subject: Refurbishment Solutions Using Pre-finished Steel [print this page] Why refurbish? The act of refurbishment need not be complex, but it is important to understand and recognise the scope of the solutions that are available. Each refurbishment job is unique, and it follows that the solution will be project dependent. At the start of the project, it is important to understand the implications of choosing a particular route and the short, medium and long-term life cycle costs.
Refurbishment misconceptions
Clients and building owners who are planning the refurbishment of a building consider disruption to the work-place during the refurbishment phase a major issue. In most of the refurbishment solutions described here the business operation can continue within the building while the refurbishment is carried out.
A certain level of disruption will occur. However, with a good understanding of the potential problems, detailed planning and the involvement of an appropriate contractor, most of these difficulties can be avoided.
Refurb projects Evaluation and assessment
A detailed assessment of the building should be completed at the start to understand the type of construction, materials and systems currently in place.
Next, an assessment of any specific issues should be made which might impact on the applicability of different refurbishment solutions. It may transpire that the initial idea for a refurbishment solution may not turn out to be the most appropriate for the particular situation.
Refurb projects - Access and future maintenance
During the planned refurbishment of a property, it is important to look ahead and consider access and how the future maintenance of the building is going to be undertaken.
The Construction (Design and Management) regulations 1994 require clients, designers and contractors to take into account health, safety and environmental issues throughout the complete life-cycle of a building including the initial site works, construction, operation and maintenance.
It is therefore the responsibility of both the designer and the building owner to make provision for safe access and to ensure safe movement across the roof when carrying out future maintenance programmes.
Refurbishment solutions
Each refurbishment solution can be tailored to the building owners requirements and to the character of the project. Use of pre-finished steel can respond to all the needs of refurbishment. Lightweight and strong, it offers building designers a range of attributes that enables them to create a building for the client that meets their requirements. Moreover, steel is widely used in refurbishment projects because it offers flexibility in design through the use of shape and form. Pre-finished steel has the added advantage of a wide colour choice and a number of products that are guaranteed for long-term performance.
