PROBLEM

An ablution block was seasonally flooded with runoff destroying toilet fittings. Our client approached us to assess the situation and proffer recommendations on how we can fix that problem. The block had been built on a low foundation in a low-lying area which is swampy. Over the years, soil accumulated on the surface area creating a new ground level higher than the foundation, this caused flooding right into the block.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To raise the foundation level to at least a meter from the existing one to block the runoff water from entering into the block.

WORK DONE

For our recommendation to be achieved we had to demolish the interior walls inside the block and renovate the building as if to make it new.

Design – On site, our client has a school and a church. The flooding toilet block’s design was not sufficient enough to serve the increasing numbers using the facility. Therefore, we redesigned the block putting into consideration, toilet and shower cubicles that fit the purpose for both institutions. This design facilitated and gave direction on how work was to be conducted and also gave our client the overall picture of how the block will look like through the 3Ds.

Bill of Quantity – Our custom at Zoe Construction upon getting a contract is to start by quantifying the project. The bill assists the client to get a appreciate the estimated amount of the whole project. This helps in planning and increases efficiency.

Concrete works and Brickwork – After the demolitions were done, backfilling was commenced. We left the exterior wall intact since there were no changes on the design that affected the exterior wall. We used iron stone which is the one of the strongest materials used as an infill base in construction. The concrete slab was done after the infilling and the brickwork began. We started with the interior partitions as stipulated by the design. When we reached the new exterior wall level, we continued with the wall up till we reached 3m from the new ground level. Trying to match the existing walls and the new proved challenging although we overcame that problem, because the building had been built for years and it was still settling and that would have caused slight differences in the design.

Roof – The roof was done as stipulated on the design. We took into consideration all the changes between the new and old design. After procuring the material we did the trusses. In order to lower the weight of the roof we suggested to put Chromadek roofing sheets rather than the roof tiles which were in the initial design.

Door and Window frames – All doors and window frames were done by Zoe Construction. The new design had certain specifications for the building which made us to form the frames according to those specs. After the framing we installed the frames for window glass and door fittings.

Plastering – Interior and exterior plastering was also done to change from the initial design.

Plumbing – Since we proposed a new design, the plumbing for this project increased a swell. Initially, our client was facing blockages in their waste system. We changed the system and had a new system with the perfect gradient. In the interior we also installed all the toilet fittings from chamber pots to handbasins to shower roses and taps. On the B.O.Q, we had not included the geyser, but we made provisions just in case our client wished in future to install a solar or electric geyser. A water test was also done and our water flowed into all the areas of the block.

Tiling – All the rooms were tiled to the specifications that suit each side. We also suggested that the client considers wall tiling since this toilet block has shower cubicles. Wall tiling would also reduce dirt applied on walls if they were to be painted since the traffic is mainly school children. We are to continue and finish the wall tiles.

Ceilings – We proposed that our client install the PVC ceilings because they are easy to install and durable. As compared to the much-known white ceiling boards which could be affected by moisture from a leaking roof, PVC ceiling boards seem to be moisture proof since its hardened plastic. We installed the ceiling to the satisfaction of our client.

Electrical Fittings – Prior our new re-modeling design, the electrical connections were not easy to trace and now they were below the expected level. We had to change all the positions for the switches and sockets to meet the demand of the new design. After the conduiting and tubing was done, we the installed the light fittings on the ceiling.

NEXT WORK

Painting and Wall tiling remain the works to be done to completely finish the project and hand it over to our client.