What To Look For When Choosing A Home Builder

So you’ve finally purchased your dream block of land, and that is to find the right builder and project manager to build your new dream home. Builders are one of the most important people to achieve your ideal home goals as they affect every aspect of the project. They make the most crucial decision concerning your home and the total budget to be used.

Luckily, there are many contractors available with vast knowledge and experience in building. Choosing the right builder can be an uphill task especially when there are so many options available. Here is a list of ideal factors to consider while hiring a builder

1 – Past Work

Does the builder have a portfolio of evidence of a previous job done where he or she showcases his/ her work? Portfolios can be through a website or photos of previous work. Carefully look at the pictures and description of the projects previously done. Look at the building structure, the style, and the time taken to complete a single project. These aspects will help you determine if he has been doing his work professionally.

You can also opt to visit the sites with completed projects and if there is any project in progress visit the site too. Visiting these sites and seeing ongoing construction will give you more ideas and will help conclude their professionalism and their work culture. If their past work speaks volumes and is impressed with their past work, hire the contractor.

2 – Experience

How long has the contractor been offering service in the industry? To ensure you are choosing the best builder for your project look at the years the builder has been in the construction industry. Experience is important as it will enable them to build your home efficiently without experiencing troubles. Contractors with proven experience have better ways and efficient ways of building great homes.

3 – Reputation

Great builders earn their reputation from great online reviews and reviews from other clients. Before hiring a contractor, interact with previous customers to get their own experience concerning a builder. If they have consistently provided quality work overtime, their reputation will be great. Apart from customers, you can also get reviews from building inspectors, people who have worked with the builder, and other professional people along the construction line.

4 – Prepare A Detailed Question Guide

Always have questions so that you exhaust every aspect of the building process of your home. Never feel intimidated to ask these questions as building a home is a lifetime investment and a very huge decision. Ask for his insurance and license. You want to work with a builder who has been licensed by the professional body. How many current projects are in progress and will this affect the quality of time the builder will dedicate to your home? Does the builder have a warranty policy or service policy?

5 – Pricing/Quotation

Ask quotations from different builders and take time to study each one of them. The quotation should have clarification of the service you will receive during the entire for your money. This will help you in doing your budget analysis for your home construction

6 – Availability And Willingness To Help

A great homebuilder should be more than willing to come on board to consult as long the actual construction begins. This is a good opportunity to get some practical advice and some guidance at a crucial stage.

Homebuilders having many years of practical experience to quickly and professionally solve issues in construction. When these construction mistakes are solved before building plans are complete, a lot of finances can be saved.

Their willingness and availability to help can also be seen in bringing new ideas for the project and unique designs that they have previously worked on and clients loved. With their vast experience, they can willingly help and give candid advice on what worked well and how to approach challenges when building a home.

Brush And Land Clearing Costs

Studies have shown that a nice landscape increase the value of your property but also helps to extend the life of the foundations and greenery around it. Mud accumulation due to landslides can be exceedingly damaging to the outside as well as foundations of your property.

If the land area is not cleaned regularly the health of those living on the land can become at risk due to the accumulation of debris and other contaminants. The slippery surface area can also cause accidents to both vehicles and pedestrians. Hillside cleaning is required to property and homes that are built on hills.

The nationwide typical cost for hillside or land clearing is between $1200 and $6000 depending upon the size of the location. Eliminating other land features such as concrete or tree stumps, the size of the land, and land grading all impact the overall cost of brush and land clearing.

Grading may cost $50– $70 per hour to guarantee the clear land is ready for new work, with overall job costs for grading costing anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to a few thousand. Authorizations can run anywhere from $50 to $250 (or more), and if a land study is needed, it will include another $265– $650 to the overall cost.

Numerous house enhancement projects need some site preparation prior to starting the actual work. While this may seem to slow down the more exciting work like developing a house or planting a brand-new garden, it’s crucial to do things properly at the start. Let’s look at the factors that impact the cost of land clearing, the kinds of elimination that might be required, related tasks such as grading and finding utility wires, and whether you require a license or survey.

What Affects Land Clearing Cost?

