A Toolbox Full of Topics: Construction and Contracting Blogs
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Before you begin the process of constructing your new home on a plot of land, it’s a good idea to have the soil tested. Read on to find out why:
To prevent subsidence and its associated structural problems
Having the plot’s soil tested will provide you with insight into its composition (i.e. whether it is made up of loam, sand, etc). This information is extremely important, as the type of soil on which a foundation is built can determine the long-term structural stability of the property. Read More»
Several considerations need to be made during the design of a metal roof. This article discusses some of those key factors that are considered in order to design a metal roof that will last for its expected service life without developing major issues.
Expected Wind Forces
Wind can exert inward and outward forces on all roofs. Inward forces originate from the windward side of the roof. These forces can make a roof to collapse inwards due to the direct impact of wind forces on that roof. Read More»
While asbestos is no longer used in building, due to its widely-publicised health risks, it can be found in homes constructed up until the 1980s. If you think your home might contain asbestos, there are certain places you can check to see if it’s likely, and as long as it isn’t disturbed, you’re not in danger. However, you should arrange for it to be safely removed as soon as you can. Read More»
Land surveys can provide you with details on anything from land elevation to the geological underpinnings of the land, but they can also help you find your property lines. In most cases, surveying takes experience and special equipment, but if you just want to find the property lines, you may be able to do that on your own. Here’s a look at the process.
Find a Survey Map for Your Property Read More»
Window skylights are very useful when it comes to bringing natural light into areas that may not have windows in your living space. Having enough light in your house undoubtedly creates a sense of brightness and liveliness. In this case, you cannot underestimate the role this type of windows plays especially for the dark corners in your home. Window skylights come in a wide range of designs including the fixed, tubular, and ventilating designs. Read More»
A kitchen’s benchtops are very important, as they provide the surface needed for food prep and cooking but will also affect the overall appearance of a kitchen. When choosing new benchtops for your home’s kitchen, you want an attractive surface that can withstand the wear and tear of cooking utensils as well as the humidity and heat of a kitchen. Before making your choice of benchtop materials for your home’s kitchen, note a few pros and cons of each choice so you can determine the best one for your space. Read More»
Adding an extension to your home in order to get additional living space can often be a more welcome option when compared to buying a new home. However, you may make mistakes during the construction of that extension if you don’t have sufficient experience in planning and overseeing the process. This article discusses some helpful tips that can help you to make the right decisions when that extension is being built. Read More»
Demolishing a commercial building is an option to consider if the building is in general disrepair and it would be too expensive to fix properly, or if the floor plan just doesn’t suit your needs and, again, a renovation would be very costly. A demolition allows you to build a new structure from the ground up, so you can retain your location but have a building that works for your needs in particular. Read More»
Granny flats are one of the leading ways that many families are allowing their elderly family members to age in place. This means they can have nursing care, be near family, and still keep their privacy and lifestyle as an alternative to assisted living or nursing home care. Granny flats are generally built to suit, although some are ready for delivery and set-up on your property. Before you order your granny flat, there are a few things you should know that may be overlooked. Read More»
If you work in construction or any field where you have to do a lot of measuring, you may want to invest in a rangefinder. This laser scanning tool can help with a range of tasks. Here’s what to consider before purchasing one.
1. Accuracy
One of the first elements you want to check out is the accuracy levels. As a general rule of thumb, less expensive rangefinders are less accurate than their more expensive counterparts, but there are exceptions to the rule. Read More»