AC can absorb heat and produce cold air. That’s why regular cleaning of your AC is essential, but so is hiring a professional for the rest of your home’s system. Beyond just the unit itself, a professional will look at your air handler and ductwork. Air handlers move air throughout your home, helping with cleaner air quality. Likewise, the ductwork helps distribute hot and cold air throughout your home. If either becomes dirty or clogged, it affects the cleanliness of your air and efficiency of the AC.

You’ll get the right size

If you’re buying new or replacing your old AC, you must choose the right size. Too small and your unit will overwork itself trying to cool your home, and likely still not be able to. An oversized AC risks short cycling, meaning it cools your home too quickly. When this happens, your home isn’t properly dehumidified, leading to a build-up of moisture in the air. A professional, though, will be able to help you choose the right size for your home. Not only that, but they’ll also work within your budget, so you don’t have to crunch funds or make compromises. They’ll ensure your home is both cool and energy-efficient throughout the whole year!

HVAC Contractors in Edmonton

With a team of trained and skilled professionals, Spark Heating & Air Conditioning is the company to call. They guarantee top quality work that’ll exceed your expectations and needs every time. Their services include everything from air conditioners, furnaces, repairs, installations, and more.

Call now and have Spark Heating & Air Conditioning service your home!

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One Third of Construction Firms’ Revenues Have Dropped by 50% or More During Pandemic

Over a third of construction companies have seen their incomes drop by at least 50% during the coronavirus pandemic, new research shows. 

Economic data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed the economic impact of Covid-19 on the construction sector, with the latest data covering the two weeks to 17 May. 

Only the arts, entertainment and recreation and accommodation and food service sectors have been hit worse than the construction section, ONS reports. 

The Business Impact of Coronavirus Survey was sent out in the first weeks of May, and received responses from just over 1,700 construction firms.

Around 40% of building companies said their revenues have decreased by 50% or more, and 35% of firms report having less than three months’ cash reserves due to the pandemic lockdown. 

Meanwhile, roughly one in 20 of these firms (5.2%) reported they were in serious financial jeopardy with less than one month’s cash reserves remaining.

Uncertain Future

Construction firms have been faced with site closures and having to furlough or even lay off staff in the past few months. Around 48% of construction companies have furloughed staff, the highest percentage out of all sectors.

At the time of the survey being sent out, 20% of firms surveyed had halted trading, while an average of 42% of staff were on furlough. But since then, more staff have returned to work as sites reopen. 

This could explain why 35% of construction businesses which had paused trading reported they were expecting to resume work within the next two weeks.

The pandemic has caused severe financial problems across the homebuilding industry, but construction workers returning to work last month and building suppliers reopening their doors as lockdown eases are positive signs.

Noble Francis, chief economist at the Construction Products Association, is wary however that the outlook remains decidedly uncertain for the industry. 

“Clearly the proportion of staff on furlough will fall as sites reopen but what we don’t know is what happens after the initial flurry of activity to complete halted projects, given the fall in demand and new orders since Covid-19.”

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

House Prices Fall for Third Consecutive Month, Halifax Reports

House prices fell for the third consecutive month in May, according to Halifax, as the coronavirus lockdown continues to notably affect the housing market.

The average price of a house is now £237,808, which dropped 0.2% in May (£506), following dips of 0.6% in April and 0.3% in March. 

Experts have predicted overall price drops of between 3% and 30% (a worst case scenario) through the year, as the full effects of Covid-19 takes its toll on the economy. 

Halifax’s forecast is less severe than Nationwide’s house price index, released earlier this month, which reported that prices have plummeted at the fastest rate since the financial crisis in 2009. 

In fact, Halifax’s data suggests that market activity could actually be poised to pick up. May’s house prices are 2.6% higher than in the same period in 2019. 

Russell Galley, managing director at Halifax, said: “Looking ahead, we expect market activity to increase progressively as restrictions are eased further across the whole of the UK and we continue to have confidence in the underlying health of the housing market over the long term.”

Hard to Predict

Experts still believe that the housing market is difficult to predict, especially as the full impact of the lockdown measures on the property market, and the economy, are not yet fully known. 

Galley adds: “It should still be noted that with a limited number of transactions available, calculating average house prices remains challenging and increased volatility is to be expected.

“The extent of downward pressure on market confidence and prices over the coming months will depend on how quickly the economy is able to recover from the effects of the pandemic and the available government policy support for jobs and households.”

Changing consumer behaviour could also be influential. Nationwide’s findings earlier this month revealed that potential buyers are now planning to wait six months on average before entering the housing market, and that 12% had put off moving homes because of the lockdown. 

Ross Counsell, director at Good Move, said: “Consumer behaviour will undoubtedly change. For example, sellers will start to accept lower offers on their properties, whilst buyers will begin to consider other things when buying a new home, for example, space in the household and outdoors will be a necessity.”

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Hire a professional to handle floor removal and preparation

It’s likely that at some point, your old floors will be the focus of your next renovation. That might mean an old carpet or outdated laminate, but either way, the flooring has got to go. DIY might be tempting, but when it comes to the nitty, gritty of floor removals, leave it to the professionals.

