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Phil Thomas

Recent Posts

LABC Warranty news, Industry news

In conversation with Carlene Goodearl of Rangeford Villages

Published by: Phil Thomas
We caught with Carlene Goodlearl of Rangeford Villages, to talk quality, collaboration, awards, and the future.
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Features, LABC Warranty news

LABC Warranty assists Thakeham in the restoration of Queen Anne statue

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty is assisting Thakeham on a 200-unit site in Hastings, which includes the restoration of a 300-year-old statue of...
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Engineering, MMC, Building Safety, Industry trends

Your questions about MMC answered by our experts

Published by: Phil Thomas
Following our Social Housing Annual Conference appearance, we put your questions about MMC to our in-house experts to answer.
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LABCW Business News, LABC Warranty news

Stonebond celebrates Site Recognition Award with LABC Warranty

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty joins Chelmsford-based Stonebond in celebrating a Site Recognition Award win for their Ghyllgrove site
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LABC Warranty news

LABC Warranty launches new topics for technical training courses

Published by: Phil Thomas
Four new toolbox talks have been added to our selection of Technical Training courses, available to book now.
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LABCW Business News, LABC Warranty Services, LABC Warranty news, Industry trends, Building Safety Act

Quality warranty providers offer security beyond insurance

Published by: Phil Thomas
Why quality is paramount in the structural warranty business, and how to pick the best from the rest.
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LABCW Business News, Major Projects, Industry news

LABC Warranty joins Bugler on Beech Tree Place

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty will support Bugler Developments on their Beech Tree Place project in the London Borough of Sutton.
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Industry news

Andy Burnham on the election, devolution, and more

Published by: Phil Thomas
Andy Burnham used his time at Housing 2024 to address the General Election, devolution, and the near future of housebuilding in...
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Industry news

Housing 2024: The new political landscape

Published by: Phil Thomas
There's no money, but there's huge demand. How does the newly-elected Labour Party navigate the social and political situation...
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Industry news

In conversation with Allison Homes' John Anderson

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty sits down with John Anderson, CEO of Allison Homes, to talk about the housing market, politics, and more.
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LABC Warranty news

Meet Gary Wilson, your LABC Warranty account manager in the North

Published by: Phil Thomas
Meet Gary Wilson, LABC Warranty's account manager for the North, and learn more about his career, and his thoughts on the...
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Technical Manual

Peer review - where defects occurred in 2023

Published by: Phil Thomas
Our technical team reveal the most common areas for a house under our inspection to produce a defect in 2023.
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Awards

Meet The Bricks winners 2024

Published by: Phil Thomas
Join LABC Warranty in celebrating the best and brightest in site management in England and Wales - the winners of the The Bricks...
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Technical Manual, LABC Warranty news

LABC Warranty Technical Manual Version 12 live now

Published by: Phil Thomas
Catch up with the changes in V12 of the LABC Warranty Technical Manual. Find out why the update was needed, what's new, & how it...
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Technical Manual, LABCW Business News, Industry news

What’s new in Version 12 of the LABC Warranty Technical Manual?

Published by: Phil Thomas
Find out what's changed in Version 12 of the LABC Warranty Technical Manual.
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LABC Warranty news

LABC Warranty appoints David Swigciski as new Managing Director

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty has appointed David Swigciski as new Managing Director.
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LABCW Business News

Women in construction: we’ve come a long way

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty's Sarah Dee-Shapland talks about how the role of women in the construction industry has evolved since her start in...
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Technical Manual, LABC Warranty news

New and updated technical articles in 2024

Published by: Phil Thomas
The LABC Warranty Technical Team have been busy creating new technical guidance and refreshing some old guidance. Read more about...
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LABC Warranty news

Meet Liam May - your LABC Account Manager in the South West

Published by: Phil Thomas
In 2023 Liam May joined LABC Warranty to serve our South West region - learn a little more about what makes him tick.
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LABC Warranty news

LABC Warranty joins Higgins on Ledbury Street Estate

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty's Major Projects Service will join Higgins on a huge development in Peckham, London.
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Awards, LABC Warranty news

