
SPECIFICATIONS
General Specification of all our Developments – we can offer a more bespoke development
Asbestos
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Asbestos should not be present in the building.
Adaptations
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There should be options to allow for adaptations to be made depending on the needs of the tenants.
Bathrooms
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Preference for shower screens (subject to CP/commissioner preference).
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No saniflow systems are to be installed.
Blinds
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Blinds/window coverings should be provided to all windows.
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Communal Furniture
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Furniture should be provided for communal areas – specification to be determined by needs of tenants.
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Furniture For Personal Use
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Furniture packs (or sum) should be provided to allow units to be fully furnished (subject to budget and commissioner preference).
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Communal Space
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Subject to client group/commissioner preference - enough space should be provided to allow for kitchenette, table and seating.
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A separate bathroom with shower should be provided on the ground floor for use in emergency.
Decoration
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Neutral decoration – greys/whites.
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Non-slip flooring in bathrooms.
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Waterproof flooring in kitchen areas.
Energy Efficiency
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Minimum EPC Rating: C.
Facilities
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Communal WC to be provided for staff, visitors and tenants.
Fire
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Fire doors should provide 60-minute compartmentation to each unit.
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Intumescent cold smoke seals to be included.
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Door closers should be installed on all fire doors.
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Means of escape for all habitable rooms.
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Fire system should be to BS5839 Part 6 Grade A LD1.
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Emergency lighting system to meet fire strategy.
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Electricity supplies to automatic fire detection and alarm systems and emergency lighting shall be from a landlord’s supply.
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Properly mounted fire blanket - kitchens.
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Heat detector in kitchens.
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All signage for escape, fire safety and health and safety must be provided in line with FRA and fire strategy for the building and be in place at handover.
Heating/Hot Water
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New boilers.
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Low surface temperature radiators to be provided if required (subject to CP requirements/client group risks).
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TMVs to be fitted to water outlets.
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Cylinder immersions must be provided on all hot water and storage cylinders.
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Standard boilers and water heating systems should be provided (Bosch etc) – units should be repairable by any boiler engineer.
Fireplaces
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No gas fires to be present.
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All open fireplaces should be adequately blocked to prevent use and vented.
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Intercom System
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Intercom connection from reception to bedroom areas/flats should be provided – agreed to specification of care provider/commissioner.
Kitchens
Appliances to be provided (should be energy efficient appliances rated A or B):
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Cooker.
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Induction Hob.
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60/40 Fridge-Freezer.
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Washing Machine.
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Extractor Hood.
Recommended manufacturers: Neff, Bosch, Miele, Whirlpool, Samsung, LG.
Electric preferred.
No gas cookers.
Layout of Dwellings
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No bedroom should lead directly off the kitchen or kitchen/diner.
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Bedrooms must open onto a landing or hallway i.e. they cannot be accessed by going through another room unless an approved alternative escape is provided.
Lighting
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No fluorescent lighting (only acceptable in the kitchen subject to prior approval).
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The bathroom should have a ceiling pull switch.
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External lights for pathways, decking, patio, entrance doors – connected to landlord supply.
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Sensor lights to be provided in hallways.
Location
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Safe areas with good transport links, adequate street lighting close to shops, cafes, community centres, parks etc.
Noise
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Effective sound insulation should be provided.
Office
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Space to allow for a staff ‘hub’, safe storage of files and for confidential meetings to take place.
Outside Space
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Designated area for smoking – open-sided cover to be provided with non-flammable flooring.
Fences
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Boundary fences to be provided – agreed with CP/Commissioners.
Parking
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Adequate parking spaces for tenants / staff and visitors should be provided wherever possible.
Refuse Disposal
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Adequate bin store to be provided where required.
Security
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Final exit doors from building should release on sounding of fire alarm
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Fob/Secure access to exit/entrance doors to building
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Key pad locks to gates
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Thumb-turn releases to all apartment exit doors and final exits from building
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A CCTV system should be provided that links to a central monitor located in the staff area. The monitor should allow staff to zoom in.
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Burglar alarms where fitted will have a 20-minute cut out and a nominated key holder
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Each flat shall be provided with a lockable post box situated on the ground floor in a lobby or hallway accessible to the postal delivery service (unless the flat has its own front door accessible directly from the exterior)
Sizes
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As per the Technical housing standards – nationally described space standard:
*Where a 1b1p has a shower room instead of a bathroom, the floor area may be reduced from 39m2 to 37m2, as shown bracketed.
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Sockets
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Location/number to be agreed per layout of rooms.
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A separate fused spur outlet for the cooker should be provided.
Structure of Premises
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A full condition/structural survey should be provided – any structural works deemed to be necessary during the term of the proposed lease must be renewed/resolved e.g. roof.
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There must be no evidence of leaks or damage to the soil or waste pipes and seals at ground level must be good.
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Inspection chamber covers must be accessible, in good condition and easily removable for maintenance.
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The Council may require the landlord to carry out a drain survey (including underground drains) if there is any doubt about the condition of the drains.
Utilities
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Each dwelling must have its own electricity, gas and water meter.
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Isolation points are required with stopcocks and switches clearly labelled, easy to reach and accessibly located within each property.
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The meters should ideally be in one location outside of individual dwellings for easy access. The location must be lockable.
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Electricity meters and fuse boards and gas meters located on escape routes, such as fire exits, stairs or communal hallways need to be located in a fireproof cupboard and the latter should also be vented to the exterior.
Gas
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Co3 monitors should be fitted as per guidance.
Windows
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Must be double-glazed as a minimum.
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must be fitted with window restrictors.
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Glazing/frosting should be provided in bathroom windows for privacy.
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