A guide to the neaco balustrade process, from specification to sign-off…
With most building materials, the photographs in a brochure or website can give you an impression of the quality of the finished article. A visit to a construction site can provide a similar feel in the flesh, but what is less readily appreciated is the exhaustive level of process required to ensure that an installation is completed to the highest standard. This is especially true of modular building systems like balustrade, which require pinpoint accuracy in a multitude of aspects, including dimensions, shapes, angles, diameters, finish and overall cost. There are so many crucial considerations, from the toughness of a glass infill to the exact curvature of a stair rail.
At neaco, the utmost level of precision is at the heart of our factory’s manufacturing technology, but it also informs everything we do, from consultation and drawings right through to applying the final fixing. As specialists in modular building systems, we call our process ‘Ten Steps to Modularity.’ As part of a comprehensive approach designed to ensure every last detail is 100% suitable and 100% accurate, each step has been practised time and time again over decades to maintain total quality control at every stage.
Step 1 – Specification
Probably the most vital and certainly most influential step is determining the client specification. Operating nationwide and ready to visit anywhere in the UK, our Sales Team is highly experienced in taking an initial design brief which incorporates all the relevant details. At this point ideas are shared with the client and solutions are discussed to establish an effective starting point. The Sales Team then works closely with our Technical department to produce the ideal specification to meet the client’s design requirements, timescale and budget.
Step 2 – Quotation
At neaco, we believe that precision is just as vital when it comes to quoting prices as it is to design and manufacturing. A vague approach to quotation benefits no-one – we want to attract repeat business and we don’t like giving our customers nasty surprises by omitting any additional costs from our original price. Our quotations account for all cost details and are fully inclusive for the manufacture, delivery and installation of our modular handrail and balustrade systems.
Step 3 – Order
Once the quotation has been given provisional approval we then implement an order review to ensure that the design, specification and manufacturing programme meets all the requirements of the original brief. neaco’s Technical team works closely with our production department to ensure that all boxes are ticked.
Step 4 – Pre-Let Meeting
After a full review of our quotation we supply a manufacturing sample for the client’s approval to ensure that the manufactured product will meet the interpretations and expectations which the client gained from our original presentations and design outline.
Step 5 – Site Survey
Of course, it’s vital to check that what we have outlined on paper suits the actual site layout down to the ground. With that in mind, the CAD designer who details the scheme will visit the site to conduct a comprehensive measurement and ensure 100% accuracy.
Step 6 – Layout Approval
This is our final step before manufacture commences. Final layout drawings are supplied for customer approval – this allows the client to see what the final product will look like and gives them an opportunity to make any amendments that they may require.
Step 7 – Manufacture
At this point we are ready push the button and manufacture can begin! All the components of neaco’s modular handrail/balustrade systems are precision-engineered by state-of-the-art technology within our modern factory, including a powder coating section which applies a smooth, maintenance-free finish to our aluminium rails. When all manufacturing is complete we undertake a 100% inspection before protective sleeving is applied.
Step 8 – Pre-Installation Checks
Risk assessments and method statements are supplied to site and the installation programme is re-checked to ensure that the installation can be completed as safely and as smoothly as possible with minimum fuss. We consult with the client’s construction team and plan everything to avoid disruption to other site activities.
Step 9 – Installation
We deliver the components to site and provide our own team of expert installers to fit the product. They are highly experienced in all types of installations and site environments. As neaco’s modular products are pre-engineered, no manufacture or hot works are required on site, so our installers can complete the job with minimal mess, low energy consumption and no off-cuts to clear up.
Step 10 – Sign-Off
Once completely satisfied, the customer signs off the installation and the protective sleeving is then reapplied. The finished article! Modularity achieved to a standard fit to grace any brochure…