Repairs: electrics and miscellaneous items

When looking at car parking areas, patios and other hard surface treatments around the main building there is something of a dilemma. In most cases you will be trying to achieve compliance with Approved Document M of the Building Regulations – either because the requirements apply directly to the project or simply due to good practice. Consequently you will be looking for level access between the paved/hard surface areas and the threshold of the building.

Give some thought in advance to how surface water will be discharged. Normally some form of drainage channel with a grating above is constructed at the abutment between the hard surface and the threshold to dispose of service water, but it would be sensible to ensure there is a drainage fall away from the main building.

Many dry rot cases in domestic properties start from the patio, either blocking off the underfloor air vents or draining water back (possibly through the air vents) towards the main building - easy to avoid.

Some clients are determined to commission hard surfaces (even though gravel might be a suitable – and cheaper – alternative). If hard surfaces are unavoidable, some form of water collection and recycling should be employed. This would reduce run-off from the site, and may in turn lessen the flood risk (not just for your client, but for neighbours too). However, the cost of collection, reuse and compliance with the various water supply legal requirements may complicate this strategy: possibly a case for further legislation and local Building Control interpretation if progress is to be made.