When building a guest house, barn, or house on a piece of land, or when embarking on a significant landscaping project, a crucial initial step may be to clear the land. Land clearing tasks vary in scope and cost, depending upon the size (or acreage) and the intricacy of the work included. Land clearing cost isn’t quite as easy as a flat rate per square foot, nevertheless, because every task will require various kinds of work, along with various permits and land studies. You can ask a land clearing business for a totally free quote, or ask multiple business to price quote the typical cost before making your decision. For instance, Stockton Tree Service Experts is a family-owned tree service with over 25-years of experience caring for the natural landscape of communities in San Joaquin County county. This company will provide a free quote for brush clearing services as well as guarantee a certified arborist oversee any job.

Tree and Stump Removal Costs

Anticipate to pay about $2– $4 per inch of diameter for large tree stump removal as part of a land clearing job. Tree stump removal requires removing the whole root ball of a tree from beneath the soil.

For stump grinding, experts utilize a chipping maker to grind away the above-level tree stump. The typical cost for stump removal can vary from $60 to $350, while grinding a stump down might cost $75-$ 1,000. The final rate will depend on the stump’s size, condition, area and condition of the soil around it.

Land Grading Costs

Labor costs for land grading, or leveling irregular ground, typical $50– $70 per hour nationwide. The average total cost of land grading starts at $500 for minor home-improvement projects and can increase to $2,000– $6,000 for areas over an acre. The overall cost to work with a pro will differ depending just how much land needs to be cleared, how extreme the slope is that requires to be leveled, and whether you need to set up a watering system.

A Single Thought For Double Garages: Starting A Double Garage With Benefits And Tips!

While having an open yard around your area is quite refreshing, maintaining a garage just beside your household could also be twice as useful as the open yardmuch more useful when you plan to have a double garage. Double garages add more convenience mostly on novice drivers as a wider amount of space is provided, preventing damages from untoward incidents caused by congestion. Basically, this would even bring extended limitations on the area for future vehicles.

However, given these benefits, some other issues are also considered. This would include the cost and the heavier expense of construction and materials when choosing double garages. The installation of garages would also consider the aesthetics that would still fit the home design. Of course, this would always go with the practicality and quality of materials. Different shapes and sizes are required when considering your outdoor space. Often sectional Sheds and Garages are the best solution to many tricky building sites

So what specifically should we consider when planning to install a double garage?

First, we get to decide the sort of material to use. While common old garages are made of wood or vinyl, modern-day construction considers steel as a practical material. As it speeds up construction productivity, its high strength characteristics are often used for industrial works. Its durability would make an ideal material for large and even small buildings. The aesthetic quality of steel garages is flexible and can adapt to most of the home designs. Steel is also malleable by nature, thus, remodeling is easier plus excess materials can still be sold off and even recycled.

Next would be finding a reliable contractor. A wise client will not only look for prominent contractors but will surely look for his credibilitylicense, background, insurance, and experience. Consider his preferences with materials and make sure that he does well with working on steel constructions. After which, proceed with the finances. Request for an early quotation and try to inquire for solutions for your preferred choice. Review the pricing of the materials and better have clear communication with your contractor. While this may sound very busy, being hands on to the project is the primary key to a quality work.

Lastly, get the black-and-white print. To be ensured, run over the basic requirements. Get the deadline clear ahead and inspect for other workers who will be working for your project. Never rely on abstract plans and promises, better yet, concretize everything that is written on the contract. Nonetheless, your contract will serve as your legal bond towards achieving a quality work with your contractor.

Wrapping up, the construction of double garages and steel garages could go a bit hectic at first. However, when one is quite acquainted with modern-day construction and would go through steps rigidly, then garage installation will be less of a hassle. As years progressed, the construction industry considers innovations for the improvement of building foundations which basically includes the use of steel in most infrastructures. This would also be a good choice of material for your garage. The choice of contractor is also very important as one deliberates his credentials and experiences for the application.

To end, double garages are now quite a necessity for household only that, we still have to be better acquainted with the modern-day materials and guidelines for the installation.

The Fundamentals Of Builders Vs Contractors Revealed

builders vs contractors
Builders have several insurance options from which to select, every one of which varies from 1 insurance provider to another. In rural areas, they almost have to be GCs to maintain their business. A builder is a person who completes the entire housing project by himself. Custom made house builder or contractors can assist you through the entire process of housing. Before you commence looking for a contractor, get accustomed to the factors involved with the costs and planning, in addition to aspects like city permits and insurance. Home inspectors don’t do this now.penzu

The Basics of Builders Vs Contractors
In case the construction team builds the project for under the GMP, the proprietor may obtain the savings, or the operator may get an agreement to share them with the building manager. The building manager functions as a consultant to the owner during the design and construction phase and frequently handles a number of the construction itself. Within this scenario, the owner functions as the general contractor. He cannot confirm the final cost of the project until they’ve secured the last contractor.