Paul Vasey crowned LABC Warranty Site Manager of the Year 2023

Published by: Phil Thomas
Paul Vasey, Construction Manager at Allison Homes, is crowned LABC Warranty Site Manager of the Year 2023.
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LABCW Business News, Major Projects, LABC Warranty news

Ealing Council and McLaren choose LABC Warranty for Steyne Estate

Published by: Phil Thomas
Ealing Council and McLaren Construction have chosen LABC Warranty for structural warranty cover 188 new homes in Action Town.
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LABCW Business News, Major Projects, LABC Warranty news

LABC Warranty chosen for Hartopp and Lannoy Point Passivhaus development

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty has been chosen for structural warranty cover on a Passivhaus development in Hammersmith & Fulham.
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LABCW Business News, Major Projects, LABC Warranty news

LABC Warranty to work with Redrow on 20th Colindale block

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty will provide latent defects insurance cover for Block W of the Redrow’s flagship Colindale development in Barnet,...
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Awards

Meet the 2023 Regional Site Manager Award Winners

Published by: Phil Thomas
Meet the winners of the 2023 Regional Site Manager Award. Explore their exceptional sites and discover what sets them apart from...
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LABCW Business News, LABC Warranty Services, LABC Warranty news

Strawberry Fields Forever at LABC Warranty

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty will partner with Rangeford Homes on a luxury retirement development near Cambridge.
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LABCW Business News, Industry news

Changes to the Consumer Code for Home Builders in 2024

Published by: Phil Thomas
Discover the new recommendations & protections for customers under the Code in 2024, & learn how to implement these changes with...
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LABCW Business News

LABC Warranty Christmas opening hours

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty will be taking a short break over the Christmas period, this post outlines when the team will be available.
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LABCW Business News

LABC Warranty training dates announced for 2024

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty announces technical training dates for 2024. Don't hesitate to get in touch before they're all booked up!
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LABCW Business News, LABC Warranty Services, LABC Warranty news

Introducing the latest Good Practice Guide from LABC Warranty

Published by: Phil Thomas
Introducing the latest Good Practice Guide from LABC Warranty, with a new and expanded workmanship section.
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Industry news, Industry trends

Building the Future Conference 2023 - The keynotes

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty covers the keynotes from the 2023 Building the Future Conference event.
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LABC Warranty news, Industry news, Industry trends

Building the Future Conference 2023 - The panels

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty joined Building Magazine's 2023 Building the Future Conference. Here we round up the panels of experts on...
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LABC Warranty news, Research

Whitepaper - experts in industry react to 15-year warranties

Published by: Phil Thomas
Experts and industry professionals react to the potential impacts that would follow the introduction of 15-year warranties.
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Government & Policy, Features, Industry news, Industry trends, Building Safety Act

A cautious optimism – structural warranty customers react to potential minimum 15-year warranties

Published by: Phil Thomas
Read a write-up of the results of LABC Warranty's survey into how potential minimum 15-year structural warranties could affect...
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MMC, LABC Warranty news, Industry news, Industry trends

Housing, social landlords, and the net-zero question

Published by: Phil Thomas
Discover how social landlords in the UK are taking steps towards achieving net-zero, including their plans, challenges, and their...
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News from LABC, LABCW Business News, LABC Warranty news

LABC Warranty New Homes Survey free for all registered builders

Published by: Phil Thomas
The LABC Warranty New Homes Survey is now free to all builders registered with LABC Warranty. The survey assesses performance &...
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LABCW Business News, LABC Warranty Services, LABC Warranty news

Introducing the HSB risk management guidance hub

Published by: Phil Thomas
Discover the HSB risk management guidance hub, offering a wealth of free resources to help prevent accidents and protect your...
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LABC Warranty Services

Mothballing plant and equipment

Published by: Phil Thomas
Learn about safely mothballing plant and equipment in this informative blog post, including the importance of proper maintenance...
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LABC Warranty Services