KN Construction in Winnipeg is a professional general contracting company that also specializes in flooring services. They share the benefits of leaving your floor removal to their professionals:

Different ways to remove different floors

Removing old flooring isn’t quite as simple as tearing out your old carpets and laying down new hardwood instead. For each type of floor, there are different methods when it comes to removal. Linoleum or vinyl, for example, are removed either by scraping or cutting if there is a plywood subfloor. If scraped free, the glue left on the subfloor will also need to be scraped away. Removing a tile floor, though, means a lot more tools and time is involved, starting with a hammer and chisel to even get started.

Some flooring may be easy to DIY, but if you have different floors in your home, call in a professional. They’ll readily know the best way to properly remove those old floors and come prepared with all the right tools.

Pros keep your air clean of dust

With wood and tile floors, in particular, there is a lot of dust that can get kicked up during the removal. Not only will the post-cleanup take some time, but dust can very quickly spread throughout your home. Aside from the new need to regularly dust, if anyone in your home has allergies, it’ll worsen the symptoms. One of the main benefits of a professional, though, is their skill at limiting any spread of dust. With the right tools and experience, they’ll remove your floors in a dust-free manner. At the end of the work, not only will your new floors look amazing, but your air will be just as clean and safe.

Time-efficient and stress-free

Including new flooring on top of any other renovation plans and work can add a lot of stress. If you’re working under a strict timeline as well, you don’t want to spend it all on removing old floors. With a professional, quick, and efficient floor removal and preparation is second nature for them. Part of the work will also include handling all the clean-up post floor removal, so you won’t even have to lift a finger there. Once your old floors are gone, leave it to your contractor to also install your new floors. That way, you’ll save twice the time and stress, leaving you free to focus on other renovation tasks.

Get some professional suggestions

Before you settle on a new floor or decide to use the same material, talk to your contractor. With many years of experience, they’ll likely have some design tips for you. They can help with choosing the right material for different rooms and even what colours will look best. If you’re renovating to prepare to sell, ask about what type of floor buyers will look for or notice.

Despite DIY seeming like an ideal way to save some costs during a renovation, professional work is always an investment. When you hire a professional, they will ensure the quality of your new floor. In the long run, you’ll save future costs on repairs or bad installations while enjoying the value boost to your home.

General Contractors in Winnipeg

KN Construction prides itself on providing quality services while ensuring a stress-free experience. In addition to offering full home renovations, they also specialize in flooring services to cover all your home renovation needs. From start to finish, KN Construction will guarantee you love the transformation of your home.

Contact KN Construction today!

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RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.  It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you as the best.
More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Always leave hot water heater installations to the pros

If you’ve already invested in a new water heater, it may be tempting to DIY the installation. After all, you’ll save some money by doing it yourself. Still, with most HVAC systems, it’s always better to invest in the help of a professional.

Oceanside Mechanical in Vancouver provides professional plumbing, heating, and gasfitting services. They explain why you’ll benefit more from hiring their professionals for the job:

You’ll get the right size and right heat source

The wrong sized water heater will quickly push up those energy bills and cause issues with heating. You may continuously run out of hot water if you have a large family with a too-small heater. Too big, though, and the heater will waste energy by heating more water than your home needs. The right fuel is another matter to consider, both for heating speeds and money savings. Electricity and natural gas are the two most common fuels, and both are a budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though, that you may only have access to one source.

When you work with a professional, they’ll help you choose the right-sized heater for your home. Not only that, but they can also work through the best fuel options for your home and your budget. Investing in a new natural gas line, for example, may bring better savings in the future. With a professional helping, you won’t have to guess at the right option or accidentally invest in the wrong one.

It’s an investment into a proper installation

Installing a water heater may seem tempting to DIY, but it’s one cost that you don’t want to bypass. A bad installation can cause not only unnecessary energy spikes but also risks the safety of your home. Unnoticed leaks can cause mould to grow, affecting your health and home. Likewise, if the heater itself becomes damaged, it can result in a premature breakdown and a costly replacement.

Hire a professional to take away any of that stress or uncertainty regarding the safety of your heater. They will guarantee your water heater is installed properly the first time, and quickly at that. The investment into a professional will pay off with future savings, as your heater will run smoothly and properly for many years. Just make sure to also have them come back for regular preventative maintenance check-ups!

Pros know about hot water heater codes

If you didn’t already know, even hot water heaters come with specific codes and safety requirements. If you DIY without knowing and later plan to sell, you may run into some serious issues. Even if you know the codes, having someone with years of experience cannot be understated. Professionals will know about all safety regulations for every type of heater and will properly handle the installation. Coupled with the certifications and insurance of a professional, it’ll be a major value boost to your home. If you do sell in the future, you will rest easy knowing your heater will pass any checks.

Plumbers in Vancouver

With over 20 years of experience, Oceanside Mechanical guarantees quality service and skill. They provide professional plumbing, heating, and gasfitting installations, maintenance, and repairs. They pride themselves on delivering peace of mind and help for all your needs.

Contact Oceanside Mechanical today!

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RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.  It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you as the best.
More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

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