The second fix is a critical phase in new-build housing installations as it delivers the gleaming finish that homeowners will ultimately see and interact with. As long as the first fix has been completed successfully, there is no reason why the second fix should not be straightforward. However, it can descends into a labyrinth of unexpected delays and costs. Here are three key points to keep in mind and save you time when selecting a second fix construction company.

Carpentry presents a range of occupational health hazards that workers should be aware of. These include the inhalation of wood dust, injuries from manual handling, falls from elevated positions, and potential contact with hazardous chemicals and asbestos. Implementing robust safety protocols, notably the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), is key to reducing these risks.

This article takes a closer look at the primary risks and recommended safety measures, providing a list of key topics for your toolbox talks.

A "contract lift" in carpentry refers to a comprehensive service where the Specialist Carpentry Contractor, such as SC4 Carpenters Ltd, works with the crane provider to assume full responsibility for the entire lifting operation, managing the lift with the crane provider and crane operator.

Basingstoke is home to many experienced and highly professional carpenters – we have worked with our fair share. However, as the centre of a diverse and complex range of new build construction projects, it’s important for contractors building in the Basingstoke area to be aware of several red flags when sourcing a carpentry and joinery partner.

At SC4, the roof and timber frame installations we deliver as part of our carpentry services stand the test of time, combining affordability with efficiency and quality for a safe, flexible service that meets the needs of the modern construction sector. 

In this article, we explain why SC4 Carpenters makes an excellent partner for roof and timber frame installations.

31 July 2024 was a hot and busy day for SC4 Carpenters, with 15 Crane lifts of Roofs and Timber Frame over 3 sites.

First fix carpentry is the crucial initial phase of carpentry work in any construction project, responsible for creating the structural elements of the building before the finishing touches are applied.

Transitioning from the first fix (structural timber work) to the second fix carpentry stage (fixtures and fittings) is a critical phase in any building project. Seamlessly integrating both tasks is the key to creating a building that is structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.

As a contractor or contractor-developer, you understand the significance of selecting the right specialist trade contractor to support your new-build housing projects. Working with the right specialist contractor can significantly impact your project's success, bringing in further expertise, experience, quality assurance, project management capabilities, and a strong commitment to health and safety. This eBook delves into the key aspects that a competent specialist trade contractor can contribute to your new-build housing development.

UK National Apprenticeship Week 2024, taking place between 5^th and 11^th of February, is a great time to explore what a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship involves and its practical aspects, and if this could be the right path for you into the construction industry.

In June 2023, SC4 Carpenters Ltd completed the carpentry works for 80 affordable new homes in Totton, Hampshire. The development will mainly consist of two, three and four-bedroom houses along with a small collection of one and two-bedroom flats. All homes will be provided on an affordable basis, with half of the homes available to purchase through the shared ownership scheme and the remaining half offered for rent.

On 27 April 2023 SC4 installed its final timber frame plot at North Stoneham Park as 5 years carrying out Carpentry and Timber Frame contract works for Highwood and Taylor Lane on this site drew to a close. SC4 has contributed to the construction of almost 900 new homes on the site which consists of 10 phases. It was a brilliant opportunity to be part of building this new community so close to my home and where I grew up.

All carpentry involves cutting, shaping and assembling wooden materials to create structures, fittings and furnishings. All carpentry involves cutting, shaping and assembling wooden materials to create structures, fittings and furnishings. However, the on-site tasks of a commercial carpentry contractor can mostly be categorised into either first fix or second fix carpentry.

If you’re planning a large residential construction project, it’s important to ensure that you have the right contractors working on each aspect of the job in order to avoid overspend or delays. One key element of any commercial building project is carpentry and joinery. Let’s take a closer look at why you should use a commercial carpentry contractor for your next construction project.

First fix carpentry is an important part of any commercial building process. First fix involves the installation of the structural carpentry elements, such as the timber framework, joists, studwork, floorboards and roofing, that provide the load-bearing features of a building. In this article, we will discuss what exactly first fix carpentry is and why it pays to hire a professional to support you at this crucial stage of building development.

Commercial second fix carpentry generally refers to the installation of doors, windows, and other fixtures and fittings in a commercial setting.  It’s what happens once the first fix trades complete the installation of the structural components of the build, and at SC4 Carpenters, we are happy to offer both first and second fix aspects of carpentry for all types of residential and commercial property development.

Project Managers want reliable subcontractors with high-quality service at each project stage, and sourcing the right subcontractors can make the difference. Commercial construction can be a challenging field to work in, with tight budgets and deadlines, health and safety responsibilities and multiple trades who need collaborate with each other.

The best carpentry professionals enhance their skills by learning ‘trade secrets’, techniques and tips to help get the job done efficiently and accurately. The best professionals keep their skills sharp by learning ‘trade secrets’, techniques and tips that help them get the job done efficiently and accurately – without compromising on safety or quality.

