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4 Things Structural Engineers Want You To Know Before Constructing A New Building

Posted on August 3, 2020 in Home

The work of a structural engineer can be difficult for the uninitiated to understand, but it generally revolves around making sure the structure of a building is safe when it has been through some form of construction. The projects are undertaken by a structural engineer when you are constructing a new building are varied and the work of an expert, such as Pedram Zohrevand will take on every aspect of a project from ensuring safety to storing materials. The history of the construction industry has evolved from a single design/build company to more specialized areas that need a structural engineer to oversee the overall project.

The Evolution of the Industry

A structural engineer will explain why they are the correct choice for a property owner who is looking to construct a new building. This includes the evolution of the construction industry that has taken in a change in the overall model used to create a property. In the past, the design/build model was the most popular and took in the use of an architect or contractor to oversee the entire project.

As with almost every industry, the increased specialization of the construction industry has led to the need for a change in the way buildings are constructed. Not only can the structural engineer assist with the design of the new building, but they have the skills to make sure the correct prices are paid for specific specialists to work on a project. As the construction industry has changed over the years the role of the structural engineer has become even more important to the entire construction sector.

The Experience to Oversee a Project

There are many reasons why a structural engineer will be a much-needed addition to your construction project. This is because a fully-qualified engineer, such as Pedram Zohrevand will have spent the majority of their career learning about all the different aspects of the construction industry.

When you are looking for a structural engineer to complete the work you have planned on a new building you will want to work with an engineer who has experience in this area of construction. The first step is to talk to a structural engineer who will have a portfolio of the work you can look over to make sure they meet your needs, according to Chron.

Protect Existing Structures

One of the biggest misconceptions regarding the use of a structural engineer is the ability to protect the existing structures that may be damaged by any construction project. The Structural Engineer Association of California explains these professionals have spent a long time learning about the issue of forces acting against each other. This can mean a project does not cause any damage to any existing areas of a property that could be damaged when a project is being constructed.

It is also vital for a project to be assessed by a structural engineer throughout the project taking place because it can quickly become dangerous if the wrong materials are used. A structural engineer will be able to reassure a property owner before their construction project takes place that their new building will be built safely and securely. The forces of walls and roofing systems pushing down on a property to make it difficult for those who do not understand how these forces act.

Making Sure the Right Materials are Used

One of the reasons why a structural engineer is so vital to the planning process of the construction of a new project is the ability of these professionals to have an impact on the materials being used. Home Advisor reports an experienced and qualified structural engineer will have been through a period of work experience and academic courses before they can begin the process of applying for their license.

This level of experience shows they have the skills needed to have a positive impact on the way a project is completed. The choices a structural engineer will undertake include making sure the materials chosen are safe for the planned construction and fit into the published budget. Making sure the correct materials are used is key to the safety of any construction project that will be completed and must meet the exacting building codes every structural engineer is legally required to reach.

Jaw Dropping Master Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Posted on December 14, 2019 in Home

A bathroom remodels New Orleans needs to take the perspective of recreating a personalized spa for the home. When you walk into your master bathroom you should feel like you entered an oasis. You should leave all your troubles on the other side of the door the moment you enter your private space. The smells, the textures, the colors and the overall aura of the room should engulf you the moment you enter your master bath.

To make sure you create the most spectacular looking master bath with all the latest touches, research tiles, sinks, faucets, bathtubs, toilets, bathroom lighting and shelving, bathroom layouts and color trends.

Bathroom Tiles

Tiles are mixed with wood shelving creating the look of a full wall. Solid white walls mixed with Carrera tiles make a pristine clean look. Colorful patterned tile keeps the eye busy when paired with plain solid colored walls.

Trending Baton Rouge Bathroom Layouts

Today’s bathrooms are composed of sinks, toilets and a Kohler shower, unlike yesterday’s bathroom that had a toilet, sink and bathtub/shower. Many people have lost interest in bathtubs. Still, there are people that consider soaking in a bathtub a true luxury. The entrance into the master bath is often through the walk-in closets. And, the toilet is sealed away in a separate room for privacy’s sake.

Trending Bathtubs

Stand-alone tubs that are not attached to the wall are the popular look of today. They are made with clean lines and have a modular look making a clean bold statement. They may be reminiscent of the past with stylized claw feet or some other support feature. The tub may also have jets and other spa-like features.

The Ideal Master Bathroom Sinks

In master bathrooms, you usually find double sinks to accommodate both husband and wife. They may share a large wall mirror or have individual mirrors above each sink bowl. The sinks are very stylized made of glass, metal, and plastic and often suspended on top of the counter using very uniquely designed faucets.

