The Federation of Master Builders has launched a nationwide search for Britain's greenest builder - one who knows about energy efficiency measures and can turn their hand to installing insulation, wind turbines and even solar panels.
Eco-friendly homes cost less to run and are likely to be more marketable when the time comes to sell, so every homeowner should talk through the eco-options with their builder before they embark on home improvement work. It therefore makes sense to choose a builder who knows their under floor heating from their insulation.
With energy efficiency such an important factor in home improvement, the FMB is calling on satisfied homeowners to nominate their builder for the Master Builder of the Year Awards 2008 Energy Efficiency category for an eco-project well done. Whether your builder has installed extra insulation in a loft extension or double glazing, they may qualify.
TV presenter Naomi Cleaver said:
"Energy efficiency should be high on the priority list for all home improvement work these days and homeowners should be able to look to their builders to provide them with energy efficiency ideas to help them to save money - and the planet."
Richard Diment, FMB Director General said:
"Builders are at the frontline in the bid to make homes more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly, so we do hope that this year's Master Builder of the Year is a green one."
"The Master Builder of the Year Awards are designed primarily to reward building excellence and customer service, but the energy efficiency category also requires builders to have demonstrated the best use of eco features, that can save energy, reduce costs and cut the overall environmental impact." Richard added.
Last year's Best Energy Efficient Builder received his accolade for an extraordinary, sustainable timber frame home made from straw bales, sheep's wool and lime mortar, but projects don't have to be this unusual to qualify. Of course, energy efficiency alone won't win the title.
What makes the Master Builder of the Year Awards unique, is that every builder must be nominated by a satisfied client, who is so pleased with their finished project that they feel their builder deserves national recognition. It is designed to reward both builders and clients, which means if your builder wins, you could enjoy a £3,000 holiday!
Naomi added: "The Master Builder of the Year Awards give customers a chance to thank their builder. The builders do not have to be members of the FMB and there are plenty of great builders out there, so tell us about your favourite. We want to beat last year's record breaking 1,500 entries from around the country." You can enter by calling 0870 162 0942. The closing date for entries is 31st July and Naomi Cleaver will present the winners with their awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, on Thursday 13th November 2008.
The competition has a wide range of categories to make sure it is open to as many builders as possible. Categories cover New Homes, Renovations, Commercial Projects (up to £3m) and a special Heavenly Builder award for builders who display outstanding levels of customer service, no matter how small the job they undertake.
There are prizes of luxury weekend breaks at any of the UK Barceló Hotels for each of the national category winners and their clients. The Master Builder of the Year 2008 will win a Nissan Light Commercial Vehicle and their client will enjoy a luxury £3,000 holiday.
Master Builder of the Year 2008 is organised by the Federation of Master Builders in association with Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, and in partnership with Aon Ltd, B & CE Benefit Schemes, Barceló Hotels, British Gypsum Ltd, BuildStore, ConstructionSkills, CSCS, HBXL, Hilti, Velux, Homebuilding and Renovating, NHBC, Energy Saving Trust, Envirowise, Professional Builder magazine, Sage (UK) Ltd, Screwfix, Travis Perkins, Master Builder magazine and CCATF.
12 June 2008
