Design For Maintenance in Building Construction Checklist Template
Design For Maintenance in Building Construction Checklist Template
Building Construction
Checklist Template
For residential developments, the access for façade cleaning and repair work should not encroach into private spaces suc
h as the residents’ balconies, private enclosed spaces (PES) and private roof terraces.
A1.4 Allow façade/ window cleaning from the internal by providing appropriate openings for cleaners using handheld tools. Use
modularised windows panels which are not too large (max 750mm) for ease of cleaning within the reach of the cleaner’s
arm.
A1.5 External Access
The building should be designed with a façade access method that is suitable for the building geometry.
The building should require as few access systems as possible and yet achieve as high coverage as possible.
A. Façade and External Walls
Descriptio If No or Not A
n of provi pplicable, plea
sion se clarify
A1. Access Y / N / NA
(Pls enclose rele
vant drawings, r
eferences, etc.
where necessary
)
A1.6 Building Maintenance Unit (BMU)
Where BMU is used for façade maintenance, ensure that the BMU is:
a) electronically powered and programmable.
b) designed and located to enable positioning/ suspension of working platforms to reach all exterior surfac
es of the building.
c) easily accessible via common areas.
d) designed with suitable restrains and bumpers needed to address high wind loads.
A2.1 General
Consider using materials that age well with time and weathering e.g. rustic stone finishes.
A2.2 Glass
Where Low-E coating is used, apply the coating on non- exposed glass (surface #2/#3) surface to avoid
being scratched and worn off.
A2.3 Minimize the use of non-planar or curvilinear glass surfaces which are difficult to clean and not readily av
ailable in the market.
A3.2 Top surfaces of all walls to be graded to fall away from external face of walls to minimise streaking on the facade. T
he coping should overhang the rear side of the walls and comes with drip control to mitigate streaks on the back w
alls.
A3.3 Stone Panels
Stone panels should be mechanically fixed to avoid the use of plaster/ adhesive which may cause efflorescence.
A3.4 Stone panels should installed be in a way that allows for inspection of its hidden mechanical connections to ensur
e that it is not corroded or loose e.g. accessible for fibre-optics inspection.
A3.9 Where inclined glass surfaces are designed, provide easy access for cleaning and replacement.
A3.10 External glazing should be suitably sized such that they can be transported by lifts to facilitate future r
eplacement from within building.
A3.11 Where large glass surfaces are used, apply water repellent coating such as titanium dioxide coating
.
A3.12 Provide movement joints to accommodate movement in large continuous areas, or between adjace
nt building components (e.g. brick wall and concrete column) and dissimilar substrates.
The backer-rod material in the joint should be compatible with the sealant used.
A3.14 The location of drainage outlets of planters should not cause stains on building facade.
Roof Areas
B. Roof Areas
B1.1 Access to the external surfaces of the roof should be provided wherever possible from withi
n the building.
B1.2 Provide at least one direct staircase access to main roof areas for maintenance purpose.
B1.4 Designated access should be provided for lift motor room e.g. ‘knock-out wall panel’ and hoi
sting beam for servicing and replacement of lift motor.
B1.5 Provide sufficient working space between M&E installations and components located at the
roof.
A minimum space of 1.8m should be provided between the building edge, parapet wall and
M&E installations.
Catwalks shall be provided along maintenance path to prevent stepping on rooftop services
such as piping/ trunking/ conduit.
B1.6 Solar panels
Provide peripheral working space of minimum 1.5m for the maintenance access and replac
ement of solar panels at roof areas.
B1.8 Provide clear demarcation of maintenance boundaries and access at roof areas.
B1.9 Provide fall restraint protection systems at roof areas e.g. provide anchorage points on
pitched roofs for securing safety harnesses to facilitate cleaning and washing.
B1.10 Hoisting facilities and anchorages should be provided at the roof for hoisting of equipm
ent after completion of the building.
B1.11 Provide safety barriers or guard rails for flat roof openings such as skylights and air wells
to prevent fall from sky light.
B1.12 Provide proper non-slip steps/platforms over M&E plants and services to avoid climbin
g over/under pipes and tripping hazards.
Minimize the use of extensive transparent and translucent roofing materials that are pr
one to discolouration and weathering.
