What should you measure before planning partitions?
Start with an accurate plan of the space and its fixed features, because partitions have to work around them. Floor-to-ceiling and floor-to-soffit heights determine glass sizes and whether partitions stop at the ceiling or run through the void. Window mullion positions decide where partitions can meet the external wall. Columns, radiators, floor boxes and existing trunking affect layout. A professional survey records these in detail, but a rough check early on prevents layouts that cannot be built.
- Floor-to-ceiling and floor-to-soffit heights at several points
- Window mullion positions and widths
- Column, radiator and pipework positions
- Floor levels and any slopes or steps
- Floor boxes, perimeter trunking and raised floor grid
- Existing doors, escape routes and fire exits
What should you check in the ceiling void?
The ceiling void often holds more than people expect: ductwork, cable trays, sprinkler pipework, lighting and sometimes asbestos-containing materials in older buildings. Partitions that rise to the soffit, and ceiling void barriers for acoustic or fire reasons, must work around these services, which may need sealing or rerouting. Lifting a few ceiling tiles before design saves surprises. Under CDM 2015 the client should provide an asbestos survey before work disturbs ceilings, floors or walls.
- Ductwork routes and fan coil units
- Sprinkler mains and branch pipework
- Cable trays and data routes
- Structural beams and downstands
- Asbestos survey results for the area
How will each new room be ventilated, lit and protected?
Every enclosed room becomes a separate space for building services. It needs fresh air and extract, usually by adding or moving grilles or adjusting fan coil units, so it does not overheat with people inside. It needs suitable lighting, with switching or presence detection inside the room. Fire detection and alarm sounders may need adding, and sprinkler heads may need adding or moving so every room is covered. These services should be designed by specialist contractors and coordinated with the partition layout.
- Supply and extract air to each enclosed room
- Heating and cooling controls per room where needed
- Lighting layout and switching or presence detection
- Smoke detection, alarm sounders and emergency lighting
- Sprinkler head positions inside new rooms
- Power, data and AV positions, including wall boxes
What door and accessibility details need deciding?
Doors deserve their own checklist because they affect safety, accessibility and budget. Decide which way each door swings, especially on escape routes where doors should usually open in the direction of escape. Check clear opening widths against Approved Document M, opening forces, vision panels, contrast and ironmongery heights. Confirm locks, closers, hold-open devices and any access control. Glass doors also need manifestation in the correct zones.
- Door swing direction and clear opening width
- Hinged, pivot or sliding operation
- Locks, keying and any access control readiness
- Closers, hold-open devices and floor springs
- Vision panels, contrast and manifestation
- Acoustic seals where privacy matters
What consents and approvals are needed?
Most leased offices need a licence for alterations from the landlord before partitioning, and many projects need Building Control approval where escape routes, fire separation or accessibility change. Listed buildings may need listed building consent. Check the lease for reinstatement obligations at lease end. Under CDM 2015, appoint a principal designer and principal contractor where more than one contractor is involved, and provide pre-construction information.
- Landlord licence for alterations
- Building Control application where required
- Listed building consent if applicable
- Fire risk assessment review after the layout changes
- Insurance notification for the works
How will the work fit around your business?
Agree working hours with the building manager early. Many buildings restrict noisy work, deliveries and goods lift use to set times, and some require out-of-hours working, which typically adds 15–25% to labour costs. Plan where materials will be stored, how glass will be delivered and lifted, how work areas will be screened and how staff will be kept away from the work. Agree a single point of contact on each side and a programme that covers every trade.
- Permitted working hours and noise restrictions
- Goods lift, loading bay and parking bookings
- Storage space for glass and materials
- Protection of floors, lifts and common areas
- Staff communication and temporary moves
Frequently asked questions
What should I prepare before a partition survey?
Have a rough layout or list of rooms, the number of people using each room, any acoustic or fire requirements you know of, door preferences and your target date. Share floor plans, the lease alterations clause, the building's fire strategy and any asbestos survey if available. These help the surveyor confirm a buildable, compliant design.
Do new rooms need their own air conditioning?
Each enclosed room needs adequate ventilation and usually its own supply and extract, achieved by adding or moving grilles or adjusting fan coil units. Without it, small rooms can become stuffy and hot. A mechanical services contractor should check capacity and design any changes before the partitions are built.
Do partitions affect sprinklers?
Yes. Creating rooms can leave areas without sprinkler coverage or put heads too close to new walls. A sprinkler contractor should review the layout and add or move heads so each room meets the system's design standard. This work is usually completed before glass is installed.
Who should be involved in planning partitions?
Typically the occupier, the partition installer, the landlord or managing agent, Building Control where required, and specialist trades for electrics, ventilation, sprinklers and fire alarms. Larger projects may also involve a designer, acoustician or fire engineer. Under CDM 2015, roles should be agreed and confirmed in writing.
Guide prices are supply and install, excluding VAT, and are confirmed by a fixed quote after a free site survey. Regulatory information is general guidance; your Building Control body, landlord or fire engineer has the final say on a specific project.