The 2026 Guide to CQC Regulation 15: How Refurbishments Protect Your ‘Safe’ Rating
- Jack Carr
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
For care providers, the premises are more than just a building; they are a clinical environment that must balance resident dignity with rigorous safety standards. As we move through 2026, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has placed a renewed focus on Regulation 15: Premises and Equipment.
At DJT Services, we’ve seen how a poorly managed refurbishment can trigger a "Requires Improvement" rating and how a strategic, specialist-led upgrade can boost both compliance and occupancy. Here is how to navigate a refurbishment while staying on the right side of the inspectors.
1. Understanding the Regulation 15 "Premises" Trap
Regulation 15 states that premises must be "suitable for the intended purpose" and "properly maintained." However, many providers fall into the trap of aesthetic-only upgrades.
An inspector isn't just looking at the new decor; they are checking:
Surface Integrity: Are the finishes non-porous and capable of withstanding clinical-grade cleaning?
Layout Safety: Does the new layout allow for safe movement, or has the refurbishment created "dead ends" that hinder evacuation?
Maintenance Logs: Does the contractor provide a "handover pack" with fire-rating certifications for every door and partition installed?
2. The Specialist’s Approach to Infection Control (IPC)
As builders, our role in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is about containment and specification. During a refurbishment, the biggest risk to residents isn't the tools—it's the dust.
We implement a "Clinical-Grade Site Management" protocol:
Zonal Isolation: We use rigid, hygienic partitioning to separate construction zones from resident areas.
HEPA-Filtration: We utilize M-Class dust extraction units to ensure that fine particulates—which can carry pathogens—are filtered out of the air before they reach communal corridors.
Material Choice: We specify antimicrobial coatings and coved skirting that eliminate "dirt traps," ensuring your housekeeping team can maintain CQC standards long after we’ve left the site.
3. Dementia-Friendly Design: More Than Just Colours
A CQC-compliant refurbishment must consider the "Well-Led" and "Responsive" domains. This is where HBN 08-02 (Dementia-Friendly Design) comes in.
If you are refurbishing a dementia unit in 2026, you must consider Light Reflectance Values (LRV).
We ensure a minimum of 30 points of LRV contrast between floors and walls. This prevents "spatial confusion," reducing the risk of falls and resident agitation. We also prioritize matte finishes on flooring to prevent the "water-glare" effect, which many residents perceive as a slip hazard.
4. Fire Safety & HTM 05-02 Compliance
Fire safety in care homes is non-negotiable. During any internal reconfiguration, we adhere strictly to Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 05-02.
FD30s & FD60s: We ensure every fire door is fitted with smoke seals and self-closing devices that meet BS EN 1154 standards.
Compartmentation: Our teams are trained to maintain the fire-stopping integrity of walls and ceilings, ensuring that "progressive horizontal evacuation" routes are never compromised during the works.
5. The Business Case: Occupancy & Valuation
Beyond compliance, a specialist refurbishment is a financial asset. A home that feels modern, safe, and "CQC-Ready" is significantly easier to market to families. By upgrading communal lounges and bedrooms with smart, durable finishes, you aren't just spending on maintenance, you are investing in your home's reputation and long-term valuation.
Specialist Care Home Refurbishment Across the UK
At DJT Services, we specialize in phased refurbishments within live care environments. Our teams are Enhanced DBS checked, and our processes are designed to support your CQC ratings, not hinder them.
Ready to plan your 2026 upgrade?
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