Plumbers repair and install the pipes and drainage systems in homes and commercial properties and appliances or fixtures. Whether you have a leaky faucet or a bathroom remodel, having a reliable pro at the ready can save you time and money. With so many local and national service providers to choose from, the process of finding the plumber for your project can seem intimidating.

As with any contractor you hire, there are a few things to consider before hiring a plumber. Learn more about the basic qualifications a plumber needs to get the job done as well as questions to ask to ensure you’re choosing the right professional for your needs.

Plumber Qualifications

Plumbing issues require quick action before you run into more costly problems. Winter temperatures can cause water lines to freeze, leading to damage inside your home’s wall or ceilings. Backed-up sewer lines will render your toilet useless or, even worse, damage your floor or home’s foundation. These are just a couple of examples of why you should always have a plumber on your contact list.

However, how do you pick the best plumber, and how much will their services cost? A plumber’s fee is only one part of the equation when selecting a professional. Before you start asking for estimates, consider that a reputable plumber will have the following skills and qualifications.

Training

A college degree is not required in the plumbing industry. However, many plumbers learn the trade via apprenticeships or trade schools. Apprentices receive training under the guidance of a journeyman or a master plumber. There is coursework during the apprenticeship, and the programs usually take three to five years to complete.

Licensure

Plumbers are one the most regulated professions in the United States. Most states require plumbers to be licensed. Each state has its own set of licensing requirements and the government agency that issues the license varies from state to state. To obtain a license, a plumber must be experienced, receive ongoing training and stay up to date on current trends in the plumbing industry. A valid license means that the plumbing professional also carries state-mandated insurance and bonding. This ensures that your home is protected against any plumbing mishaps or damage incurred during the plumbing repair.

Insurance

A plumber’s general liability insurance protects the home or business owner from liability should the plumber accidentally damage the property, or injure themselves during the job. Before hiring a plumber, ask to view their proof of insurance. All plumbers should have enough liability insurance to cover accidents that may happen while on your property.

Some home insurance policies will cover plumbing issues the damage is caused by sudden and unexpected water damage from a broken pipe or other pipe malfunction. However, most policies exclude damages that are gradual, such as a slow, constant leak, as well as damage due to regional flooding.

Journeyperson vs. Non-Journeyperson

A journeyperson, also known as a journeyman, is an expert craftsperson that has completed an apprenticeship and passed the licensure exam required by the state. A journeyperson also carries a card of an occupational license. A non-journeyperson is an apprentice who is still in training or a plumber that has not obtained state licensing.

Master Plumber

These professionals work for five consistent years as a journeyman, have additional training and education and take another exam to receive this certification. The Master Plumber test ensures that Federal and state regulations, building codes and advanced plumbing skills are mastered. The certification does take more time and money, but it also ensures that plumber is highly qualified to do a variety of plumbing jobs. Master plumbers do charge more per hour because of their advanced skills and may be worth the extra cost for intricate work that requires a skilled hand.

Services a Plumber Offers

Our Plumbers install and maintain numerous types of piping systems found in residential and commercial properties. Typical responsibilities of a plumber depend on the particular project. All plumbers must follow blueprints, work with plumbing tools, have strong math skills and know what kinds of materials are required for each job. Fixing drains and toilets are only a portion of a plumber’s job. Here are some services that plumbers offer:

• Sewer/water line replacement
• Pipe repair and replacement
• Dishwasher, washer and dryer installations
• Drain cleaning
• Garbage disposal services
• Water heater repair services
• Sewer/septic repair
• Installation, inspection and replacement of fixtures

While you can just pick the first name that comes up on Google, we caution you to do a little bit more digging. Whether you need routine maintenance, installation of fixtures or appliances, home remodeling or repairs, we highly recommend you work with a licensed plumber or HVAC technician.

Why? Hiring an unlicensed contractor could result in a major headache for you. If the work isn’t done correctly, even small leaks can result in major issues, and expensive repair costs. Not only might the work be done not up to code, but there may be dangerous consequences such as fire and/or leaking. The State of Arizona may even require that the work be removed, and they may issue fines to the homeowner.

