Design Checklist
- All systems and components are long-lasting and easy to maintain
- Ongoing maintenance is considered at the start of the design process
- Effective mechanisms are established to ensure occupants understand and carryout maintenance requirements
Overview
The design of the building and the way that it is managed will influence the extent and cost of maintenance requirements. Maintenance includes repair, cleaning and future upgrading of a development’s components or systems. With speculative projects there will always be the tendency to reduce up-front costs. However, developers need to be aware that an increasingly sophisticated market is demanding greater efficiencies/lower ongoing costs be built into their purchase.
Considered material selection and design can dramatically reduce the need for long-term maintenance. Designers should consider the likely longevity of building components and plan for their future maintenance. Designers should also be aware of the consequences of using complex mechanical systems. These typically require more extensive, costly servicing performed by technically specialised contractors. Design phase decisions should balance up-front costs against ongoing life cycle costs.