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Links and Gateways

Abacus USA Construction Index
 http://www.construction-index.com/



 Abacus USA Construction Index is a directory of recommended online resources for US architects, engineers and other construction professionals. Its is an excellent resource, with a searchable index providing access to 1,500 websites, online documents, case studies and newsletters; alternatively, the site can be browsed by resource type or topic. The homepage is perhaps a little busy, but otherwise the site is well laid out, with a simple and uncluttered design. Note that while the construction-index.com site is currently being rebuilt to focus on US content only, UK content can now be found on a sister website, Archinet UK Building Directory. awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 23 Aug 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-030903-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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Aecportico
 http://www.thenbs.com/technical/aecportico/



 Aecportico is provided by NBS as a service to the UK construction industry, offering what it describes as "links to the best and most useful information in the architecture, engineering and construction sectors, free of charge". Features of the site include a comprehensive directory of relevant professional bodies and trade associations, an up-to-date events listing, and a regular 'book of the week'. Together, these features make aecportico a valuable and impressive resource, which is deservedly awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 8 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-090402-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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APlusHomeowner
 http://www.aplushomeowner.com/



Covering the United States, APlusHomeowner is intended "to provide an ideal place where homeowners can get the best home improvement service from the right contractors". By inputting their home improvement needs, registered users can get matched to pre-screened service professionals, such as general- and sub- contractors, remodelers or designers. However, though the site features what it calls a 'contractor directory', organised by state, it is not possible for users to view details without first registering for the site and entering details of their intended project. Consequently, while it is a useful service that benefits from a neat and attractive interface, APlusHomeowner is more suitable for serious queries than casual browsing. [GAS, 2 Mar 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-310804-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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Archbone
 http://www.archbone.co.uk/



 Archbone is a very useful site, providing architects and specifiers in the UK with "free and fast 2 click access to the websites of over 1,600 construction product manufacturers and suppliers". In addition to its main directory, the site also features an extensive collection of links covering CAD, legislation, organisations, map suppliers and databases. Information throughout the site is displayed clearly and without fuss, and a recent redesign has further enhanced the site's appearance and functionality. Overall, Archbone is a well-designed and valuable resource, awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 2 Oct 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-100303-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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Archinet UK Building Directory
 http://www.archinet.co.uk/



 Bearing only a passing resemblance to the old Archinet site that used to be hosted here, the new Archinet UK Building Directory is essentially a rebadged version of the excellent Abacus Construction Index; while archinet.co.uk now hosts Abacus' UK content, the existing Abacus site at construction-index.com is being developed as a US-focused resource. If that's all too much to take in, don't worry - just visit Archinet and enjoy it. Aspiring to "bring together in one place recommended sources of information and advice about construction and architecture in the UK", users can browse its featured resources by type (online documents and websites), topic (including architecture, conservation, housing, planning and sustainability) or by product type; entries are well annotated, with lots of useful deeplinks as well as the more usual link to each site's homepage. The site has few visual embellishments, but is neat and easy to use, displaying its content very clearly and without fuss. A valuable resource, awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 5 Jun 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-230805-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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Architecture-India.com
 http://www.architecture-india.com/



Architecture-India.com describes itself as "the webpage for the building industry in India", targeting architects, developers, building owners, contractors, subcontractors, civil and structural engineers, façade consultants, environmental engineers, testing and clarification agencies, government departments, academics, trade missions, and manufacturers and suppliers of building materials. Features of the site include a comprehensive searchable and browsable directory, covering a range of organisations, resources and businesses (including over 1500 architecture and interior design firms in India and elsewhere), conference papers, details of events, a discussion forum, and a section of architecture-related links. [GAS, 8 Sep 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: arc-091105-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: India
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Architecture » Resources
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BuilderNet
 http://www.buildernet.com/



BuilderNet describes itself as "the UK's construction, DIY and home improvement portal", providing contact details for companies and organisations within the building and home improvement sectors. The site's Business Directory can be used to find the contact details for plumbers, electricians, landscape specialists, builders and other contractors in a given area, featuring a search function and the ability to browse by towns or category, while a Resources Directory features annotated and rated links to other useful sites. BuilderNet benefits from a neat and attractive interface, with its content clearly displayed and easy to navigate. [GAS, 21 Aug 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-080706-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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BuilderSpace.com
 http://www.builderspace.com/



