Many of the bigger construction companies still have a joinery workshop within their overall resources but many of the medium to more compact companies experienced to close part of their production facilities and out- source joinery and other skills to sub- contractors. This is practical financially as work was created to order and you can find no overheads, such as for example paying for utilities/wages if you find little work on.
As recovery in the construction industry starts to occur which there are definite signs of, you will have a demand for specialised products- joinery, metalworking, etc. Without Carpentry Dalton In Furness in house" production available, contractors will undoubtedly be sub contracting even more work than before.
So we need to start looking at ways 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 number of timbers and styles. Maybe even the larger companies will look at this idea. Lets take windows as an 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 be required. You will want to have the windows made off site in component form, transported to your business for assembly ( this is easily done as the windows take up significantly less space and are less inclined to be damaged) and then on to site for fitting and glazing. Assembly is very straightforward and may be carried out by semi skilled labour.This will work as long because the company who is given the task of producing your windows is established to do this. Research them carefully and seek references before ordering.
A good joinery company can tailor a product to suit your requirements. Stormproof style or traditional, a variety of mouldings with regards to the look and various 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 look at the quality of what is on offer- frame thickness, timber quality, paint finish and ironmongery if it's provided. Visit and talk to the company to gauge whether they have the resources and skills to manufacture exactly what you want.
Doors can even 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 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 advantage of fully assembled items is 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 delivered 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 building using these new pre-fabs is incredible. Wall sections including cut outs for windows and doors could be built by very few 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 also needs to take renewable energy such as for example solar power and invest in the technology. New houses must have a solar panel and these are now available in "tile look" therefore you don't even see the unit once its installed. This has to function as way we begin to think.
Hope you agree.
Give me your ideas.
Gordon
Burwood Joinery Ltd is really a manufacturing joinery business based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
They provide a bespoke service creating beautiful and practical timber products ranging from Sash Windows to Hardwood External doors, Hand made conservatories and Orangeries, Ornate staircases, Individual pieces of Furniture, Designer Mouldings and personally commissioned items.
All work is undertaken utilizing the best in materials and modern techniques, in conjunction with a long time of experience and product development.