Many of the larger construction companies still have a joinery workshop within their overall resources but lots of the medium to smaller sized companies experienced to close part of their production facilities and out- source joinery along with other skills to sub- contractors. This is practical financially as work was created to order and there are no overheads, such as paying for utilities/wages when there is little work on.
As recovery in the construction industry starts to happen which there are definite signs of, there will be a demand for specialised products- joinery, metalworking, etc. With no" in house" production available, contractors will undoubtedly be sub contracting a lot more work than before.
So we have to start looking at means of production which can only help kick start the regeneration.
One possible idea is buying in component items for minimal assembly but achieving great cost benefits. Windows and doors are both available in kit forms, in a number of timbers and styles. Maybe even the larger companies will look at this idea. Lets take windows for example. If you are creating a large number of similar houses, the chances are that multiples of exactly the same window style and size will undoubtedly be required. You will want to have the windows made off site in component form, transported to your business for assembly ( that is easily done because the windows take up significantly less space and are less likely to be damaged) and then on to site for fitting and glazing. Assembly is quite straightforward and may be carried out by semi skilled labour.This will work as long as the company who's given the duty of producing your windows is set up to get this done. Research them carefully and seek references before ordering.
An excellent joinery company should be able to tailor a product to fit your requirements. Stormproof style or traditional, a range of mouldings based on the look and different timbers to match all budgets.
Some companies just want the fully assembled and painted window on site with glazing ready to fix. This will increase the unit cost but saves time on site. Again consider the quality of what is on offer- frame thickness, timber quality, paint finish and ironmongery if it is provided. Visit and speak to the company to gauge whether they have the resources and skills to manufacture exactly what you want.
Doors can be supplied in component form but generally customers want them fully assembled and frequently pre-hung in a frame with all ironmongery fitted and then removed. Once on site, the door frame just needs fitting in the frame and checking it really is plumb, before refitting the entranceway and ironmongery. This saves time and effort on site and usually prevents problems like locks not operating correctly because they have been pre- tested during initial fitting.
The benefit of fully assembled items is they can be be pre-finished with paint or lacquer, again saving time on site.
It is not unusual to see "pod" type units being delivered to site, specifically for bathrooms- where the unit is pre tiled and all items fitted. Once on site the water and drainage connections are made and the unit is practically complete. The speed of building using these new pre-fabs is incredible. Wall sections including cut outs for windows and doors can be built by very few workers in just a matter of hours.
I believe that with the population due to increase, we are in need of more affordable housing for all and new methods to reduce build time. Maybe its time for a big change of attitude.
The government must also take renewable energy such as solar power and spend money on the technology. All new houses should have a solar panel and these are available these days in "tile look" which means you don't even see the unit once its installed. It has to be the way we start to think.
Article source agree.
Give me your thoughts.
Gordon
Burwood Joinery Ltd is really a manufacturing joinery business located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
They offer a bespoke service creating beautiful and practical timber products ranging from Sash Windows to Hardwood External doors, Made by hand conservatories and Orangeries, Ornate staircases, Individual pieces of Furniture, Designer Mouldings and personally commissioned items.
All work is undertaken using the best in materials and modern techniques, coupled with many years of experience and product development.