Builder
Introduction
So you've decided you want to run a general building business. Maybe you're working for someone else and have decided the time is right to go it alone, or perhaps it's a sector you've always been interested in. Whatever the reason, this guide will take you through the issues you need to consider and give you practical pointers on getting started.
Sector trends
The construction industry generally enjoyed plentiful demand for its services between the late 1990s and the mid 2000s. There were some problems - skilled labour was hard to find and insurance costs rocketed for some - but a strong housing market and a growing economy meant there was generally plenty of work to go around.
Unfortunately things came unstuck during the late 2000s as the economy nose-dived and the housing market more or less collapsed. Many construction businesses were forced to lay off staff and it became a struggle for some to find enough new work. Conditions remained difficult for many into the early 2010s.
There should always be demand for good skilled trades-people, but currently the trading climate is tough and the need for excellence has never been higher for construction businesses that want to succeed.
1.1 Quality and standards
Some construction 'businesses' are no more than a 'man in a van' with little or no training and experience. 'Cowboys' often pay no tax or VAT and sometimes claim unemployment benefit too, enabling them to undercut legitimate businesses on price. Although people have become wiser about avoiding the worst cowboys, unfortunately the construction industry is still plagued by 'house of horrors' stories of poor workmanship and dishonest builders.
For its part, the construction industry has made considerable efforts in recent years to clean up its image and drive the 'cowboys' out of business. Strong emphasis has been placed on education, both of the consumer and of people who choose to enter the building trades. Several schemes, some of them government backed (such as the TrustMark initiative), have also been introduced with the aim of certifying bona fide tradesmen. However, participation in these schemes is purely voluntary and some members of the industry complain that the 'cowboys' just ignore them or, worse, falsely claim that they are members.
1.2 Environmental matters
The last decade or so has seen growing concern about the environment, climate change and energy efficiency. Building regulations have been updated to require things like effective insulation, while more and more householders and businesses have adopted energy saving and renewable technologies. Building techniques have also been affected, with 'sustainable construction' becoming increasingly important. More and more designers and architects are adopting quite a radical new approach to building and requiring new structures to be 'zero carbon' in terms of energy use and emissions.
1.3 Building materials
Building materials and systems are constantly being refined and improved, with new products coming onto the market all the time. It's important to stay up to date with the latest developments in materials technology to make sure you're always using the best and most cost-effective materials for the job.
1.4 Keeping up to date with developments
A good way to keep up to date with developments in the construction industry is to join a trade association such as the Federation of Master Builders. There are a number of these, some of which specialise in a particular area of the construction industry. Try talking to other members of your trade to find out which, if any, they recommend.
The trade press is also a good way of keeping in touch with your industry. Again, there are several titles to choose from, some of which cover a particular aspect of the industry. Master Builder is the official magazine of the FMB.
