Datum line
Before any other work can begin in the flat a 'datum line' needs to be drawn. A datum is a reference point from which all the work to come in the flat will be measured, so it's a critical first job. The datum is a horizontal line which runs around the perimeter of the whole flat, usually about one metre above the finished floor level.
To set the datum line the trainees used a laser device that projects a thin beam of light around the room at a consistent level. This was then marked onto the walls.
The datum line was particularly important in the Bricking It flat because it's inside a 200 year-old building and the floors aren't always the same level.
'Setting out'
At the beginning the flat was just a shell with no internal walls. So the trainees first had to check where the walls were going to to go - known in the trade as 'setting out points'. For this they used 'setting out drawings', showing the position and the size of all internal walls and doors, as well as measurements of the supporting metalwork.
Once the setting out points had been checked (and double checked), they were marked on the floor.
Metalwork – it's all about studs, tracks and chop saws
There are two main types of metal support in the walls:
The trainees made a detailed list of all the measurements of the studs and tracks. This is called a 'cutting list' and serves as a guide for cutting all the metalwork. Certain partitions could not go full height as we needed to leave a gap between the walls and ceilings for pipes and electrics to run through.
Tubes
In the flat we can't penetrate the brick walls, so we have to fix galvanised tubing, or 'conduits', to the walls and run the cables through them. It essential to use a spirit level to ensure that the conduits go up straight.
David and Zac helped Rob cut the metalwork outside the flat using a chop saw to cut the stud to size. "I'm pleased to say it all fitted perfectly. Well, nearly all," said Rob. "They got to grips with it pretty quickly, and did a pretty good job."
Organisational skills – it's about more than bricks and mortar
The trainees also learnt the importance of good organisation. They checked the architect's drawings to see which materials they required, how much, and crucially when they needed them. If you don't have the materials on site at the right time, not only can you not do your own job but it means others who are waiting for you to finish can't start either. So there's a knock-on effect which causes delays and higher costs.