The lending company will qualify your finances and after that request an appraisal of the house and land. You do not have to use precisely the same lender for the two loans. Financing should be performed at the lender of your pick. General Liability Insurance is an absolute necessity in the building business, but nevertheless, it doesn’t offer coverage in some specific cases. The expenses of these projects may vary greatly based on the scale of the remodel. The expenses of different addition and remodel projects can fluctuate greatly in Atlanta, or so the sort of remodel you decide on plays a massive part in pricing. Overall expenses of remodels and additions may vary wildly based on a variety of factors.

In fact, cement, a major part of concrete, is among the world’s most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Concrete, on the flip side, is often criticized for being unsustainable since it takes a whole lot of resources to produce. ICFfoundation construction is a speedy and simple procedure of building below-grade walls. After the design is done, the building manager solicits bids from subcontractors to execute the undertaking. As home construction is a pricey affair, you truly must understand the difference inside this issue and take all the decisions very cautiously. You use this technique primarily for complex projects and decide on the construction manager on the grounds of expertise and qualifications, not lowest price. Remodeling projects that are dedicated to energy efficiency have a tendency to be popular in Atlanta, because they are economical and reap high advantages.

A more elaborate house can take longer. Modular homes are constructed just like every conventional stick built homes except they use modules that are made in a factory and then assemble on site. They appreciate and gain value in the same way traditional homes do. On-frame modular homes are a lot less expensive than off-frame modular homes and don’t demand a permanent foundation. If you’re in the building business, there are a number of insurance policies you must carry to guard yourself. The moment your company starts to grow, it is possible to need advanced features to deal with the particular needs of contractors. Today, manufacturers make this sort of paver for residential usage, but concrete pavers are a lot more popular.

What Is Building Insurance?

It is a policy you take out on your property in case something happens to it; the insurance will cover the repair of damages or rebuild that is lost. When you buy a home or building, it is compulsory that you have building cover for unfortunate events that might cost you a lot.

What will be covered under property insurance?

  • Repairs or rebuild of your property
  • Repair of garages, fences, gates, and sheds
  • Repair or replacement of drains, cables and pipes

Cover the loss of damages due to the following:

  • Earthquakes, storms, fire, floods or explosions
  • Subsidence
  • Fallen lampposts, trees, aerials
  • Pipes that were frozen and burst
  • Vandalism and theft
  • Collisions of vehicles or aircraft’s

Who is in need of building insurance?

All the people that just bought a home or any building

Most people take out a loan to buy property, and it is an expensive investment. It is why you need coverage in case something or one of the above risks hits your property.

People that own a property

Owning a property is a considerable investment, but there is risk involved that can lead to huge financial problems at times. It is why you have to get insurance to protect yourself and your finances against any of the above risks.

People that rent a property from another

When you rent a property from another person, you are responsible for some of the risks regarding the property. So, having insurance against these risk is not a bad idea. It will help you repair the damages that have been made, and the property owner will not have to take legal steps, in case you cannot fix the damages.

Landlords need insurance

Landlords also need property insurance in case a tenant has damaged your property and not willing to fix it. It happens that tenants disappear overnight and the landlords are left with the damages.

How much building insurance will I have to get?

The best answer to this question is: “How much will it cost to rebuild your home from scratch?”. That will be the amount of coverage you will need to take out on your property. Keep in mind, that some risk may cost you to rebuild your home from scratch. For instance, if your property gets burned down due to fire, you will have to break down everything and restore it. Unfortunately, this is one of the most significant risks your building can undergo.

Having building insurance does not sound like a bad idea. So get quotes today and know that you would not have problems tomorrow.

Learn These 7 Bath Remodeling Tips And Start Saving Money Today!

Intend to provide your restroom a makeover without spending a lot of money away?