Fire caused by hot works

Published by: Phil Thomas
Learn how to manage the risk of fire caused by hot works in construction sites and SMEs. Download the free guidance from HSB.
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LABC Warranty Services

Safeguarding contactors' small tools and equipment

Published by: Phil Thomas
Learn how to safeguard contractors' small tools and equipment on construction sites. Find out the best practices to prevent theft...
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LABC Warranty Services

Mobile cranes overturning on sites

Published by: Phil Thomas
Discover how to prevent mobile cranes from overturning on construction sites with this insightful guide from HSB.
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LABC Warranty Services

Safeguarding construction plant and equipment

Published by: Phil Thomas
Discover the importance of safeguarding construction plant and equipment in this guidance from HSB.
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LABC Warranty Services

Management of temporary works in the construction industry

Published by: Phil Thomas
The importance of managing temporary works in the construction industry. Learn about regulations and how they ensure safe...
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LABC Warranty Services

Tower cranes collapsing on construction sites

Published by: Phil Thomas
Learn how to prevent tower cranes from collapsing on construction sites. Discover the common hazards & best practices to ensure...
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LABC Warranty Services

Water damage on construction sites

Published by: Phil Thomas
Prevent water damage on construction sites with these tips and guidelines from HSB.
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LABC Warranty Services

Fire on construction sites

Published by: Phil Thomas
Discover how to prevent fire on construction sites with this free guidance from HSB Engineering Insurance. Download the PDF now.
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LABCW Business News

Autumn LABC Warranty training dates announced

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty announces technical training dates for autumn 2023.
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LABCW Business News

Cyber security for small and medium-sized businesses

Published by: Phil Thomas
Learn how to protect your small or medium-sized business from cyber security breaches with this free guidance from HSB.
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Industry news

Housing 2023 – How the housing crisis is tearing us apart

Published by: Phil Thomas
Political commentators use their time at Housing 2023 to unpack how the housing crisis is harming social cohesion in the UK.
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Industry news

Housing 2023 – Andy Burnham’s plan to end Manchester’s housing crisis

Published by: Phil Thomas
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, outlines his plans to launch a housing-first approach to end the city's housing crisis...
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Industry news

Housing 2023 – Lisa Nandy lays out Labour’s housing plan

Published by: Phil Thomas
Lisa Nandy, Shadow Secretary of State for DLUHC, lays out Labour's housing plans at the Chartered Institute of Housing's Housing...
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Industry news

Housing 2023 – 300k new homes a year. Is it really that simple?

Published by: Phil Thomas
300,000 new homes a year - how hard can it be?
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LABCW Business News, LABC Warranty news

Consumer Code for Home Builders to stay and strengthen

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty is delighted to announce that the Consumer Code for Home Builders will star and strengthen following a review.
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Major Projects, Industry news, Building Safety Act

Building Safety Act to empower warranty’s role as a de-risking partner

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty look at how the upcoming gateway system can empower the role of warranty as a de-risking partner.
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Technical Manual

The latest changes to LABC Warranty technical content

Published by: Phil Thomas
A round-up of recent updates to LABC Warranty's technical content from the LABC Warranty Technical Team.
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Industry news, Regulations, Building Safety Act

The Building Safety Act, warranty, and the age of accountability

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty discusses the upcoming Building Safety Act and it's implications for warranty and accountability.
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Awards, LABC Warranty news

Introducing your Bricks winners for 2022

Published by: Phil Thomas
We introduce the winners for the 2022 edition of the Bricks, and take a whistle-stop tour of what makes these sites stand out.
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LABCW Business News, LABC Warranty Services, MMC

The LABC Warranty MMC and OSM acceptance process

Published by: Phil Thomas
We outline the MMC and OMS system acceptance process at LABC Warranty
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LABC Warranty Services

How to pick a quality structural warranty provider

Published by: Phil Thomas
How to compare and contrast a quality warranty provider from a crowded market of providers.
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Self-build, Industry news

England's 2021-22 self-build hotspots

Published by: Phil Thomas
We map out the latest data on self-build in England, charting a significant decline in applications and permissions.
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LABC Warranty Services, LABC Warranty news

