Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions About Spotlight Construction

  • Spotlight Construction provides lightning protection, fall protection, refurbishment and restoration services across Hertfordshire, London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, and the South East, with the ability to support projects nationwide when required.

  • Yes. We provide construction, restoration, and specialist repair services nationwide across the UK. Whether your project is in a major city or a remote location, our experienced teams can mobilise quickly and deliver high‑quality workmanship wherever you need us.

  • Yes. Spotlight Construction holds full public liability insurance and operates in accordance with recognised industry standards.  We are accredited by CITB, ATLAS, SafeContractor and Constructionline, demonstrating our commitment to safety, quality, compliance and professional service delivery across all construction, restoration, lightning protection and fall protection projects.

  • Yes. We provide free, no‑obligation quotations for all services.

  • We provide a detailed, accurate quotation within 10 days of receiving your project information. For more complex works, we may request drawings, specifications, photos, or a site visit to ensure the quotation is fully aligned with your requirements. Our goal is to give you a clear, competitive price without delay.

  • We can often prepare quotations remotely using photos, layout plans, or existing reports. For more complex projects, or where a detailed assessment is required, a site visit or survey may be necessary. Charges may apply, and we will always confirm any costs with you in advance.

  • Drawings and specifications, photos, layout plans, access details, and any existing reports are extremely helpful. For larger or more technical projects, a site visit may be required to ensure accuracy.

  • Our primary focus is commercial and industrial properties, but we also support residential projects as well as heritage, listed, and architecturally sensitive buildings.

  • While we don’t operate as a dedicated emergency repair service, we can attend site in urgent situations where possible. If you’re facing issues such as storm damage, unsafe masonry, water ingress, or structural concerns, our team will do their best to respond quickly and make the area safe. Availability depends on location and workload, but we always aim to support clients when urgent assistance is needed.

  • Yes. We regularly work on live commercial sites, occupied buildings and operational facilities. All works are carefully planned using RAMS, permits and site-specific safety procedures to minimise disruption while maintaining safe operations.

  • Yes. Our team is equipped to manage everything from minor remedial works to large‑scale restoration and reinstatement projects, including specialist works on listed and historically sensitive structures.

Lightning Protection Systems

  • Whether a lightning protection system is required depends on the outcome of a risk assessment carried out in accordance with BS EN 62305.Many commercial, industrial, heritage, educational and multi‑occupancy buildings require lightning protection to ensure compliance and protect occupants, assets, and critical infrastructure.

  • Lightning protection systems should typically be inspected and tested every 12 months in accordance with BS EN 62305. More frequent inspections may be recommended for high-risk sites, exposed locations or buildings containing critical equipment.

  • A full lightning protection installation typically includes air terminals, down conductors, earthing arrangements, and bonding to the building’s metalwork and services. All installations are designed and installed in accordance with BS EN 62305 to provide effective protection against lightning strikes.

  • Yes. We have extensive experience working on listed and historically significant buildings. Our team uses low‑visibility components and non‑intrusive installation methods to protect the structure without compromising its appearance or heritage value.

  • If a system does not meet current standards, we provide a detailed report outlining any defects, non‑conformities or safety concerns. We can then carry out all required remedial works to bring the system back into compliance and ensure the system operates effectively.

  • We install and maintain a full range of fall protection systems including lifelines, guardrails, mansafe systems, anchor points, and eyebolts, all compliant with relevant British Standards.

  • Most fall protection systems require testing every 12 months. However certain fall protection systems require more frequent inspections depending on their usage, location, and environmental exposure. Regular testing helps ensure compliance maintains the safety of those working at height.

  • Yes. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, building owners and employers must ensure safe access for anyone working at height. This often includes installing certified fall protection systems such as lifelines, guardrails, or anchor points, along with regular inspection and testing to remain compliant.

  • Yes. All inspections include a compliance certificate, updated asset register, and a detailed report of findings.

  • Many UK insurance providers strongly recommend or require a compliant lightning protection system for certain buildings — especially commercial, industrial, heritage, and high‑risk structures. Even when not mandatory, insurers may offer better terms or reduced premiums when a building is protected and regularly tested to the relevant standards.

  • Yes. We can inspect, repair, replace and upgrade existing fall protection systems to ensure they remain compliant with current regulations and operational requirements. We also undertake remedial works following failed inspections or expired certificates.

  • Yes. We have extensive experience installing fall protection systems on listed, heritage, and architecturally sensitive buildings. Our team uses discreet fixing methods and sympathetic installation techniques to ensure the building’s character and fabric are preserved while maintaining full safety compliance.

  • BS EN 62305 is the UK and European standard for lightning protection systems. It sets out the requirements for risk assessment, system design, installation, and ongoing testing. Compliance with BS EN 62305 ensures that a building is properly protected against lightning strikes and meets insurance and regulatory expectations.

Fall Protection Systems

  • DOFF cleaning is a specialist stone and façade cleaning method that uses superheated steam to remove dirt, biological growth, paint, and pollutants without damaging the surface. It is widely used on heritage buildings, masonry, brickwork, and delicate substrates, offering a gentle but highly effective restoration solution.

  • JOS cleaning (also known as TORC cleaning) is a low‑pressure, swirling abrasive system designed to remove carbon staining, paint, coatings, and surface contaminants from stone, brick, and historic façades. It is ideal for conservation projects because it cleans thoroughly while preserving the original material.

  • Yes. We specialise in matching existing stonework and brickwork for repairs, extensions, and heritage restoration. Our team sources materials that closely match the original in colour, texture, size, and finish, ensuring a seamless and sympathetic result that blends perfectly with the surrounding structure.

  • We restore all types of natural stone, including limestone, sandstone, granite, Portland stone, and marble. Our team works on façades, chimneys, balustrades, window surrounds, decorative features, and heritage structures, using methods that protect the original material.

  • We begin with a detailed condition survey to assess the stone type, level of deterioration, previous repairs, and environmental exposure. Based on this, we recommend the most suitable restoration method, such as stone indents, repointing, DOFF cleaning, JOS/TORC cleaning, or protective coatings.

  • In many cases, damaged stone can be repaired rather than replaced, using techniques like mortar repairs, stone indents, or consolidation. Replacement is only recommended when the stone is structurally unsound or beyond conservation repair.

  • Yes, for listed and historic buildings, we use traditional lime mortars, hand‑tooled finishes, and conservation‑approved methods to ensure the restoration is sympathetic to the original construction and meets heritage guidelines.

  • Project duration depends on the size of the area, the extent of deterioration, access requirements, and weather conditions. Smaller repairs may take a few days, while full façade restoration can take several weeks. We provide clear timelines during the quotation process.

  • Yes. We provide specialist cleaning services including DOFF steam cleaning and JOS/TORC cleaning, which safely remove dirt, carbon staining, algae, paint, and pollutants without damaging the stone surface.

  • We source stone from trusted quarries and suppliers to match the colour, grain, texture, and finish of the original material. Our stonemasons can also hand‑tool new pieces to replicate historic details for a seamless result.

  • Yes. We can apply breathable protective coatings to help reduce water penetration, pollution staining, and biological growth. These treatments extend the lifespan of the stone while maintaining its natural appearance.

  • Stonework should be inspected every 3–5 years, especially on older or exposed buildings. Regular maintenance helps identify early signs of deterioration, preventing costly repairs in the future.

Stonework