Inside information
[MMC-IMG=1513-A=Right] Dawn Kitchener, founder and director of interiors specialist Connections in Design, offers some insights into the latest trends and why housebuilders are increasingly recognising the importance of a well designed show home
Do your homework
Designing show home and new home interiors is a sophisticated business and a key pillar of any marketing strategy. Andrew Leech talks to housebuilders and their design consultants about what customers want and why they are offering interiors packages
Welcome home
[MMC-IMG=1510-A=Right] Bev Weston, sales and marketing director at David Wilson Homes, explains why a high quality show home and interior design package combined with friendly, well informed sales staff are critical success factors in exceeding customers'
Hearts of stone
Increasing consumer expectations and competitiveness in the new homes market is driving design innovation in paving and landscaping. Chris Windle looks into the latest products, including decking and SUDS systems
Don't sweat it
The temperature is rising for home insulation standards, but Andrew Leech finds that the industry is not fazed by the implications of further changes to Part L of the Building Regulations
Getting plasterboard
Housebuilders are currently focused on increasing efficiency and build speed, while meeting increasing Building Regulation insulation standards. Tim Palmer finds plasterboard manufacturers are innovating with this aim
Cracking the code
[MMC-IMG=1501-A=Left] At Fairfield Park in Bedfordshire the local authority has used design codes to ensure homes being built by Twigden and other developers will complement surrounding Victorian architecture. Steve Menary reports on the impressive result
Current thinking
Deregulation in the gas and water sectors has been going on for some time, but it has yet to infiltrate the electricity sector. John Batty explains why opening up utilities provision to competition and multi-utility providers will benefit housebuilders by
Housing mix-up
[MMC-IMG=1498-A=Left] A recent report on CABE's role and effectiveness and another questioning housing policies that encourage smaller dwellings draw interesting conclusions. Will Howie tested out the latter in his local neighbourhood and doubts whether "
Selling up
Housebuilders' financial results for 2004-05 show quoted firms enjoying strong profit growth in 2004, with some indications of challenging times ahead. Steve Menary analyses the figures and the changes afoot in the market
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