Background
A children’s nursery within the grounds of a West Sussex Primary School was in need of refurbishment. It was very cold in winter and very warm in summer. The windows were in a bad state of disrepair.
The owners decided to refurbish the whole building and were very keen to incorporate external cladding into the final look of the building.
The project brief and progress
The brief was simple. A complete refurbishment of a wooden framed structure 13m x 8m, within the six-week summer holiday period.
This was to include removing the existing rotting timber cladding. Removing the existing two WC’s, and creating a reception area complete with new child safe aluminum front door, baby changing station, coat racks and two new WC cubicles. New door through to the main nursery area, which would be part carpet tiled and part vinyl flooring. Creating 6 new work stations incorporating storage and desk space. Replacing the six windows with UPVC double glazed units. Creating a kitchen area for staff to use, from an existing store cupboard.
The entire building would have insulation added to the floor. Insulation was also to be added to the walls and roof void. Previously there was none.
Having removed the external cladding and the internal hardboard walls, the structure proved to be wholly inadequate. Additional timber structure was added, along with 75mm insulation board all around. Several of the brick piers supporting the building were crumbling or had failed completely. These were replaced. 25mm insulation was added to the floor and 22mm T&G flooring overlaid.
The existing ceiling, once removed revealed minimal structure and no insulation, which was rectified. The internal walls and ceiling were plaster boarded and subsequently plastered. Chilltime Developments used trusted partners to carry out the electrical installations, plastering and later, the carpet tile and vinyl fitting. LED lighting was installed to reduce the carbon footprint of the building further still than the newly insulated structure. Seven electric wall mounted radiators could all be operated by staff, from a single remote control.
A kitchen and internal doors were sourced from Howdens Joinery.
We used a diamond emulsion to decorate internally. This would enable the staff at the nursery to clean any marks off the walls later.
Having discussed the pros and cons of different external cladding our customer decided upon a plastic product. Having researched a number of options and utilized our local supplier relationships to establish an appropriate discount, we used Fortex double plank shiplap cladding in Colonial Blue.
We first had to extend the skirt around the building down to ground level; the previous timber cladding had finished flush with the bottom of the building. We were then able to baton the frame, install water resistant felt and Fortex starter profiles.
The profiles on both plastic and fibreboard cladding account for a considerable part of the cost of cladding a building. Here at Chilltime Developments we are aware that many companies either miss starter profiles altogether or use cheaper generic profiles for window reveals for example. We do not do that. We also use stainless steel screws so as not to cause rusty water marks on the cladding a year or so down the line. It is amazing how often we see that on our travels!
What our clients say
Chilltime Developments were amazing during this development. We were a bit concerned at the start, that six weeks would be too tight to get the project completed in. We were even more concerned when the old cladding and walls were taken down and the structure was so flimsy.
Chilltime kept us informed and we met on site every day to discuss the issues and options to resolve them. Chilltime were able to leverage their good supplier relationships to ensure we purchased the right products at good value.
Chilltime carried out a huge amount of work in a short space of time for us. I am writing this review over a year later and I can say that the great quality of their work wasn’t compromised by the speed they carried it out in.
We’ve had loads of compliments from parents and visitors. The children love their new space and equally importantly, so do the staff.
Would you recommend us?
We would recommend Chilltime Developments. In fact we have recommended them to friends and we ourselves will use them again for other projects we decide to take on.
Why would you recommend us?
Chilltime Developments communication is always really good. They have a ‘can do’, ‘no problem’ attitude. The work is always carried out to a high standard. On the odd occasion we have had a product issue, with high wear and tear a constant issue at the nursery, they have always been able to repair or replace like for like with minimal fuss. They are good value for money in relation to other firms we have used. And far more reliable!
What small thing impressed you?
We were due to reopen for the Autumn term unusually on a Friday. On the Thursday night the team worked until 10pm making sure the building was ready and most importantly that it was safe for the children. At 9.30pm they were fixing toilet roll holders to the walls of the kids’ WCs.
It’s the little things…
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