What are Enabling Works? Everything You Need to Know Before Construction Begins

The first step of any construction project is essential as it sets you on a path of success so that the rest of the process runs smoothly without any glitches. Before even beginning to lay any foundations, a set number of pre-construction activities need to be ticked off to keep those on-site and in the nearby environment safe. These are called enabling works.

Bath Demolition are experts in this area thanks to our decades of experience in the industry providing clients in Bath and the surrounding areas with professional, efficient and effective demolition and enabling works.

What Are Enabling Works in Construction Projects?

The enabling works definition is the task of site preparation before construction. This includes site clearance to ensure that the area is free of any obstructions, utility diversions including entrances for construction vehicles and signage for the local community to be aware of any new routes for temporary works in construction, and groundworks. Enabling works for large-scale demolition and construction and small-scale projects ensures the highest level of health and safety standards for the rest of the project.

Why Are Enabling Works Essential?

When looking at why are enabling works important before construction, they help to eliminate any potential challenges at later stages during the construction as we are able to identify them swiftly with our attention to detail during these first steps. This infrastructure works before building is the difference between a project running on time, or one that could face potential delays and the risk of going over budget.

The steps involved in enabling works for building projects are highly beneficial because they each have a role to play in ensuring a flawless journey from start to finish.

Types of Enabling Works

There are a variety of different types of construction enabling works, which each have their own specialist list to be completed by our trained and qualified individuals who can handle all types of temporary works in construction as well as extensive long-term projects.

• Site clearance – Construction site clearance is the first priority that takes place as it allows our team to enter the location in question and free it of any unwanted materials. This includes the removal of hazardous materials including remediation and removal of vegetation to check that there is no asbestos or chemicals that could impact future building work. Site clearance allows us to work with a blank canvas to begin the next stages of constructing the building.
• Groundworks – Once the site clearance is complete it’s onto groundworks where excavation takes place to create space for the foundations of the new building and any underground installations with a custom fill that is specially made for your type of construction and environment.
• Utility Diversions – This includes the disconnection of services such as electric and gas to adhere to all health and safety regulations before reinstalling or delivering brand new utility services onto the site.
• Temporary Works – Whilst the construction takes place, it’s key that barriers are in place to keep the general public away from harm, but also that safety factors are considered to reduce the risk of any falls and accidents. This includes the erection of hoarding and fencing, facade retention, property and piling mats which are temporarily placed to minimise any incidents which may affect a member of the construction team, client and passers-by. This is essential to Bath Demolition as we always operate to the highest standards.

The Steps Involved in Enabling Works

What happens before construction starts lays a solid foundation for the rest of your project. If demolition of an existing building is required, we make sure that this is carried out in a controlled environment and that all remaining materials are removed from site and recycled accordingly. Other enabling works such as groundworks, utility diversions and temporary works all have a vital impact on the safety of the construction.

That’s why Bath Demolition takes the greatest care with each and every site that we operate in and looks after all administration such as risk assessments so that all of our Bath enabling works contractors are accounted for and we have considered the outcomes for all possibilities. We always keep our finger on the pulse of the latest building regulations so that you can trust in our processes and highly reputable outcomes.

How Enabling Works Impact Project Costs and Timelines

When collaborating with an esteemed company such as Bath Demolition, how enabling works affect project timelines is the difference between a construction that runs like clockwork or one that faces hold-ups because the enabling works were not completed to a satisfactory standard. Proper planning during enabling works helps to streamline timelines and meet deadlines, whilst helping to reduce costs as you won’t have to re-do any steps that have caused unforeseen circumstances or the need for extra materials and labour. Engaging with an experienced contractor to manage these tasks will make a huge difference in the long run.

Choosing Bath Demolition for Enabling Works in Bath

For more than two decades, Bath Demolition has been a first choice for construction across Bristol, Bath, the South West, Midlands, Wales and further afield because of our dedication to delivering the best results for our clients. Our extensive experience in handling both enabling works and demolition projects sets us apart as a leading choice in the industry as our team understand your goals and aspirations. Each construction building we work on is unique to you, and our bespoke project management is tailored to your needs, timelines and budgets.

We use innovative mobile plant and equipment that is suited to the task and pride ourselves on our immaculate health and safety record that puts the well-being of our team and clients the forefront of each task. To find out how we can assist with our enabling works and other construction services, get in touch to see how we can transform your site.