By John Lam Uncategorized 0 Comments

Technical Consideration to Residential units in UK

Real estate development in UK Great Britain.We have recently received a lot of inquiries regarding the UK residential market. Putting aside valuation and rental income for a moment, there are many technical considerations involved when dealing in the UK residential market. On a high level, the HK and UK residential market can be quite similar, such as residential unit layout, headroom, room size, window provision, bathroom design, and apartment provision. Nevertheless, there are many material differences between the two markets that demand caution. For example, the concept of “area” can be confusing from the various ways it is presented, the concept of “Air Rights” similar to that in New York City, the prevalence of historical external facades that are maintained at the owner’s expense, or lifts that may not reach your floor. One interesting thing is that the elevator may not reach your preferred floor. Also , remember the judge leading the Grenfell Tower Inquiry has ruled that the cladding installed on the tower did not comply with building regulations, finding that the polyethylene-cored panels were the “primary cause” of the rapid spread of flames. It can end your building apartment life immediately

One popular way to get into the market is via pre-sale. While pre-sale activities are increasingly common, there is little to no regulation that governs these activities. Some apartments on the market for sale may not even have “planning permission”. Hence, project delivery risks are often underestimated. Meanwhile, some projects are developed in special districts, such as “Business Regeneration Zone”, which may not be well understood by most potential buyers. Moreover, agency activities involving sales of UK property in Hong Kong may not be regulated under the HK legislative framework. Overseas buyers and investors should tread carefully and with guidance from experts.

 

By John Lam Building Technology 0 Comments

Underground Pipe Inspection – Tree Roots Issue

Underground drainage inspection can always help you to prevent blockage issues which may cause flooding in the future. Tree roots blockage is one of the common issues which may find easily near the plantation area. Regular inspection is necessary to prevent damage to the underground drainage system.

Here is one example which shows how tree roots can block the stormwater piping system.

 

By John Lam Asset Enhancement • Building Technology • Uncategorized 0 Comments

Maintenance problem from wrong “water to cement ratio” of concrete cover mix

Concrete cover is the outer concrete layer serves to protect the rebar in RC structure. Its thickness and density dictates both the protection performance and fire – resisting ability.  The extract from the research paper by Albert K.H. Kwan in Department of Civil Engineering, University of Hong Kong , the concrete cover will become much permeability to water once the “water to cement ratio” exceeds 0.4. Adversely does the high water to cement ratio happen in many concreting process in Hong Kong. To account the reason behind , it is the slump of the concrete or the workability of the concrete affects the entire concreting process. The drawback from high permeability is very obvious . The concrete cover becomes lesser defensive against the water nor air penetration . The alkaline environment around the rebar is diminished along with the carbonation due from the air pollution

 

 

By samsontam@me.com Building Technology • • 0 Comments

Regular Drainage Piping Inspection for Building

 

Regular pipe inspection is one of the important preventive maintenance for all buildings. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), all residential buildings may experience high usage of water as most of the people have to stay at home for work and daily life. The drainage pipe system may easily get blocked and the aging problem during this period, CCTV inspection can help to monitor the condition of piping system which can find out the potential problems.

The inner coating of the epoxy drainage pipes has been designed to withstand most chemical stress and resist abrasion. Made of an epoxy-resin regularly assessed, this coating benefits from continuous improvement to meet wastewater drainage increasing constraints. Its smooth surface enhances flow capacity and prevents incrustations and deposits. However, the workmanship may affect the piping durability and also create the risk of clogging. Therefore, close monitoring for replacement workmanship is also an important issue to prevent risk.

 

By Cindy Kwok Building Technology • • • 0 Comments

High Ceiling Inspection

GBE found the relax of headroom from PNAP has posed many difficulties to conduct professional inspection to above high ceiling. We made ourselves accessible with our own rising platform and wifi endoscope. Usually the drainage which poses the hygienic alert is hide above. Our way can ease many people pain.