FAQ

Q. "Should carpet tiles be laid before or after partitioning has been installed?"

A. Installation is quicker and waste is kept to a minimum when carpet tiles are fitted before partitioning. However, carpets would need protection during the construction of the partitions and the tiles would be flattened along the lines of the partitioning if it was to be removed in the future. Jennor's preference is to lay carpet tiles after partitioning has been fitted. This is in order to minimise the risk of damage and ensure that a perfect finish is maintained onto which furniture can be installed.

Q. "Should suspended ceilings be installed before or after partitioning?"

A. Jennor recommends fitting suspended ceilings before the partitioning. Using the demountable partitions allows for quick and easy alterations to layout at a future date if required, without any major disruption to the office environment. Modular lighting can easily be set out within this to accommodate cellular office layouts. Exceptions to this would be situations where very high levels of sound attenuation are required; in this case, the partitions should be built from floor to full slab level, with ceilings fitted afterwards. However, this will create much more work if the layout is changed in the future.

Q. "Is partitioning eligible for tax relief?"

A. Demountable partitions are not considered part of the building; therefore, they are eligible for tax relief in a similar manner to plant and machinery. Twenty-five percent writing down allowances are available; in the first six years eighty two percent of expenditure will be given as tax relief. This is illustrated in the table below.