What do self-builders look for when selecting materials?
Market research commissioned by the UK Copper Board (Keith Gorton Services market research 2000) has shown that self-builders are looking for the following when selecting their building materials:
(Self-builders were asked to rate the criteria they use when choosing materials for their new homes)
Copper offers you all this, and more .
- tried and tested copper has no rivals when it comes to proven performance
- high standards of quality
- durability/reliability
- appearance copper looks good when installed, giving you a neater finish it can also be painted
- copper tube is guaranteed for 25 years by leading manufacturers
- adaptability copper systems are available in standard interchangeable sizes
- better performance copper provides better flow rates
- copper resists heat, corrosion, pressure and fire giving you peace of mind
You can specify copper for your:
- cold and hot water supply
- central heating
- gas installations
- under-floor heating
- domestic residential sprinkler systems
- Self-build is pursued mainly to achieve the ideal house design and to attain 'more for your money.'
- Product quality and reliability is the key driver in product specification.
- While low cost is spontaneously of paramount importance, when prompted it is less appealing than durability and value for money.
- In house construction, the decisions over plumbing pipework are the least likely elements to be specified by the homeowner.
- Where home owners make pipework choices, copper is favoured for hot and cold water systems.