03 February 2021

Should You Choose A Specialist Or General Plumber For A Commercial Project?


The plumbing in a building is a system or a network of pipes, valves, fittings, tanks, and other fixtures that are used to supply water as well as remove waste from the building. It most times also includes the heating, cooling, and gas supply systems. Its purpose is to collect, convey, distribute and remove water or other fluids around and from a building.  

The type and size of the plumbing system in a building is dependent on the structure and size of the facility but most plumbing involves two main subsystems. These are the supply subsystem and the drainage-vent-waste subsystem.

Plumbing follows the principles of gravity, pressure, water level, and so on. It can be very complex to understand for the layman so it requires specialization. It is critical to sanitation and in the broader sense to public health. With the benefits of the supply of safe water and good sanitation comes the risk of cross-connections, contamination of water, scalding, or thermal shock. For this reason, getting the right professional plumber to work on a building is quite important. You can see this article for more on this.

Common issues that can be encountered with a plumbing system include leaks and drips, low pressure of water, a malfunctioning system, rust, smelly water, contamination, blockage, and many others. While some of this may be fixed without the help of a professional, it is advisable to call a plumber to fix it. If not done properly and with the right tools, the situation may be worsened.

A system that is professionally designed will have fewer issues. This coupled with using materials of high quality will ensure that your system encounters fewer problems. 

Types of Plumbers


When it comes to plumbers, there are different types as well as different specialties. The most common are residential and commercial plumbers. Some specialize in one of these two but most plumbers are often able to handle these two types of projects. There are also general contractors who work on any project which can be residential, commercial, public, or other spaces. They can also offer services such as gas fitting, installing HVAC systems, and so on. Some may only do installations while some do repairs and servicing.

Specialist plumbers are those who are experts at installing or repairing specific types of plumbing. Examples of these can be drainage and sanitary plumbers, gas fitters, water plumbing for fire protection systems and irrigation, roof plumbers, etc. You can check this link https://mayfairplumbing.com.au for more information.

Plumbing systems typically perform the same functions whether they be residential, commercial, or any other type. No matter the system, it should be able to deliver clean water and remove waste.

Commercial Plumbing

A commercial plumbing project involves working largely on commercial buildings or facilities that people tend to use quite often. These can include places such as offices, parks, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, malls, etc. it also includes any structure that requires large and industrial-grade pipes and outlets. Plumbing for high-rise residential buildings may also qualify as commercial because the system is designed in a way that accommodates several users at the same time. While the scope of work for a residential plumber is similar to that of a commercial one, it involves certain differences that are quite important.

Commercial plumbing has a large scope of work which requires the use of more pipes, faucets, toilets, showers, and heating systems. All these or most of it have to at some point be connected and need to be available 24 hours. They also must not fail. Considering a hotel with several floors for example and with hundreds of rooms.

The plumbing systems need to be top-notch and must be able to support a high level of usage from several people. Plumbers in this system must account for gravity as well as water pressure. They must ensure that no matter the floor level, the water pressure stays the same or come with a very negligible difference.

A key feature of commercial plumbing is its safety requirements. As it is for public use, this kind of system is subjected to higher levels of safety standards. Also, in a commercial system, the plumbing issues that might be encountered can vary greatly.

For example in a high-rise building, an issue on a particular floor can be a result of another issue on a totally different floor which can interestingly be the consequence of another issue. For this reason, commercial plumbers are often prepared to handle multiple issues during maintenance.

What Type of Plumber Should You Use For a Commercial Project?

As can be seen above plumbing is a very critical aspect of any building and not the least a commercial structure. If it is not properly done, it will result in a lot of issues for the owners of the structure. Maintenance will be difficult, costly, and time-consuming not to talk of the fact that you may not get a permanent solution to the issues. 

It is essential that you get the plumbing right from the start of the project. When the building is complete and in use, it is always more difficult to fix these issues. To this end, which type of plumber is best for a commercial project?