You want to hire the best when you are having work done in your home. Getting the right HVAC contractor into complete repairs requires some research. Not all companies have experience with or carry every manufacturer. Additionally, some units are hooked up to gas lines which can become dangerous if the right installation method isn’t applied. With so many air conditioning and heating contractors available, how do you choose the one that is right for you? We’ve put together a guide to help.

1. Have a good idea of what you are needing

Before you call just any business and ask for maintenance repair on your heating and cooling system, take some time to assess what it is you’re needing. You’ll save yourself time and money by researching the issues you are experiencing. Dig out the users manual to get more information about the make and model so you can communicate this to your HVAC contractor. It’s typical for contractors to specialize with particular HVAC manufacturers such as American Standard or AccuClean. It’s beneficial for you that they are so they don’t run into problems during the installation process.

2. Confirm they are insured.

Installing and repairing your HVAC system in your home is a lot more complicated than it looks. After you do your research and you start making calls, ask if they have insurance. Their insurance policy will cover the cost of damages from the HVAC system and an injury that could take place while on the job. It’s advisable to ask for proof of their policy before signing a contract.

3. Does the Better Business Bureau accredit them?

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is dedicated to helping consumers find a reputable contractor. What you get from hiring someone who is certified from the BBB is a level of professionalism and experience that is unlike anything else on the market. The businesses listed are held to a higher standard and must undergo a series of steps to prove that they are capable of upholding a level of professionalism. You can visit the BBB website and find Nashville HVAC contractors with A+ and five-star ratings. Ideally, the company you are interested in will also have an image of the BBB certification.

4. Read their reviews.

Almost everything and everyone is online these days. Business reviews included. It’s one of the most successful ways for businesses to get new clients. Having their customers share their experience can only benefit them, so check their website, the Better Business Bureau, and Google for customer feedback. If you’re looking at a company with a four or five-star rating, it’s almost guaranteed that you will benefit from hiring them to complete your work.

5. Ask for a written estimate.

Your HVAC contractor will come to your house to complete an inspection. Afterward, they will talk with you about the problems they found, their suggestions for fixing the issue, and what it will take to make the repairs. The estimate should be written in writing. Hiring a contractor to fix your air conditioning and heating unit should be straightforward. An honest company will provide you with a written estimate before they start the project.

6. Do they carry Energy Star qualified products?

Back in 2006, the U.S. put regulations on manufacturers of HVAC units to meet an energy efficiency standard. The analysis takes the systems energy efficiency at peak operating use and divides it by how much power is consumed. The ratio is applied to the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER number, the better the equipment will be at using less energy. Your HVAC contractor should carry units that meet these standards.

7. Can they offer you a discount?

Many manufacturers offer rebates on their products. When you are hiring a contractor for your air conditioning and heating system, ask if they know whether or not you would qualify for one. It’s a complicated process to navigate on your own, but most contractors should have information on what will work. Often, they also have information about warranties that can also help save you money.

8. They will inspect your entire house.

We already mentioned a house inspection would drive the estimate, but we wanted to further address the inspection. The right contractor won’t suggest a unit that doesn’t work for your home. Suggestions come from the analysis of the home’s components such as window insulation, square footage, and possibly even the duct system to check for leaks.

If you want an HVAC contractor accredited by the Better Business Bureau and excellent customer reviews, MTI contractors  is here for you. Visit our website to learn more.…

Getting an HVAC unit installed has become necessary for every household in Vancouver, WA. Having an HVAC unit may significantly increase the comfort level of your place while also keeping the living area free from the buildup of humidity.

When it comes to HVAC repair in Vancouver, many people prefer to perform the DIY process. There are several reasons why you should avoid doing it yourself and instead hire a professional HVAC contractor in Vancouver, WA, from the get-go. It is also vital to note that servicing, repairing, and installing an HVAC requires professional knowledge that not everyone possesses.

Why Should You Hire A Professional HVAC Service Provider?

Self-air conditioner repair can result in more severe damage, which in turn can cost you a lot of money. As a result, you should always contact a skilled heating contractor in Vancouver, WA, to reduce the chances of your unit breaking down and requiring frequent repairs.