Let us show you just how you could reduce your bathroom remodel in seven simple means …

1. Have A Plan Before Beginning

Just what you require before you begin, though, is a strong action plan. Working with a designer or an engineer may feel like a pricey option, nevertheless it is the only one that ensures best results. Most of us know that professional bath remodel in Fairfield is loan
well invested – so having a strategy will certainly assure you that your design, budget plan and also timeline are all realistic.

2. Maintain Your Pipes Where It Is

This is another need to work with professionals when doing bathroom remodel. By using the existing piping, you can conserve big dollars – or almost $5k each time that you think about relocating pipes fixtures (typically).

3. Mirror Frames.

Your home builder grade mirror is worthy of a nice frame – and frames like these generally come at the fraction of the price of a new big hanging mirror. In addition to that, they will conceal any kind of age-related damage.

4. Update Your Bathroom.

As opposed to changing your bathroom completely, you could just replace your toilet seat and lid – as well as save while spending. By doing this, you will get a fresh look without acquiring a new device and also save on your bath remodel.

5. Take Into Consideration A (Classic) Furniture Update.

Vintage and also antique cabinets could work remarkably well in lots of washrooms. It is not really difficult to remove the area and hide the pipes as well as seal cabinets that should remain in place. Plus, you will save and also obtain the most one-of-a-kind bathroom.

6. The Alternatives to Tile.

Your bathroom does not have to be comprised of floor tile – you can also take into consideration options like timber panels, board and also batten. All of these are fantastic substitutes and also will conserve you loan on your bath remodel task.

7. Think About Open Shelves.

Open-up racks are excellent due to the fact that they produce the impression of room – particularly if your restroom is little. You don’t need to hide anything in a dark storage room any kind of longer – and can lastly bring the impression of the flawlessly neat
bathroom to life.

In the long run, proper illumination is just what makes a bathroom remodel task excellent – so ensure to not skip on it as well.

Fingers crossed for an effective bath remodel project!

Tips On How To Avoid Unnecessary Locksmith Jobs And Extra Charges

Generally, wed all like to live life with less to no problems. But even your own door locks can give you plenty of headaches when it locks you out or lets burglars in. Either way, damaged locks can cause a lot of stress and cost a lot of money. So to avoid this kind of problem, we offer a few advices to help you out.

Identify your locksmith properly.

Be sure to know if your state requires locksmiths to be licensed. Try to find a professional locksmith to prevent you from getting scammed. Also you can ask the locksmith to provide proof of credentials like an ID before letting him inside your home. Or you can do this by comparing his contact number from his business address. Check the locksmith companys trustworthiness too by researching and seeking recommendations.

When hiring a locksmith, make sure to agree on a fixed price to be sure you wont be overcharged. Ask about extra charges for things like emergency hours, mileage or service call minimums before you settle the hiring process. At times when a locksmith will quote a fixed price but change it when they show up, either dont allow the work to be performed or dont pay the higher fee.

Assess your locksmith skills.

If you want to save yourself from unnecessary locksmith jobs and extra charges, be smart about the situation. For instance, youre locked out of your house. You know a friend who knows how to pick locks. Ask him if he could help you out with your lock problem. Or you may have had some experience successfully picking a lock yourself, so why not do it again. However, it is important that you do not pick your own door lock if youre not experienced, and you do not allow your unprofessional but well-meaning friend to do it. Most often than not, youre both causing further damage to the door, frame or lock. Youll end up paying more for the expense of further repairs.

Another scenario is when you hire a locksmith. Youre locked out of your car or your house and sensing your urgency, he tells you to replace the lock. Be patient and think about it. A true locksmith is skilled to know what to do and wont need to change your lock unless he wants to rip you off. Know that replacing a lock can cost you a lot of valuable time and money.

Check your keys and locks.

If you buy a new house or transfer to a new property, have your locks rekeyed or replaced. Many homeowners choose to rekey locks for convenience and cheaper costs. By rekeying, a locksmith can change an unlimited number of locks in your home to work with the same key. This would reduce the hassle of bringing many keys around. Plus its cheaper than having to change or throw away perfectly good locks. On the other hand, it would be a better long term investment to replace the locks if you think theyre a bit old and rusty to do much. Both can be done on your own but a wise decision would be to have a locksmith do the rekeying and replacing to save yourself from future problems by having done your locks unprofessionally. More importantly, if your locks werent installed right, it wont protect you.

