HomeFrequently Asked Questions
Here you can find answers to the most common enquiries we receive, which makes it quite long - but please scan through to see if it answers your question as it may save you the trouble of sending an email.
The level access doors are generally 4m x 4.5m. This is large enough for an articulated truck to drive through, although on some units this may vary to 3m x 3.5m. We suggest that if this is an important issue you ask us to confirm the size.
Upon completion of the transaction, we will ensure that you are provided with a set of all keys available for the unit, including a key for the window locks. We will also take meter readings at that time. We will also give you a CD which contains the building Health and Safety file. This is a set of documents that provides you with details of the materials used in the construction and the contractors concerned.
Specific details are set out within the health and safety file, but as a general rule, you should have the roller shutter serviced annually as a minimum and have all electrical and mechanical installations regularly inspected and maintained as you would in any building.
Generally there is little to fail on the unit, but in the unlikely event that there is a problem, then you should consult your health and safety file and make contact with the main contractor. You will need to have the correct address of your unit to hand. The Contractor will want to be certain that you have carried out the necessary maintenance, or servicing on the element concerned or you may be charged for any repairs. The Contractor will then arrange for an inspection of your unit and agree what needs to be done in respect of any repairs required.
The contractor provides a warranty to the occupier of the unit and any defects in workmanship will be covered for 12 years from the completion of the construction of the unit providing that all maintenance detailed in the Health and Safety file is undertaken.
There is a minimum of 75w/m2 supplied to each unit
Each building has the following services:
- Electricity sized as a minimum of 75w/m2
- Gas sized to provide heating to the building
- Water sized for general purposes
- Foul water drainage
- Surface water drainage
- BT Telephone duct (for details as to how to get a telephone line installed go to: http://business.bt.com/phone-services/phone-lines-and-calling-plans/phone-line/faqs
- Spare duct. This is in place to allow you to use an alternative provider than British Telecom.
When you purchase or lease your building you are provided with a copy of the Health and Safety file. This file contains all of the “as built” information including drawings and construction details.
Fire Certificates were abolished by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. However you will be required to undertake a Fire Risk Assessment for your building.www.communities.gov.uk/fire/firesafety/firesafetylaw/
The occupier is responsible for insuring the building if it is purchased freehold and the landlord insures the building if you lease it from us.
Details of all of the materials used in the construction of the building are included in the Health and Safety File.
If you are only undertaking fit-out works then planning permission is not normally required, however if you wish to change the appearance of the unit then planning permission will be required. We suggest however that you seek independent professional advice and also check www.planningportal.gov.uk
If you have leased your building you should also seek Landlord’s approval to your alterations. You should in the first instance contact us.
Internal alterations will normally only require Building Regulation approval, except where you lease a building, in which case, you will also require Landlord’s approval and should contact us in the first instance. For further advice try:www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Planning/BuildingRegulations/index.htm
Each building has a gas service installed with a unique meter point reference number (MPRN). You are not obliged to use any particular shipper to supply your gas and should contact your preferred gas shipper quoting your MPRN and they will be able to arrange for a meter to be installed. For more information you can try one of the many consumer focussed websites that deal with utilities and offer advice, such as www.uswitch.com
As part of the handover of the building final meter readings will be taken and issued to the utility company. We also advise them that a new occupier has taken over responsibility for the bills. You are able to stay with the same provider or if you prefer change the supplier. For more information you can try one of the many consumer focussed websites that deal with utilities and offer advice, such as www.uswitch.com
The built up cladding is generally constructed of profiled steel sheeting with a proprietary external finish, insulated quilt and liner panel. The composite cladding is prefabricated and insulated holding a valid LPCB certificate of product conformity.
All cladding panels are rated to the approval of the Loss Prevention Certification Board. For more information on the LPCB, go to www.redbooklive.com
The outside lights are generally controlled by a photocell and timeclock. Set your preferred operation times and the clock and when it gets dark the lights will come on and go off with the timeclock.
Asbestos is no longer allowed to be used in the contruction of buildings and we specifically forbid our Consultants and Contractors from specifying and using these materials in our developments. In older premises, constructed prior to 1999 there is the possibility of asbestos that increases with the age of the building. If you have any concerns please contact us and for further information, go to: www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/regulations.htm