Many of the larger construction companies still have a joinery workshop within their overall resources but lots of the medium to smaller sized companies have had to close section of their production facilities and out- source joinery along with other skills to sub- contractors. This makes sense financially as work was created to order and there are no overheads, such as paying for utilities/wages if you find little work on.
As recovery in the construction industry starts to happen which you can find definite signs of, there will be a demand for specialised products- joinery, metalworking, etc. Without" in house" production available, contractors will be sub contracting a lot more work than before.
So we need 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 savings. Doors and windows are both obtainable in kit forms, in a variety of timbers and styles. Maybe even the larger companies will look as of this idea. Lets take windows as an example. If you are creating a large numbers of similar houses, the probabilities are that multiples of 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 as the windows take up much less space and are less inclined to be damaged) and to site for fitting and glazing. Assembly is very straightforward and can be carried out by semi skilled labour.This can work as long as the company who is given the duty of producing your windows is set up to get this done. Research them carefully and seek references before ordering.
Joiners Barrow In Furness can tailor a product to suit your requirements. Stormproof style or traditional, a variety of mouldings based on the look and different timbers to suit 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's on offer- frame thickness, timber quality, paint finish and ironmongery if it's provided. Visit and talk to the company to gauge if they have the resources and skills to manufacture exactly what you want.
Doors can also be supplied in component form but generally customers want them fully assembled and quite often pre-hung in a frame with all ironmongery fitted and removed. Once on site, the door frame just needs fitting in the frame and checking it is plumb, before refitting the door 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 that they can be be pre-finished with paint or lacquer, again saving time on site.
It isn't unusual to see "pod" type units being sent to site, especially for bathrooms- where in fact the unit is pre tiled and all items fitted. Once on site the water and drainage connections are made and the machine is practically complete. The speed of creating using these new pre-fabs is incredible. Wall sections including cut outs for doors and windows could be built by hardly any workers in a matter of hours.
I believe that with the population due to increase, we need more affordable housing for several and new methods to reduce build time. Maybe its time for a change of attitude.
The government must also take renewable energy such as for example solar power and invest in 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 function as way we start to think.
Hope you agree.
Give me your ideas.
Gordon
Burwood Joinery Ltd is a manufacturing joinery business based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
They provide a bespoke service creating beautiful and practical timber products which range from Sash Windows to Hardwood External doors, Hand made conservatories and Orangeries, Ornate staircases, Individual furniture pieces, Designer Mouldings and personally commissioned items.
All work is undertaken using the best in materials and modern techniques, in conjunction with many years of experience and product development.