LABC Warranty Major Projects Showcase

Published by: Phil Thomas
Dive into how the LABC Warranty Major Projects Service delivered complex and ambitious projects for clients, from the drawing...
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News from LABC, Industry news

LABC on the future of competence in building control

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC's Lorna Stimpson spoke at the 2023 Risk and Regulations summit to explain how LABC are embracing a new era of competence for...
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Industry news

Risk and Regs Summit 2023 - The legislation needed for net zero

Published by: Phil Thomas
Experts from the housing industry use their time at the 2023 Risk and Regs Summit to discuss the leglisation needed to drive...
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LABCW Business News

New LABC Warranty training dates announced

Published by: Phil Thomas
Bring your staff up to speed on essential homebuilding skills with these 2023 technical training courses
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LABC Warranty news, Industry news, Industry trends

Temperature check – what do Technical Manual readers have planned for 2023?

Published by: Phil Thomas
We polled more than 800 Technical Manual readers about their 2023 plans - read about what they said in this blog.
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LABC Warranty news, Industry news, Industry trends

No room for gloom? The companies planning more homes in 2023

Published by: Phil Thomas
When polled, a majority of LABC Warranty Tech Manual readers said they'd be building more homes in 2023 - let's take a look at...
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LABC Warranty news

You’re in good hands - The LABC Warranty claims process

Published by: Phil Thomas
How LABC Warranty takes care of home builders and buyers alike with our claims process, educational materials, and more.
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Major Projects, LABC Warranty news

What 2023 holds for London’s major projects, with Julian Roper

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty sits down with Julian Roper to discuss what's likely to shape the agenda for Major Projects in 2023.
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LABC Warranty Services, LABC Warranty news

Peer review - Learn from 2022's most common defects

Published by: Phil Thomas
We assembled the most common issues from 2022 escalated to our Dispute Resolution Service and talk about how to prevent them on...
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Awards, LABC Warranty news

Glyn Williams crowned Site Manager of the Year 2022

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty congratulates Glyn Williams of Wates Group, 2022's Site manager of the Year for the Fford Pandarus site.
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Awards

Meet the 2022 Regional Site Manager Award Winners

Published by: Phil Thomas
Meet 2022's regional Site Manager Award winners, showcasing the on-site excellence of ten sites from all corners of England and...
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Technical Manual, LABC Warranty news, Industry news

New LABC Warranty Technical Manual available now

Published by: Phil Thomas
The latest Technical Manual from LABC Warranty, Version 11, is available to download now.
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LABC Warranty news

Lee Thomas on 2022 in the South West and Wales

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty talks to Lee Thomas about his reflections on 2022, and what he expects from 2023.
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LABC Warranty news

Ian Clarke on 2022 for the Midlands

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty catches up with Ian Clarke to talk about 2022, and look ahead to what he expects to see in 2023.
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LABC Warranty news

Reflections on 2022 with Mike Tottle

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty talks to Mike Tottle about the stories that shaped house building in the North in 2022, and what to expect from...
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LABC Warranty news

Year in review 2022 - Part two

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty takes one last look at 2022, reflecting on the big moments of the year inside and outside of LABC Warranty.
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Industry news

Where is the brownfield fund actually going?

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty takes a look at which councils will benefit most from the latest round of brownfield regeneration funding.
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Warranty Updates, LABC Warranty Services, LABC Warranty news

Changes to new-build consumer codes that may affect you

Published by: Phil Thomas
An update on the Consumer Code for Home Builders, the New Homes Quality Board that may affect your new-build developments.
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Industry trends

LABC Warranty - more than a certificate

Published by: Phil Thomas
This opinion piece from LABC Warranty goes into detail on how quality warranty providers bring benefits that go well beyond...
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LABC Warranty news, Industry news

Year in review 2022 - Part one

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty take a look back at a year in homebuilding that no one can forget in a hurry.
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LABCW Business News

Celebrate the Bricks winners for 2021

Published by: Phil Thomas
We take a look at what made the winners from The Bricks 2022 stand out among LABC Warranty customers.
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LABC Warranty news

