Building Structures Associates

09/07/2025

The cost of even a small house extension can be prohibitive nowadays but we have been involved in a few garage conversions lately. A fraction of the cost of an equivalent area extension and often making better use of wasted space.

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30/08/2024

So much news about mildew and mould in rented property. Condensation in properties happens when there is insufficient heating combined with insufficient ventilation. With high energy costs there is a tendency to turn down heating and keep windows closed. This can cause condensation which if not vented out turns to mildew and mould. Ironically modern air tight building construction can exacerbate this problem. A landlord generally has no control over how a tenant controls condensation in a tenanted property. It is up to the occupant. Opening windows and having a ‘blow through’ every morning is what my parents taught me to do. This helps improve air quality and lower the risk of condensation. I understand that in Germany this sort of advice is now being given by the government. The BBC here find it better news by discrediting landlords. Fake news.

20/12/2022

I have discovered a new word. “Kleptocracy”. the word fell out of fashion with the demise of the Whigs in the 19th century but I think we can use it again now. Too big a word for the Sun and Mail readers of course.

24/03/2016

We need an experienced Structural Engineer to join us and help with developing the practice. Excellent working conditions and salary on offer. Interested? Drop me an email with your CV to [email protected]

15/02/2015

There is a perception that domestic building is easy, glorified diy. Some home owners believe this and so do some would be builders. Even the simplest building job can and will go wrong when attempted by inexperienced builders. I have lost count of the times I have been called in to sort out projects that have gone wrong due to amateur project management. A few bob is saved by not getting a competent builder in the first place and then a penalty is paid when it all goes wrong. (Had another one last week. Homeowner building his own extension, had a large cranked steel fabricated which did not fit.He admitted he found engineering drawings difficult to understand. Expensive! )

10/02/2015

Attended an IStructE lecture on 'Hidden dangers, how to avoid disaster'. Interesting but scary

10/02/2015

The year has started well with nearly double the 'usual' number of enquiries in January. Projects that were put into the pending tray whle the economy recovered seem to be coming live again. A dangerous time for contractors who need to keep a tight rein on their cash flows as work floods in. As designers we need to resist the pressure to cut corners to achieve unrealistic deadlines. Could be another good year for my practice.

10/02/2015

Attended a course on Facebook last evening.