Many of the larger construction companies still have a joinery workshop within their overall resources but lots of the medium to smaller sized companies have had to close section of their production facilities and out- source joinery and other skills to sub- contractors. This is practical financially as work is made to order and there are no overheads, such as paying for utilities/wages if you find little work on. As recovery in the construction industry starts to occur which there are definite signs of, you will see a demand for specialised products- joinery, metalworking, etc. Without internal production available, contractors will undoubtedly be sub contracting even more work than before. So we have to start looking at means 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. Windows and doors are both obtainable in kit forms, in a variety of timbers and styles. Maybe even the larger companies will look at this idea. Lets take windows for example. If you are creating a large number of similar houses, the probabilities are that multiples of the same window style and size will be required. You will want to 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 inclined to be damaged) and on to site for fitting and glazing. Assembly is very straightforward and can be completed by semi skilled labour.This can work as long because 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, various mouldings depending on the look and different timbers to suit all budgets. Some companies just want the fully assembled and painted window on site with glazing prepared to fix. This will increase the unit cost but saves time on site. Again look at the quality of what is on offer- frame thickness, timber quality, paint finish and ironmongery if it's provided. Visit and talk to the company to gauge whether they have the resources and skills to manufacture exactly what you want. Doors can 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 Click for source , the entranceway frame just needs fitting in the frame and checking it is plumb, before refitting the entranceway and ironmongery. This saves effort and time on site and usually prevents problems like locks not operating correctly because they have been pre- tested during initial fitting. The advantage of fully assembled items is they can be be pre-finished with paint or lacquer, again saving time on site. It is not unusual to see pod type units being sent to site, especially for bathrooms- where in fact 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 could be built by very few workers in a matter of hours. I think that with the populace due to increase, we are in need of more affordable housing for several and new methods to reduce build time. Maybe its time for a change of attitude. The government also needs to take renewable energy such as for example solar power and invest in the technology. All new houses must have a solar power and these are now available in tile look which means 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 ideas. Gordon Burwood Joinery Ltd is really a manufacturing joinery business based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. They offer a bespoke service creating beautiful and practical timber products which range from Sash Windows to Hardwood External doors, Hand made conservatories and Orangeries, Ornate staircases, Individual furniture pieces, Designer Mouldings and personally commissioned items. All work is undertaken using the best in materials and modern techniques, coupled with a long time of experience and product development.
Click for source