LABC Warranty launches construction training courses

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty's Technical Team are making their expertise available to your employees through a series of training courses on...
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Case Study Intros, LABC Warranty Services, LABC Warranty news

Watch the Inland Homes case study video

Published by: Phil Thomas
Watch our case study video with Inland Homes, where we focus on the huge benefits of early engagement on major projects.
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LABC Warranty news

Your new and improved LABC Warranty website

Published by: Phil Thomas
The new LABC Warranty website is live now. Read about the key updates and benefits that will improve your experience on the...
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LABC Warranty news, Road and sewer bonds

LABC Warranty now offers road and sewers bonds

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty now offers road and sewer bonds as part of our selection of services.
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LABC Warranty news, Industry news

New – Build your HBF Star Rating with LABC Warranty

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty launches the New Homes Survey, letting developers and builders survey home owners and build their HBF Star Rating.
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Government & Policy, Insulation, Industry news, Industry trends

Why is the UK so cold on heat pumps?

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty takes a look into why heat pumps are struggling to make an impact in the UK, and how the situation could be changed.
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LABC Warranty news, Industry news

Heads up - LABC Warranty joins hard hat recycling scheme

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty has joined the National Hard Hat Recycling Scheme, meaning no more spent LABC Warranty hard hats will go to...
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LABC Warranty news

A day on the road with an LABC Warranty risk surveyor

Published by: Phil Thomas
Spend a day in the North West of England as an LABC Warranty risk surveyor performs inspections across a variety of sites.
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Industry news

Gassed out - heating homes after the gas is gone

Published by: Phil Thomas
A look at how the the UK can approach heating our homes without gas and hit our net-zero targets, according to experts from the...
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Self-build, Industry news, Industry trends

Where's the best place to self-build in England?

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty takes a look at the local authorities proving popular with the self-build market, and where you're most likely to...
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LABC Warranty Services, Industry news

How to ensure a successful final inspection

Published by: Phil Thomas
Weeks of hard work has culminated in this moment. A brand new home is waiting for its expectant residents, ready for them to open...
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Industry news

Housing heavyweights outline challenges for the future

Published by: Phil Thomas
A panel of speakers from the housing industry outline the challenges facing the industry, now and into the immediate future.
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Industry news

CIH set out key areas for housing at annual conference

Published by: Phil Thomas
Gavin Smart, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), used his opening remarks at their Housing 2022 event to...
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Building Regs, Industry news

Government to strengthen high rise safety

Published by: Phil Thomas
The government has announced a package of changes to fire safety regulations designed to strengthen fire safety in high-rise...
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MMC, Materials, Self-build, Industry news

Explosion of self-build demand shows appetite for efficient homes and MMC

Published by: Phil Thomas
As self-build demand goes up, we can see that half of self-builders are opting to incorporate energy-efficient technology and...
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Events

Catch up with Lee Thomas ahead of Housing 2022

Published by: Phil Thomas
We catch up with LABC Warranty's Lee Thomas to find out what he's looking forward to at Housing 2022.
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LABC Warranty news

Castlethorpe Homes and biodiversity net gain in action

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty talks to Castlethorpe Homes about how their approach to biodiversity net gain on new developments.
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Industry news

Flooding - how can home builders future-proof their developments?

Published by: Phil Thomas
With flooding projected to be a more serious problem in the future, this article examines what home builders can do to...
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Awards

Bricks Q1 SRA Round Up

Published by: Phil Thomas
In this bumper round-up covering the first quarter of 2022, we dive into how LABC Warranty customers have started the year on the...
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Features, Industry news, Building Safety Act

Building Safety Act gains royal assent – LABC Warranty and LABC react

Published by: Phil Thomas
After years in the making, and months of debate, the long-awaited Building Safety Act has gained Royal Assent and has passed into...
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Features, Industry news

Tall building approvals across London hit record levels

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty’s Craig Ewles reacts to London tall building approvals hitting record highs in 2021
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Features, Industry news

Nutrient neutrality – what’s all the controversy about?

