If Shakespeare were alive today, he may have asked the more pressing question, “To move or to improve?” Either way, the choice usually means a change for the better, so it’s more about “why to,” “when to,” and “how to" move or improve rather than “if to” do either, because, while sellers remain shell-shocked, today’s home-hunters and remodeling customers are in for a pleasantly plentiful supply: It’s a buyer’s market.
As the world is facing an energy and resource crisis, we are realizing more and more the importance of sustainability. This is especially true within the hospitality industry. Corey Enck of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently stated in a press release that “In the United States alone, hotels represent more than five billion square-feet of space, nearly five million guest rooms, and close to $4 billion in annual energy use.” Due to the unique challenges hospitality projects can present, the Hospitality Adaptations Working Group was formed to create a sustainable design model that the industry could follow.
Advancements in technology have revolutionized the way we do business, but we must not lose sight of the benefits of personal interaction. I find myself getting more and more email every day and having less time to actually talk to or even see the people I am working with. I am probably more guilty of this then many because I am what you might call a “satellite” project manager, working remotely on out-of-town jobs.
Don't be afraid to try your luck at an auction. Rachael Ranney, host of Buildipedia's {Re}habitat, shares some insider tips for making your first auction experience a successful one.
Let me start by admitting openly that I love, love, love auctions! The moment I score a great deal on that one-of-a-kind, beautiful piece is an unassailable thrill. Listening to a great auctioneer generate buzz and excitement about the wares he is selling will never cease to entertain me.
Know your rights as a renter when it comes to the law and leases.
We are fortunate to live in a time when the phrase "the greenest building is the one already built" is starting to catch on and hopefully becoming commonplace in the building industry. The proof is undeniable, but changing the way we do business never happens quickly. As we move toward the goal of building more sustainably, we must alter the way we view the built environment and make it easier to preserve the buildings already standing and discourage sprawling, disposable development.
To maintain a project's schedule, productivity, and ultimately, profitability, it is imperative that the job foreman and the office project manager and/or estimator are aware of weather and site conditions. During this time of the year, material delivery becomes an extremely important part of maintaining project schedules and minimizing surprises.
Specifiers tend to create their products based on what manufacturers tell them. This is not a bad idea; after all, no one has the time to research all the products used on site. Manufacturers will indicate that their materials need to be pre-conditioned to the interior temperature for a period of time, usually 24 hours prior to installation. The standard temperature is typically between 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) includes Levees on its 2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, giving them a D–. The category of "Levees" covers major flood control works. However, what about the water that causes the flooding that levees protect against? Throughout drainage basins comprising thousands of square miles, stormwater runoff makes its way downstream. Obviously some systems convey that stormwater and even control it. ASCE says nothing about these storm sewer systems, but they form a vital part of America's infrastructure.
If you’re a bit of a DIY enthusiast, you might be all for jumping into a self-build. Watch out for these common problems.
The more lights the better, right? Although lights are visually appealing and, personally, my favorite, the “Christmas Vacation” mentality can lead to a lot of problems if proper precautions are not taken. Christmas lights use a lot of electricity. Improperly installed, they can cause overloaded circuits and wires to overheat. Enough heat could be generated to eventually burn and ignite other items in the area.
Ninety-nine percent of construction work is completed within the allotted time. Getting a project closed out -- the other one percent -- seems to take just as much time. Why does this process take so long? A seemingly endless series of punch list and paperwork items must be completed before the project can be considered complete.
Ignoring certain zoning matters during the critical opening stages of your building or development project can be devastating. Property set-back issues and future land-use studies can be roadblocks or temporary stumbling points on the way to success. Whether you are building on commercial, residential, or industrial property, it is essential that you ask the right questions. The answers can make or break your project.