The type of plumber you use is neither here nor there. While a commercial plumber can serve as a specialist in handling commercial projects, oftentimes, most plumbers have the capacity to handle different kinds of plumbing projects.

What you should be more concerned about is if the plumber you are engaging can do the job. Are they experienced, licensed, insured and can they deliver what you desire whether they be a specialist or general plumber? You can find information in this guide on choosing a commercial plumber.

Conclusion

The plumbing system is critical to the survival of users of any building. It is also important for public health as a bad or poorly installed system is a recipe for issues and serious health disasters. This is why it is important to get it right from the start of building construction especially when it is a commercial structure. As long as the plumber has the requisite knowledge, licenses and can deliver a good job and follow city codes, you can choose them.

02 February 2021

The Many Benefits of Timber Frame Homes

 


A home is one of the places that people spend a lot of their time. It is where you relax, be yourself, de-stress and generally let your hair down. For this reason, it is essential that wherever you call home is a place of beauty that you are satisfied and happy with. This means that your home must be welcoming.

There are several ways of constructing a home and also a variety of materials that can be used such as bricks, clay and of course timber. While every building type has its strengths and advantages, custom timber homes are of a special kind.

What are Timber Frame Homes?

These are the kind of homes that use frame structures made with wooden beams and large posts and are attached by wooden pegs or any other type of decorative joinery. These kinds of homes are a popular choice for people who love to self-build.

Typically, the walls of a timber house are positioned outside the timber framing leaving them exposed for visual and aesthetic effects. These framings are strong and they are well established forming the basis of the building and this can last for several years. You may read more from here.

Advantages of Timber Frame Homes


There are lots of benefits when it comes to timber frame construction. It is strong enough that the structure does not need load-bearing walls to cut through the house. This means that it can be designed in any way that you desire. It comes with factory standards and a fast build time. Its skeleton can be decorated or covered in any way that you like meaning that the house can fit in anywhere or look like any other home style. Below are further advantages of this kind of building.

They Use Natural and Sustainable Material

A major concern for a lot of people is the impact that their home will have on the environment. Timber is a natural material and it is abundantly available and renewable. This means that it is sustainable as long as trees are planted for every one that is felled. It is also environmentally friendly, and it does not contribute to the carbon footprint nor does it cost a lot to the environment.

Timber can also be recycled. It is safe to use and handle, it is non-toxic and will not leak any chemical vapor into the building. Also, there is little or no waste during its construction.

Besides, timber is often milled and used close to where it is cut and produced. This helps to promote local economies. You can read more on this here https://www.buildersmerchantsnews.co.uk/10-benefits-of-using-timber-frame-building/44552

They Are Versatile

Timber frame homes are versatile that is, there is a large variety of designs that they can be constructed in. They may be traditional or contemporary and when it comes to spacious open designs, they are right up there. Due to their flexibility and the fact that they are lightweight, they are easy to install. They can suit most projects whether it is a new one or an extension. They may as well be built in a way that blends in with the predominant style in the area they are located. If you so which, they can be made to stand out.

Timber also come in different shades, colors, and textures due to different trees having differing characteristics. This adds to the aesthetics and overall beauty of the house.

They Reduce Overall Costs of Building


One critical part of building construction is its budget and cost. It can be quite worrying when delays happen and the budget is threatening to get out of hand or beyond what was projected. When using timber, you can accurately predict your costs and budget.

For this kind of construction, poor weather hardly impacts its construction as most of the work is done off-site in a workshop that is clean and dry. With this sort of controlled conditions, the budget is predictable and with no surprises along the way. 

They Are Quick to Build

The construction of timber frame houses require a dry process shielded from external elements that may delay the work. When this is done, it is then transferred to the site where everything is put together in a matter of days. All these mean that other workers and tradespeople can come in sooner to do their jobs. They do not have to wait weeks for the building to dry out.

With this, the build time can be decreased up to a third of what it will take in an average brick structure. Also, construction can be done almost any time of the year.

