Glossary for major works
Major improvement works in your block
The terms are listed in alphabetical order. Click on the following links or scroll down the page.
ATP (agreed task price)
Bathroom renewal
Boiler renewal, individual systems
Building Safety Act
Cavity wall insulation
Central heating renewal – individual systems
Clerk of works (COW)
Client representative (CR)
Communal boiler renewal
Communal decoration
Communal door entry system
Communal lighting
Considerate Constructors Scheme
Constructor
Consultation Officer
Contract period
Cyclical Improvement Programme (CIP)
Defects liability period
Environmental works
Feasibility surveys
Feasibility study
Fire risk assessments
Framework agreement
Front entrance door
Kitchen renewal
Lateral mains renewal
Lift refurbishment and/or renewal
Project Manager
Project partnering agreement (PPA)
Project partnering team (PPT)
Project partnering timetable
Quantity surveyor (QS)
Resident consultation process
Resident liaison officer (RLO)
Rewiring, internal
Roof repair/renewal
Security works
Site compound
Site manager
Snagging
Steering group
Structural assessments
Structural repairs
Tall blocks building safety work
Underpinning
Window repair/renewal
ATP (agreed task price)
The price that is agreed after Islington Council, the constructor and residents have worked up the detail of the project. The final cost of the project should not normally exceed this price.
Bathroom renewal
Where bathrooms in Islington Council tenanted properties do not comply with the Islington Standard, new bathroom fittings will be installed. Tenants will be fully consulted on proposals and choices will be offered. (Not applicable to leasehold dwellings)
Boiler renewal, individual systems
Renewal of gas fired central heating boilers where these have reached the end of their serviceable life. Other components e.g. radiators and programmers/controls will not be replaced. (Not applicable to leasehold dwellings)
Building Safety Act
The Building Safety Act takes forward the Government’s commitment to fundamental reform of the building safety system. The objectives of the Act are to learn the lessons from the Grenfell Tower fire and to remedy the systemic issues identified by Dame Judith Hackitt by strengthening the whole regulatory system for building safety.
Cavity wall insulation
The installation of thermal insulation between the external and internal leaves of cavity walls. This improves thermal comfort and reduces fuel bills. Although Islington Council aims to undertake this work as part of its commitment to achieving Decent Homes Standard, it is only possible where the existing building construction permits.
Central heating renewal – individual systems
Renewal of complete gas fired central heating systems where these have reached the end of their serviceable life. All other components, e.g., radiators and programmers/controls will be replaced as part of the works. (Not applicable to leasehold dwellings)
Clerk of works (COW)
Employed by Islington Council to ensure that the constructor’s work is of the required quality. Under the project partnering agreement it is the constructor’s role to ensure that work is of the specified quality. The clerk of works typically undertakes random sample inspections and checks that the Constructor’s quality control systems are adequate.
Client representative (CR)
The name given to the architect/surveyor under the project partnering agreement.
Communal boiler renewal
Renewal of the boilers that serve communal heating systems.
Communal decoration
The redecoration of the exterior of the building, common hallways, staircases and foyers, etc. The renewal of floor coverings is often included where required.
Communal door entry system
Installation of a door entry system to keep the block secure. These systems typically include video door control, audio and video messaging, electronic fob entry keys, new secure doors if required, and system capabilities to help residents with specific hearing or visual needs.
Communal lighting
The renewal of communal light fittings, generally with vandal resistant, low energy fittings. Works may include the introduction of new lighting points and/or the resetting of existing fittings to improve security.
Considerate Constructors Scheme
The considerate constructors scheme is a voluntary scheme and aims to present a more positive image of the construction industry. It does this by constructors committing themselves to higher standards of site cleanliness, improved site safety, better site housekeeping and traffic management, a reduction in their impact in the local community and the wider environment.
Constructor
The name given to a building contractor under the project partnering agreement (PPA).
Consultation Officer
The Islington Council staff member who directs the resident consultation process.
Contract period
The period from inception to completion of the works.
Cyclical Improvement Programme (CIP)
These are the works that are programmed on a seven to ten-year inspection cycle. This does not mean that we will carry out works to a block every seven to ten years but will survey the block to identify areas requiring works in the near future. The Cyclical Improvement Programme comprises both preventative maintenance works, and improvement works.
Defects liability period
The period, (generally 12 months from hand over of the works), during which defective work will be remedied by the constructor.
Environmental works
Works to the external areas of estates. These may include any or all of the following subject to budgetary restrictions:
- Landscaping
- Accessibility works
- Paving repairs
- Fencing
- Parking space marking
- Refurbishment or repair of play equipment
The selection and design of environmental work is always the subject of consultation with residents. Works may be funded from sustainability budgets.
Feasibility surveys
These are surveys undertaken on sample properties in order to make an initial assessment of work requirements.
Feasibility study
A feasibility study aims to understand and review the strengths and weaknesses of proposals to deliver specific objectives before a decision is made to develop the proposals in more detail. Feasibility studies or surveys are typically used when proposals are being made to replace major items like communal heating systems, lifts, lighting etc.
Framework agreement
An agreement between Islington Council and a number of constructors to work together in a spirit of partnership for a set period of years.
The selection of the constructors that Islington Council work with was based on a combination of their prices and their commitment to the provision of quality service and work. A panel of residents and Islington Council technical staff were involved in the selection process.
