The Importance of Continuous Monitoring in Home Contracting

In the realm of home contracting, continuous monitoring plays a pivotal role in ensuring that projects progress smoothly, adhere to timelines, and meet quality standards. Whether undertaking a renovation, remodeling, or new construction, homeowners must remain vigilant and proactive in overseeing the work of their contractors to achieve the desired outcomes.

Understanding Continuous Monitoring

Continuous monitoring involves the ongoing observation, assessment, and adjustment of various aspects of a home construction project. It encompasses everything from tracking progress and addressing issues to maintaining open communication with contractors and making informed decisions along the way.

Setting Clear Expectations

At the outset of a project, it is essential to establish clear expectations and guidelines for the contractor. This includes defining project scope, timelines, budgetary constraints, and desired outcomes. By outlining expectations from the outset, homeowners can help ensure that contractors understand their needs and can work efficiently to meet them.

Regular Site

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Budget-Friendly Tips for Home Improvement Projects

Home improvement projects are an excellent way to enhance the comfort, functionality, and value of your home. However, the prospect of undertaking renovations or upgrades can be daunting, especially if you’re working with a limited budget. Fortunately, with careful planning, creativity, and resourcefulness, it’s possible to achieve impressive results without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of budget-friendly tips and strategies for tackling home improvement projects on a shoestring budget, allowing you to transform your living space while staying within your financial means.

Assessing Priorities and Setting Realistic Goals

Before diving into any home improvement project, it’s essential to assess your priorities and set realistic goals based on your budget constraints. Determine which areas of your home require the most attention or offer the highest potential for improvement. Focus on projects that will have the greatest impact on your daily life or enhance the overall aesthetic … Read more

Revised plans in for Sheffield 960 co-living flats scheme




Designed by Staniforth Architects, the latest application for the site at the junction of Wellington Street and Rockingham Street has been down-sized because of rising construction costs from a previously approved 1,380 flats scheme that would have risen to 38 storeys.

The scaled-down 960-flats scheme will include a cinema and gym split across three connected blocks rising from 12 to 26 storeys.

The latest re-engineered plan for a smaller 36,560 m2 building comes after attempts to reduce affordable living and £1.5m CIL contributions were rejected.

Previously consented scheme, designed to have been Yorkshire’s tallest building, has been downsized due to rises in the cost of borrowing and construction

Since the first 2019 application, build costs have jumped 22% to £2,092 m2. This has taken the building cost of the revised project to around £76m, and the total project cost before finance to £97m.

Under the new

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Buyers report construction “stuck in the mud”

The bellwether S&P Global/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index was 48.8 in December, down from 50.4 in November and below the crucial 50 no change mark for the first time since last August.

Commercial construction was the only rising sector at 50.3 on the index while civil engineering and house building contracted at 46.8 and 48.0 respectively.

Sentiment among firms towards the year-ahead outlook for activity dipped into negative territory for only the sixth time on record, reflecting fears around the near-term economic outlook.

Dr John Glen, Chief Economist at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “The construction sector was stuck in the mud in December with the steepest fall in activity since the beginning of the pandemic in May 2020 and a similarly fast drop in pipelines of new work.

“House building saw a notable change of direction, with a mix of higher inflation

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Sir James Wates to step down as Wates chairman




He will be succeeded by his cousin Tim Wates, who is currently deputy chairman.

Sir James said: “I have enjoyed my 10 years as chairman enormously, and the time is now right to pass the baton over to my cousin Tim.

“I look forward to continuing to serve on the board and being actively involved in the business, including representing Wates in external forums.”

Tim Wates said: “It is an honour to be named the next Chairman of our 125-year-old enterprise and continue our tradition of maintaining a long-term perspective and commitment to business as a force for good in society.”

Tim joined Wates in 1993 after starting his career in banking with Cazenove & Co, and has served on the board from 2006 to 2008 and since 2011.

He was appointed deputy chairman in October 2022 and has served as the lead family director on

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