Are you looking forward to the long weekend? We certainly are, and we wanted you to know that our office will be closed on Good Friday & Easter Monday so all of our staff can enjoy the weekend and hopefully the sunshine.
Happy Easter đŁđŁđŁ
Alcumus Safecontractor Accreditation
Bryburn have today achieved Alcumus Safecontractor after going through a series of audits over the last week!!
Health & Safety
At Bryburn, health and safety on-site is at the top of our list of priorities â we want to make sure that not only our site managers, builders and labourers work in a safe environment, but that homeowners, or any visitors to site can feel comfortable and secure.
Health and safety in the construction sector is so important due to the high-risk nature of building sites. A combination of heavy machinery and the nature of the work involved mean that taking unnecessary risks can be devastating.
Below are our top five tips for on-site health and safety.
1 Proper site organisation:
Improper site organisation is where most health and safety issues can stem from. Organising a construction site is a many headed beast, including but not limited to, traffic management, public safety, materials storage, waste management, welfare and administration.
The key to good site organisation is proper planning and preparation. Before we start any build, we ensure that our site managers create a project logistics plan to outline the organisation of the site. This includes a rundown of where materials should be stored, safety rally points, emergency contacts, locations of entry and exit gateways for both pedestrians and vehicles, site boundaries and much more. This plan is then clearly posted on-site and rigorously followed.
2 Communication:
Communication can be key to having a tightly run, safe site. Before work begins it is important to alert everyone on your project site of potential hazards and safety procedures. It is a good idea to create safety outline guidelines that explain the rules of the site (i.e. PPE required, which walkways to use, where vehicles can be left etc) and who is in charge. Any guests to the build should be required to sign-in and meet with someone on-site so that they can be briefed on any current safety concerns.
Signage is vital to a safe site. Be sure that signs are posted to alert everyone of job site hazards. Your site should have the proper signs and barricades needed to keep it a safe working environment and to keep people informed.
3 Training:
Good training can go a long way to reducing risk taking on site. It is unfair to expect your workforce to go out to a site and work safely if you havenât educated them on what safe work looks like. There are thousands of resources available to provide workers with the proper training, and nothing is more important for site safety that providing proper training.
ALL of our on-site staff are provided with full inductions, safety briefings and toolbox talks to ensure that they know how to work safely and securely.
4 Morning meetings
Having short catch-ups every morning before work starts can help put health and safety concerns in the forefront of the minds of your workforce. You can point out critical safety concerns on the site, what is planned for the day, and what everyone needs to be thinking about. Not only will these meetings ensure that more attention is paid to health and safety, but it can help increase productivity by outlining a plan for the day.
5 Participation and teamwork
Health and safety can sometimes be viewed as an annoying hoop to jump through on the way to completing a build. It is important to eliminate this kind of attitude. A way of doing this is making it clear that EVERYONE on-site must follow the presented health and safety guidelines. Ensure that every member of the workforce from the site manager to the hod carriers follow the same rules when working on site. This will make it clear that everyone is in this together and that no one, no matter their position, can cut corners.
Our commitment to health and safety
Our commitment to health and safety means that all our workforce is provided with the appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and inductions and toolbox talks are given to all sub-contractors working on our sites. It is also vital to us that ALL site managers are fully first aid trained and that the welfare facilities we provide on our sites exceed the legal minimum requirements.
In addition to ensuring everyone is competent to carry out their work safely, and that there is adequate supervision to make sure arrangements are followed, we implement rigorous risk control systems and procedures for the protection of all our workforce and clients.
We have impeccable health and safety reports from all our sites carried out by an independent consultant.
We are proud to announce we are now members of the CHAS (The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) and Constructionline Gold with Acclaim SSIP. These prestigious accreditations are part of our commitment to go above and beyond regulated standards. At Bryburn we care about our customers, clients and workforce, and ensuring their comfort and safety is our main priority.
Merry Christmas!
Please note: Our offices will be closed from 12:30pm on Friday 16th December 2022 for the companyâs Christmas party đ .
Our offices will reâopen on Monday 19th December 2022 as normal.
