Checklist

1 Find a budget-friendly solution

Specifiers have the difficult job of reconciling inevitably tight budgets with the requirement for high levels of durability and performance. Because of this, specifiers must look very closely at the performance of every element and be sure that it will be right for the job. Go for practical, simple solutions that will last longer than trendy alternatives. Social housing has to be a place that people can call their home, and because most schemes involve many units mistakes tend to be costly and difficult to remedy.

2 Consider layout and thoroughfares

The next generation of social housing will see layouts developed to provide variety in private spaces and better character to public thoroughfares while ensuring good disabled access. Designs are also trying to avoid vandalism by encouraging ownership of the spaces by individuals, including common areas.

3 Link up with local transport

Integration with local transport systems is currently receiving a lot of attention. It is clear that for future communities to succeed good transport links are fundamental – something that has often been missing in the past. A clear logical system with local interchanges and nodes taking passengers quickly into the local centre are now emerging in developments. Integrated bus and cycleways with pedestrian priority and information systems are an important aid to ensuring less car use and more environment-friendly travel.

4 Create flexible accommodation

In many cases, properties will have to accommodate several different family arrangements over its lifetime. Wherever possible, accommodation should be flexible and take account of possible changes. This can be as fundamental as making it possible to move internal walls or as simple as providing options for alternative door positions for the bathroom.

5 Make sure it’s right first time

Getting the specification correct in the first place is fundamental. It must be fully tested against the requirements, particularly with regard to performance. Watch out for descriptions in trade literature as much of this is inaccurate, misleading or just wrong. Always look for third-party accreditation and consider full testing for elements that will repeat many times.

6 Check a product’s track record

Another way of getting it right first time is to prove that your choices are based on past performance. A good track record is an indication of how fit a product is for your purpose – or not, as the case may be. The manufacturer should be able to provide you with case studies of previous successes. Visit any of these examples that were finished some time ago to gauge the effect of wear and tear or potential problem areas or features.

7 Choose tough windows and doors

Windows and doors come in for a lot of wear and potential abuse. The hinges and seals need to be overspecified for enduring performance.

8 Specify durable finishes

Avoid finishes that are easy to damage wherever possible. There is always a difficult balance to be struck between cost and durability, but careful demonstration of the cost-in-use always helps with the decision-making.

9 Consider off-site manufacture

Although off-site manufacture has made great strides, there is still a long way to go before it delivers high-quality products at reasonable cost. This is because the industry uses technology and methods based on old prefabricated homes rather than 21st-century manufacturing. Ensure off-site solutions really add value.

10 Include security measures

Security must be considered, as many developments suffer from high crime and vandalism. Layout and the use of materials, fixtures and fittings all have a part to play in ensuring homes are secure.

11 Take care of the environment

Housing associations and local authorities will demand that you employ environmental measures. Whereas photovoltaic panels are not cost effective, rainwater harvesting and solar water heating are now becoming realistic options. Many social housing schemes are on difficult sites, but where possible, the site orientation and modelling should also be considered from the perspective of energy use. Sourcing materials from eco-friendly, local, safe and appropriate suppliers can also be crucial. Build in timber tracking systems such as the commonly used FSC to ensure timber is sourced from sustainable reserves.

12 Make it easy to build

Practical issues include the increased use of dry construction techniques to shorten construction times and eliminate embedded moisture. Use gypsum plaster blocks rather than conventional blockwork to construct internal partitions, as these are bigger than blocks and are simply glued together. Prefabricated roof units, including everything except the outer covering, speeds up construction. Best-practice use of insulation and vapour control ensures homes are warmer and dryer for less energy input. Specify energy efficient products, for example condensing boilers for heating and compact florescent light fittings to help keep the running costs low and ensure a better lifestyle for the occupants.

References

• Standards and Quality in Development: A Good Practice Guide, published by the National Housing Federation, which also produces a range of other useful guides.
• The Housing Corporation produces a range of useful literature.