Friday 28th May –

Insurance Issues

It was a week where our Construction Industry at all levels were affected by the decision of our Insurance Industry to withdraw service for fire related advice, fire safety certification and on-site inspection. It cannot be underestimated the importance of this service to designers, contractors and clients. Without it, the Construction Industry is now entering a point of limbo especially as Professional Indemnity cover expires on current policies. Speaking to a few fellow professionals specialising in this area, they are hoping to piggy back other policy holders. As it stands, Engineers Ireland have made strong representations to the Government, hopefully it will be resolved sooner rather than later……….

No Stock Here…….

Read an article earlier in the week whereby the British Government have asked people to delay their construction/ home renovation project. Speaking to contractors and the price of steel, glass, timber and insulation is gone through the roof! All of the above and more have seen significant rise in costs because demand is fast out stripping supply. This does not surprise me when you hear of contractors bulk buying just in case. Sheds full of insulation, timber etc…… I am curious to know that if this artificial demand pushes costs so high, pricing the smaller one-off client out of the market for the minute, where is the contractors cash reserve if needed. Could be left with a lot insulation going nowhere………

My advice, keep calm, supply will catch up…. It was there before the pandemic and will be again. Prices will stabilise making it easier to budget going forward……

BCF Architects Week:

Another busy and productive week that saw a new person start with us on the administration side of the business. More to follow:

Submitted two new planning applications this week for a bungalow and dormer dwelling in County Laois. Best of luck to both applicants.

All on our on-site projects are progressing nicely……..

In the process of studying for a Diploma in Conservation, Sustainability and Retrofitting of buildings. The course resumed this week making long days even longer but it will be worth it. The first set of results are back and all positive.