They Are Thermally Efficient

Because wood has natural insulating properties, timber homes make for thermally efficient ones. It gives room for more insulation and helps to keep warm as well as comfortable when compared to conventional forms of building. Also when compared to other materials like steel and concrete, it has better insulating properties. This means that it requires less energy for cooling or heating the house resulting in lower energy bills for you.

They Are Long Lasting and Easy to Maintain

Timber is a tough and durable material that can withstand most weather elements and last for a long time. Some wooden structures can last for hundreds of years although over time they may change color slightly. Wooden homes are also easy and cheap to maintain.

Finding a Timber Frame Supplier

Several companies produce custom timber homes. They may either design, build as well as erect the structure or they provide the frames so that you can self-build. The choice is usually up to you. To get a good supplier you should get different quotes and compare them. When doing a comparison, ensure that the quotes have commensurate specifications.

After narrowing down your options, you should visit the company at their factory to discuss details of the construction with them. You should also take the opportunity to see the materials they will be using. Finally, ask about the time frame that it will take for the frames or the building to be ready.

Conclusion

Timber frame homes are great structures that come with plenty of benefits. If you are looking to get one, then you are in good company and have made the right choice. Do not forget to carry out due diligence so that you can choose reliable and experienced suppliers.


01 February 2021

Home Staging Tips and Tricks That Really Work

With the decision to put your house on the real estate market comes a lot of anxiety. While there are many reasons for emotional turmoil during the home sale process, many owners have a concern that the potential buyers won't find their property attractive enough. 

According to ISoldMyHouse.com, one of the best ways to make sure that doesn't happen is by making your residence look fantastic. Let's explore the tricks for staging your property for viewings that'll make people fall in love with it.

Points of Focus

Not every room counts the same towards a successful staging. Focus your time and energy in rooms that are most likely to influence buyer decisions, spending less on areas that don't make much of a difference. Pay the most attention to:

  • The living room
  • The kitchen 
  • The master bedroom
  • The bathrooms

Guest and children's bedrooms make much less of a difference. You can even leave them as is if they're in good condition.

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Depersonalizing the Space

Remember the objective of a home staging while planning your tasks. You want to make your house look beautiful while disregarding preferences in favor of a more impersonal look. 

The idea is to help prospective buyers see the space as their own. So, your goal is to turn the property into a stylish, charming blank canvas

Remove Personal Possessions

You might feel that the portraits lining the stairs make your place feel more like home, but the buyer doesn't want to be reminded that the house belongs to you. So, put photos and memorabilia out of sight, keep clothes in closets, and clear the bathroom of personal items.

Declutter

Space sells. Decluttering not only helps depersonalize but also makes your home seem more spacious. While you don't have to get rid of everything, remove: 

  • Non-seasonal clothes
  • Your small decor items
  • Papers, books, games
  • Cleaning supplies not for everyday use

Remember that buyers open your closets to check out the storage space. If the drawers are hard to close due to everything you keep inside, they'll see much less potential in the property as a whole. 

Clean Up

Spring cleaning has nothing on the amount of work you should put in making your house 100% pristine before the first viewing. You want everything to shine, from the corners to the baseboards and the ceiling. 

A tidy home suggests you took good care of it. Think about deep cleaning everything, and pay special attention to the tasks you usually neglect.

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Open and Light

Another feature that attracts buyers is freshness. A deep clean should take care of any residue odors, but you should also take out the trash before a showing. Add an air freshener and put some plants here and there to promote a feeling of cleanliness and openness. 

Make It Bright

Dark rooms look small, sad, and uninviting. So, the first thing to do is brighten it up by letting in natural light sources. Opening the blinds makes the rooms appear more spacious, too!

Then, turn on all the lights, including those in the closet and the lamps. The home will seem more welcoming, and the buyers will see the lighting setting potential, creating ideas about how they'd arrange it once they buy the house.

Rearrange the Furniture

You might quite like your current arrangement, but try to look at it with a critical eye. Is there enough walkable space?

