EDUCATION-MAR10-PG37:Page 6 24/02/2010 15:48 Page 37
Building, Maintenance, Refurbishments & Grounds
James Lightly of interior
surfaces specialists Altro
Plan early for summer shutdowns
I
f you wish to avoid disappointment and that not all materials are manufactured in the UK. When it comes to making the right materials
problems further down the line, it is vital European manufacturers often benefit from choices, it goes without saying that there are a lot
that planning for summer building and lengthy summer shutdown periods themselves, so of practical and aesthetic factors to take into
maintenance work starts now, advises James any orders need to be placed early to ensure they account, and it’s important that you don’t lose
Lightly of interior surfaces specialists Altro. are scheduled into the production runs at the sight of long term objectives. You want to be
As it’s only just March, the summer break may right time to avoid disappointment and last assured that the products you select will stand the
seem a long time off and it probably seems a little minute panic. This is even more crucial when test of time – beware of cheap imitations which
strange to be planning already for the shutdown looking at more specialist or bespoke products, claim a range of features at tempting bargain
period. But it can be surprising how quickly the such as sports floors, which are often basement prices, but all too often, result in
term can fly by, and it makes sense to be manufactured to order. reduced in quality and reliability. It makes sense to
prepared well in advance of the final rush towards “It certainly doesn’t pay to leave your bookings go for products that are proven to perform over
the end of the academic year. Fine words, and I’m to the last minute,” agrees Richard Bullivant of time and come from a manufacturer you can
sure most of you agree in principle, but why is it Hygienic Finishing Systems, a firm which trust.
important to be planning so early? specialises in providing design, installation and Whilst the summer holidays may still seem a
The absence of pupils for a six week period in maintenance work to the education sector. long way off, don’t delay. Get product choices
the summer provides the ideal opportunity for “There is a lot for schools to take into account. confirmed and agreed with suppliers and the
schools to carry out much needed maintenance You may need to seek specialist technical advice work scheduled in with contractors as early as
work, with everything from routine repairs to on areas such as design, sustainability and energy possible to ensure work on your school is carried
more extensive building works scheduled into just efficiency; and with product choices, ensuring out as planned.
a few short weeks. It’s worth remembering that availability of materials and scheduling of
schools up and down the country are all going contractors to be completed, you’ll be surprised u01462 707 600
through a similar exercise, making this time of how time will fly.” uwww.altro.com
year the busiest period for contractors. We’re also
seeing the first ‘green shoots’ of recovery within
the construction industry, meaning this summer is
likely to be much busier than last year – don’t
assume your contractors will be desperate for
whatever work they can get come July!
In short, if you don’t plan early for the work
that you want to be carried out in the summer
there may not be the labour available, or the
quality of labour and installation may have to be
compromised. This can be a particular problem
where specialist contractors are concerned, as
trying to replace skilled workers with more
general building contractors can often lead to
issues further down the line. It certainly pays to
book the best people for the job as early as
possible, both in terms of ensuring a high quality
of work and your peace of mind.
The increase in construction work at this time
of year also leads to higher demand for building
materials and manufacturers are also put under
pressure. It is essential that you plan early to
ensure that you have allowed adequate lead
times for sourcing the right materials. Remember
March 2010 www.education-today.co.uk
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