If you’re an architect in London right now, you know the drill all too well: long days juggling client deadlines, planning constraints, and design revisions… and then there’s the measured survey. You’ve been there, standing outside in the rain or in a dusty hallway with a tape measure in one hand, a laser meter in […]
When planning an extension to an existing building, one common question that gets asked is whether you can use an existing boundary wall as the external wall of the new extension. Obviously, there would be benefits to doing this. Such as the cost saving from not having to build another wall, as well as being […]
Every architect I’ve spoken to lately has the same war story: a project delayed, a client frustrated, or a budget blown wide open — and more often than not, the root cause was MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing). The Problem: You’re Being Left to Pick Up the Pieces Architects are routinely handed MEP responsibilities without […]
Why Top Developers Are Shifting Air Quality Left Forget what you know about air quality compliance. It’s no longer a box-ticking exercise for planners, it’s the single biggest leverage point for de-risking projects, accelerating approvals, and creating market-defining assets. For too long, the industry has operated with a costly misconception: that air quality is an outdoor problem, […]
The Department for Business & Trade is consulting on major changes to retentions in construction. The consultation runs until 23 October 2025. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure fair treatment for contractors and subcontractors. The consultation proposes two options for retentions: The Scale of the Problem Over £4.5 billion is withheld in retentions across […]
Seasonal movement is a common issue faced by property owners, particularly in areas where soil conditions are reactive to environmental changes. This natural phenomenon can lead to a range of visible and sometimes serious consequences in and around buildings. Issues with Seasonal Movement As the seasons change between the dryer and wetter months, fluctuations in […]
Construction and property specialist Watts respond to the news that Trump’s import tariffs will soon be hitting the UK. Ever heard the expression you’re only as good as your weakest link? Well, in construction, you’re only as strong as your supply chain. Most industries that begin at the procurement of raw materials – all the […]
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Security for expenses ensures peace of mind for both parties during construction, by ring-fencing funds in case of damage or incomplete works. An Introduction to Security for ExpensesIn simple terms, security for expenses is a temporary cash reserve that is set aside while building work takes place on or around a shared boundary. It offers […]
Starting a new construction project is exciting, but addressing the party wall process can sometimes feel like a waiting game. So, how long should it really take? This largely depends on the size and complexity of the project but it will typically be anywhere from 2-12 months. Let’s break down the timeline and factors […]