The Latest Toilets

Mixed households are buying bidets and low-flow toilets, which is a nice feature for married couples. Often the tank and bowl are one piece instead of the popular two-piece model.

Popular Showers

A Kohler shower with all the shower jets and body sprays finished with a waterfall head, offers a purely decadent experience of luxury. Enclose these features in a tiled floor to ceiling space and make it walk-in without a door and you’ve created a bathing an unsurpassed bathing experience.

Introducing the bathroom remodel New Orleans. Your ideal master bath in Baton Rouge could have all these latest updates in a spacious corner room with a view from a floor to ceiling fully windowed wall offering loads of natural light. The room could be white Carrera marble walls and floors. One wall could be comprised of two oval blue glass vessel sinks suspended over white marble counters. The stainless-steel single-hole bathroom faucet creates a flawlessly clean look. Behind the sink sits a beautifully simple single floor to ceiling mirror that well-lit by a 24″ LED wide satin nickel bath light. This clean look is accentuated by a free-standing modular bathtub and hidden around a corner is the bidet and the toilet sitting side by side

Roof Construction Basics

Posted on September 15, 2019 in Home

Roofs are one of the most expensive repair costs a homeowner can experience. The average cost of a new roof can run anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. As you might guess, most homeowners don’t have this sort of money set aside.

Before making such a big purchase, it’s wise to know the basics of roof construction so you can make an informed decision on which roofing company you should hire.

Tampa roofing companies come in all sizes and levels of proficiency, so it’s good to be informed. Let’s take a look at the basics of constructing a basic gable roof.

Choosing Your Design

Before any building work actually begins, you need to choose the right design for your roof. All roofing services in Florida will typically caution you regarding the weather. Different parts of the state are more exposed to the elements than others, so a roof in Northern Florida will never be the same as a roof down by the Florida Keys.

Once you’ve decided on a design that fits in with your budget, it’s time to start the process of constructing the roof itself.

Framing the Roof

The first step in building a roof is the frame. You should see this as the basic skeleton of the roof. When a roofing company builds a roof from scratch they’ll typically use premade trusses to put the frame in place.

But what are trusses and what do they look like?

Trusses are prefabricated and come in a triangulated form. They’re made from wood and your contractors will fit these trusses into place.

You’ll already start to see the shape of the roof forming.

Sheathing and Underlaying the Roof

The next step is to install the roof sheathing. This is the layer of material that rests on top of the frame. It’s a critical step as this will provide the overall surface of the roof.

The sheathing will then be secured with a protective layer known as underlayment. In some parts of the country, this may also have an ice barrier. Naturally, Tampa roofing companies won’t utilize an ice barrier.

After these two layers are in place, you’ll see that most of your roof is ready. There’s just one final step.

The Finishing Touches

The final touch is the roof cover installation. These are the shingles and other materials that complete the style of your roof.

Roof cover installation protects your roof from the elements. For example, Tampa roofing companies may recommend metal shingles as a great roofing solution due to their strong wind resistance properties.

Coverings will vary heavily in price.

Last Word – Hire a Professional to Construct Your Roof

These are the basic steps a roofing company will follow when constructing your roof. It sounds simple, but the process requires a great deal of expertise and professionalism to carry out.

Unless you have prior experience, you should go out of your way to hire a professional to construct your roof for you. This way you’re guaranteed great results and a roof designed to stand the test of time.

What’s your priority when it comes to the design of your roof?

Top 3 Privacy Fences You Can Purchase Online

Posted on May 20, 2019 in Home

Maintaining your privacy is very important. Even if you’re living next door to your best friend, there’s no need for him/her to know everything going on with your home life.

Sometimes, it’s just nice to know that you can sit back and relax in your own backyard without having to worry about the prying eyes of neighbors or passersby. In order to turn your home into a true sanctuary for you and your family, you will need a privacy fence.

It’s not quite as simple as just going online and buying the first fence you see. Housing experts such as Jason McLaughlan remind homeowners that there are important factors to consider when choosing a privacy fence.

Let’s get into those factors below.

The Material Used for the Privacy Fence

Quite possibly the most important choice you’ll have to make when looking for a privacy fence is picking which material it’s made out of.

You have numerous options to consider here.

Different types of wood are often used for fencing, including cedar, pine, redwood, and these materials may even be treated. There’s just something appealing about the look offered by wood, but the downside to using it for fencing is that it requires plenty of maintenance. Angie’s List even notes that it’s the fencing material that needs the most maintenance.