B. Roof Areas
B3.5 RC Roof
The main RC roof slab and roof gutters should be sloped at 1:50 or steeper.
B3.6 Design two-directional fall to improve drainage and to reduce roof thickness.
B3.7 Incorporate adequate expansion joints to prevent cracking and support the movement of pl
ant and equipment on the roof.
The expansion joints shall be at regular intervals over the large tiled continuous roof/extern
al areas due to constant weather exposures.
Common Areas, Lift Lobbies and Corridors
C. Common Areas, Lift Lobbies and Corridors
d) Provide maintenance tracks systems around large voids and air wells. Safe access to be provided for “fire
detection devices” for the purpose of testing, servicing and replacement.
e) BMU Systems should be designed such that all façade surfaces can be accessed and within reach from g
ondola cradle.
f) Avoid high volume voids or “soft storeys” with “flying” beams with no easy access for maintenance.
C2.4 Minimise the use of porous soft stone materials and glossy
surfaces for heavy traffic areas.
C2.5 Avoid combining metal elements with natural stones to reduce
risk of staining associated with metal corrosion.
C2.6 Provide metal or aluminium-finished door (with appropriate fire
rating) instead of timber doors for rooms or areas which are exposed to weather or damp conditions.
C2.7 Ceiling
Use moisture resistant ceiling boards for wet areas and places where the ceiling is exposed to external weathering.
C. Common Areas, Lift Lobbies and Corridors
Entrance floor finishes should have proper screed to fall to facilitate water discharge.
C3.6 Provide heavy-duty dust control floor mats at the main entrance to reduce entry of dirt and dust into buildings.
Floor mat should flush with the floor finishes to prevent tripping hazards.
C3.7 External Floor
Timber/ concrete floor slabs should be easily removed for inspection and maintenance. Consider the use of c
omposite or synthetic wood for ease of maintenance.
C3.8 All ground floor and flat surfaces exposed directly or indirectly to weather should be designed with falls and gr
adient to promote discharge of water to the external drains and scuppers.
C3.9 Minimise corners and cavities which are inaccessible to cleaning machines.
C3.10 Ceiling
Minimise the use of monolithic ceiling design (joint-less without access) which are more costly and tedious to r
epair and maintain. Use suspended modular ceiling panels that are easily demountable for replacement and
maintenance.
C3.11 Provide appropriate warning signs for maintenance crew to prevent stepping on ceiling board.
C3.12 Where metal ceiling panels are used, they should be designed to prevent sagging and withstand wind loads.
Parking Areas
D. Parking Areas
D2.2 Use darker tone top coat finish for parking areas. The surface material of the driveway should allow easy remov
al of oil and water stain.
D2.3 Signage should be in semi-gloss finish for easy maintenance.
D2.4 All service areas/ car park should be painted in semi-gloss finish for easy maintenance.
D. Parking Areas
E1.3 To facilitate floor cleaning, use wall-mounted wash basins and water cisterns.
E1.4 Consider suspending the cubicle partitions from the top to facilitate floor cleaning and prevent the partition panels from constant c
ontact with damp floor.
E1.5 Supporting Facilities for Cleaners
Provide at least one service lift to facilitate access of cleaning machines and equipment.
E1.6 Provide a store room on each level for storage of daily use cleaning tools/equipment, chemicals and supplies.
Equip these store room with utilities supply for washing of cleaning tools and equipment, as well as splash proof socket points
to facilitate the charging of cleaning tools/equipment.
E.1.7 Provide a designated room of sufficient size for cleaners to rest and store personal belongings.
E.1.8 Provide a central store room/area for storage of large cleaning machines, e.g. ride-on sweeper/scrubber, etc, which is easily ac
cessible via service lift. Equip these store room with utilities supply for washing of cleaning machines and dosing of chemical/de
tergent, as well as splash proof socket points to facilitate the charging of cleaning machines
E1.10 Provide safety barriers or guardrails along the edges of the service ledge for the safety of maintenance personnel.
E. Other Building Areas and Considerations
E2.3 Use modular and smaller basin mirrors instead of full-span wall mirrors for ease of cleaning.
