News
32 | FEBRUARY 2018
News
RURAL AREAS SEE RISE IN SELF-BUILDERS
Self-builders in the UK are more likely to build in rural locations than urban areas . According to The Self & Custom Build Market Report , the proportion of self-builders with projects in rural local authorities is 43 per cent . The share of households in urban local authorities is about 39 per cent with just 16 per cent of self-builders , who responded to the survey .
Conducted by Homebuilding & Renovating , the survey also reveals that the South West of England and Scotland are the two most likely places a self-builder will choose to start a project . London is the least likely location for a self-build .
The value of the self-build and custom-build market is forecast to grow by 41 % by 2020 . The government has identified the sector as a key contributor to meeting its housebuilding targets in a way that creates choice and quality for the wider public .
Jason Orme , spokesperson for The South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show , said : “ Rural locations are providing a natural tranquil environment and more space than
urban areas , which is just about what most young professionals , growing families or retirees pursue . With the continuous development of commuting options , creating a dream home in the countryside is a more achievable goal . Especially now when the products , services and how-to guides are readily available .”
The Self & Custom Build Market Report 2017 , comprising 112 pages , can be purchased online via : www . homebuilding . co . uk / market-report .
The main source of data this report is based on is a new comprehensive consumer survey of 500 self-builders who had either recently completed or were about to complete their project . This research was conducted via an online survey in 2017 . The overall analysis was compiled based on statistics from HMRC , DCLG and more .
‘ SUPER-SIZED ’ WORD OF MOUTH
Research conducted by Swish Window and Door Systems has shown that the internet has revolutionised the customer journey when it comes to purchasing doors and windows .
Gerald Allen , Epwin Window Systems ’ Marketing Manager , highlights the impact this has on fabricators and installers : “ Whereas before homeowners would contact their local installer when they were researching windows and doors , these days , people overwhelmingly turn to the internet and social media first . The next most popular option is friends and family . Going straight to an installer is the third most popular option . It shows that people want to arm themselves with the facts and get validation from their peers before they go any further . It ’ s a shift fabricators and installers need to recognise if they want to avoid getting left behind .”
Gerald highlights two ways fabricators and installers can reflect the change in the customer journey .
“ Reputation matters more than ever now because social media is super-sized wordof-mouth . Make sure your website and any social media presence you have is up to scratch . Business initiatives such as our new membership programme Excellence as Standard help you drive the quality you ’ re looking for as well as boost your internet presence and give you the tools to make the most of your testimonials online .”
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Reputation matters more than ever now
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Equally as important is making sure that you have the right product in your portfolio . “ Homeowners want to know they are choosing a reputable supplier and a quality product ,” Gerald adds .
www . swishwindows . co . uk
Tech to help customers
When time is money , being able to get the information you need at the click of a mouse is invaluable . It ’ s something Spectus trade fabricator Universal Trade Frames knows and in its instant quote facility it ’ s delivering the service its customers need .
The EvoSatellite software works on both PCs and tablets , so installers can get prices when they ’ re in the office and when they ’ re out on the road , which makes it an even more valuable tool .
Universal Trade Frames sets every customer up with the software as standard . The company has an inhouse consultant who oversees the set-up process and makes sure it is working correctly and is compatible with all the customer ’ s systems . They are then on hand to answer any technical queries or provide any additional support or training that ’ s needed to help every customer get the most out of what the software has to offer their business .
www . utfl . co . uk