If you’re looking for something that can kind of approximate the distinct look of wood without the maintenance concerns, then maybe vinyl could work better for you. Vinyl may not look exactly like wood, but it comes pretty close. The best part is that it requires very little in the way of regular upkeep.

Metal and concrete fences certainly offer terrific durability, but they do veer far away from the look of the classic fence. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but there are homeowners who prefer to keep things traditional.

The Design of the Privacy Fence

Do you prefer something traditional or do you want to see those little embellishments that make the fence just a bit more eye-catching? It’s all about your preferences here.

Dog ear fences are more conventional, but something about the neatness of flat top fences is attractive as well.

If you end up settling on wood as the material of choice for your privacy fence, Networx reminds you that stockade-style fences are available and those will really work to keep prying eyes at bay.

Now let’s get to the three privacy fences that are worth considering. These items are currently available via Lowe’s.

Green Pressure-Treated Southern Yellow Pine Dog Ear Privacy Fence

The Green Pressure-Treated Southern Yellow Pine Dog Ear Privacy Fence is about as close to the classics as you’ll get. Everything about the patterning and design is traditional, but crucially, it’s modified in certain ways to make it last longer.

You can also easily customize it if you want to.

Be prepared to perform maintenance checks on it often though as it is prone to warping.

Severe Weather Pressure-Treated Pine Dog Ear Privacy Fence Panel

For those seeking as much privacy as possible, the Severe Weather Pressure-Treated Pine Dog Ear Privacy Fence Panel is worth a longer look. The stockade design of the panels ensures that no one will be able to see your yard unless you want them to.

The brightness of the pine used also stands out.

You will have to provide additional layers of protection to make sure this fence will last in your yard however.

Freedom Pre-Assembled Wellington White Vinyl Lattice-Top Panel

Some homeowners simply don’t have the time to perform the routine maintenance required by wooden fences. If you’re among them, getting the Freedom Pre-Assembled Wellington White Vinyl Lattice-Top Panel can be a good move.

The lattice pattern up top really sets this fence apart from the other options available. Plus, it’s a neighbor-friendly fence as well as it still looks great from the other side.

It is a bit on the shorter side though, so make sure to account for that before making a decision on whether you want it for your home.

As housing experts such as Jason McLaughlan are always quick to point out, you have numerous options to choose from with regards to fencing for your home. Even if what you’re after is privacy fencing, there are many options to consider.

Take the time to truly see if a particular fence is a good fit for your home before putting your money down. By doing so, you can improve the look of your yard and your home for a long time without getting the nagging feeling that you could have made a better choice.

How Construction is Going Green through Renewable Materials

Posted on February 21, 2019 in Uncategorized

For the last two or so decades, green construction has become more popular and common than ever before. The trend is expected to continue in the future. Since the real estate industry is becoming bigger and bigger every year, green and sustainable construction is quite necessary for the conservation of the environment. There are two main reasons why green construction has become the trend and these includes:

• The need to reduce energy consumption because the construction of commercial, industrial and residential has been accounting for more than 35 percent of energy consumption in the United States. The green construction initiative will assist in lowering of greenhouse gas emissions, reduction of industrial waste and conservation of natural resources.

• Some people may not care about the green construction but in some states; it has been made a law that every construction company must support green and sustainable construction. For instance, Washington, Maryland, California, and Colorado have made it a requirement for new public and private buildings to be built or be renovated using green technologies and materials. While these new laws may not be taken seriously right now, by the year 2030, it is possible that all states will have similar laws that are fully enforceable.

How green constriction is achieved

• Use of Renewable Building Materials

Green building materials are those materials that are made from renewable resources or can be recycled after their useful life. Other materials considered as green include those manufactured from eco-friendly resources, salvaged resources or waste contents. Almost every building is made of steel and concrete, and the production of these materials accounts for more than 10 percent of total greenhouse emissions in the country every year. While technology is used to come up with more eco-friendly ways to produce steel and concrete, this goal is very far from being achieved through innovation, and still, the materials produced cannot be termed as green yet.

Construction companies are being pushed from using steel and concrete to using wood on major projects such as the construction of skyscrapers. For instance, if you have a dock construction project, it is advisable that you use dock material made of timber or other green materials for decking. This will help you abide by the green construction requirements. As long as timber is sourced in a responsible manner whereby people plant more trees as they cut some, then this will act as a renewable and sustainable materials for construction. The greenhouse gases produced during mass timber production are far less as compared to what is emitted during concrete and steel production.