Published by: Phil Thomas
This article gives you a whistle-stop tour of what nutrient neutrality is, why it’s in the headlines, and what’s happening next.
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Features, Industry news

Construction industry cries out for more aggressive emissions regulations

Published by: Phil Thomas
Part Z is a proposal from a panel of engineering, construction, and architecture experts to reduce embodied emissions in...
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LABC Warranty news, HSB

HSB completes acquisition of MD Group and LABC Warranty

Published by: Phil Thomas
HSB (UK and Ireland) have announced the completion of its purchase of the MD Group of companies, including the well-known LABC...
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LABC Warranty news, Women in Construction

Meet Laura as LABC Warranty celebrates Women in Construction Week

Published by: Phil Thomas
We shine a career spotlight on one of our star employees for Women in Construction Week... Meet Laura Taylor.
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LABC Warranty news, Women in Construction

Meet Victoria as LABC Warranty celebrates Women in Construction Week

Published by: Phil Thomas
We shine a career spotlight on one of our star employees for Women in Construction Week... Meet Victoria Barwood.
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Building Regs, Transitional Periods

Building regulations and transitional periods

Published by: Phil Thomas
In this article we discuss how transitional periods typically work and advise how “work started” is defined for building control...
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Building Regs, Products, Product Update, Insulation

Important update regarding Kingspan Kooltherm K15

Published by: Phil Thomas
Please read this important update regarding the use of Kingspan Kooltherm K15 product in your construction projects
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Research, Industry news

A third of home builders to provide work-from-home areas in new homes from 2022

Published by: Phil Thomas
More than a third of builders and developers plan to include work-from-home study rooms or areas in new homes from 2022, a survey...
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LABC Warranty news, HSB

HSB to Acquire LABC Warranty

Published by: Phil Thomas
HSB (UK) have announced its agreement to purchase the scheme administrator of LABC Warranty.
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MMC

Tackling the barriers to adopting MMC – what we have learned so far

Published by: Phil Thomas
MMC remains one of the most talked about topics in housing construction. What can we learn from early adopters?
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Features, MMC

Are conditions right for the industrialisation of housing using MMC?

Published by: Phil Thomas
Emerging from the pandemic and into a world where the focus on carbon zero is stronger than ever, has MMC's time finally come?
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Industry news, Industry trends

How the UK economy is shaping up following the pandemic

Published by: Phil Thomas
Economists are confident that despite a “softening” of the housing market for the remainder of 2021, the outlook appears positive...
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Building Safety, Major Projects, Industry news

Housing providers call for more support as building safety poses threat to new development

Published by: Phil Thomas
Could building safety works put the brakes on housing associations’ plans to build more affordable housing? Read more.
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Technical Manual

LABC Warranty Technical Manual Version 10 published and free to download

Published by: Phil Thomas
The latest edition (Version 10 - June 2021) of the LABC Warranty Technical Manual has been published and is now available for you...
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Self-build, Research

Where are the best places to build your own home in England?

Published by: Phil Thomas
We have analysed our own data and combined with figures published through the Right to Build to scheme to assess the best places...
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Self-build, Government scheme, Industry news

New finance to support more affordable self-build mortgages

Published by: Phil Thomas
The Government has announced a new £150m fund to support a scheme to deliver low deposit mortgages for self-build and...
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Self-build, CIL, Levy

Self-Builders: Avoiding the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Published by: Phil Thomas
Calling all self-builders, are you aware of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)?
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LABC Warranty news

LABC Warranty agrees 5 year partnership deal with building control network

Published by: Phil Thomas
LABC Warranty has signed a new five-year partnership agreement with Local Authority Building Control (LABC) network. Find out...
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Building Regs, Regulations, Part L

What will new Part L regulations mean for boilers?

Published by: Phil Thomas
With gas boilers, developers and new buyers may worry between now and 2025 when new energy regulations are set to kick in. Should...
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Industry news

Transitional arrangements in regulations: when does work actually start on site?