Mentioned below are the top reasons why you must hire a competent HVAC repair service provider.

• Expertise

One of the most important reasons to hire a professional HVAC contractor for HVAC repair is that they have the necessary expertise and proper training in this area. These experts can quickly identify and diagnose all your HVAC issues, and they can handle even the most challenging problems with ease.

• Save Time and Money

It can take a lot of time to repair or service an HVAC unit on your own. Hiring a professional technician to handle all your heating or AC service needs will save a lot of time. Engaging a skilled HVAC technician might also help to save a lot of money in the long run if the unit breaks down during self-repair and maintenance.

• Security and Safety

Repairing and servicing an HVAC system can require many protective tools that are not always readily available in a typical household. If not done carefully, this might result in a variety of injuries. Hiring a professional MTI Contractors | Plumbing | HVAC | Roofing | Pest Control , can help you avoid this danger and stay safe and secure.

• Efficient and Prompt Service

Professional heating repair service providers can save you from many problems and offers you efficient and timely help. A skilled technician will always know how to install your HVAC units. It ensures the safety of your unit in the long run. In case any damage happens in your home while repair or installation, the insurance of the HVAC contractor will protect the costs.

• Emergency Assistance

It is best to choose a licensed professional MTI Contractors | Plumbing | HVAC | Roofing | Pest Control

who is always ready to help you at any point in time and whom you can call for all your heating related issues.

• Certified & Proper Training

When you choose a professional HVAC technician for heating or cooling repair, you can be assured that you’ll be getting certified professionals with years of experience and precision.

If you need top-notch HVAC services, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the MTI Contractors | Plumbing | HVAC | Roofing | Pest Control team that can handle all your HVAC concerns with ease.…

THE DANGERS OF POURING GREASE DOWN THE DRAIN

Cooking oil is one of the most frequently used items in a kitchen… But many don’t know why you can’t pour grease down the drain. Click here to learn why.

Keyword(s): grease down drain

There’s nothing like waking up to the smell of bacon in the morning or walking into a kitchen that’s been frying up a bunch of savory bites for their customers. But, as delicious as the results of cooking with grease can be, you have to be careful how you dispose of it.

Pouring grease down the drain can create many serious problems for you and your neighbors. Such issues are easily avoidable with the right cooking oil management techniques. But, all it takes is a bit of carelessness to cause a big issue.

Here are three things that can happen as a result of pouring oil down the sink.

1. Sewer Clogs

Everything that goes down the sink ends up in a sewer, which is mostly composed of water and waste. However, it’s no secret that oil and water don’t mix.

When you pour cooking oil and other forms of grease down the drain, you’re sending down a compound that can clog the flow of water. Clogs happen when multiple groups of carelessly disposed-of oil join together. These happen so frequently and they’re so problematic that they actually have a name – a fatberg.

There’s no telling how big fatbergs can become in sewer lines. Their size – and consequently, how much water flow they clog – depends on how long these issues go unidentified and untreated. But, contributing to the amount of oil in the sewer definitely doesn’t help.

2. Raw Sewer Spurts

As more and more fatbergs clog up the sewers, there’s a bigger chance of raw sewer water and waste coming up the pipes you previously poured grease down.

This is pretty much the only way for the sewer to relieve the pressure of the water and waste that build up when oil clogs the pipes. If the waste can’t go out and be treated, it’s going to pump back up and create a sanitary issue in your home or restaurant.

3. Threats to the Local Water Treatment Process

Ideally, there would be no fatbergs in the sewer lines and the water treatment process would be a breeze. When the presence of grease and other non-dissolving materials enter the sewage lines, though, water treatment takes much longer. It also isn’t as efficient because there’s so much more waste to process and take care of.

This can significantly compromise the quality of the local water supply. Keep in mind that “local” may mean your apartment building, your city block, or the whole town! This depends on how many people are pouring grease down the sink and how often.

Stop Pouring Grease Down the Drain

While you can’t change the effects of grease that has already been poured down the drain, you can act now to create better waste management habits in your kitchen. Even if you think everyone else in the neighborhood pours grease down the drain, your sanitary processes can make a big difference.

