Many of the bigger construction companies still have a joinery workshop as part of their overall resources but many of the medium to smaller sized companies experienced to close part of their production facilities and out- source joinery and other skills to sub- contractors. This makes sense financially as work was created to order and there are no overheads, such as for example paying for utilities/wages when there is little work on.
As recovery in the construction industry starts to happen which there are definite signs of, you will have a demand for specialised products- joinery, metalworking, etc. With no" in house" production available, contractors will be sub contracting even more work than before.
So we need to start looking at ways of production which will help kick start the regeneration.
One possible idea is buying in component items for minimal assembly but achieving great cost benefits. Doors and windows are both available in kit forms, in a variety of timbers and styles. Maybe even the bigger companies will look as of this idea. Lets take windows as an example. If you are building a large number of similar houses, the probabilities are that multiples of exactly the same window style and size will be required. Why not have the windows made off site in component form, transported to your organization for assembly ( this is easily done as the windows take up much less space and are less likely to be damaged) and to site for fitting and glazing. Assembly is very straightforward and may be carried out by semi skilled labour.This will work as long as the company who's given the duty of producing your windows is set up to get this done. Research them carefully and seek references before ordering.
An excellent joinery company can tailor a product to fit your requirements. Stormproof style or traditional, a number of mouldings based on the look and various timbers to suit all budgets.
Some companies just want the fully assembled and painted window on site with glazing ready to fix. This will raise the unit cost but saves time on site. Again consider the quality of what is on offer- frame thickness, timber quality, paint finish and ironmongery if it is provided. Visit and speak to the business to gauge if they have the resources and skills to manufacture just what you want.
Doors may also 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 entranceway frame just needs fitting in the frame and checking it is plumb, before refitting the door and ironmongery. This saves time and effort on site and usually prevents problems like locks not operating correctly as they have already been pre- tested during initial fitting.
The benefit 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 sent to site, specifically for bathrooms- where the unit is pre tiled and all items fitted. Once on site the water and drainage connections are created and the unit is practically complete. The speed of building using these new pre-fabs is incredible. Wall sections including cut outs for doors and windows can be built by very few workers in just a matter of hours.
I believe that with the populace due to increase, we are in need of more affordable housing for several and new ways to reduce build time. Maybe its time for a big change of attitude.
The government also needs to take renewable energy such as for example solar power and spend money on the technology. New houses should have a solar power and these are available these days in "tile look" therefore you don't even start to see the unit once its installed. It has to function as way we start to think.
Hope you agree.
Give me your thoughts.
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, Made by hand conservatories and Orangeries, Ornate staircases, Individual pieces of Furniture, Designer Mouldings and personally commissioned items.
https://joiners-barrowinfurness.co.uk/ is undertaken utilizing the best in materials and modern techniques, in conjunction with many years of experience and product development.