Published by: Phil Thomas
The point when projects are deemed started is important: it determines the building regulations for your project. When is a site...
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Building Safety, building safety bill

Draft Building Safety Bill – 7 key points for builders and developers

Published by: Phil Thomas
The Government has published a draft of its long-awaiting Building Safety Bill, summarising fundamental reforms of the building...
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Government & Policy

Developers broadly in favour of a New Homes Ombudsman

Published by: Phil Thomas
Research carried out for LABC Warranty suggests that developers and house builders are broadly in favour of a New Homes Ombudsman...
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Features

17 ways to design better homes and developments

Published by: Phil Thomas
With an overwhelming amount of information to absorb, how can architects, designers and developers design better new-home...
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Self-build, Government scheme, Industry news

Self Build scheme puts sites forward for funded custom builds in Wales

Published by: Phil Thomas
Building your own home in Wales? Take advantage of the new Self Build Wales scheme, which provides funded custom homes for...
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Self-build

How to finance your custom or self-build project

Published by: Phil Thomas
Are you are struggling to know where to start on financing your custom build project? We provide a quick overview of the options...
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contractor

How to Choose a Contractor?

Published by: Phil Thomas
Choosing someone to build a home is a huge and daunting undertaking. We have put together five tips to help you choose a...
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Self-build

6 steps to building your dream home

Published by: Phil Thomas
To help you avoid tripping up at the first hurdle we have outlined 6 things you need to know before embarking on your self-build...
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Funding, Affordable housing

Affordable housing: where will housing providers get funding from?

Published by: Phil Thomas
Affordable housing: where will the UK's housing providers get funding from to build the affordable homes the country needs?
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Government & Policy

Faster, fairer planning promised in forthcoming green paper

Published by: Phil Thomas
A Government green paper will outline changes to the planning system that will impact on developers, construction firms and...
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Government & Policy, Industry news

Consultation on “world leading” energy efficiency in UK homes

Published by: Phil Thomas
As expected, the Government has announced a consultation on the Future Homes Standard, focusing on energy standards and...
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Government & Policy

10 key takeaways from the Government’s new National Design Guide

Published by: Phil Thomas
The Government has produced a National Design Guide and will follow up with a National Model Design Code in 2020. What will this...
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Building Regs

Designing and building your homes to be more accessible – Part Two

Published by: Phil Thomas
Making your homes more accessible – what are the requirements?
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Self-build

Top tips to consider when buying land for your home

Published by: Phil Thomas
Are you an aspiring self-builder looking to build your dream home, but struggling to find land? Before you buy there are some...
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LABC Warranty Services

Changes help strengthen the Consumer Code for Home Builders

Published by: Phil Thomas
Created to help ensure new home buyers are treated fairly, the Consumer Code for Home Builders has undergone several changes...
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Building Regs

Designing and building your homes to be more accessible - Part One

Published by: Phil Thomas
On June 25 Theresa May announced a raft of initiatives to tackle barriers faced by disabled people at work and home. Concerning...
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Self-build, Industry news

How to get started on your self-build project

Published by: Phil Thomas
Building your own house is an ambition held by many but it can be a rocky and expensive road if you’re not fully prepared for...
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Government & Policy, House size

Are Britain’s Houses Getting Smaller? (New Data)

Published by: Phil Thomas
What is the average house size in the UK? Find our results on whether houses are really getting smaller.
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Basements

Basements - House of horrors or a fairytale ending?

Published by: Phil Thomas
Recent press photographs showing buildings literally being ripped at the seams, may well put off prospective clients and...
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Planning

Top tips to navigate through the planning process

Published by: Phil Thomas
To unlock the potential of any piece of land, you need to get planning permission. Check out our top tips to navigate through the...
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Building Regs

Fire sprinklers compulsory in Wales: the requirements

Published by: Phil Thomas
In October 2013, the National Assembly for Wales passed new regulations that require a fire sprinkler system to be installed in...
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Features

Ecobuild becomes Futurebuild

Published by: Phil Thomas
This year saw the “first” Futurebuild event at ExCel London, having previously been known as Ecobuild. Whatever the name, it...
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Funding

