Major Works

Major works are the coordinated delivery of a combination of complex building services provided by a contractor to maintain, repair and refurbish the exterior of a building. When carried out successfully, major works should protect both the outward appearance and structural health of your property, preserving or increasing its value.

Major works will often include a broad range of individual services tailored to the unique requirements of your property, like facade restoration, repairs to architectural elements, brickwork repointing, window renovations or even roofing repairs. As a result, such works require a contractor with multi-disciplinary skills, extensive experience and multiple accreditations to carry out the required work efficiently and cost-effectively.

Our approach to major works involves deploying specialist teams equipped with the necessary skills and equipment to address complex challenges in a single comprehensive effort. Whether the project involves delicate historical preservation or more typical maintenance for modern building exteriors, our team will handle every aspect of your project with care and attention to detail.

With a proven track record in handling complex projects, you can trust Spectrum to deliver the best possible results for your building. Explore our case studies to see our success stories and learn why we’re the preferred choice for exterior major works projects in London and across the UK.

At Spectrum, we fulfil major works contracts using a carefully tailored and client-focused approach.

Each project begins with a detailed assessment of the building’s specific needs, a process we conduct in close collaboration with a surveyor. To assist the surveyor, we equip our rope access technicians with camera helmets with a link to a screen at ground level. Using radio contact and directions between our abseilers and the surveyor, we are able to complete detailed surveys without the use of scaffolding.

This strong partnership ensures that every refurbishment requirement is clearly identified and understood, allowing us to design a bespoke scope of works that is both cost-effective and beyond the capabilities of a typical contractor.

Once the work begins, we use a combination of advanced access methods to effectively reach and restore all areas of your building, avoiding traditional scaffolding in order to reduce costs and minimise disruption to building occupants and the surrounding community. Our approach is especially advantageous in congested urban areas where external access can cause major challenges.

Our commitment to safety and quality is unwavering, with continual training programs that keep our staff at the forefront of industry standards and practices. By employing highly-trained operatives, advanced equipment and a clear contractual framework under JCT standards, we ensure that every major works project is completed with professionalism and to the highest standards.

A JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) contract is a standardised agreement used to manage the execution of building works. Established in 1939 by the Royal Institute of British Architects and the National Federation of Building Trades Employers, JCT contracts are designed to clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved - client, building owner, and contractor. The primary aim is to simplify the complex processes involved in construction projects, ensuring clarity and mutual understanding that helps reduce the time and resources needed to finalise project details.

At Spectrum, we always use JCT contracts to structure our major works projects. This practice ensures that every project is executed according to a well-defined framework that aligns with industry specifications. These contracts standardise how the work is to be done, but they also streamline project planning and approval processes, significantly enhancing efficiency and transparency.

The use of JCT contracts brings several advantages to our clients:

1. Clarity: Every party clearly understands their duties and expectations, reducing the potential for disputes, miscommunication and missed deadlines.
2. Regulatory compliance: Ensures all works are compliant with the latest industry standards and regulations.
3. Efficiency: By standardising processes, these contracts help to manage resources more effectively, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.

Using JCT contracts, we provide a foundation of trust and reliability, ensuring that major works are delivered efficiently, safely and to the highest standards of quality.

Deciding whether you need major building works largely depends on the visible condition and underlying integrity of your building. It's essential to address both noticeable damages and those potential issues that aren't immediately apparent but could lead to significant problems over time. For example, the accumulation of bird excrement, fungal growth, or noticeable damage to gutters and stonework can all signal the need for immediate intervention.

However, many critical issues may not be visible to the untrained eye. Problems hidden beneath surfaces or within structures - like internal water damage or insulation failures - often go unnoticed until they manifest as severe, more costly damages. To prevent such scenarios, adopting a proactive approach through regular inspections and assessments is crucial.

We recommend scheduling periodic surveys to ensure that both apparent and latent problems are identified early. This strategic approach not only preserves the structural health and aesthetic value of your building but also circumvents the escalation of minor issues into major, expensive repairs.

By addressing issues early, you ensure the longevity and safety of your property, potentially avoiding significant costs and disruption in the future.