A wide range of interesting articles that help you make informed decisions and deliver the best projects for your clients authored by our team of NBS subject specialists and construction industry contributors.
Writing clear and concise specifications is crucial on construction projects. A well-structured specification is not only essential for design success but can also prevent delays, unexpected costs and disputes. Here are five essential tips to help you get it right, from our Best Practice Guide to Specification Writing.
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The Eurocodes are a new set of European structural design codes for building and civil engineering works. Conceived and developed over the past 30 years, they are arguably the most advanced structural codes in the world.
The amended Building Regulations Approved Document L: 'Conservation of fuel and power' (coming into force in October 2010) will impose significant improvements in the energy efficiency standards of new domestic and non-domestic buildings and reduce carbon footprints of existing homes. This programme provides a snapshot of the likely changes and obligations to look out for.
This programme investigates the recent changes to BS 8300 'Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people'. BS 8300:2009 is a full amendment to the 2001 version, and includes changes brought about by active lobbying from disability groups.
Eurocode 2 is the new standard for the design of concrete structures. It has been hailed as a robust and rigorous design code, taking a less prescriptive approach to design.
Parts L, J, F and G of the Building Regulations Approved Documents have been amended. From October 2010, energy efficiency standards, improved ventilation rates and significant carbon reduction criteria are mandatory. Domestic properties must also reduce their average water use by 10 per cent. Presented by the main authors of the Approved Documents and other leading experts in the field, this programme explains the key issues to be aware of and the various methods of compliance.
This programme looks at the roles and responsibilities of Approved Inspectors, how they differ from Building Control Officers, and the relative benefits of each.
Graham North, national treasurer of the party wall surveyors' group Pyramus & Thisbe, explains the protocol required for the appointment of a surveyor or surveyors, how notice of work should be served, and how an 'award' is created and what it contains – including the all-important conditions survey.