Another green building material is recycled fiberglass for insulation. In other countries, some construction companies are using hemp as part of the foundation materials and also for insulation. Unfortunately, the United States does not allow growth of industrial hemp that is usually mixed with lime to produce hemcrete; a mixture similar to concrete. However, the recycled fiberglass has been used by many companies in the country for insulation. The process involves using old junks. For instance, most the soft blue insulations you see in modern houses today are made from recycled jeans and denims. That is a good example of green and sustainable insulation. Another green insulation is cellulose insulation which is usually made of old papers. This is a better form of green insulation as compared to fiberglass insulation because for one, it consumes lesser energy to produce and secondly, it is made of 75 to 85 percent of recycled materials. Fiberglass insulation is made of 30 to 40 percent recycled materials.

• Renewable Energy

Green and sustainable construction is also made possible through the use of renewable energy such as wind, geothermal and most importantly solar energy. Many buildings have solar panels installed on them, and this includes commercial buildings. In fact, even big companies such as Walmart and Apple are using solar energy in their operations. A new initiative known as Zero Energy buildings is calling for companies to use renewable energy through their operations using wind or solar power. This means that every construction project will consume zero net energy and will not emit greenhouse gases. While the initial cost of installing solar energy is expensive, most companies are providing clients with flexible payment programs for the installations. Again, the benefits of using solar energy will be enjoyed in the long run.

Everyone has a responsibility to take care of the environment regardless of the job they do or the level of their income. It doesn’t matter what you are constructing because even a decking project can be completed using renewable dock material. Use of renewable power such as solar energy in construction might sound impossible, but as long you work with the right solar manufacturing company, then you will enjoy the benefits in the long run.

How To Tell If Your AC Need Repairing

Posted on June 12, 2018 in Uncategorized

It is not rocket science to tell if your AC needs repair, but sometimes, homeowners who are inexperienced might have a difficult time deciding whether their air conditioner has stopped working or they are imagining things. For some homeowners, rather than waiting for the air conditioner to get worse after showing signs that repairs are needed, they decide to act on the repairs quickly before the AC stops working completely.

During the summer heat, air conditioning is usually a saving grace. Air conditioners help to have all year cooling Florida, especially during the summer seasons, and if you maintain your AC well, you will have a high performing air conditioner to serve you and make you an all year cooling owner even in the hottest of months.

To help everyone be on the same page and to have an all year cooling Florida, we are going to look at five signs that will help you know when you need a professional to repair your AC for it to resume to normal working conditions before the AC issues get out of hand.

Poor airflow

If you notice the air that is passing through the AC vents is very weak, then the compressor of the unit is failing or there is some kind of blockage in your vents. If the rooms in the house are getting uneven cold air, then there is an issue with the duct work, and it is a sure sign that the AC is in need of urgent repair.

Just like any other mechanical device, time presents itself with issues on these devices. For instance, debris can stick in the vents of your air conditioner. This will not only block air from flowing, but it will pose a risk to your family. To restore your airflow, you need to have your AC ducts cleaned and ensure that the AC system works well after cleaning. An all year cooling duct cleaning can be a good habit to adopt to prevent this issue from occurring again.

No Cool Air

At some point in time, you may discover that the air conditioning system you have is not working as it should even if you have placed the AC at full blast. In this instance, you will find that the air that comes from the vents is not as cold as expected, or it is just warm. This is a very clear sign that your AC needs urgent repairs. For example, the lack of cold air could mean that the compressor is not working. Alternatively, it could mean that the Freon levels of your system are very low. When it gets to this level, you might consider replacing the unit.

Moisture where you don’t expect it

Leakage or moisture near the system can be a sign of AC problems. There are two reasons as to why a leakage can happen. In most scenarios, the refrigerant can be leaking. When this occurs, it can cause serious health problems to your family and it should be repaired immediately. An expert should be called to fix these issues.

When you see water pools next to the air conditioner, it might be an indicator that the drain tube that disposes of the AC condensation is either broken or blocked. Don’t be alarmed by this issue because it does not cause a significant threat, but you should tackle it before it escalates to mold growth. You should also be very careful if trying to fix this issue alone, as water may mix with the electrical components of your AC unit and pose a hazard.

Thermostat issues

There are instances when the AC is not the issue, but rather the thermostat. To find out if the thermostat is the issue, find out if a part of the house is cold while the other parts have the same temperatures.

Strange sounds

When you hear grinding, grating, or squealing sounds from the AC, it might be a sign that a unit needs to be replaced. This might be an indicator that you need to replace the unit. If you hear a squealing sound, it could indicate that a metallic component in the AC needs some lubrication. When you hear a grinding noise, it could mean that the motor of the AC has broken bearings.