Our offices will then be closed from 12.30pm on Friday 23rd December 2022 and will reâopen at 8.30am Tuesday 3rd January 2023.
âMerry Christmas and a Happy New Year from us all at Bryburn Ltd đâđâ
#party #christmas #construction #celebrate
Job Vacancies
DO YOU WANT A NEW CHALLENGE?
DO YOU WANT A COMPANY THAT CHALLENGES YOU?
DO YOU WANT A COMPANY THAT DEVELOPS YOU?
DO YOU WANT A COMPANY THAT REWARDS YOU?
IF YES WE ARE THE COMPANY FOR YOU!!!!
Bryburn, is a forward thinking dynamic business, renowned for delivering excellence and exceeding customer expectations.
We have recently secured a number of framework agreements within our Fit-Out Division, in Defence, Hospitality and Social Housing.
We therefore, require the following personnel:
* Estimators
* Quantity Surveyors
* Site Managers (SMSTS, first aid)
* Working Supervisors (SSSTS, first aid)
* Contracts Managers
Covering the South West, South East and Midlands.
In the first instance, please email your CV to lisa@bryburn.co.uk.
New Project – Bungalow Extension & Refurbishment
The refurbishment of an existing bungalow and rear extension has commenced and has progressed well in advance of the anticipated programme.
All internal demolition has been completed with new internal partition walls constructed, 1st and 2nd fix M&E completed.
The new extension foundations and ground floor structure is completed awaiting delivery of the supporting steels.
New replacement windows have been installed.
Do you need planning permission?
If you’re considering building new, renovating, or simply adding an extension to your home, you’re probably thinking about planning permission too. It can be a daunting prospect. However, you may not actually have to go through planning permission- not all home improvement projects require it.
Sometimes certain renovations must meet Building Regulations however so it’s best to check before you get started.
Here’s a list of improvements and installations that don’t always require planning permission:
House extension
You can often extend or add to your house without the need for planning permission, provided you meet certain limits and conditions. These typically involve: the dimensions of your proposed extension, the position on the house and the proximity to your boundaries.
Planning permission is needed if more than half the area of land around the ‘original house’ would be covered by additions or other buildings.
Conservatories
Conservatories fall under the same restriction as single storey extensions. As they are typically modest in size, planning permission isnât needed. It is important to check that you meet Building Regulations and certain planning conditions, for example, that the conservatory does not exceed 50% of the total area of land around the house.
Garages
Garages can generally be built in your garden or on land surrounding a home, without the need for planning permission.
However, Building Regulations approval is required for the construction of a garage attached to an existing home, and for converting a garage into habitable use.
Porches
Adding a porch to any external door of your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, unless: the porch has a ground area of more than 3 square metres, it’s higher than 3 metres above ground level, or it’s less than 2 metres away from the boundary of a dwelling house with a highway (which includes all public roads, footpaths, bridleways and byways).
Loft conversion
If youâre simply converting it to living spaces then planning permission is not needed. However, if youâre extending or altering the roof space, beyond certain limitations then planning permission does apply. These limitations include a volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced houses and 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached houses.
Roof windows
You donât need planning permission to install roof windows as long as the new window is no higher than the highest part of the roof, and it does not project more than 150mm from the existing roof plane.
Solar panels
Planning permission is not required, but certain limitations must be met. This includes, for instance, that panels should not be installed above the highest part of the roof (excluding the chimney) and should project no more than 200mm from the roof slope or wall surface.
Windows & Doors
Repairs, maintenance or minor improvements, such as repainting, to windows and door frames donât require planning permission. The same applies for the insertion of new windows and doors- as long as the appearance of the house isnât materially altered.
An instance where you might require planning permission is if youâre inserting a new bay window, as this is treated as an extension.
For more detailed information on the above and to find out about other home alterations which donât require planning permission, you can visit planningportal.gov.uk
If you would like to get your project kicked off, Bryburn would be happy to assist. Please feel free to get in touch:
Email:Â info@bryburn.co.uk
Tel: 02392 893191 or 02392 893193
Or connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn
[1] Planning applications in England: January to March 2018. Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, June 2018. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/planning-applications-in-england-january-to-march-2018
Innovations in the building industry
Technological innovations are transforming the building industry and stretching the boundaries of what is possible in construction. These innovations can, in various ways, improve the aesthetics, quality and scope of projects, as well as having a broader impact on encouraging better, more sustainable, practice.
Here are some of the innovations that made an impact in 2017:
Environmentally friendly asphalt
In recent years, recycled bottles and other single-use plastics have been used in asphalt. In Sydney, recycled printer toner is being incorporated into an environmentally friendly asphalt mix. Other, sustainable, alternatives like algae and cooking oil are also being explored.
3D printing
Two concrete bridges, in Spain and the Netherlands, were constructed on-site using commercial 3D printers last year. The benefits of this method are that fewer resources are needed i.e. structures require only the amount of cement that will be used, require no formwork (lessening waste), and can be built into shapes previously only achievable with extensive CGI work.
Construction-site Robots
Several new applications are being deployed on construction sites, including SAM (Semi-Automated Mason), the bricklaying robotthat works alongside human masons to increase productivity and reduce physical strain on workers. This has the potential to fill in the gaps left by labour shortages.
Virtual Reality (VR) in Preconstruction
VR is being used by developers to review immersive, 3D environments of architectural designs. Using a combination of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology and VR headsets, those involved in the project i.e. architects, project managers and engineers, can identify design flaws and better map their approach to building it.
Augmented Reality (AR)
This technology is still very much in the development stage, but has the potential to be used on-site as a tool for creating the structure exactly as the design envisioned it by projecting virtual images into the userâs line of sight.
These innovations are becoming more and more applicable and less theoretical. Earlier this year, the government called on the housebuilding industry to embrace the latest innovations to ensure we are âraising the bar on the quality of new homesâ. With the aim of delivering 300,000 new homes in England by the mid-2020s, ministers have declared it essential that better quality design is employed.
This should encourage first-time buyers and foster more community support for new build developments. For instance, virtual reality could be used to visualise proposed new housing from the homebuyer or neighboursâ perspectives so âcommunities will be able to see how development can visually contribute to the area from an early stage, even before planning permission has been granted.â
At Bryburn, we are very keen to see how these latest innovations develop and benefit our industry, and will be keeping our eyes and ears to the ground.
The work doesnât stop when the build is complete
Construction is an industry filled with potential missteps and pitfalls. Itâs important to be diligent and adhere to vital health and safety and best practise requirements, but attention to detail and due diligence shouldnât stop when the build is complete. Providing an aftercare service helps make sure that clients and tenants can continue to enjoy their new space even after the job is done, without having to worry about potential issues. Providing aftercare to a project or development should also be a sense of pride for any construction company worth its salt.
At Bryburn we strive to make sure that we provide the best aftercare possible on our projects. As a business that also works to develop and adapt properties for people with severe disabilities it is even more important that we are on hand to maintain and redevelop our builds when required.
As an example, we were recently appointed to design and construct a disability ramp, complete with safety handrailing, for a wheelchair user to replace an uneven, dangerous and impractical set of steps that were making life extremely difficult for our client.
By working sympathetically with them we were able to come up with a solution that was not only economic, but genuinely enhanced the lifestyle and living environment for the end user.
Below are just a few of the aftercare services and assets that itâs vital to supply to a client post-build.
Multi-Trade skilled operatives
Each build is different, and even post-build a variety of different issues can crop up, from electrical faults to unexpected environmental issues. So, itâs important to have multiple staff and contractors on hand with a wide range of skillsets. You cannot guarantee true aftercare if you do not have a quick, varied and responsive workforce.
At Bryburn we provide a dedicated team of professional multi-trade skilled, fully DBS checked operatives. Theyâre able to respond to any ongoing maintenance requirements and can efficiently carry out repairs to properties in a quick and timely manner, by working on a variety of issues from lighting/electrical to painting and general upkeep of any build type.
A planned and reactive maintenance service
Sometimes the maintenance required by a client just cannot wait. It could be a dangerous electrical fault or a structural issue that would make the property dangerous to be in. In these circumstances it is vital to provide clients and tenants with a fast and responsive service. Failing to get someone out to fix a fault as soon as possible can in some cases run the risk of the customer being homeless, not to mention hazardous for a businessâs reputation.
We offer a range of maintenance services, from a programme of planned and preventative works to a prompt responsive call out service. We have a dedicated helpdesk that understands and manages any needs that clients may have, and our staff can talk them through the process, give advice and assist in providing the best service suitable for every situation.
Operations and Maintenance training
For any business investing in training is vital to stay ahead of the curve and the construction industry is no different. What is different however, is offering clients training on their new development or adaptation. For a homeowner, tenant or facilities manager, learning the ins and outs of the property and how to use its various components means that they can have almost complete autonomy when living in or using it.
We provide operations and maintenance training to end users, so they can get the best out of the building and systems installed. Our friendly and personal staff will conduct training on the best methods of maintaining their facilities. The aim of the training is to give clients a better understanding of the construction of their property and assess work needed to maintain a healthy environment.
Contact us
Whether the work is planned or reactive, our team provide a prompt and professional service to satisfy and exceed our customer expectations. If you would like to discuss further work on your existing Bryburn development or new project or would like to make use of our maintenance team, donât hesitate to contact us.
Email:Â info@bryburn.co.uk
Tel: 02392 893191 or 02392 893193
Review of building regulations and fire safety
In 2016/17, there were a total of 37,718 dwelling fires attended by fire and rescue services in Great Britain[1]. Although occupier behaviour is typically the major reason for fires starting, the design and characteristics of a building will affect the potential for a fire to spread or to be undetected and, therefore, impact on the likelihood of the fire causing harm[2].
Independent review of building regulations and fire safety[3]
In 2017, the government announced an independent review of building regulations and fire safety. This forward-looking independent review, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, Chair of EEF, the Manufacturersâ Organisation, was to look at current building regulations and fire safety with a particular focus on high rise residential buildings. The final report is due this Spring, and it will report jointly to the Communities Secretary Sajid Javid and the former Home Secretary Amber Rudd.
The review was to consider:
- The regulatory system around design, construction and on-going management in relation to fire safety.
- Compliance and enforcement issues.
- International regulation and experience in this area.
In December 2017, the interim report was published, calling for a ‘universal shift in culture’. Its key findings were:
- A culture change is required – with industry taking greater responsibility for what is built – this change needs to start now.
- The current system for ensuring fire safety in high-rise buildings is not fit for purpose.
- A clear, quick and effective route for residents to raise concerns and be listened to, must be created.
This was accompanied with the following statement from Dame Judith Hackitt:
“I have found that the regulatory system for safely designing, constructing and managing buildings is not fit for purpose. The current system is highly complex and there is confusion about the roles and responsibilities at each stage. In many areas there is a lack of competence and accreditation. While this does not mean all buildings are unsafe, it does mean we need to build a more effective system for the future. That is why I am today calling for the construction industry, building owners, regulators and government to come together to identify how to overcome these shortcomings together.”
Bryburnâs Response
At Bryburn, ensuring the comfort and safety of our clients is a key priority. The reportâs preliminary findings have challenged our industry to make vital changes in its approach to quality, standards and health and safety.
In line with our commitment to on-site health and safety, we are already committed to ensuring the safety of the homes we build and adapt for our clients. This is particularly imperative due to our work in providing disability solutions. Any impairment of mobility increases vulnerability to fire as it impacts on the ability to, and speed of, escape.2 Therefore, reducing the risk of fires in the homes of vulnerable individuals is of paramount importance.
We are keen to keep abreast of the reportâs future findings, and interested to hear of the recommended industry changes. Â We are already confident the work we deliver is to a high standard and quality. However, in ensuring we are ready to adhere to any new regulations, we can ensure the homes we build are safe not just for today but for tomorrow.
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/fire-statistics-data-tables#dwelling-fires-attended
[2]Â https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/445631/Chapter_3_Fire_hazards.pdf
[3]Â https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Independent_review_of_the_building_regulations_and_fire_safety