We have a big site at work but after the company expanded we were running very short on office space. Most of our accounts team was in a demountable office and they were really hot in summer and cold in winter. It was so much better for the whole team once we got the new office block built on site. This blog talks about the process of building a new office block, including the design and construction of a block for your team. I hope it will be useful for anyone looking to build a new office block on their site.
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Building a new office block
4 Things That Come Before Underpinning Work Begins
Troy Medina
Strengthening and stabilising foundations, be it because of foundation failure or the need to simply increase the load capacity of a foundation, is the specialty of an underpinning contractor. You will, of course, need to do your due diligence and find a professional and reliable contractor.
That said, before the underpinning contractor can get down to it, here are a few things that will need to happen first:
1. An Expert Assessment Of The Foundation
Cracks on the walls and floors, sticky doors and windows that just won't open and close as easily as before, and gaps around doors and window frames are some of the warning signs of foundation problems. Underpinning may help strengthen the foundation.
Not all cases of foundation damage and subsidence require underpinning. A structural engineer, using various methods and tests, will assess the extent of the damage, and based on the findings will then advise you on whether or not you need to engage an underpinning contractor.
2. Project Design
With underpinning, there are several methods and techniques to choose from, depending on several factors. For whatever reason that underpinning may be necessary, the engineer can make their recommendations and come up with a design for the project. The underpinning contractor's job will be to implement this plan.
3. Obtaining The Necessary Permit
A permit is required before the underpinning contractor can commence any work on your building. Failing to get the permit is a violation of the law and may attract a penalty.
It is easier to have the underpinning contractor take care of applying for the permit, compared to doing it yourself. If all the requirements are met, securing an approval should be quite straightforward.
4. Final Preparations
If the experts recommend that, for your own safety and convenience, you should not occupy the building while the project is ongoing, then you had best start making arrangements for your accommodation. You can put up with friends and family, or the neighbours.
Speaking of neighbours, it will be the most courteous thing to inform them of the planned works. However disruptive the work may end up being, everyone will always appreciate being given a heads up before the underpinning contractor gets to work.
A professional underpinning contractor will appreciate the value of work sequence. Each activity highlighted has its place in the overall success of the project, and you simply cannot afford to neglect them.
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