Building work

Prepare for fitting out or refurbishment works

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The process of building is noisy, dusty and unpredictable. This may have a dramatic effect if a refurbishment is taking place while you are still in occupation. Then the construction process is likely to be the most disruptive not to mention the most stressful part of the whole process. In these circumstances noise, dust and upheaval have the potential to disrupt the whole process. A carefully planned construction period, however, will keep all these to manageable proportions. Phasing, out-of-hours working and protection can all help. But these must be planned at the outset and not left until the fitting-out contractor is on site and staff are unhappy.

Fitting-out a new building or a second hand one prior to relocation causes less disruption, as the building can be prepared while you are left undisturbed. Be aware, however, that the move period will still be stressful. This will be aggravated considerably if you intend to re-use existing furniture in your new location.

Writing and agreeing the brief will have clarified a number of issues. You will have a good idea of what is important to you in terms of the success of the project. You will know what criteria will be a measure of the success of the project. These should have been discussed at the outset and will have influenced your procurement route.

Health and Safety
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets very high standards for construction sites, since they are potentially very hazardous. The role of the planning supervisor is to ensure that the HSE’s Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 are complied with. These regulations cover not only the way in which the site runs, but the way the design team works together to create a project that does not put people at risk when they build or occupy it. This process starts early on with the preparation of a health and safety plan. During the tender period, the contractors will be required to show that they can comply with the plan, and, most important, during the construction work, the principal contractor will be required to show that he is complying with the agreed plan.

You should remember that the HSE is concerned not only with the safety of the construction workers, but also any one else affected – that means your staff, or anyone else who may have access. At the end of the project a health and safety file must be handed to you that will outline any health and safety aspects that need to be considered when, in the future, the building is being maintained, repaired or altered.