It could be said that this stage is out of place. This is because these services tend to be integrated into the building as it progresses. These services include;
Water: This is a very important service in any building. The provision of the same is carried out in the following different stages;
o Piping: It is generally done as the construction progresses, especially when it is going to go through walls and slabs.
o Storage: It is provided in the form of tanks. In the design, some tanks are located at ground level as feeders, while others are located on upper floors as head (pressure) generators.
o Equipment: This comes in the form of pressure controls, gauges, pumps and valves.
Drainage: Almost similar to water, but with few differences as a classification, from which the following classifications arise:
o Dirty drainage: Includes floor drainage mainly from toilets and urinals.
o Residual water: All water from kitchens, sinks and bathrooms.
Electricity – This is also very important, whether it is provided from the national grid or from local sources such as solar. It involves the following stages;
o Conduits / Pipes: This is done in a similar way to pipes for water.
o Wiring: it is usually done in the last stages of construction of the building.
o Termination: refers to the provision of service points, for example, switches and sockets.
o Equipment: Includes meters, consumer panels and in large constructions, transformers and generators.
· Security: Although on a smaller scale, security installations are also important and must be done at the right time during construction.
Telephone and Internet
Fire-fighting installations
One important thing to keep in mind about services is that if they are not installed correctly and at the right stage of construction, they can lead to very expensive work, either by installing them later. Taking an example of water pipes, if the slab is cast without installing them, it will be necessary to cut the already hardened concrete. This is not only a very insignificant task, but also very dangerous, since it weakens the structural element. Another reason to consider all services as construction progresses is to achieve an aesthetically sound and tidy home. It is an eyesore to have wires dangling from every corner, not to mention the danger they would pose to the inhabitants.
In general, the value of a building increases when things are done right, and this includes having the right services in the right form. Also, with the ever-evolving world of technology, many new concepts are emerging every day, and as such, it’s important to keep an open mind and plan for adaptations.