In summary, most of the AC repairs are simple, but homeowners tend to avoid fixing the smaller issues. If your AC is new, chances are that a warranty covers the repairs, but all the same, it is important to fix the small problems before they cause you to replace the entire unit

Kalu Yala Problems: The Real Story

Posted on June 4, 2018 in Uncategorized

Kalu Yala Interns

In the jungles of Panama, a settlement and community have been rising over the past few years which has made a major change to the way life in the Tropics is lived. Kalu Yala is the name of the settlement established by Jimmy Stice and his co-founders in 2010 as a way for young people and entrepreneurs to come together and make a positive difference to the way life in the Tropics is lived in the 21st-century. Despite rumors of Kalu Yala problems the settlement actually has a low rate of departures among interns and has seen most students given credit by their college for academic time spent living and working in the three different Kalu Yala environments.

The rumors are not true

Let’s start out with the elephant in the room, the rumors of Kalu Yala problems which have dogged the settlement due to some misconceptions about the program. Obviously, as with any internship, the environment is not always suitable for all to enjoy and inevitably some interns choose to abandon their time at a location early.

However, the leaders of the Kalu Yala Institute publish a list of alumni who are happy to discuss their experiences at the settlement in the jungles of Panama on a regular basis; in fact, more than 30 percent of all staff members at the settlement are alumni who began their career as an intern. The blog, “The Truth About Kalu Yala” reveals potential interns and entrepreneurs looking to become involved in the project are required to complete an interview with a member of the alumni of the program to ensure they are suitable for the role they hope to undertake.

Not just a jungle location

Wikipedia reports Kalu Yala is a settlement located just outside Panama City in the tropical region which allows easy access to the capital for a city internship. One of the major reasons for the choice of the Tres Brazos Valley as the location of the community is its easy communication links with the capital where business ideas can be explored. In fact, despite portrayals of so-called Kalu Yala problems as beginning with a construction-based internship, the truth is interns have the chance to work in the Panama City-based office of the group.

Another site where interns can explore the different options open to them in Kalu Yala is that of the nearby community of San Miguel where the local people interact with interns and staff members. Those interested in teaching or becoming an educator can use their skills to teach local children English and help develop the close links already developed between Kalu Yala and the people of San Miguel.

A sustainable future

As with all groups who are looking to spark a positive change in the way we live our lives, the community at Kalu Yala is often seen as moving outside the norm and being mistrusted. Sustainability comes in many different forms with few Kalu Yala problems reported with the group in its everyday working alongside members of the township of San Miguel. Go Overseas reports interns can choose to follow a culinary arts program designed to explain and expand upon the farm to table program Kalu Yala and San Miguel residents are exploring and working together to develop; the development of this program was a joint effort and shows how there is an interchange of ideas and plans between local people and residents of the newly established community.

Sustainability comes in a range of ideas and options with many choosing to develop the construction side of the community on a site which was once a cattle-grazing area developed by one of Panama’s largest farming brands. Jimmy Stice and his team have brought together some of the world’s leading experts in sustainable construction and architecture to ensure there are no Kalu Yala problems. The California-based sustainable architecture experts, Moule & Polyzoides have been commissioned to design buildings which use little to no air-conditioning despite the high temperatures and humidity seen in this tropical region.

Internship options

A range of different options are available to those choosing to become interns at Kalu Yala including working in health and wellbeing, media arts, and engineering. Jimmy Stice is well-known among those who have passed through Kalu Yala for his willingness to listen to all ideas from interns about how best to move forward with the establishment of the community. Although the community at Kalu Yala has only been building for a few years, the location is already attracting visitors interested in learning about sustainability, living a healthy lifestyle, and creating a better future for the people of the world living in tropical regions.

A high success rate

Just how do you measure the success of a new community exploring life and the experience of living and working in the Tropics from the point of view of those from the developed world? The dropout rate for interns compares favorably with many other internships at just under five percent to disprove the theory of Kalu Yala problems. The real success story of Kalu Yala is the fact students and entrepreneurs are working to develop business ideas in Panama which could change the way life is lived across the Tropics.

For Jimmy Stice, who has dreamed of developing his own community since his teenage years in an Atlanta suburb the desire to disprove the theory of the suburbs being the best option for developing new communities has almost been achieved. An estimated carbon footprint including flights to and from Kalu Yala reveals each intern uses just eight percent of the carbon of the typical American citizen to prove the settlement is proving a success in many different ways.