Carpentry involves cutting, shaping, installing, finishing and repairing the wood products used in construction, from interior trim work such as door frames, staircases and skirtings to external window frames and roofing – and even including load-bearing structural components. Decorating services include painting walls, ceilings, doors, and windows as well as installing wallpaper and exterior finishes.

The success of a construction project often depends on the quality of the work done by first and second fix carpentry contractors. In this article, we want to discuss in detail the second fix carpentry process for residential new builds and refurbishments. We hope this will help you be more confident when discussing your needs with prospective contractors and putting together an outstanding team.

As every construction project manager knows, ensuring that all first fix joinery work is solid is a crucial part of any residential project. First fix joinery involves structural work, ranging from floors and ceilings to door frames, wall studs, and other space divisions that are put in place before plastering can begin. Therefore, high-quality first fix carpentry and joinery are essential when it comes to ensuring the structural stability of a new building.

SC4 Carpenters Ltd is pleased to announce that we have won Best Carpentry Business - Southern England at the SME News UK Enterprise Awards. "We pride ourselves on providing a high quality service to our customers, safely and to programme, working in partnership with our clients – and are pleased that this has been recognised by this award."

There are plenty of carpentry contractors you can engage to work on a development project, but not all of them will have the same levels of experience and expertise. In this article, we look at the essential ‘tricks of the trade’ that a competent carpenter will definitely know and apply in every project – and which a Project Manager or QS may not necessarily be aware of if he or she is not themselves trained as a carpenter.

In Summer 2022, SC4 Carpenters Ltd and SC4 Decorators start work on Phase 2 of the Foreman Homes project at Selborne Road, Alton, Hampshire. SC4 frequently wins multiple phases with existing clients reflecting the high standard of work and customer satisfaction offered by SC4 as well as the benefits of working with an established contract carpentry and decorating company.

Good carpenters are always in demand. According to a 2019 survey, carpentry is the top trade job in the UK, and demand for professionals in this industry increased by more than 65% between 2019 and 2020 alone. Having said that, there are different types of carpenters. Carpentry contractors can specialise in different areas, from framing and structural work (first fix) to cabinet and door fitting (second fix).

From roofs/first fix to second fix and finals, trust, skill and reliability matter in construction. But sometimes it can be hard to determine the criteria to use in order to select the best commercial carpentry contractor. Insurance, accreditations, skills, qualifications and experience - they're all important. Here are eight tips for hiring the best carpentry and joinery contractors for building developments.

When it comes to residential care, people are looking for names that they can trust to provide a professional and responsive service, with that extra attention to detail that makes such a difference. And leading providers in the care industry expect those same high standards to be applied in the construction of their new care homes. As part of our 21st birthday celebrations, we looked back at some of our Care & Residential Home projects over the years.

As part of our 21st birthday celebrations, SC4 Carpenters Ltd has looked back a some of its projects over the past few years.  Since 2016, SC4 has been providing contract carpentry services to Foreman Homes for 2 back-to-back projects off Walworth Road in Picket Piece, Andover. The latest, The Nightingales, included extensive exterior cladding giving a luxury finish to these beautiful homes.

Building a housing development or other construction project from scratch has a number of different stages as far as carpentry and joinery work is concerned.As a contractor or lead developer, it’s important to get them right to avoid messing up or correcting costly mistakes down the line. In the earlier stages of construction, there's a lot of behind the scenes work for trades specialists: electricians, plumbers, and of course joiners and carpenters.

The construction sector has been at the forefront of change in recent months, with some key issues – disruptions in global supply chains, shortages in skilled labour, and variations in prices – causing uncertainty for construction firms and project managers. So, how can we help you to overcome the three main challenges faced by the construction sector?

Although there is a considerable overlap of skills between carpentry and joinery, the two are quite distinct; so, if you’re a construction business or main contractor looking for a trustworthy and professional carpentry contractor for your construction project, or are considering a career in the industry, it’s important to understand the similarities and differences between carpentry and joinery.

SC4 Carpenters' workforce star in this new Milwaukee Tool promotional video: "MILWAUKEE® Cordless Carpentry Solutions: From Frame to Finish", filmed in Hampshire in early 2021. The filming took place on various sites of our valued clients, Highwood Construction and Foreman Homes. SC4 was pleased to assist Milwaukee with this promo and excited to test their range of heavy duty cordless carpentry tools. 

It's great to use drone video photography to see how a build is progressing from the air. We filmed this at Foreman Homes' site in Oakley in May 2021, where we are the carpentry and decorating contractors for 85 new homes.

SC4 Carpenters have won a NEW contract to provide carpentry services for a 68 bed care home in Hedge End for primary contractor, Highwood Group. We are excited to work alongside Highwood again, in what looks to be an exciting and interesting project. The two-storey care home will incorporate a brick and timber clad façade with large terraces on the first floor and two accommodation wings either side.