HPH001 : What Makes a Successful Builder of Traditional Homes?

Background and Aims of the Podcast

Ben Adam Smith, the host of the Houseplanninghelp.com podcast, explains that his background is in media and his passion for buildings led him to create a podcast where he can learn about building his own house. Frustrated with the lack of in-depth information available online, he seeks to educate himself by speaking to experts in the industry and sharing their insights with his audience. His focus is on energy efficiency, sustainability, and the importance of community in housing projects.

Interview with Simon Lewis

The first interview of the podcast is with Simon Lewis, the managing director of R.W. Armstrong, a residential builder in southeast England. Simon shares how he got into the construction industry and his preference for the practical aspects of construction over design. He emphasizes the challenges of maintaining quality in an industry driven by cost and highlights the importance of skilled craftsmen. Simon also discusses energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and the complexities of incorporating them into building designs. He advises listeners to carefully control their budget, consider refurbishment options, and find reputable builders through research and references.

Tips for Building a Home

Simon Lewis advises listeners to carefully control their budget and be mindful of spending in order to achieve a successful build. He suggests considering regeneration of existing plots or new builds based on individual preferences. Simon also recommends seeking advice from a renewables consultant to ensure maximum energy efficiency and proper integration of energy-saving materials and systems. He urges listeners to be cautious of untrustworthy individuals in the industry and to evaluate information critically. Additionally, he highlights the importance of understanding the practical aspects of the construction process, such as weather conditions and logistics.

Conclusion and Future Plans

Ben Adam Smith expresses his gratitude to his friend, Mike Russell, for his support in creating and producing the podcast. He invites listeners to provide feedback and share their top three tips based on their own experiences with house renovations or self-builds. The next episode will feature an interview with an energy efficiency expert, Martin Evans from the Malt House Consultancy.

House Planning Help Podcast

HPH001 : What Makes a Successful Builder of Traditional Homes?

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Background and Aims of the Podcast

Interview with Simon Lewis

Tips for Building a Home

Conclusion and Future Plans

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