Monochrome Bathroom, Chichester

Contemporary Kitchen & Family Room, Chichester, West Sussex

How Do Homeowners Deal With Asbestos?

If the property you live in was built between the 1930’s and the 1980’s there is a reasonable chance that you will come across asbestos in your home’s construction.  So, how do homeowners deal with asbestos?

Asbestos is a material that was used in many building applications over the fifty year period from the 1930’s onwards.  The use of asbestos was popular because of its fire retardant and insulative qualities.  These qualities made it the perfect material choice for multiple construction applications. These included roofing, insulation, ceiling & floor tiles and textured coatings like Artex (remember popcorn ceilings?)

However, it was discovered that the material is a major health hazard causing serious illnesses including irreversible lung damage and cancers.  The dangers of illness are increased once the asbestos material is disturbed causing the microscopic fibres to become airborne.  Once these fibres are airborne they are easily inhaled and can accumulate in the lungs.

Consequently, the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 2000. There are strict laws in place in the UK for the treatment, removal and disposal of asbestos.  Removal of this material can only be undertaken by certified and licensed professionals.  It is definitely not a job for the DIY enthusiast so be sure to leave this task to those qualified to handle and dispose of this hazardous material.

The possibility of disturbing the asbestos fibres is significantly increased during the demolition phase of any building project. This is why it is so important to use certified removal companies.  Licensed professionals ensure that the strict safety requirements are adhered to in line with the UK’s health and safety regulations.

As a homeowner, it is important to be aware of these risks as you approach building and renovation work in your home.  Consulting an experienced builder like TED Construction can help identify and advise you on likely cases. But, ultimately, you will need to source the expertise of a certified asbestos removal company. 

We work very closely with a licensed company, and have worked with them on many projects in Chichester, West Sussex and the surrounding areas.  We can recommend these professionals if you live in our area and have not already selected your own preferred contractor.

A certified expert will conduct a thorough asbestos survey before any major demolition or renovation works take place. They will assess the location and type of asbestos across the property and carry out any appropriate material testing.  It is the responsibility of the licensed professionals to handle and dispose of asbestos in line with UK laws.

As a homeowner, do your research to find reliable, responsible and qualified asbestos removal companies in you area.  You can also search for qualified companies in your local area on The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) database.  

TED Construction & Developments Ltd is an experienced building company working in and around Chichester, West Sussex. Give us a call to talk about your project plans on 01243 278018 - we'd be happy to help.

Federation of Master Builders Membership - Benefits for Clients

Being a member of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) offers building companies many benefits - but what are the benefits of the Federation of Master Builders membership for clients?

The Federation of Master Builders was established in 1941. It is the largest trade association representing small to medium sized building companies in the UK.

In order to become a member of the FMB, a company has to fulfil a number of requirements. All members are regularly assessed and inspected. Here at TED Construction & Developments Ltd, we are proud to be members, but how does this help you, the client?

According to FMB research, a third of homeowners delay major home improvements for fear of hiring a 'dodgy' builder. Shockingly, over half of those surveyed reported a negative experience with their builder.

The building trade is not regulated in the same way as gas and electric trades. Currently, any person or company can undertake construction work. Therefore, a client could unknowingly hire a builder with very limited experience or ability, and without any evidence of formal qualifications.

The FMB are actively campaigning to license the UK building industry. This would help to protect consumers from poor building practices and unscrupulous builders.

Quality of Work is Assessed by Independent On Site Inspections

For a building company to become a member, a number of independent checks are carried out to ensure that the high standards of a Master Builder are met.

These include -

• Thorough company checks - including credit and Director checks.
• Quality of work is assessed by independent on site inspections.
• FMB members must agree to abide by the FMB Code of Conduct to be accountable for good standards, ensuring protection for clients.

But what do you, the client, get from a builder who is a member of the FMB?

Benefits include:

• Access to a free database of all members of the association. On average 25,000 people access the database every month.
• Reassurance that the builder you work with has been through the FMB's thorough inspection and assessment process.
• Safety in the knowledge that your chosen builder adheres to the FMB's strict quality control requirements.
• Consumer protection available to you with free and impartial dispute resolution in the unlikely event that a problem occurs.
• Peace of mind as the FMB, as an organisation, has achieved 'gold' status in the Investors in People accreditation.
• Confidence knowing that your chosen company’s FMB membership demonstrates investment on the part of the builder.
• Access to useful articles and information including ‘How to Choose a Builder’ alongside project specific guides like ‘House Extensions’ and ‘Planning a Bathroom’.

You can learn more about TED Construction & Developments Ltd and our Federation of Master Builders Membership here or, alternatively, give us a call on 01243 278018.  We would be happy to chat through your ideas and answer any questions you may have about building projects you’re hoping to start in 2025.

Timber Studio & Workshop

Looking for an outdoor studio & storage solution? This easily constructed, timber studio and workshop is the perfect way to create extra space at home - ideal for offices, studio, mini gym or garden room.

Like LEGO for big kids, our team took a kit of timber parts and slotted and secured them together. A quick and efficient build completed in a couple of days.

This model by Dunster House combines cabin room with glazed doors and adjacent workshop all installed by the skilled team at TED team.

The shell of the cabin with roof, flooring, windows and doors was constructed in a couple of days on top of a concrete base that was set a couple of days before - which had also been expertly installed by the TED team!