Click here to discover a better way to get rid of the grease in your kitchen.

 …

As you plan your next home renovation project, choosing the right contractor for the job is a critical first step in your planning process. You want to make sure you vet the quality of their work in advance, spell out in writing what work you want to perform and agree upon the scope of the project, and inquire whether the contractor is properly licensed and insured in case something goes wrong.

This checklist compiles the top 10 tips to consider when selecting a contractor:

1. Get Multiple Estimates

Talk to several contractors and get written estimates from at least three. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples when you get multiple estimates. Look at building materials, work methods, timelines, and other factors that may vary by contractor. Be cautious of estimates that are too high or too low.

2. Hire Local, Licensed Contractors Whenever Possible

Local contractors are easier to contact if problems develop with the work in the future, and they are more likely to be familiar with building codes in your area. Ask the contractor for their local, physical address. Be suspicious of anyone who goes door-to-door or refuses to leave a contract overnight.

3. Check Their Past Work

How has their work turned out in the past? Do they specialize in the kind of work you want to be done? Check references about the quality of their products, their workmanship, and their customer service. Inquire about their professional reputation and years in business with the Better Business Bureau. A contractor with more than five years of experience is preferable.

4. Take Your Time Making a Sound Decision

Get multiple bids before making a decision. Don’t be pressured into making an immediate decision, particularly with regard to signing a contract. Be cautious when asked to pay a large deposit upfront. Make sure to read the fine print on all estimates and contracts. If you’re having emergency repairs done and don’t have time to thoroughly research a contractor, ask neighbors, family or friends to see if they have had a good experience with an emergency services contractor.

5. Check Their Insurance and Bonding

Make sure the contractor is properly insured and bonded. Ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance (COI), which should provide the name of the insurance company, policy number and policy limits the contractor carries. You can contact the insurance company directly to verify the coverage and make sure the policy is still in effect. Do not do business with a contractor who does not carry the appropriate insurance coverage. If the contractor is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.

6. Get Everything in Writing

Secure a comprehensive contract before work begins. Get everything in writing, and make sure the contract is clear and well written. Consider having a lawyer review the proposed contract for your protection before you sign it if the project involves substantial costs. The contract should include:

• A detailed description of the work to be completed and the price of each item.
• A payment schedule – for example one-half down and one-third when work is partially completed, and the balance due upon completion of repairs.
• The estimated start date and completion date on larger projects.
• Any applicable guarantees should be written into the contract and clearly state what is guaranteed, who is responsible for the guarantee, and how long the guarantee is valid.
• Signatures from both parties. You should never sign a contract containing blank sections.

Changes to the contract should be acknowledged by all parties in writing. Ask the contractor for confirmation that he or she has obtained all applicable building permits. If you decide to cancel a signed contract, you should follow the contract’s cancellation clause. Written notification of the cancellation should be sent by registered mail to ensure you have proof of the cancellation.

7. Understand Your Right to Cancel

Federal law may require a “cooling off” period, in which you can cancel the contract without penalty. Check with the Federal Trade Commission and the laws of your state to understand your rights. Be sure to follow applicable rules during the cooling-off period. If you do cancel, consider sending the notice of cancellation by registered mail to ensure you have proof of the cancellation.

8. Don’t Pay Up-Front

Don’t pay for the entire project before it is completed. Make sure you make checks payable to a company, not an individual and do not pay in cash. For larger projects, it is standard practice to pay one-third of the estimated costs as an initial payment. That way, you can retain your cashed check as a receipt.

9. Anticipate Delays

Delays happen, and may not be the fault of your contractor. In spite of the timeline outlined in your contract, circumstances such as weather may prevent the work from remaining on schedule. Be realistic and prepare to adjust your plans accordingly.

10. Keep a Job File

Keep your contract and all the supporting documents in one folder. Your file should also contain any change orders, plans and specifications, bills and invoices, canceled checks, certificates of insurance, and any letters, notes, or correspondence with the contractor.