E3.7 Adhesive used for installing finishes should be compatibility tested with the finishes so as not to induce any damag
e or adverse effect on the appearance of finished works e.g. efflorescence, staining, marks, discolouration,surfac
e pitting /flaking etc.
E3.8 Ensure that sufficient expansion joints are provided to external and internal finishes to prevent cracking, warping, e
tc.
E3.9 Provide adequate expansion joints along wall/ floor junctions to prevent popping of stone/ tiles.
E3.10 Finishes - Timber
All timber finishes should be kiln-dried and well-seasoned to prevent shrinkage, spits and deformation.
All timber finishes should be treated for fungi and insect attack, including anti-termite treatment, with an approved w
ood preservative.
E3.11 Public areas and Driveway
All public area should avoid using light colour tone stone and tiles. If stone finishes are used for driveway, the ston
es should be treated against staining by oil or grease.
E3.12 Drainage
All concealed drainage, rainwater down pipes should have access openings.
E3.13 Avoid locating water pipes in the vicinity of electrical services and equipment. Provide double slab or stainless ste
el gutters where this cannot be avoided.
E3.14 Recessed floor lights should individually be provided with drainage to prevent water-logging.
Description of pr If No or not a
ovision pplicable, ple
E3. Detailing and Design Y / N / NA ase clarify
(Attach relevant dra
wings, references,
etc where necessar
y)
E3.17 At bath and shower areas, the waterproofing membrane should be applied at least 1800mm height and 1500mm
width of the wall or the entire enclosure.
E3.18 The wall or substrate immediately adjacent or behind a basin, sink or similar fixture must be applied with waterpr
oofing membrane to a height of not less than 300mm above the fixture.
E3.19 Avoid laying tiles directly bonded to the waterproofing membrane. As a protective measure against damaging the
membrane during tiling, a layer of screed should be laid over the membrane after the curing of the membrane.
Consider installing sub-frames above the screed level to reduce the chance of water ingress from the wet floor th
rough the masonry works.
E3.22 Inspection and access panel for long bath tub should not be obstructed by the water closet.
E3.23 Provide ceiling access panels near floor traps, valves, water heater and air conditioning equipment to facilitate in
spection/ maintenance of services.
E3.24 Pipes and penetration (Residential)
Avoid concealing drain pipes in the screed of dry areas such as living room and bedroom.
E3.25 Minimise the number of penetrations through the slab and wall which affects the continuity of the wate
rproofing membrane and increases the probability of leakage.
E3.26 Waterproofing membrane should be dressed up at pipe penetrations to the finished floor level and dr
essed down at least 50mm into the floor outlet. Waterproofing membrane should be applied at least 1
00mm horizontally around the pipe.
E3.27 Door Details
Where doors are subject to external weathering, incorporate details such as overhang at the top, and
water-bar or threshold kerb at the bottom to minimise water ingress.
M&E FACILITIES
2. M&E FACILITIES
A. Plant, Machinery and Fixed Equipment
A1.4 Wherever possible and appropriate, M&E elements and services should be labelled and marked for easy id
entification.
A1.5 Safety
Access walkways and plant locations should be suitably illuminated, and provided with fire alarm sounders. A s
uitable alternative means of escape from these areas should be provided.
A1.6 Access Design
Good design and configuration should facilitate access for maintenance consistent with the frequency and type of
maintenance required to be undertaken.
Plants and equipment such as cooling towers, chillers and AHUs that require frequent access (up to monthly) f
or inspection and maintenance should provide clear and immediate access such as permanent stairs and catw
alks.
e.g. A minimum of 1.2m clear depth should be provided between beam soffit and false ceiling where chilled wat
er AHU system is used. A minimum of 0.8m clear depth should be provided between beam soffit and false ceili
ng for VRV cassette system.
A. Plant, Machinery and Fixed Equipment
Description of pr If No or not ap
ovision plicable, plea
se clarify
A1. Access Y / N / NA (Attach relevant dra
wings, references,
etc where necessar
y)
A1.7 Plants and equipment such as tank rooms and plumbing that
require occasional access (up to 6-monthly intervals) for
inspection and maintenance should provide semi-clear access through clearly marked hatches and panels.
