8.4 Finishings and fitments

SITEWORK STANDARDS

8.4 - S1	Sitework standards
8.4 - S2	Cupboards and fitments
8.4 - S3	Finishings and internal trim
8.4 - S4	Protection

Sitework that complies with the design and the guidance below will be acceptable for finishings and fitments.

CUPBOARDS AND FITMENTS

Items to be taken into account include:

(a) pre-installation check

Cupboards and fitments should be checked to ensure they are undamaged before installation.

(b) correct location

Cupboards and fitments should be installed as shown in the design.

In the kitchen, a circulation space of not less than one metre should be provided in front of all work surfaces, cupboards and appliances.

(c) accurate levelling

All cupboards and worktops should be plumb and level and be scribed to wall faces, where necessary.

(d) adequate support and fixing

All wall units should be securely fixed, using:

• plugs and screws to masonry
• screws to timber studs, etc (fixings should be of appropriate size)
• appropriate proprietary fixings in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.

Use pre-drilled holes in units and brackets provided by the manufacturer, where appropriate.

Worktops spanning between units should be supported, where necessary.

Hanging rails should be provided in wardrobe cupboards, with intermediate supports, where necessary, to avoid bending.

(e) edge trim

Where worktops or unit panels are cut, edges should be sealed using a metal or plastic strip glued to the edge with waterproof adhesive. Alternatively, an appropriate waterproof joint may be used.

(f) sealing

Sinks and hob units, which are inset in worktops, and vanity units should be sealed with a waterproof joint.

Where appropriate, gaps between fitments and wall tiling should be sealed with a waterproof joint and brought to a smooth finish.

(g) operation of moving parts

For built-in fitments, doors should fit openings closely and evenly and operate freely; drawers should run smoothly, and locks and catches properly engage.

FINISHINGS AND INTERNAL TRIM

Items to be taken into account include:

(a) general workmanship

All trim should be sufficiently wide to mask joints.

Any trim in the vicinity of fireplaces, or other heat-producing appliances, should be:

• at the specified distance
• arranged to minimise movement and shrinkage.

Nails should be punched just below the timber surface and holes filled. Nails should never be driven home with the hammer head. As far as possible, any chipping, hammer marks or burrs should be avoided where easing is required and any damage made good.

(b) shelving

Shelving supports should be fixed securely and so that shelves are level. The specified distance between shelves in airing cupboards should be allowed.

(c) special features

Fireplace surrounds, panelling and other special features should be complete and joined satisfactorily to adjoining surfaces.

(d) architraves and skirtings

Architraves should be:

• parallel to frames and linings
• installed with an equal margin to each frame member
• fixed securely to linings to prevent curling.

Skirtings should:

• be mitred and scribed at external and internal angles, as appropriate
• tightly abut architraves as appropriate
• be run level and scribed to floors.

Skirtings and architraves of materials other than wood, eg those designed to accommodate trunking, should be fixed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

(e) painting, etc

Painting, staining, etc should be carried out in accordance with Chapter 8.5 'Painting and decorating' (each section).

(f) completion

All work should be left in a clean state.

PROTECTION

Items to be taken into account include:

(a) kitchens

Kitchen units and complete fitted kitchens should be protected and, wherever possible, be left in the original wrappings until shortly before handover.

(b) special features

Appropriate protection for fireplace surrounds, panelling and other special features should be provided, where necessary.

(c) trim

Make sure that all completed skirtings, architraves, etc are adequately protected against damage from other trades.

(d) removal of coverings

All temporary coverings should be removed and all fitments and finishings cleaned and dusted shortly before handover.