Journal
Demolish or Refurbish? How VAT Policy is undermining the UK’s housing and climate goals
MESH Engineering have seen this first-hand how developers and housing providers are frequently steered toward demolition not because the structure is unviable, but because VAT makes it the more financially attractive option. It’s a policy contradiction that’s hard to ignore and one that puts short-term economics ahead of long-term sustainability.
In this blog we take a look at the issue and how the system rewards waste over sustainable refurbishment and what other countries are doing to encourage renovation.
Planning Approval vs. Building Control: why your project needs both (and why they don't talk to each other)
This MESH Engineering guide outlines the difference between planning approval and building control, and how engaging your structural engineers early in the project can help bridge the gap between the two processes.
A Structural Engineer’s guide on how to navigate the barn conversion process
This MESH Engineering guide outlines the essential structural considerations that will help you successfully transform an agricultural building into a safe and sustainable home, because converting a barn into a functional and compliant living space requires more than just vision.
Can your barn be converted? A Structural Engineer’s tips
Before diving into design ideas, the first and most crucial question is: can your barn actually be converted? Understanding the structural and planning requirements early can save significant time, money, and frustration down the line.
Here, MESH Engineering break down the key factors that determine whether a barn is a viable candidate for conversion.