Affordable housing: Government announces £3bn funding

Published by: Phil Thomas
Chancellor Philip Hammond uses the spring statement to announce that the Government would guarantee up to £3bn of borrowing by...
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Features

Structural warranties date back to Napoleon

Published by: Phil Thomas
Whilst it might not be his most famous achievement, the history of structural warranties can be traced all the way back to...
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Building Regs

Standards for building basements

Published by: Phil Thomas
Are boiler rooms, utilities and storage encroaching on ground floor space?
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Brownfield

Contamination risks when building on brownfield land

Published by: Phil Thomas
We all know that the availability of land is one of the biggest barriers to building at the moment.
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Government scheme

Construction Academies: Another plank for Bridging the Widening Skills Gap

Published by: Phil Thomas
The widening skills gap is a growing issue for the construction industry. As the construction workforce ages, not enough young or...
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Features

Constructing for the Future: Designing Timeless Interiors

Published by: Phil Thomas
There’s no doubt about it: interior renovations can be a costly business - whether that’s from a homeowner’s or a builder’s...
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Government & Policy

Building Better, Building Beautiful: what are the implications for house builders?

Published by: Phil Thomas
Find out more about the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission and the implications for house builders when designing...
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Features, Structural Warranty, Industry news

Choosing a Structural Warranty Provider

Published by: Phil Thomas
How do you choose a warranty provider? With a range of options on the market, What is the difference, and how do you choose the...
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Features, MMC

Adopting MMC – how one social housing provider is overcoming barriers

Published by: Phil Thomas
Like many housing providers at the forefront of the housing crisis mission, L&Q is actively exploring the role MMC has in the...
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Features

Eco-Friendly Bathrooms: 4 Key Design Considerations

Published by: Phil Thomas
The Future Homes Standard 2025 will seek to end fossil fuel-based heating in all new homes as part of the UK Government’s drive...
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Self-build

The Self Build Register - what is it and how does it work?

Published by: Phil Thomas
We take a look at what the Self-Build Register is and how it affects you as a self-builder. Learn more.
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Features

En Suite Design 101: 3 Essential Considerations

Published by: Phil Thomas
In this article we provide 3 essential considerations for En Suite design
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Industry news

Building in the Budget

Published by: Phil Thomas
Here’s a snapshot of some of Philip Hammond’s main building-related announcements last week
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Events

Expert Views at the top for our first ‘Technical Talk’

Published by: Phil Thomas
Our first ‘Technical Talk’ took place on Tuesday 25th September at the top of the iconic Gherkin in London. Find out all about it.
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Materials, Ground, Industry news

Boring Company, Exciting Bricks, Cheaper Houses?

Published by: Phil Thomas
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla has unveiled plans to convert the dirt excavated by his tunnel digging business, the Boring...
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Features

Future of Construction: Droning on

Published by: Phil Thomas
Despite the negative press associated with drones they have proved useful in a variety of different industries. The Construction...
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Industry news, Brownfield

Britain has Enough Brownfield Land to Solve the Housing Crisis

Published by: Phil Thomas
It has been discovered that there is enough space on brownfield sites to build at least one million new homes. Due to the nature...
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Industry news

Bridging the Widening Skills Gap: How and why?

Published by: Phil Thomas
The construction industry isn’t a new one and as with any industry that has existed for a long time, public perception tends to...
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Industry news

Bathroom Design 2.0: The Function-First Solutions of the Future

Published by: Phil Thomas
Bathroom design is an interesting topic right now, as technology and innovative design are at a point of coming together to...
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Planning

Don’t lose the plot with our guide to plot types

Published by: Phil Thomas
Land very rarely comes pre-packaged and ready to build on. In fact, if you are looking to find best plots, chances are you are...
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Building Regs, Features, Industry news

Dangerous Dust on the Building Site

Published by: Phil Thomas
Air pollution is a growing issue in the world and is especially evident and dangerous within our heavily populated urban centres....
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Features

6 major benefits of buying a new build home

Published by: Phil Thomas
The decision to buy an older home or new build home often boils down to personal preference. We look at the benefits of choosing...
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