When you hire a professional locksmith, you’re able to ask tips on how to secure and handle locks to avoid damages. A good locksmith would be happy to give advices. Click here to reach out to one.

5 Affordable Ways To Renovate Your Outdated Bathroom

Do you know the saying that goes:

You go to take a shower with the bathroom you have – not the one you want or wish to have at a later time.

So, are you happy with your bathroom – or are maybe looking for professional bathroom renovation services in Indiana?

One thing you should know that a bathroom that is dingy, dank and depressing probably affects your life way more than you think. So, if you are ready
to renovate your bathroom in Indiana, there are tons of upgrades you can use. Today, we are listing
the most affordable ones that wont break your bank and will make your bathroom truly restful.

1. Start With The Fixtures & Sinks

If you are not sure what kind of an upgrade you want for your bathroom remodel, you may want to consider replacing the fixtures and sinks at first. After
all, they are the focal points in every bathroom and are the most used elements on a daily basis. Later on, you can continue with your tiles and eventually the
storage units.

2. Bring In The Heat

Cold bathrooms are an enemy to many homeowners. Your toes being encased in frostbite is a sign of great discomfort that may diminish your ideal
bathroom. To make sure your bathroom is heated, you may want to consider propane heating for your floor – and therefore save a lot on energy.

3. Think Green

A lot of bathroom remodel services in Indianapolis nowadays focus on the green aspect. Taking care for the environment should start from the comfort of
your home – where you freshen up the bathroom with low-flow to your toilet and shower head. Plus, it can save you tons of money in the long run.

4. A New Line Of Caulk

Grout is another problem to bathrooms in Indiana, and the best way to solve it is with a line of new caulk laid down. This affordable improvement is perfect
way to freshen up the bathroom, especially if you are not going to swap out the tub or sink.

5. Repaint

Last but not the least is a simple rule. If you dont like or are not feeling comfortable with your bathroom, you can always repaint it and set a base for new
upgrades. This simple bathroom remodel rule will provide a splash of personality and definitely relive the charm of your bathroom.

So, are you going to make this bathroom renovation project worth it? Start by looking for the best Indiana bathroom remodeling companies today!

Best Known Concrete Companies

You are looking for the right one in designing your home, right? You are looking for a company that can help you make your dreams come true but doing that you have to leaf through every well-known and very popular big hotshot in your city. There are after all a lot of them to go through. This is why you need to plan out and research more on the company that youre interested in approaching so that you can form a deal with your contractor.

Once you have everything that you need, all the information that you want to know, their history and their background, you can finally go out and head towards their headquarters to finally start in forming a contract.

However, there are a lot of companies all over the world, and it varies in which country that you are living in. For example, if you are residing in the States, there are a lot of companies around the country, and it depends on where are you living in that you will help you decide which is the nearest concrete company that you want to hire.

But if you want some incentive in deciding you can check some of these lists that are the best for their jobs in the world.

1. The country of France: Lafarge
2. The country of Switzerland: Holcim
3. The country of China: CNBM
4. The state of Mexico: Cemex

These are the most popular in globalization for providing the cement and concrete that they offer to the people and the world. They offer a lot in helping to build great houses, constructing new towers, and creating more new buildings in the city and the rest of the country. By choosing either of them will of your choosing because there are a lot then just the list that is provided to you.

If you live in the USA some of the top concrete contractors can be found in
Houston, Philadelphia, Chicago and Denver.

Indeed, we found the top concrete contractor in Houston TX – AAA Concreting.

If you are living somewhere in those states, then you will be most likely to see one of the best concrete contractors. When you decided in which company that you are going to approach you are going to have to do a follow-up question just to be sure that they are willing to fulfill your request. So, there’s no need to afraid if you have some issues that you want to answer or to clarify some of the things that you find it confusing. Also, do not hold back in some things that you want to say. For example, if you have an idea that you want to change the house’s style and form, then say it, they will mostly likely follow on your request. Remember, there’s no stopping in asking for what you want, just let out the things that you want it to happen because this is your house and you have a plan to execute it.

