Refurbishment

From ArticleWorld

Refurbishment may be defined as improvement and modernization of an article and its restoration to its former good condition. Refurbishment when referred to a building or house is called renovation. Renovation, thus, is the term used for restoration of a building to a better state by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding. For example routine maintenance, repairs, equipment replacement and painting will all constitute refurbishment or renovation. In fact, it includes additions and improvements to the permanent structure of the primary residence and may also be defined as the process of bringing back a structure or landscape to its original state. The process of refurbishment just falls short of rebuilding or redevelopment and does not customarily require planning permission (other than for alterations to the external appearance), except in the case of listed buildings.

Refurbishment Vs repairs

Simple repairs sometimes are not enough to revive an old and obsolete building that needs huge expenditure for its upkeep. Its mechanical and electrical systems might not be as efficient as compared to what they were earlier or with the existing systems elsewhere. Simple improvements may also not be enough; to put the building back on its feet it may need essential modernization and restoration. This is refurbishment which lies somewhere between improvement and rebuilding in a continuum that begins at repairs and ends at total demolition and reconstruction. Clearly, refurbishment does not aim to alter the essential fabric and design of a building but to modernize and repair in order to preserve the building while replacing worn or obsolete components. Refurbishment, however, does not include reconstruction.