The idea of furniture rearrangement is to open the rooms, make them easier to navigate and help buyers imagine their pieces in place of yours. 

If there are extra chairs and tables around, especially damaged ones, remove them. When you're left with the basics, arrange the furniture with a minimalist and spacious aesthetic in mind. 

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The Bottom Line

Finally, remember that home staging doesn't require a massive investment. As long as you make smart, strategic decisions, you'll boost the appeal without paying a penny. 

Consult with your agent if you're unsure which changes are necessary, and present your home in the best light. You'll sell in much less time and face fewer issues down the line, making these tasks worth the trouble.

22 January 2021

Tips to Know During Your First Remodel

Photo by Milivoj Kuhar on Unsplash

Home remodeling can be an exciting experience, but it hides many surprises that the average homeowners need to be aware of. From choosing the right contractor, picking the best design fixtures and matching colors, to doing an after-renovation cleanup, all these can be quite overwhelming. 

We've rounded up the four most important tips that will help you prepare for your first home remodeling project. 

Plan Your Remodel Carefully 

More often, it's easy to jump into a home renovation project, but it's hard to quantify the hurdles you'll have to face along the way. Planning your renovation will help you see the bigger picture before getting started. 

The first step is to map your goals so you can specify the scope of the remodeling project. For example, you may want to remodel the kitchen and the living room first or the roof and the exterior alone. A plan will also help you estimate the remodeling cost, choose the right contractor company, and even select the finishes and fixtures needed.

From here, you can choose a spare space, either indoors or outdoors, to move your belonging. More often, homeowners will set aside a renovation free-zone to continue living in the same home while remodeling continues in the other rooms.  

You should also create a master list detailing what needs to be done, when, how, and by whom. The idea is to have a clear overview of the steps involved in the remodeling process. However, it doesn't have to be detailed, like the one used by your contractor.

Another critical step is to get a permit from the local authorities. This is particularly true if you are looking to sell your home in the foreseeable future. A home that's remodeled without a permit is most likely to violate the building and safety standards, for example, the national electrical codes. Finally, put measures in place to protect your pets and kids, if any. 

Be Part of the Whole Exercise 

As a homeowner, you have two options. You can let the contractor do his job and just hang around until the whole project is over, or you can choose to be part of the remodeling process. With the latter, you have the option to specify further how you want your new home to look, from the color options to design features and everything in between.

Watching the remodeling process one at a time can be fun, but that will mean you have to take the days off your job, which can be somewhat impractical. Instead, make time to visit the place at least once or twice a week. Give a helping hand, discuss the remodeling process, get to know what works, and check whether the new additions meet your remodeling expectations. 

For example, you may realize that the new windows are letting in too much light, hence the need to make a few changes to accommodate your taste and preferences. However, you should not be a headache to your contractor, always proposing corrections that might compromise the entire project's integrity. 

Expect the Unexpected 

For your first remodeling project, be ready to face challenges you didn't expect. Your contractor may delay to complete the renovation in time due to unavoidable circumstances, for example, failed inspections, weather changes, sick leave, etc. 

To avoid frustrations, always lower your expectations and embrace an open mindset. You can also avoid procurement delays by working with local suppliers who are competent in their work. Also, make it a routine to follow up with your local authorities on inspections to avoid undue delays.  

You can also minimize these challenges by consulting far and wide and modeling solutions to the most probable remodeling hurdles. 

Schedule Cleanup

Every renovation or remodeling project will lead to lots of waste materials, most of which will be difficult to clean on your own. It's easy to overlook the importance of post-renovation clean up until the work is complete, and your contractors leave a heap of clutter in the living room. Common remodeling waste like wood scraps, concrete waste, dust, trash, and debris require proper cleaning, which can be hectic if you lack hands-on experience. 

Working with a residential trash collection service will make the whole process painless, seamless, and fast. However, it's essential to choose the right company and communicate with the cleanup personnel in advance. This will avoid undue delays and inconveniences, for example, cleaning services spanning a couple of days and even weeks. 