A2 Restoration – 24/7 Emergency Restoration & Remediation Services In Ann Arbor

You may find yourself in need of restoration services earlier than you think. A flood or a broken pipeline leading to a severe water problem may leave you in a state of desperation due to the damage from the flooding. You may have the ability to clean it yourself but the job could be too frustrating or time-consuming. Restoration business like A2 restoration come in convenient in such circumstances. Being professionals, they examine the damage in order to determine its source. Wetness sensors may likewise be used where leakage took place through the walls.

After evaluation, they determine what is to be done and clean up the flooding while fixing the damaged parts consisting of the household furniture such as electronic devices, devices, furnishings and carpets. The reason you require to utilize a professional restoration company is due to the fact that circumstances like flooding might cause electrocution when electrical wires get immersed in water as well as poisoning from water contamination with sewage, chemicals and other damaging items. Mold could also develop due to inappropriate drying. Experts like A2 restoration have experts who have actually equipment specifically designed to handle large amounts of water while minimizing the above pointed out risks. They make use of fans and dehumidifiers to get rid of moisture and avoid mold from establishing. They likewise dry all the water even where carpets are included and tidy the whole location making sure that any contamination has actually been dealt with.

A2 restoration is discovered in the Ann Arbor area and we are at your beck and employ situations handling remediation services, artisan quality repair and fast emergency situation reaction. We specialize in mold clearance, water damage repair work in addition to complete restoration of broken homes and offices and they serve the area of Southeastern Michigan.

We provide free price quotes so in case your home or company suffers damage, call us for a totally free seek advice from. We live by the principle that a stitch in time conserves 9 so when you observe a fracture, give us a call before you establish a mold concern. Address whatever damage you observe, however irrelevant before it becomes a monster problem.

We provide our services 24 Hr a day seven days a week, whether you are handling water, storm, mold or fire damage. Our services are swift and professional so provide us a call and save yourself from the tedious insurance coverage claim procedure.

Bring back a home after damage by flooding might include wall repairs, flooring repair work along with repair works to other structures in the house that may have been deteriorated or damaged by the water. Replacement may also become part of the procedure however the crucial trait is to put your home back to the condition it remained in before the damage or even much better and to prevent comparable reoccurrences in the future. Water damage can have a severe unfavorable effect on your house however bear in mind that A2 restoration can do a lot to repair your house and put it back into its original condition quickly and effectively.

Mold is another issue that can affect homes and workplaces particularly where dripping was involved. Mold can spread very fast and cover your entire home in less than 72 hours. It can be damaging to your health and must you think that your house is mold infested, call A2 restoration to examine your house and tidy it up. Mold can seem overwhelming for a homeowner but remediation companies exist for that specific issue. Some mold problems can be cleared utilizing home-made items or items that can be purchased at the regional shop whereas others need expert intervention.


Taking great care of your house not just includes restoration after damage happens however prevention. It includes keeping your flooring and carpets in order to keep the charm of your house undamaged. Having your carpets cleaned professionally keeps your carpets in great condition for longer. A2 restoration can clean your carpets eliminating all traces of dirt, mold and mildew also to keep your flooring feeling and look as excellent as brand-new. If your carpets are not effectively cleaned up, collected dirt can destroy your floor covering by blemishing it not to mention the smell that includes an dirty environment. So stop looking for a better restoration company in Ann Arbor and use A2 Restoration is your go to business in the Ann Arbor location in matters relating to expert remediation.

Why Opt For Steel Kit Homes

If you want to build a house thats durable, stylish, energy-efficient, and affordable in the soonest possible time, a steel kit home is a viable option. A kit home is an innovation in building constructions where the major components if not the whole of the structure are prefabricated in a factory. Simply put, the house is built off site in a factory and then transported to the site desired by the home owner. The parts are either transported as a whole or sometimes in kits or modules, then assembled on the site much like putting together a Lego set.

The use of steel in kit homes would even be more advantageous as this would mean the house would be strong and durable thus promising longevity, and it is termite resistant unlike wood. In addition, steel kit homes offer the following benefits:

Affordability. Although the cost of steel kit homes depends upon the features of the home package, labour cost, land and utility fees, statistics show that building kit homes is still 40% cheaper than on site building. It would even be more economical if the home owner will do the work of building the kit home. But even with the hiring of a building contractor, the kit home is fast and easy to assemble onsite and thus still saves labour cost.

Eco-friendly . Since steel kit homes are manufactured in precision, the technical details are already worked out with all the parts cut and assembled accurately, there is less wastes of materials as in onsite construction. Also, steel is 100% recyclable. With steel kit homes, there is no need to cut down trees for lumber.

