Questions before commissioning specialist construction work
We bring together answers to questions about planning construction work, technical background information and organising the work. We help distinguish general principles from matters that need to be clarified for each individual site.
When does a construction project require specialist construction work?
Specialist construction work may be needed when a solution calls for a non-standard method, material or technical preparation. This may include structural strengthening, complex joints or preventing water penetration. To establish what is needed, we consider the project requirements, the condition of existing structures and the intended use.
What needs to be clarified before construction work begins?
Before work begins, the scope, intended solution, condition of the substrates and interfaces with other construction work must be defined. Planning also covers access, material storage, safety and the stages of work that require inspection. It is also necessary to establish whether the planned work requires a design, approvals or a building permit.
Does specialist construction work always require a separate design?
The need for a separate design depends on the nature of the work, its impact on the building and the applicable requirements. Changes to load-bearing structures, fire safety or the building's performance in use must be worked through with a qualified designer before implementation. When planning our work, we ensure that the junction details, material requirements and inspection criteria needed for construction are clearly defined.
How is the right construction method chosen for a bespoke solution?
When selecting a construction method, we assess whether the solution is suitable for the substrate, loads, moisture levels and service environment. Installation conditions, material compatibility and future maintenance needs must also be considered. A single material property is not enough to determine the choice: the entire assembly, including its joints, must perform as intended.
Can construction work be carried out while a building is in use?
This may be possible if the work area can be safely separated from occupied spaces and the necessary access routes kept open. When planning the work, we take account of noise, dust, ventilation and potential interruptions to building services. If safety or proper working conditions cannot be ensured, use of the affected spaces must be temporarily restricted.
How should construction quality be checked before work is covered up?
Before work is covered up, any elements that will no longer be directly visible or measurable must be checked, such as fixings, reinforcement, seals and waterproofing joints. We check the completed work against the design and installation instructions, and plan for the necessary documentation as part of the work process. If the inspection reveals defects, these must be corrected before proceeding with the next layer.
Why do joints between building elements need special attention?
At each joint, the movement of different building elements, load transfer and the requirements for moisture resistance, airtightness and fire resistance must all be accommodated as required by the design. The suitability of individual materials does not in itself mean that the connection between them will perform as required. We therefore consider each joint as a whole and, where necessary, clarify the connection detail before construction begins.
What should be done if site conditions differ from the design?
If an exposed building element or substrate differs from what was expected, the affected work should not continue using an unverified solution. Our approach is to document the discrepancy and work with the relevant specialist to establish whether the design or working method needs to change. Before work resumes, the impact of the change on adjacent building elements and subsequent work must also be assessed.