The advantages of working in this way are that we build long-term relationships with constructors who understand our requirements in relation to quality of service and work. We do not have to repeat the learning process every time we start a new project.
Front entrance door
Front entrance doors and door frames to make sure that your block meets fire regulations. Your new door will be “secure by design,” making your home a safer place to live and may help to lower the cost of your home insurance.
Fire risk assessments
Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) Programme are completed at least once every 3 years and annually for properties of more than 18 meters or 7 storeys. Fire risk assessments help identify work that needs to be done or changes that need to be made to bring buildings in line with current thinking or regulations on fire safety (e.g. Fire Safety Act).
Kitchen renewal
Where kitchens in Islington Council tenanted properties do not comply with the Islington Standard, new fitted kitchens will be installed. Tenants will be fully consulted on proposals and choices of finish will be offered. (Not applicable to leasehold dwellings)
Lateral mains renewal
The re-wiring of the mains supplies to individual dwellings from the electricity supply company's intake board. The great majority of the work is done in communal areas, but access is required to individual dwellings in order to make the final connection to the distribution panel (fuse board).
Lift refurbishment and/or renewal
Repairs or renewals to lift engineering and/or renewal or refurbishment of lift cars.
Project Manager
The Islington council project manager is responsible for day-to-day co-ordination of all aspects of the construction work when at planning, delivery, and completion stages. The project manager will work closely with the contractor and other Islington council colleagues to ensure that the work is delivered to meet the proposed outcomes of the work.
Project partnering agreement (PPA)
The legal form of contract now used by Islington Council and its Constructors to undertake major works.
Project partnering team (PPT)
The team of professionals who work together to develop and implement the project. The PPT includes the Consultation Officer (PO), Client Representative (CR), Quantity Surveyor (QS), Partnering Advisor (PA) and the Constructor.
Project partnering timetable
The programme for the project that sets out the anticipated dates when the major events are scheduled to take place.
Quantity surveyor (QS)
The surveyor who is responsible for cost control and valuation of works. It is normal to have a QS on the Constructor side and one who works for Islington Council.
Resident consultation process
A key part of the process when planning major works on our buildings is to consult with tenants and leaseholders. The purpose of resident consultation is to provide information about the proposed works and the reasons for the works. The consultation will also provide contact details of the Project Team who will be overseeing these works, and to advise on Section 20 procedures for leasehold properties and the terms of recharge for the works. The consultations are typically carried out through a series of scheduled meetings that take place prior to work starting.
Resident liaison officer (RLO)
Employed by the constructor to make arrangements with residents regarding access for the works, etc.
Rewiring, internal
The re-wiring of ring mains and lighting circuits within individual flats. (Not applicable to leasehold dwellings)
Roof repair/renewal
Roofs will be subject to detailed inspection. Results of inspections will determine whether repairs or complete renewals are required. As it is essential that all Islington Council properties meet the Decent Homes Standard by 2010, decisions on action to be taken will take account of likely deterioration up to that date. Roof coverings will generally match existing except in the case of flat roofs where upgraded specifications may be applied.
Security works
The installation of measures to improve resident security.
These may include any or all of the following subject to budgetary restrictions:
- CCTV installation
- Concierge works
- Improved communal lighting
- Automatic door control systems
- Re-design of landscaping to improve lines of sight
The selection and design of security work is always the subject of consultation with residents. Works may be funded from sustainability budgets.
Site compound
The secure area where the constructor’s offices and/or materials storage area for the works are located.
Site manager
Employed by the constructor responsible for:
- Management of work on site.
- Responsibility for the subcontractors and sequencing of works.
- Responsibility for checking the standard of workmanship prior to inspection by the clerk of works
Snagging
An inspection of works that are virtually complete in order to prepare a list (snagging list) of works that need to be completed before the work is certified as complete.
Steering group
A regular meeting that provides residents with the opportunity to ‘have their say’ about scope and delivery of works etc. Steering group membership includes:
- Tenant management organisation representative (on TMO managed estates)
- Tenant and resident association representative (if there is a recognised TRA - tenant and resident association)
- Other resident representatives
- Consultation officer
- Client representative
- Constructor (usually site agent and liaison officer)
These meetings are normally set up at early stages of the contract.
Structural assessments
Structural appraisals to assess the structural integrity of buildings or blocks. The appraisals identify structural issues or defects that may pose a safety risk to residents. These assessments are typically reviewed in conjunction with fire risk assessments to develop a holistic understanding of risk and the works required to mitigate risk, and meet current legislative requirements (e.g. BSA 2022) and local standards.
Structural repairs
These may include repairs to spalling concrete (where concrete has lost it’s adhesion and is falling away from the surface of the structure), repairs to brickwork including re-pointing the cement mortar joints and cutting out and renewing any badly damaged bricks.
Tall blocks building safety work
Work identified and carried out on the 87 tall blocks to meet the enhanced requirements of the building and fire safe act. The scope of work will be informed by findings from fire and structural surveys and assessments.
Underpinning
Repairs to foundations (usually where these have been affected by subsidence).
Window repair/renewal
Windows will be subject to detailed inspection. Results of inspections will determine whether repairs or complete renewals are required. Where replacement is required, replacement windows will generally be double-glazed. The type of windows and material they are made from will be the subject of consultation with residents and Islington Planners. Leaseholders can now request a Deed of Variation taking ownership of their windows.