Closing Comments 

Whether you are remodeling a few rooms or your entire home, it's critical to plan the whole project. This will put you in a better position to speculate challenges and work on their solutions, so the remodeling becomes a success. 

The four steps highlighted above allow you to proceed with the remodeling while paying attention to what matters the most., i.e., meeting your remodeling expectations while minding your safety and that of your loved ones. 

18 January 2021

10 Concepts Of Custom Home Builders And Custom Home Designs


The biggest joy of building a custom home is that every feature that you add is uniquely designed to suit your requirements. In such a house, every detail is customized exclusively for you. For a custom home builder, it means they get to try out their creativity on the way to build dream nests.

If you wish to integrate your vision, needs, and wishes to enhance your lifestyle at home, this article can act as a handy guide to choose the best inspirational home designs on a limited budget.

Go ahead and read about the ten amazing and inspirational custom home design ideas to try in your newly-built house:


#1. Amazing Walk-in Master Closet

You often dreamt about building a spacious master bedroom that comes with a walk-in master closet that is easier to accommodate his or her clothes, shoes, etc. This could be a private area and can be practical depending on your desire. 

In a customized closet you can check the identical cabinets, drawers, and space to hang clothes. Several builders such as victoreric.com custom home builders provide you with the option of a well-designed and organized closet that helps to eliminate the requirement of the growing wardrobe.

#2. Well-Equipped Kitchen

No matter where you live having a well-equipped kitchen is the focal point for all social gatherings especially if you love to cook and wear the chef hat. A spacious large island with a huge seating capacity to encourage socializing while you cook. 

The expert builders encourage the addition of high-end appliances, more than one sink, ample space on the counter-top, and huge storage.

#3. Angled Windows

In the current year, something which is in high trend is angled transom windows to reflect the sloping roof for a consistent look.

#4. Dual-Facing Fireplace Wall

A unique fireplace wall to provide partial separation between the kitchen and the family room without eliminating the open layout. The dual-facing fireplace extends sightlines, adds amazing ambiance. 

We will like you to add a small built-in bench to provide additional seating. However, the choice of the fireplace is also a big matter of consideration - read here about the best fireplace options for your house.

#5. Two-Entrances to Shower

Currently, every customized home design expert inspires the new buyers to have full his-and-hers bathrooms with vanity, toilet, and walk-in closets. Connecting both the spaces with a unique walk-in shower and catty-corner entry makes the house more unique.


#6. Having a Wine Room

To have a wine room, you do not need to be a wine connoisseur. The builders these days suggest the installation of elegant wine cellars with ample space to store, displaying vintage wines to the bar like seating arrangement can be a great option.

#7. Tile Type Bath Mat

A wood-like tile floor will offer your dream house an eye-catching alternative to the traditional bath mat. So, we advise you to build an intricate tile inset bath mat for a different look.


#8. High-Windows

No matter where you build your home in a busy colony or somewhere secluded, privacy is something we all desire. So, having high, narrow windows along the dining room to ensure ample daylight without sacrificing privacy. If you feel high windows are a trouble to clean, here are some quick tips for the future.

#9. Open Kitchen Shelves

This is indeed a new option and quickly gaining popularity among the people who love to cook. Open kitchen shelves provide quick access to often-used cooking materials, ensure more storage capacity without overwhelming your kitchen with too many cabinets.

#10. Customized Kitchen Cabinets

Like the way we want to keep your dream kitchen clutter-free similarly, we support the installation of custom cabinets to hide certain materials as well. It is better to select a warm-yet modern vertical-grain for your cabinets. So, combine the tailor-made cabinets with built-in open shelves to extend the overall look.

Wrapping Up

If you are ready to build a dream house, custom home builders can help you etch out such inspiration to suit your requirements. The tailored designs are always exclusive to the home and surroundings. 

They are tailor-made designs to make every house appear unique without intermingling too many ideas and leave behind much space for yourself. For a clutter-free look, try out these unique ideas or talk with the experts!