 BuilderSpace.com describes itself as "an information portal and directory for the Building and Design Industry". Features include architecture news and commentary, research links, education information for professional licensure and continuing education, job banks links, events, competitions, exhibits information and links, and a comprehensive directory of AEC professional services firms and manufacturers. Although US-based, the site's coverage is international. Overall, BuilderSpace.com is an impressive resource - providing relevant and up-to-date content within a sleek and intuitive interface. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 5 Mar 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-030903-06
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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BuildFind
 http://www.buildfind.com/



BuildFind calls itself "the leading search engine for researching information about construction industry employers", and is certainly a vast resource: its homepage claims that "BuildFind currently indexes over 1 million documents from member websites to provide current and relevant information on construction firms, construction people, construction projects, construction products, construction news and construction jobs". If that isn't enough, the front page features links to related 'BuildFind Business Directories'. Many pages of the site were bringing up 403 errors when Sapling last visited; we will revisit to check whether this is terminal. [GAS, 6 Jun 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-120903-05
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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Construction Risk Management Library and Portal
 http://www.constructionrisk.com/



The Construction Risk Management Library and Portal provides risk management resources and information, including articles, newsletters, a discussion board, and an impressive section of annotated links to related websites. Themes covered by the site include architects' and engineers' professional liability, architects' insurance, engineers' insurance, construction law and litigation, contractor claims and disputes, loss control, design-build liability, continuing education, and project management. [GAS, 24 Aug 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-020602-03
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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ConstructionWebLinks
 http://www.constructionweblinks.com/



 Constructionweblinks is a comprehensive US-based guide to construction, architecture, and engineering resources on the Web, provided by Thelen Reid & Priest LLP. Links, newsletters and other resources are organised into four main sections, covering organisations, industry topics, resources and guides, and forming a valuable and well designed resource. Awarded a Sapling Commendation. [GAS, 6 Nov 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-040301-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United States
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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Halfprice Labour
 http://www.halfpricelabour.com/



Halfpricelabour.com is a UK business directory, listing trades and businesses who offer customers reduced rates or special offers, and with an interactive format which allows businesess to update their information on a 24/7 basis. The site's coverage is impressive - Sapling visitors will be particularly interested in the building or construction-related businesses, such as plumbers, builders, joiners, electricians, tilers, roofing, landscapers and painters. Another useful feature of the site is a downloadable building contract (available at a small cost), which is intended as deterrent against 'cowboy' builders. [GAS, 4 Oct 2005].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-270203-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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The HousePlanner
 http://www.thehouseplanner.co.uk



The HousePlanner calls itself "the UK resource for anyone interested in building, renovating or home improvements - everything from house plans to DIY". The site is certainly a mine of information, with sections covering areas such as architects, conservation, decorating, furniture and building services. The section devoted to self-build is particularly good, with links to relevant websites, books and case studies. Neatly laid out and very easy to navigate, this is a very good site, well worth a visit. [GAS, 8 May 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: hou-161103-02
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Housing » Resources
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Property Maintenance Guide.com
 http://www.propertymaintenanceguide.com/



Property Maintenance Guide.com describes itself as "your guide to all types of property maintenance services for private and commercial properties". The site appears to be quite new, but it boasts an attractive appearance and has the makings of a useful resource. Users can search or browse for the property maintenance services they require, with the site featuring an extensive range of categories relating to the home and garden, each including profiles and contact details for relevant businesses. The site's resource value will be further enhanced by the articles and links sections, both of which are currently being developed. [GAS, 11 Mar 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-110306-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
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Self Build HQ
 http://www.selfbuildhq.com/



Describing itself as covering "everything self build, from cabin self build to timber frame self build", Self Build HQ simply features annotated self build-related links, each one illustrated with a helpful thumbnail image of the site in question. [GAS, 29 May 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: hou-130905-01
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Housing » Resources
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UK Construction Industry Net
 http://www.uk-ci.net/



UK Construction Industry Net is a web portal dedicated to the UK construction industry, centred around a searchable directory of construction industry professionals, manufacturers and suppliers. A useful resources section has links to industry standards and construction-related downloads. The site also offers additional features, such as news and articles. A jobs section and discussion forum have very limited content so far, but will hopefully expand over time. [GAS, 5 Aug 2006].



ENTRY NUMBER: con-030903-05
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRIMARY GATEWAY LISTING: Construction » Resources
RATE: View current visitor rating, and rate this site yourself
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