P5 Explain The Reasons For Building Construction

Demolition
There are typically 5 predominant reasons why a structure may be demolished, these may include:
Insufficient foundation – This refers to the condition that may become apparent when certain symptoms appear. These may include the floor of the structure becoming uneven, cracks running throughout the exterior or interior of the structure walls. Typically, weak foundations can originate from insufficient land due to sinking. Another common cause would be that the foundation components and materials have failed and degraded over time, this would therefore require the demolition of the structure. A structures age can typically be determined based on whether the foundation is solid or weak. Properties that originate from more than 70 years
are commonly seen as not work repairing and in such require demolition.
Dangerous materials – Aged structures can typically contain a number of dangerous materials.
One of these would be asbestos whereby the structure may require complete demolition or partial. Due to a number of changes in building regulations and laws, there can be changes made by the government that imposes on homeowners to conduct costly renovations of their properties that may otherwise not benefit the value of the structure. When this typically occurs, some owners decide to demolish their property so that a new structure may be erected.
P5) Explain the scale of refurbishment options.
There are three primary scales of refurbishment that may be applied to any given scenario. These include; Small (minor upgrades of the fabric and small-scale lateral extensions), Medium (major upgrades, larger lateral and vertical extensions, radical internal changes and alterations) and Large (extensive alterations, upgrades and extensions i.e. additional storey above or below ground, façade retention)
Small Scale Refurbishment
Small scale refurbishments are smaller in comparison to medium scale works and may include such works as:
Painting and decorating
Plastering works
Removal of partitioning walls
Removal of small scale hazardous materials i.e.
asbestos
Replacement of fire rated items to adhere to current regulations i.e. front entrance doors

Renewal of light fittings and fixtures
Renewal of heating systems or boiler
Renewal of floor coverings
Medium Scale Refurbishment
Medium scale refurbishments are smaller in comparison to large scale works and may include such works as:
Installation of cladding
Removal of structural walls
Renewal of complete drainage systems where applicable to blocks
Extensions and conservatories
Removal of substantial hazardous content i.e. asbestos to a large area
Renewal of roofs
Renewal of heating systems or boiler i.e. to a block
Renewal of windows
Renewal/Installation of staircase
Large Scale Refurbishment
Large scale refurbishments are more involved works and may include such works as:
Renewal/Installation of new windows i.e. to a high-rise block
Renewal/Installation of new roofs i.e. to a block
Replacement off kitchen, bathrooms etc…
Installation of green roof
Addition of extra storey/floor
Renewal/Installation of balconies
Renewal/Installation of lift/s
Renewal/Installation of wetroom
Scale of refurbishment is heavily dependent on the size of the structure that requires refurbishment, the material’s to be used i.e. marble, steel, the nature of the property in its current condition.