For high level places, access could be via permanent guarded ladders, catwalks and hydraulic powered plat
forms. Such maintenance activities should not require the dismantling of services and building elements. F
or access more than 3m high, cage ladders shall be provided.
A1.8 Maintenance activities that require infrequent access (up to yearly intervals) and repair or replacement (e.g.
plant components, pipework, ductwork), access could be provided through demountable partitions and semi
-permanent panels.
For high level places, temporary access equipment such as scaffolding, staging and ladders could be consi
dered. Such maintenance activities should not result in extensive re- decoration works.
A1.9 Where specialist or proprietary access equipment is required, due allowance should be made for this equip
ment to be provided and securely accommodated.
A1.10 Headroom
Provide minimum 2m clear headroom for M&E rooms and access walkways/ service corridors to facilitate ea
sy access and maintenance.
Occasional obstructions that result in reduced headroom should be clearly identified and marked.
A1.11 Working Space
Adequate space for maintenance should be provided around all plant areas in accordance to the manufactu
rer’s requirements. Otherwise, provide at least minimum 600mm clear space around the M&E equipment s
urface to walls for safe maintenance and replacement of components.
A1.12 All plant and maintainable components must be installed in accessible positions that will not exp
ose maintenance staff to undue risk.
e.g. for FCU, there should be access for motor, fan belt, filters, chilled water isolation valves, mod
ulating valves
A. Plant, Machinery and Fixed Equipment
The as-built drawings should also include plumbing, sanitary, landscape and outdoor services where app
licable.
A. Plant, Machinery and Fixed Equipment
Description of If No or not
provision applicable,
A2. Materials and Fittings Y / N / NA please clarif
(Attach relevant dr y
awings, reference
s, etc where nece
ssary)
A2.1 Service rooms and corridors should use darker tone epoxy top coat for the floor finishes.
A2.2 Provide metal chequer plate wall panels (up to 1.2m high) for heavy duty surface protection in areas subject to
frequent, heavy wheeled traffic e.g. service corridors, loading areas.
Description of If No or not
provision applicable,
A3. Design and Detailing Y / N / NA please clarif
(Attach relevant dr y
awings, reference
s, etc where nece
ssary)
A3.1 Plant Rooms
M&E plant rooms should be well-lit and sufficiently ventilated. To provide backup emergency lighting in event of p
ower failure. Adequate lighting should be provided to facilitate night maintenance. Electrical systems and Emerg
ency power should be designed for shutdown maintenance.
A3.2 Ductworks/ pipes across floor
Avoid ductwork/ pipes crossing plant room floors so as to minimise trip hazards and damage due to maintenan
ce personnel stepping on the duct work/ pipes. All pipe and duct works should have isolation valves and be pr
operly identified to enable tracing for maintenance and troubleshooting.
A3.3 Mechanical Installations
Provide appropriate labels and details of weights, lifting points to facilitate replacement and removal.
A. Plant, Machinery and Fixed Equipment
Description of If No or not a
provision pplicable, ple
A3. Design and Detailing Y / N / NA ase clarify
(Attach relevant dr
awings, reference
s, etc where neces
sary)
A3.4 Cooling towers
Adequate water points to be provided at the roof top in proximity to the cooling towers so as to faci
litate top up and cleaning in the event of pump failure.
A3.5 Provide adequate lighting to service access areas for the cooling towers.
A3.6 AHU
Provide suitable waterproofing for AHU rooms. Where possible, avoid locating wet areas above
electrical rooms.
A3.7 Provide kerb at AHU room, water tank room and electrical rooms to prevent water ingress/ egress.
Flood mitigation measures should be provided for plant rooms located at basements especially l
ower most basements.
A3.8 Utilities
Manhole covers should be suitable for their location and should not be placed within a structure.
Manholes should be located away from high traffic areas to minimise risk during maintenance.
Size of manhole / cable trench cover/ grill should be moveable by one person. The risks of manu
al handling should be addressed for both the internal and external areas of the building.
To consider BMS systems which have analytic features such as monitoring, charting and trending r
eports for optimal maintenance planning.
