Increasing rental prices are fuelling a build-to-rent boom. The considerations for developers when building these properties differs from properties that are built to sell as the developer retains future responsibility for the property including maintenance and facilities management.

Build-to-rent projects can have both high returns but also high risks. UK regulations in particular can represent a degree of risk and careful attention will need to paid at the design and build stage to ensure that properties are future ready. By specifying robust and high quality single source solutions where possible, developers can ensure effective and integrated systems.

By selecting suppliers who offer technical and design support, developers can identify the best products for the project and ensure that the systems are integrated and optimised for the real life conditions. Certifications and warranties are a good way of ensuring long-term peace of mind. Installation support will also ensure that products are correctly installed for reliable performance.

Support for single source supply

Wavin offers an extensive portfolio of drainage, pipework and heating solutions which are designed to work together for commercial projects with end to end support. Wavin’s team of technical experts can help to ensure optimum efficiency and economy, using value added engineering to ensure the most robust and easy to install option for the build. They can also help to ensure that every solution is securely integrated and meets regulatory requirements.

Reducing risk with BIM

Wavin has invested in BIM level 2 and this sets their service apart from others. Wavin's BIM Revit content can speed up the design process and reduce the risk of error with integrated clash detection, intelligent assistance and design automation. BIM also offers benefits for ongoing facilities management. Having a full scale detailed 3D design with integrated product data, ongoing maintenance can be streamlined, reducing the cost of labour and materials for ongoing maintenance.

Sustainable construction

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are now available on Wavin products. They are a way of transparently communicating the performance or impact of a product over its lifetime. They can also help to achieve EPD and LCA credits in certification schemes like BREEAM and LEED.

Stormwater management

Climate change and flood resilience are becoming an increasingly important consideration for developers. For the built-to-rent market it is not only important to consider regulatory requirements but also future flood resilience for the property. Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 is expected to be implemented in 2024, meaning developers will be obliged to implement Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) on all new builds. Because these must be signed off by the local SuDS Approval Body before construction begins, enlisting expert help to ensure designs are right-first-time will help to avoid significant delays and related costs.

Wavin offer StormForce an end to end service for design, supply and install of stormwater solutions which can help to de-risk a project. You can have total confidence with BBA approved products and a 5 year warranty covering the installation itself. Designed to last and engineered to handle one-in-a-hundred-year rainfall events, Wavin also offer a wide range of plastic rainwater and stormwater harvesting drainage pipe systems.

Plumbing and drainage

Leaks can create major structural, financial and safety risks, with the escape of water costing UK insurers £1.8 million every day. It’s a major challenge to locate and repair these problems across a complex system of pipes and joints spanning numerous private properties and high-footfall communal areas.

An integrated solution can be the single most effective choice to guarantee fault-free performance and a seamless installation process. Easy installation can help to reduce labour requirements, driving down costs, preventing delays and utilising economies of scale.

Wavin’s plumbing and drainage portfolio includes a wide range of products with innovations that will add value for both installers and end users.

Robust leak prevention

Designed for commercial environments, their PVC-U soil solutions have tighter waste connections than any other soil system on the market and are engineered using their specialist Recycore material which is over 50% recycled. Compliant with BS EN 12056, these pipes use a unique ‘locked-in’ connection that’s both airtight and flexible so it can’t be dislodged during installation.

Peace and quiet for tenants

Ideal for high-density and multi-occupancy environments, the Wavin AS+ is a low-noise waste water system. It’s made from mineral reinforced polypropylene for optimal sound reduction. Its optimised three-layer pipe structure with push-fit connections and pre-lubricated elastomer seals enables quick, easy and reliable installation.

Lightweight, heavy-duty performance

Their lightweight draining components are designed to have exceptional temperature, vibration, impact and chemical resistance. During installation, these hermetic joints can be formed by both electro-fusion and butt welding.

Optimal leak detection

The Wavin Tigris K5 is a multilayer pipe system designed for potable water and heating applications in apartment blocks and other large properties. They’re also the very first of their kind to feature the innovative Acoustic Leak Alert function which means that any un-pressed fitting will make itself known by producing a loud whistle.

Wavin Commercial Solutions

Specify and install with confidence when you partner with Wavin for commercial plumbing and above ground drainage solutions.
• Sustainability - Helping you to build better with EPD certificates for products
• Mitigate risk - Single source supply and compliant range of certified products that are guaranteed to work together
• Add value - Innovative solutions with enhanced performance and installation.

Find out more about Wavin’s commercial plumbing and above ground drainage solutions.