Neaco has followed up on articles in the construction press that have highlighted important points to consider when choosing a handrails and balustrades supplier.

1. Does the handrails and balustrades supplier have the right credentials?

In other words – does the supplier have the necessary technical expertise to engage with complex design concepts, produce suitable solutions and provide reliable support throughout the supply process. It’s also absolutely vital that the supplier can provide solutions which meet all compliance needs and Building Regulations.

Neaco’s expertise and credentials are impeccable. Our modular handrails and balustrade solutions offcially meet (and in many ways perform beyond) all Building Regulations.

2. Does the supplier use CAD-based design?

Three letters – CAD – speak volumes when it comes to handrails and balustrades design. Make sure your supplier provides detailed CAD drawings.

Neaco has utilised CAD for decades – detailed CAD drawings are always supplied for approval of customers’ specifications.

3. Can they provide 3D visualisation software?

Better still, three other letters – BIM – provide even more benefits. Some suppliers now utilise intelligent model-based Building Information Modelling which is ideal for planning, design and construction. It offers a broad portfolio of tools for design and simulation which allows you to visualise your concept and the supplier’s proposed solution from all angles.

Neaco offers a suite of BIM models from an extensive library.

4. Can the supplier provide professional structural calculations?

Another essential basically guaranteeing that the supplier’s product meets the standards required by building inspectors. If they don’t, the result could be a drain on time and costs.

Neaco’s handrail and balustrade systems offer a modular component-based system with structural calculations perfomed by independent engineers bringing immediate peace of mind for our customers.

5. Are the supplier’s products and materials fully tested?

You need to know that the handrails and balustrades can perform their safety and load-bearing requirements, especially elements like glass panel infills which require certain degrees of strength depending on the type or nature of the installation.

Neaco’s handrails and balustrades are fully tested and we provide full test data, available on request.

6. Can the supplier provide a reliable source contact to deal with any concerns?

Ideally the supply process can be completed without any issues, but that can’t always be the case and, if so, you need to know that you have at least one person at the supplier’s end who you can turn to when you have a concern.

At Neaco, we have a dedicated technical team assigned to your project – if an issue needs to be addressed, we have experts at hand.

7. Am I getting value for money without compromising quality?

If the first six questions can be answered with a definite ‘yes’, and the quotation seems competitive, then you’ve found a suitable supplier! Remember that prices can vary as much as quality, so make sure you’ve got some assurances about both.

Neaco offers a price match promise – we’ll provide a like-for-like quote for any design brief so you can make a direct comparision. We also have a Lifetime Guarantee proving that with Neaco you truly get Modularity by Design!

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