In the construction industry, ‘first fix’ and ‘second fix’ carpentry is related to the building of both houses and commercial buildings. The first fixing is composed of all the work done to take a building from its foundation to the point of plastering the walls. The second fix is then all of the work after the plastering.
First Fix Carpentry
The first fix will compromise all of the structural work that needs to be done for a building. This work will usually consist of constructing the foundations and floors, along with the walls and ceilings – this work including door frames, roof struts, and wall studs. Cables for the electrical fixtures will be inserted, as well as all necessary pipes for the supply of water. The building is then plastered, readying it for the second fix.
Second Fix Carpentry
The second fix then finishes off the building. This involves fitting floor boards and architraves, doors and windows in to frames, connecting up pipes to baths and sinks, and fitting electrical fixtures and connecting them to cables.
The work on a building is divided into the first and second fix as this provides a description relevant to all tradesmen working on the construction. As well as the carpenters, the plumbers and electricians working on the building will have to visit it at two separate times, so the distinction between a first and second fixing allows the different workers to know how much has been done and what is still required.
Ligna Carpentry and Joinery
At Ligna Carpentry and Joinery, our highly skilled team can offer excellent service in both first and second fix carpentry. Based in Stowmarket (near Ipswich), we work throughout the East of England, our work having gained us a reputation as leaders in our field with a majority of our trade coming from existing customer recommendations. For any more information and help on our carpentry services, please give us a call on 01449 770005 or fill out a contact for and a member of our team will get back to you as quickly as possible.