Remember to accommodate any electrical and plumbing requirements before you set the concrete foundations - and you are good to go! Then before you know it - you have a quick to construct timber studio and workshop! The perfect blank canvas to finalise with your own choice of external colours and finishes.

TED Construction have completed a number of studios and outbuildings over the years. Why not check out our Gallery to see more examples?!

If you would like to talk about any building projects you have in mind please contact us! We would be happy to talk through your project ideas.

Contact the TED team on 01243 278018 or 07717 012415. Alternatively, please drop us a line by email on info@tedltd.co.uk. We'd love to hear from you!

Choosing a Great Builder

Let's face it - choosing a builder can be a really stressful and difficult decision to make! At TED Construction & Developments Ltd, we understand how the presence of a team of builders can be a disruption to your home routine. Whether you're having a new kitchen, a small extension or a full on loft conversion, here are six tips for choosing the perfect builder.

Recommendations

Ask friends, family and neighbours for word of mouth recommendations. If they have had a positive experience hiring a building crew for a project, they will likely be happy to share information on their experience.

Online Research

When using an online search to find potential builders be sure to have a thorough look at the building company's website, online reviews and social pages. Images of previous work will give you an idea of experience and skills while the overall vibe of the website will give you an indication of whether they would be a good fit for you.

Memberships

When you are doing your further research, check the trade memberships your potential builder subscribes to.

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the UK's largest construction trade association. To become a member of the FMB, a building company must pass a thorough vetting process which includes an independent, on site inspection of work carried out. TED Construction & Developments Ltd have been proud members of the FMB since 2019.

Checkatrade is another useful online resource for researching builders and related trades, of which the TED team are proud members. Checkatrade also carry out checks to ensure trades listed have valid PLI insurance as well as having controls in place to ensure that any reviews received are genuine.

Communication Is Key For Any Successful Building Project

Questions for your Builder

Have a long list of questions about the project you are proposing and ask about all aspects of working with your builder. A good builder is a problem solver and wants to make your project work for you, so be be prepared to ask detailed questions. Once you have your quote also be sure to question any elements on the quote that you do not understand. Establish whether there will be a specific project manager who you can liaise with during the course of the build. Communication is key for any successful building project.

The Building Team

Your builder may be a one man band who pulls in sub contractors for various parts of the project. Other building companies employ a small team so you will see a regular bunch of faces working on the project. Choose the builder you feel comfortable working with - as they may be around your home for a while!

Happy Client. Happy Builder

Despite the cliché of builders being unreliable as a trade, this is not always the case. Doing thorough research up front will help with choosing a great builder and, in turn, will ensure a happy, successful building experience.

If we can support you with your next building project, please contact the TED team on 01243 278018 or 07717 012415. Alternatively please drop us a line by email on info@tedltd.co.uk

Tommy

Carpenter

Tom is an apprentice Carpenter who joined our team having come highly recommended by Chichester college. Tom has already completed a carpentry course at the college, where he was awarded student of the year! He will be completing further training through an apprenticeship with us to keep him at the very top of his game and expand further on his already sound knowledge and skills. Tom loves carpentry but is always happy to 'chip in' (see what we did there...) in all other areas to help out his team mates.

Fun Fact - Tom's skills are not limited to the building site! We have it on good information that Tom can do a back flip!! We haven't seen him do one just yet (health and safety and all that jazz!) but we have no doubt he is the best back flipper there is!

Our favourite thing about Tom - Whilst Tom is one of the younger members of the team- he is oozing confidence but is super polite with it! He has an amazing sense of humour and is always making us laugh. We are so proud to be supporting Tom through his carpentry career and we're excited to see what this already very skilled young man is capable of- watch this space!

Henry

Bricklayer

Henry is our apprentice Bricklayer which he has been working towards since joining us in 2023. Henry has taken to brickwork like a duck to water and we've had nothing but praise from his peers! Henry works extremely hard and always gives 110% - we've even caught him practically running with a wheelbarrow at the end of hard day! What a legend!

Fun fact - Henry has impeccable time keeping! He travels the furthest of all of our team and still always very much on time- well done Henners!

Our favourite thing about Henry - Henry is very humble, a quiet but very hardworking individual. Nothing is ever too much trouble and he's always willing to give things a go. Henry is super polite and helpful, and works like a trojan!

Peter

Site Supervisor

Peter is a Carpenter by trade but we're not sure if there's anything this wonderful man can't do?! Having spent all of his working career in the construction industry, Peter has a huge wealth of knowledge and expertise and to top it off- he is one of the loveliest people you will ever meet! Peter has managed and run construction projects throughout his career so he really does know his stuff!

Fun fact - 'Back in the day' Pete was a proud punk rocker and went by the name of 'Peter the Punk'. Personally, we wish we could have seen it, but we're sure he's in still in there!

Our favourite thing about Peter - Peter is one of the kindest, most friendly and genuine gentlemen that you will ever meet. He hasn't got a bad word to say about anyone, he's polite, considerate, nothing is ever too much trouble (honestly the list goes on and on with this man!) and best of all- his smile is enough to light up a room! If you're ever having a down day- spend a few minutes with Pete and his permanent smile and it'll be enough to brighten even the darkest of days!

Timber & Brick Porch, Chichester