Service & maintenance

SHARING EXPERIENCES

Context & Regulations

RED LIGHT

In France, everything is regulated.
No one can do whatever they want.
That's good news.

Our organizations are constantly evolving, concepts are changing, especially with Covid-19. Some spaces designed as Flex 1.0 are already moving on to version 2.0, while others remain unchanged and still others are undecided...

For those who have taken a position, there is painting, partitioning, electrical, and ventilation work to be done. We must move quickly, very quickly, to finish... before we even begin.

The inspection offices are there to support this process. This avoids the need to create training rooms open to the public in spaces subject to the Labor Code. This is because such spaces must be ventilated “as necessary and sufficient” as required by law.Not to mention fire safety.

Similarly, depending on the duration of the work and the level of activity, a health and safety coordinator must be appointed to ensure that health and safety conditions are put in place and respected by the various parties involved. In short, they determine the operating procedures and can return to the site at any time, or even halt the project. They intervene at the request of the project owner or their assistant. Let's not forget the environmental design office, which is essential for certain operations.

It must be integrated from the start of the project because its requirements often impact deadlines and even the overall cost. Research into lead and asbestos must also be carried out (Rat). This is mandatory. It should be noted that an Asbestos Diagnosis Before Work (Dat) does not guarantee the absence of asbestos.

Finally, it is possible to call on the expertise of technical design offices (high-voltage systems, structures, air conditioning, catering, acoustics, etc.) to ensure that the design is realistic and feasible. They are often a source of relevant ideas that can lead to savings. It is important to know how to use them without abusing them.

Design

“Because form is restrictive, ideas spring forth more intensely.”

Charles Baudelaire

Now it's time to design the project. An architect with the right support will be able to do this.
The designer also needs a general program to understand your needs and expectations. Based on this and the regulatory constraints, they will be able to fully express their creative talents. We can provide you with our standard general program. It is a smart “reminder” to fill in, to which you can add your own details.

Before starting work, make sure that the planned layout is “fit for purpose.” This is the role of the inspection office. Just because “it was like that before” does not mean that the layout complied with the law.

A contractor who renovates a space that is “not fit for purpose” assumes responsibility for it because they are deemed to be “knowledgeable.”

We always have our proposals validated by an inspection agency.

The aim is to avoid any danger for one party and any liability claims for the other. The inspection agency must give its prior approval. The initial technical inspection report {Rict) is produced for this purpose.

This step is all the more crucial given that, once construction is complete, the Inspection Office will issue a final technical inspection report {Rfct) authorizing you to use the premises. Without this report, you cannot enter the building, let alone work there.

STEP BY STEP

1. Implementation

Once the design has been completed and complies with the law, you can begin your work.
One thing is certain: take the time to compare so you can make informed decisions.

Don't forget to involve your control office in any changes proposed by companies. They hate being backed into a corner, and you need their approval. Your companies will help you with this. Managing projects is costly in terms of time and energy. en énergie.

Either you have the time and expertise, or you don't and you have no appetite for managing and supervising the work:

In the first case,you will process separate batches with your usual service providers or with a general contractor.This means you will bear the risks directly.

In the second case,you will entrust this to a general contractor who will manage the technical and financial risks and deadlines, as they commit to a fixed timeframe and a fixed price. Risk management comes at a cost, so you can also hire a project manager (design & implementation) who will oversee the work on your behalf.

The choice is yours.

Always allow for a contingency budget, because there will be unforeseen expenses, and ultimately you will pay for them because you will need to see your project through to completion. The better prepared you are, the lower the technical and financial risks will be. Skimping on the cost of studies always ends up being expensive at the end of the project, because the problems still need to be dealt with. Take the time to think carefully.

2. Operational phase

Phew! The work is finished. It's time to start operating the building. Of course, you prepared for this in advance, right from the design stage. Designing without considering everyday life is not designing at all.

So, your designer has incorporated day-to-day operation into their project (future technical interventions, dedicated cleaning rooms (not cupboards), storage and storage spaces, etc.). Usually, no one is interested in this.

As a daily caregiver, the Majordome des Lieux de Vie® is extremely vigilant about these issues. Invite the Majordome des Lieux de Vie® to the table, just as you would your lawyer when signing contracts.

The launch has been successful. You are relieved. The IT systems are working, as is the access control system. Employees can pay for meals at the restaurant with their badges and park in the car park. Service providers such as technicians are in place.

The preliminary phase was well organized and proceeded as planned. It is important to ensure that they honor their commitments, particularly that they do what they say and say what they do.

A driver is essential.

I If you have someone in-house, that's ideal. They will be very busy during the first year, known as the “building teething period.” Give them some backup.

I If you don't have a driver, you can hire one or outsource the service. Find out more. The choice is yours. Your company culture is a guide on these very sensitive issues.

I If you have a “butler,” the question doesn't arise. He participated in the design, made insightful comments, and helped you avoid a few oversights. You involved him in the construction process. He participated in the operations prior to the acceptance of the work (Opr) and its commissioning. Everything is fine.

3. Technical maintenance

Maintenance is a much simpler subject than people assume. Many people make a big deal out of it, when in fact it is primarily a matter of identifying equipment and networks and then assigning frequencies and types of intervention (Afnor NFX 60-010).

Manufacturers always specify the maintenance intervals that must be observed, particularly during the first year of warranty. The important thing is to check that everything is in place and connected. Run tests and always involve your technical design office until the very end. Experience shows that operation is often less straightforward than expected. That is why you should avoid minimizing maintenance teams during the first year and pay particular attention to reserves and the GPA (Guarantee of Perfect Completion).

This is an area where “patience and time are more effective than force or rage.” Results will be achieved through perseverance.

COUNT ON US

In summary, as you can see, the Majordome des Lieux de Vie can assist you with all of these matters.
So don't hesitate to contact us: contact@lemajordome.fr

Return of the old premises

Let's not forget to mention the restoration of the old premises. This is an an operation that should not be overlooked. Too often, we are so preoccupied with moving into new spaces that we neglect to restore the ones we have just left. However, this can be very costly and is a project that needs to be addressed from the outset. It is a financial issue for your company. A calculation must be made. You will find an article on this subject on the Majordome des Lieux de Vie website.