Customise Structures. Since these are prefabricated, steel kit homes can be ordered and customized according to the design, needs and preferences of the home owner. Generally, the houses are designed to be thermal efficient but home owners can order for additional solar panels and insulation. For places with harsher weather, steel kit homes can be designed to withstand cyclones and heavy snowfall.

The versatility of steel kit homes provides home owners a variety of options such as villas, one storey or double storey homes with the standard pitched roofs, sloping roofs, or flat roofs. It is advisable that when you opt for a steel kit home, remember to research the best building contractors who can provide you the best model that would suit your needs and fit to your budget.

It is also wise to shop not only for the models of the kit homes but to the packages included in the kit.

Building and Construction Trends that Dominated 2015

A lot of positive predictions were made for 2015 in terms of building and construction. A lot of changes were anticipated to bring in a new era in construction.

According to Dodge Data and Analytics, the U.S. construction industry will rise 9% to $612 billion over the next year, trouncing 2014’s 5% gain to $564 billion. But this growth won’t be evenly dispersed, and the face of these construction companies is rapidly changing, both with how they do their work, and who (or what) is doing it. This coming year will bring big changes to the construction industry, and the trends outlined below will mark the start to a new era in construction.

  1. Construction companies will continue ditching paper.

Paper is so 2010. Many companies are already switching over to construction management software with document management capabilities—saving some companies up to $5,000 a year. With more construction managers choosing to write, process, and submit their RFDs, project updates, applications, LEED forms, invoices, and contracts online, even smaller remodeling companies will start making the switch.

  1. Mobile apps with geo-fencing will boom in popularity.

A geo-fence is a virtual barrier. It uses GPS to track where an object (like a cell phone) is. With so many contractors relying on time-tracking software to figure out what to pay whom, geo-fencing applications are particularly helpful—with applications like Timesheet Mobile, setting geo-fencing parameters can help construction managers better manage their payroll as the system will log when an employee is on- or off-site, without manually having to add hours. There are lots of construction-specific mobile apps that provide this service, like Red-Trac and Labor Sync, but expect this trend to grow ever more popular over the coming year.

Sourced from: http://blog.capterra.com/top-six-construction-trends-2015/

Building and construction is usually associated with men but the industry is an equal opportunity employer and women are being encouraged to participate.  Currently there are very few women who are venturing into this industry which offers a lot of opportunities.

A professional body says women within the construction industry deserve special recognition for their contribution. The Quantity Surveyors Chapter of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) says women have played a key role in determining the quality and direction of the otherwise male-dominated sector. “Notwithstanding the alarmingly low numbers, the few women who venture into building construction related disciplines have excelled in leadership, professional services delivery consultancy, research and scholarly pursuits,” said Haron Nyakundi, the chairman Quantity Surveyors chapter of AAK. Six per cent Women account for only six per cent of the construction industry professionals in Kenya, according to the latest data from the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors.

Sourced from: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000070761/women-urged-to-venture-into-construction-industry

Africa is a continent full of resources. There is also a great rate of development recorded in the recent decade. Due to this growth Africa has opened itself to a great future that sees the building and construction sector as one of the industries forging this development.

According to Arthur Childs from advisory firm Arch Financial Planning the best place to venture with large capital is the Africa construction industry for in covers and accommodates all industry that is from modern kitchen, construction equipment, building automation, pumps and not left behind software that brings minds to book and to practical’s.

Here we find 4 major reasons to why companies and investors should consider pumping huge resources to African construction industry.

1) Africa’s construction industry has exciting deals

As the continent grows there is also an increase of population that also has an increase in infrastructures demand and therefore making many companies win exiting deals from the continent.

Like currently there are various ongoing projects that have been awarded to various companies

2) Expanding economy

The International Monetary Fund predicts that seven out of 10 of the world’s fastest-growing economies between 2011 and 2015 will be in Africa. Many sub-Saharan countries’ growth is predicted to rise from 5 to 5.5 percent per year as they emerge from the financial crisis. This gives a clear indication that getting to the African continent for business is a gold mine opportunity.

Sourced from: http://www.buildmartafrica.com/detail-news.php?NEWS_ID=394&PAGE_ID=7