SAFETY IN DESIGN

 

Meetings.  Two very interesting meetings this week. 

On Wednesday there was a Safety in Design meeting, which Tim and I attended.  It was to discuss ensuring the safety of residents and workers on the site during construction.  As there will be strengthening work in the fire stairs, I checked that the stairs will always be available for residents during fire drills.  I was assured it would be always be the case.  As the alarms are switched off for the upgrade, floor by floor, we checked that it will always be possible to hear an alarm. This was also assured.  I also wanted to ensure that heavy materials will be carried in the hoist, as being carried up ladders could be hazardous; and I also checked that the hoist is safeguarded against overload.

As you know, it is not possible to install new heat pumps during the project.  This is because of the risk of refrigerant leaks.  Extant head pumps have to be disconnected and reconnected professionally, so I have contacted Degree 4 heat pumps about this, and will get advice early next week.

Finally, the problem of noise came up.  It is unavoidable, and though extreme noise will be limited as much as possible, there will be that annoyance, and possible impact on hearing.  So it is strongly recommended that you get earmuffs.  The orange ones pictured above are about $7 at Bunnings. If you want music while they work, there are headphones like the Bose ones pictured on the right. Currently they are $498, reduced from $729.  Ear plugs would do the trick, but they would not be very comfortable.

Charity truck.  Those of you who use the lift will have seen the notice Brigid posted there. A truck from the Mary Potter Hospice shop will be here about 10.30 am on Wednesday, and will pick up what is in the foyer by the trolley room.  Only good stuff, thank you very much.  They will not accept broken, rusty or soiled donations. Another truck with two strong men to carry furniture will be arranged.  And for broken and soiled goods, another skip will arrive to replace the one that was filled. Congratulations on the cleanout!

Exterior and Interior Remediation.  This was the topic of Tuesday's TBIG meeting. Ken, Tim, Sally, Chris Garrett and Joan all attended. It was mostly a catch-up of what has happened over January. The signed contract with Otis has arrived, and the Otis engineers are coordinating with Spectrum, via Manos. 

Cost risk items were all discussed, as the tenders from the subcontractors are coming in.  Meetings mid-February will go over the fine detail of construction, pricing and contract.  

The building consent is coming along very well indeed, and we are hoping for no last minute hurdles. The proposal to amend the design of the Apartment B bedroom 3 window throughout is dependent on this, as well as any extra cost. A decision yet to be made.  

The wishlist survey has been valuable. Rachel is collating it, and thanks everyone who filled in the questionnaire. The wishes fall into 3 general categories:

1. Requests that reduce construction work, such as removing carpets, not reinstating cabinets.

2. Requests for minor enhancements, such as extra powerpoints or lighting.

3. Requests for major enhancements, such as new fixtures in bathrooms or kitchens.

Numbers 1 and 2 are fine; number 3 would add significant cost and time risk, and can't be managed. The shareholder will have to do it him or herself after the remediation is done. And probably best left until the whole project is over, as coordinating outside tradies with the Aoraki workforce would be hard.

Want to know more?  Ask a board member!  If you want a tour of what is going to happen in your apartment, make an appointment with me, and I will come along with my box of tricks.  And remember that the informal Tuesday morning gathering in the foyer is back to up and running.  Ideas and questions can be easily aired there.