Many of the bigger construction companies still have a joinery workshop as part of their overall resources but many of the medium to more compact companies experienced to close part of their production facilities and out- source joinery and other skills to sub- contractors. This is practical 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, there will be a demand for specialised products- joinery, metalworking, etc. Without" internal" production available, contractors will undoubtedly be sub contracting a lot more work than before.
So we have to start looking at ways of production which can only 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 larger companies will look as of this idea. Lets take windows as an example. If you are creating a large numbers of similar houses, the chances are that multiples of exactly 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 likely to be damaged) and then on to site for fitting and glazing. Assembly is very straightforward and will be carried out by semi skilled labour.This can work as long because the company who's given the task of producing your windows is established to get this done. Research them carefully and seek references before ordering.
A good joinery company should be able to tailor a product to suit your requirements. Stormproof style or traditional, various mouldings depending on look and various 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 consider the quality of what's on offer- frame thickness, timber quality, paint finish and ironmongery if it's 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 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 effort and time on site and usually prevents problems like locks not operating correctly as they have already 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 delivered to site, especially for bathrooms- where the unit is pre tiled and all items fitted. Once on site the water and drainage connections are made 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 believe that with the population due to increase, we need more affordable housing for several and new ways to reduce build time. Maybe https://joiners-barrowinfurness.co.uk/ for a big change of attitude.
The government also needs to take renewable energy such as for example solar power and invest in the technology. New houses should have a solar power and these are available these days in "tile look" which means you don't even start to see the unit once its installed. It has to be the way we start to think.
Hope you agree.
Give me your ideas.
Gordon
Burwood Joinery Ltd is really a manufacturing joinery business located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
They provide a bespoke service creating beautiful and practical timber products ranging from Sash Windows to Hardwood External doors, Hand made conservatories and Orangeries, Ornate staircases, Individual pieces of Furniture, Designer Mouldings and personally commissioned items.
All work is undertaken utilizing the best in materials and modern techniques, coupled with a long time of experience and product development.