A3.14 External Air-conditioning Units
Air-conditioning units should not be located in building recesses or enclosed areas to prevent the r
ejected heat from recirculating into the equipment intakes
A3.15 Screenings or sound barriers for air-conditioning equipment should be designed in removable section
s to facilitate easy access and maintenance.
All insect screens and filters at louvers shall be modular type for easy removal and replacement.”
Security
B. Security
Description of pr If No or not ap
ovision plicable, plea
B2. Materials and Fittings Y / N / NA se clarify
(Attach relevant dra
wings, references,
etc where necessar
y)
B2.1 Use weather proof material for outdoor mechanical and electrical devices such as cameras reader and break gl
ass.
Description of pr If No or not ap
ovision plicable, plea
C1. Access Y / N / NA se clarify
(Attach relevant dra
wings, references,
etc where necessar
y)
C1.1 Sanitary and Rainwater downpipes
Avoid positioning and casting of sanitary pipes within wall structures. Sanitary waste stacks and downpipes sh
ould be easily accessible from common areas for maintenance. Floor trap shall not allowed within soffit of elec
trical rooms.
C1.2 Avoid locating sanitary and waste pipe in high traffic volume areas e.g. above escalators and within high voids
above common staircases.
There shall be no wet services directly above Data Centres, Server Rooms, Lan Rooms and all electrical room
s.
C1.3 ‘Cleaning eye’ for sanitary/waste piping system should be clear from obstruction and easily accessible for mainte
nance. Avoid placing ‘cleaning eyes’ at high levels.
C. Piping and Exposed Services
Description of If No or not ap
provision plicable, please
A2. Materials and Finishes Y / N / NA clarify
(Attach relevant dr
awings, reference
s, etc where nece
ssary)
A2.1 General
Consider the use of durable and stain-resistant materials (e.g. pebblewash, dark stone finishes for landscape areas).
A2.2 Plants selection
Select plant species in response to the expected environmental conditions e.g. plant appropriately for sunny/ shady areas,
wet grounds, high traffic areas, etc.
A2.3 For vegetation abutting water features and water bodies, avoid selecting plant species with excessive shedding of leaves.
A2.4 Avoid using plant species with invasive roots system near basement walls.
Proper provision of roof barrier for such basement walls will help further safeguard the built structure’s integrity.
A2.5 Consider the use of synthetic turf for surface areas with high level of human traffic and activities (e.g. school fields), as well
as those areas with difficulty of access (e.g. green islands within pool/ water feature).
A2.6 Some plants species (e.g. species of bromeliad, alocasia) do trap water and will require regular monitoring for signs of mo
squito breeding.
In areas where plant inspection is infrequent and/or cannot be effectively conducted, use of such plant species should be
avoided.
A2.7 Plants suspected of harbouring pests and disease pathogens should not be introduced into any new or existing planting
areas, as eradication of pests and pathogens once established will be difficult.
Do not replace with the same plant species after root or wilt infections. If the same plant species is desired, all the conta
minated soil should be replaced with clean soil before planting. Resistant varieties of the same species should be consid
ered.
A2.8 Test Plots
Prior to the skyrise greenery installation, set up plant test plots (mock-up surfaces, etc.) in consultation with skyrise greener
y consultants to ascertain the horticulture performance of selected greenery systems and plant species.
The test plots will aid in identifying the suitable plant species as well as manage the building owners’ and users’ expectat
ions of the relevant greenery systems and the subsequent maintenance.
A2.9 Irrigation system
Irrigation pipes and systems should be designed with adequate strength and durability.
A. Planting and Turf
Description of If No or not a
A3. Design and Detailing Y / N / NA provision pplicable, ple
ase clarify
(Attach relevant dr
awings, reference
s, etc where nece
ssary)
A3.1 Planters
Provide sufficient soil depth for the roots to grow. In general, groundcovers and shrubs require a soil depth of between 3
00mm and 500mm depth, while small and medium trees (mature heights of 8m to 10m) require a depth of between 1m t
o 1.5m.
A3.2 Drainage
Planters should be designed with effective surface drainage systems. Avoid large overall difference in invert level due to
long run of surface drain to reach the discharge point.
A3.3 Avoid un-edged planting areas. Enclose planting within planter boxes to reduce soil erosion and spillage onto common a
reas.