Learn more about MTI Contractors | Plumbing | HVAC | Roofing | Pest Control or if you’re ready to take the next step, click here to get a quote or find an agent.…

Pests such as cockroaches, spiders, ants, and termites, not only damage your property but also spread infections. The best way to get rid of these pests is to call the pest control service. But before you go ahead and book pest control services, try out these top 10 pest control tips and tricks to ward off pests and keep your house clean and disease free.

Read on.

Top 10 pest control tips and tricks

     1. Keep the kitchen clean

Pests thrive in dirty, damp atmosphere. To avoid pest infestation, keep the kitchen counters, racks, stove-top and drawers clean. Wipe them regularly with a disinfectant cleaner. Also, if there are food particles lying out in the open, they will attract more insects. This pest control tip may not completely eliminate the pest infestation problem, but it surely will reduce the number of pests in your house. Cleaning after pest control is also very important to ensure your house doesn’t get infested soon.

[Also Read: 5 Ingenious DIY Kitchen Cleaning Hacks For You]

     2. Keep the bathroom clean

Most pest control tips for apartments don’t include pest control tips and tricks for bathrooms. But the above rule also applies to bathrooms as well. Keep your bathrooms clean and dry. Using a toilet cleaner, clean the pot every alternate day. Wash the sink at least once a week with a heavy-duty bathroom cleaner. Keep the shower curtain dry and free of moss. Make sure the drain is not clogged with hair and soap particles and is always covered. These small measures will keep the bathroom hygienic and pest free for a longer time.

3. Do not allow water to stand

Pests like mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Clean the area around your house and make sure you get the drains running outside your house cleaned as stagnant dirty water in the drains can cause mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. Keep the buckets in your bathroom dry when they are not being used. The same goes for kitchen utensils. If you have an air-conditioner that eliminates water, don’t keep a vessel under it to collect water. Look for alternatives such as a pipe to carry the water out as soon as it gets there. Or empty and clean the vessel every day. Do ensure there is absolutely no stagnant water anywhere near or in your house. If you are wondering how to do pest control at home by yourself, you can follow some easy home made remedies to get rid of these pests.

5. Don’t keep fruits and vegetables out for long

Fruits and vegetables, when overripe, attract flies and other insects. Avoid keeping cut and ripe fruits out of the fridge for long. While some pests like fruit flies are harmless, the overripe, rotting fruits can also attract bigger pests like house flies, ants and cockroaches which are difficult to get rid of.

6. Dispose of garbage regularly

We often wonder how to clean kitchen after pest control but it’s fairly simple and garbage disposal is key. Ideally, garbage should be disposed of every single day. An accumulation of garbage can lead to rat, rodents and cockroach infestation. This gets worse when you find rotten food particles all around the house. This can lead to spread of diseases especially if you have pets and small children in the house.

4. Maintain your garden

If you have a lawn or a garden, fill in holes or pits where water can accumulate. If you have a pond or a water fountain in the garden, clean it regularly. Also, prune the plants on a regular basis to avoid wild, bushy growths. Maintain your garden, keep it neat and clean to avoid unwanted pests like mosquitoes, rats and ants.

      7.  Keep items of external use outside

If you have a kitchen garden or a lawn, it’s likely you may have furniture, shoes, buckets and other objects specifically meant for gardening purposes. Keep these objects outdoors and try not to use them for indoor purposes before cleaning them thoroughly.  This is because bringing them in may unknowingly bring in many pests into the house as well. The same applies to toys such as battery-operated cars, bicycles, etc that your kids may use outdoors. Keep them secured in the garage or any other outdoor area and ask your kids not to bring them indoors.

8. Fix nets on windows

Fix nets on your windows to prevent pests such as house flies, mosquitoes, spiders and large cockroaches from coming in. These nets will not only help with ventilation but also prevent pests from entering. This is a pretty effective way to keep pests out of your house. Also, if there are any broken window panes or glasses, repair them at the earliest to prevent insects from entering. Check all the doors of the house too and carry out repairs, if necessary, to make your measures more effective.

     9. Dispose of things you don’t need

An important pest control tip is to declutter your house. If you have unused boxes lying around in the house gathering dust, or toys your children have outgrown – get rid of them. These items only serve as hot spots for insects and germs. