Block Podcast - Like buses, you wait a while and two come at once!

The Block Podcast makes a big return today; it's been almost two months since the last podcast with Christmas and a very busy start to the year delaying the first recording of 2012. So it's typical, you wait a while for one and two come along at once!  Yes, we're releasing two podcasts today.

The podcast team got together to record one episode and the chat was so interesting that we just let the recorder run and we've ended up splitting the recording in two parts; Episode 5 and Episode 6.  There is a natural break in the topics and it seemed sensible to chop it into two 45 minute podcasts rather than one bumper edition.

Episode 5 is largely a very interesting chat about Procurement in the construction industry and, Episode 6 is primarily about how the construction industry could, and should, use social media.

These Episodes were recorded on the 27th February - here are the participants:

• Evelyn Laurie, Principal, Red Marketing
• Gill Joy, Director,  Intend Development
• John Stobbs, Director of Operations, Sap Service UK

Also on the podcast we have Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd

EPISODE 5
We discuss lots of different aspects of procurement in the construction industry, here are some of the key topics:

• The complexity of the process
• Are SME's getting their fare share?
• BBA Accreditation and the cost of being registered
• Quirky.com and crowd funding for product development
• Are the contracts profitable or, are companies buying the work?
• How good id you bidding?
• Do you review and fine tune failed bids?
• The Glasgow Construction Forum 
• Scottish Procurement Construction Linked In Group

There's lots of great chat in this Episode and lots of useful information for anyone involved in the procurement process, it's well worth a listen.  You can download Episode 5 on iTunes or, you can listen to it here on the blog:

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

EPISODE 6

This is an interesting discussion about how the construction industry is adopting social media and, what they could be doing to improve their marketing and existing services with the adoption of Web 2.0 technology; here are some of the key topics:

• Is the construction industry using social media effectively?
• Creating content internally vs using an agency
• Twitter as a powerful search tool
• Twitter for building awareness and finding collaborators
• Augmented reality - is it a viable alternative to model making?
• 3D printers vs Fly-though video
• QR Codes - some innovative uses within the construction industry

Episode 6 concludes with a brief discussion about the new Permitted Development rules and whether they are a good thing for the industry.

This episode has lots of useful information and examples of how social media and Web 2.0 technology can be used in a number of ways within the construction industry - a worth while listen.  You can download Episode 6 on iTunes or, you can listen to it here on the blog:

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

We hope you enjoy the discussion on this podcast and remember if you would like to take part in a future episode please email Gordon White or Kenneth Martin for a chat.

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Why An Architect Is Essential to the Success of your Commecial Construction Project

Commercial construction is a term that encompasses building a commercial unit from the ground up or taking an existing building and altering it to suit the needs of a new tenant. Under either definition an architect is an essential professional to have onboard the project from the very beginning.

At Block Architects we have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of commercial construction and along with our excellent customer care record we are an asset to have by your side during any type of commercial construction.

Building a unit from the ground up allows more freedom in design and method of construction. At Block Architects we are able to help you decide on the layout, point out any areas that need attention and keep the design logical as well as advising on construction materials. If for example you want a green commercial construction there are a variety of methods we will employ to achieve this and going green will have an impact on where and what materials can be used.

Commercial Construction - Going Green
In green commercial construction, speaking with an architect before choosing a plot of land will help make your choice the best one for your project. When designing green buildings architects tend to take inspiration from the area surrounding the built for example an inner city site may use a type of concrete that is mixed for its heat transferring properties where a more suburban site may require more use of natural materials such as wood or stone.

At Block Architects we understand all these aspects of green design and we work within the environs of the project to deliver our clients vision as closely as possible.

You should also carefully consider accessibility not only for future clients of your business but for construction materials. If materials have to be transported a great distance it could be argued that you project is not as green as you may think.

Inside your commercial construction there are a variety of ways to make your building green. Recycling grey water (waste water from wash hand basins) and rain water harvesting to use to flush toilets will make an impact on the environment and your water bill. Using solar panels to provide electricity will also impact your bills positively and in these methods and more Block Architects are able to guide you to what is best for your project.

Commercial Construction - Renovate and Revive
If your commercial construction project is to renovate an existing building again engaging Block Architects from the very beginning could save you a lot of time and money. We know if that wall can be moved, whether an RSJ will be required and how many toilets you will need to install.

Block Architects can help you plan the layout so that it is as efficient as possible for you and your staff and as pleasant as possible for future clients. We can advise on whether you need a full rewire or just partial, whether the windows need replaced or can be refurbished and where safety features such as fires doors are required.

As with a green new build commercial construction, when renovating an existing building, the materials used should be in harmony with the surroundings but also with the existing parts of the building. For example if you have a sandstone building then any extensions should be in sandstone, if the building is of red brick construction, then use red brick etc. In this way the building will retain some of it character and still blend with its surrounds.

New build commercial construction and renovation of existing commercial property both need planning permission and once again you will find the services of Block Architects essential. We have spent time gaining a good working knowledge of the ins and outs of the local planning and building control office and the relationships we have cultivated within both these areas of planning will be worth their weight in gold.

So whether you are considering a complete new build commercial construction or a revamping of an existing building getting Block Architects on board right from the beginning will ensure the very best outcome for your project.

For further information contact us using our online form or telephone Glasgow 0141 278 3632, Edinburgh 0131 278 0445 or Hamilton 01698 422 358 and arrange your FREE Consultation. Alternatively you can get a get a quote by completing our online form.



Tweet

Property Development in Scotland – The Role of an Architect

Property development is a multifaceted business encompassing the purchase of raw land through renovation of existing buildings to selling the finished project. There are many skills involved and anyone wanting to start property development in Scotland or indeed anywhere should seek out the right people to help them with their projects.

Knowledge is key at all stages of property development and carrying out research before jumping into a project will pay off in the long run. Building from scratch may work in one area while the demand for renovated properties may be high in another. Finding this out in the beginning can mean the success or failure of your project.

Once you have decided what form your project will take seeking out the best location for your property development is important. This is where it pays to start gathering a team of design professionals around you. Architects, builders, surveyors and town planners can be worth their weight in gold if you bring them on to a project early. They can use their local knowledge to save you from making costly mistakes.

One of the first design professionals to look for is your architect. Often architects have worked closely with town planners, builders and a variety of other professionals and trades people and have developed a rapport with them. Find your architect and quite often you have found your whole design team. At Block Architects we have good quality contacts with all the design professionals you will need to make your project a success.

Property development in Scotland falls under its own planning laws as does property development elsewhere in the UK and the world for that matter and for this reason it is best to seek out a professional architect in the location in which you want to develop. However there are basics that remain constant where ever you decide to develop. As Block Architects are based in the central belt we are ideally located to serve the whole of Scotland.

Being good at DIY around your own home and having a good eye for design does not make you qualified as a property developer. There are standards to be adhered to and legal requirements to follow. You should also take into account the reason behind your property development. If you are planning to rent the property then you may not want to spend a lot on a brand new kitchen but you will need to conform to standards set out by the government. This goes for your electrics as well. You should not, for example, attempt to rewire a property unless you are fully qualified to do so.

If you are planning to sell your property development then you may feel that you want to put in those extra touches. A brand new kitchen, new flooring and perhaps an attic conversion maybe just the details to make your property stand out and sell.

Having a good rapport with all your property professionals will help keep you on track for what you want to achieve. Putting too much of a personal touch on a property can put other people off. Your architect and other consultants will help you keep in mind why you are doing the development and steer you towards what will sell or rent your property and what will not. Block Architects are straight forward and we do not use jargon. We will give you the best advice possible so that you get the outcome you want from your property development project.

There is still money to be made in property development in Scotland and elsewhere but now more than ever it is important to have a team of professionals on hand. Having an architect that you can work with and build rapport as your lead consultant can make or break your project. Choose wisely and consider their fees as an investment not an expense.

So whether you are looking for a piece of land to build your new development on, you want to renovate an old building or simply refresh a tired property you will need a team on hand to help you achieve your dream. Property development in Scotland, England or anywhere that starts with an architect will have a good chance of ending in success.

Contact Block Architects today and give your property development, Scotland project the foundation it needs to be a success. Watch us as we deliver your vision…
Glasgow 0141 278 3632, Edinburgh 0131 278 0445 or Hamilton 01698 422 358

Tweet

Commercial Renovations Convert Into Rental Income

In Scotland today the demand for rented accommodation is positively exploding and many Scottish property experts are looking towards commercial renovations and refurbishments as a way to feed this hungry market.

In many of our city centres old sandstone buildings lie empty, unable to be rented out for business purposes due to the current trend of companies preferring open planned offices for their staff. This is where well planned commercial renovations can save these buildings and put them once again to good use.

The current financial crisis means that there are ongoing problems within the mortgage market and the Association of Residential Letting Agents has said that the UK is facing a “severe rental housing shortage” which is opening doors for many existing and would be buy-to-let landlords.

Investing in commercial renovations at this time may be a good idea. Many pubs once housed in these old buildings have closed due to the March 2006 smoking ban and the recession has hit smaller businesses hard causing them to give up their premises. Many of these properties can be found in city centres all over Scotland which make them ideal candidates for commercial renovations and refurbishments to be carried out, turning empty offices into residential flats for renting.

The market for these flats is growing as more and more young people find themselves unable to get onto the property ladder. They need somewhere of their own, can’t get a mortgage for a variety of reasons but are finding flats to rent in good areas are scarce.

In order to maximise rental income it is important to choose the right project. Picking the right property to renovate is similar to choosing where to buy a house. There are key factors to consider such as;

• Local schools
• Availability of public transport
• Garden and aspect
• How close are the nearest shops?
• How much is the council tax?
• What is the history of the building?
• What type of central heating does the property have?

These are a few of the general considerations that you will have to bear in mind before you begin your project but in addition, when you are renovating a property once used as a commercial building and converting it for residential use there are other issues for consideration such as;


• The local councils requirements for car parking and vehicle access
• The impact of increased traffic
• Requirements for amenity space set by the local council


The actual cost involved in commercial renovations has a great deal to do with the condition of the building and what it was originally used for. A very rundown property may not be financially viable and you should always consult an architect before committing to the project.

Having Block Architects working with you from the beginning will be an invaluable resource as our eye for what will and will not work may save you from making some costly mistakes. A good architect will be able to advise how many flats your building will comfortably turn into, how to best tackle the interior work, will explain what exterior improvements are needed and they will lead you through any paperwork such as planning applications and building warrants. We will do all this and more without using technical jargon.

We will deal with local council planning officers, builders and other tradesmen and we will keep an eye on your budget and your timescales to ensure that everyone is working towards making your project a success. In short, Block Architects are worth their weight in gold and engaging our service should be view as an investment you can not afford not to make.

So even in a time of property doom and gloom there is money to be made and rental flats to provide. If you are an existing landlord with a grade B commercial property, in the centre of a city, which is sitting empty, then you are well placed to start thinking about commercial renovations. Your empty building could soon be earning you a nice rental income.

For existing or would be property developers get an architect and start looking for property to renovate, there could be a gold mine in your city centre and you should start digging.

Block Architects can be contacted on Hamilton 01698 422358, Glasgow 0141 278 3632 or Edinburgh 0131 278 0445. We offer all our potential clients a 2 hour FREE consultation.

Bertie Auld In The News!

On behalf of everyone here at block architects we would like to wish our Client Mr Bertie Auld , Celtic Legend, every success with both his health and his planning application.

Read more here

#Ask The Architect - Heating Scottish Homes

Here we are again with the second #AskTheArchitect (follow this on twitter or follow me @blockarchitects) post.

The Question posted is: 'Why can't we contain the summer heat and re-use it in the winter months?' and this particular question related to housing in Scotland.

It's an interesting question because it taps into the current push by the Scottish Government and EU regarding reducing carbon output.

The fact is that there are many new products on the market place all of which are working towards reducing the carbon footprint of new and used houses. I today saw a VPhase product which regulates the power supply to a house saving £75-£100 a year on electricity costs and it can be fitted to existing houses. This can be fitted by KCC Electrical, Glenrothes

I am not aware that it is possible to store heat for several months in advance but if anyone knows differently then I would love to chat with them. We do however have Air Source Heat Exchangers which are powered by photovoltaics or solar panel on the roof. The energy from the sun powers a motor which extracts heat contained within the house and the recirculates this into an underfloor heating system. Certainly the heat is being recirculated and in theory reduces the running costs however, if we could invent a way for buildings to store heat in the summer and displace this in the winter...well, the inventor will I am sure be a very rich man.

I do not wish anyone to think that block architects are specialists in environmental design as it's an industry which is revolving and moving fast, however I can assure everyone that we are meeting many leading industry professionals with a view to getting this knowledge rooted within our design process.

Comments welcome at the bottom of the blog.

Block Architects Construction Projects

Our latest video on Construction Projects.

For more videos from Block Architects, click here.