A3.4 Landscape footpaths should be at least 50mm higher than the sump pit top level for effective drainage. The footpaths sh
ould be sloped to fall effectively to the nearest sump drain.
A3.5 The roof slab should be sloped towards the drainage outlet with silt control system.
Waterproofing membrane should be properly installed around the drain opening so that water drains off from the waterp
roofing membrane to the roof outlet. Plants should not be allowed to grow into guttering.
A3.6 Ensure rainwater runoff from roof of shelters and structures does not fall directly on planting (provide materials to reduce i
mpact if necessary, e.g. gravel).
A3.7 Provide appropriate drainage outlets for vertical greenery installations so as to avoid unsightly puddles forming at the b
ase of the green wall.
Consider using drainage trays at the base of the installation or locating the green wall strategically at a natural drainage o
utlet.
A3.8 Turf
Turf requires regular mowing. Avoid planting turf right up to the base of the tree to minimise the risk of mechanical dama
ge to the tree bark during turf mowing.
A. Planting and Turf
Description If No or not a
of provision pplicable, ple
A3. Design and Detailing Y / N / NA ase clarify
(Attach relevant
drawings, refer
ences, etc whe
re necessary)
A3.9 Roof Gardens
Avoid planting shrubs beyond parapets so that workers do not have to lean over the parapet to reach the foliage duri
ng maintenance.
A3.10 Avoid placing tall plants/ trees near the peripheral edges of roof gardens to facilitate ease of access and maintenance
of the foliage.
A3.11 The finish level of the roof garden should be lower than adjoining indoor threshold to avoid rainwater ingress into ind
oor spaces.
A3.12 In circumstances where the roof garden finish level is higher than the indoor finish level (e.g. retrofitted roof garden
in an existing building), provide an up-stand or cut-off drain of adequate capacity to minimise rainwater ingress at th
e indoor threshold.
A3.13 Anchorage for Tall Plants
Design considerations should be made to address risk of tall plants/trees being uprooted by strong wind and fall over
the edge thus endangering people below.
Provide necessary anchorage to the roof structure to ensure the stability of trees.
A3.14 Waterproofing
Waterproofing system at landscaped areas and planters should be designed and made to be root resistant and/or along
side a suitable root barrier.
Water Features
B. Water Features
Description of If No or not ap
provision plicable, pleas
C1. Access Y / N / NA e clarify
(Attach relevant dr
awings, references
, etc where necess
ary)
C1.1 Lightings
Pole lightings should be safely accessible for lamp replacement either by means of mobile platform or s
caffolding.
Description of pr If No or not appl
ovision icable, please cl
C2. Materials and Finishes Y / N / NA arify
(Attach relevant dra
wings, references,
etc where necessar
y)
Description of If No or not ap
provision plicable, please
clarify
A. Design Processes Y / N / NA (Attach relevant
drawings, refere
nces, etc where
necessary)
A1. Design Brief
Provide a clear design brief for maintenance performance and operations.
A2. Participation of maintenance managers
Allow maintenance professionals to participate throughout the design and construction phases, including input to and r
eview of design drawings and specifications.
B. Building Information Modelling (BIM)
B1. Use BIM to facilitate integration of relevant information on facility and asset management and better coordinated docu
mentation for maintenance operations.
C. Building Records
C1. As-built records should be prepared, regularly updated and kept for record purposes. To facilitate proper management
of maintenance, the records should provide information in sufficient details of building structures and services. All mai
ntenance personnel should be made aware of such records.
D. Innovation
D1. Self-cleansing Facade
Consider the use of cement or façade panels with self- cleansing properties (e.g. titanium dioxide coating) to reduce th
e frequency of façade cleaning.
D2. Pneumatic Refuse Collection System (PRCS)
Consider the use of PRCS to improve productivity in refuse collection and disposal. PRCS can be fitted with sensors to
monitor waste disposal patterns and the volume. The frequency of waste collection can be adjusted based on the volu
me of waste collected.
D3. Smart Lighting/Sensor
Consider the use of lighting with sensors to help
understand human traffic patterns and optimize/reduce the provision of lighting in low traffic areas. This can help
to reduce energy and maintenance.
Thank you