One kind of work that, at one time or another, affects pretty much all of us is interior decoration and modification, known in the construction industry as repair, maintenance, alterations and additions.
As buildings get older or when apartments or houses change hands, alterations, or at least some essential maintenance work, are needed to cater to the particular preferences or tastes of the new occupant.
Even when a property stays with the original occupant, some maintenance, repairs or minor improvements may be required after a few years of wear and tear or to comply with changed requirements.
The construction industry accounts for a large part of our economy, with its turnover reaching more than HK$270 billion last year, of which, about one third was spent on RMAA jobs.
Despite the huge amounts involved, RMAA work tends to be fragmented and small scale, performed by contractors, and sometimes forgotten in the industry.
However, with an aging workforce, safety and quality have become increasing concerns.
The Construction Industry Council has set up an RMAA corner at the Construction Innovation and Technology Application Centre at the CIC-Zero Carbon Park in Kowloon Bay to raise public awareness and promote safety and quality.
First and foremost, it aims to show the latest RMAA developments to the public.
As safety to occupants and workers is of foremost importance, unauthorized building works, especially the removal of structural walls that can pose a serious public danger, are a highlight of the exhibit.
Equally important, people are reminded of their legal responsibilities in hiring contractors so that they always, for their own protection, stay on the right side of the law.
The corner provides useful tips for RMAA work, starting by defining what it constitutes.
In fact, most work done on homes -demolition, plastering, floor screeding, painting, plumbing, electrical and furnishing - are all part of it.
The corner promotes a selection of competent and reputable contractors, the use of a fair tendering system, contracts with dispute resolution clauses and interim payment schedules to resolve disputes and prevent substantial financial and time losses when work is unfinished.
The CIC keeps a comprehensive list of competent contractors under the Registered Specialist Trade Contractors Scheme, which is available to the public.
This allows flat owners to vet contractors recommended by their property management company and incorporated owners' committees and, to avoid employing unscrupulous people, can reject a recommendation in favor of a more professional and competent firm.
To reduce the potential for injuries and fatalities, the corner also includes a list of models that demonstrate good work practices.
Scaffolding methods, finding robust suspension points and showing the correct ways of anchoring ropes to suspension points for those working at height are shown by life-size models.
All these conform to the Smart Site Safety System promoted by the CIC for all construction works.
To promote the 4S initiative, construction sites that conform to it can apply to the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund for subsidies and procurement or rental of 4S products, which help to reduce contract costs and enhance safety.
A large selection of tools that improve safety and working environment is displayed at the corner.
Also on show are other gear and aids to keep workers comfortable, including cordless fan jackets and vests for summer, and an exoskeleton that enables workers to lift and move heavy items and perform tasks far more than humanly possible.
It is gratifying to see the Construction Industry Council taking the effort to promote safety and appropriate contract procedures to the public.
Private property owners may not have the luxury of experienced professionals who can get the job done and often have to suffer inferior and unfinished work as a result of employing incompetent contractors, leading to high costs and prolonged contract periods.
Hopefully the RMAA corner imparts knowledge that proves useful or gives them a measure of satisfaction the next time they bring in renovators.
Officers and staff at the center are also there to explain, advise or direct visitors to key and valuable sources of information that equip them with a basic understanding of RMAA contracts.
The RMAA corner improves the quality, efficiency and safety in this important segment of the construction sector in Hong Kong.
Veteran engineer Edmund Leung Kwong-ho casts an expert eye over features of modern life
