Thomas Oldham

When a property no longer meets the needs of its owners, one of the biggest decisions is whether to renovate the existing building or knock it down and start again with a new build. While both options have advantages, renovation is often the preferred choice because it can save money, reduce waste and preserve the character of a property. But making a new build comes with advantages, such as not having to pay VAT on any building costs.

A Construction Phase Plan is a safety document that sets out how health and safety risks will be managed on a building site. Under the Construction Design and Management Regulations, every UK construction project must have one in place before any work begins. Key Points A construction phase plan is a legal requirement under CDM 2015 for all UK construction projects, regardless of size, and must be in place before any site work begins.

No, you cannot put liquid paint in a skip. Liquid paint is classed as hazardous waste in the UK because it contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvents that can contaminate groundwater. Skip hire companies refuse wet paint without exception. Key Points Liquid paint is classified as hazardous waste and cannot be placed in a skip under any circumstances due to harmful VOCs and chemicals.