Seven things to ask before the first hole is drilled
This list was created while preparing our first major project. We reviewed the budgets from five suppliers, and none of them included these items. Use it even if you ultimately choose someone else.
- 01
Firestop seals for penetrations
Each flat is a separate fire compartment and the rooflight acts as an ideal chimney for fire spread. Penetrations between compartments must be sealed with a certified sealant bearing a label. Fifty holes mean fifty sealants, and whoever made the hole is responsible. This is rarely included in budgets.
- 02
Electrical: circuit, protection and initial inspection
The distribution board with the switch and camera recording has a permanent load and requires a dedicated circuit from the building's main distribution board. This is not work for a bricklayer or a doorbell fitter, but for an electrician with authorisation, and without an initial inspection, the building has nothing to submit to the insurer.
- 03
Structural engineer for penetrations in load-bearing structures
The podium is a load-bearing structure. Drilling into it without a structural engineer's statement means that no one other than the building will be liable for any resulting cracks.
- 04
Consent of the assembly: especially for cameras
The camera system in common areas must be approved by the general meeting. For cameras pointing at apartment entrances, the threshold for consent is high. A complaint from a single owner can halt the entire project even after installation, when funds have already been spent.
- 05
GDPR: The building becomes the data controller of personal data.
A functional CCTV system includes an information sign, guidelines, a defined retention period for recordings, and a register of who is authorised to view the footage. Without these, the system is legally non-compliant regardless of how well it is installed.
- 06
Heritage conservation
In a heritage zone, embedding a panel into the façade or altering historic entrance doors may require a statement from the authorities. This can be checked cheaply in advance; after cutting out the opening, it becomes expensive.
- 07
Who owns the distribution lines after payment?
The most important and most frequently overlooked question. If the building pays for the distribution lines, they must belong to it in writing. Otherwise, the building will pay for infrastructure that is then operated by someone else, to which the building has no access. Address this in the contract before construction begins.
Two further matters addressed only during operation
Who will manage the system. Camera and intercom firmware must be updated, the hard drive in the recording device needs replacing over time, and the chip database is updated with every tenant change. This work does not disappear. It is either covered by a flat fee or handled via phone calls to someone who has no time for it.
Who pays for electricity. The equipment runs non-stop. It is not a large amount, but it should have its place in the building's budget.
When you request a quote from us, these seven items will be itemised in it - including those that cost us money. Because otherwise you will pay the same amount anyway, only later and at a higher cost.
We will go through the list at your building.
The inspection is non-binding and you will receive written answers to those seven questions.
Schedule an inspection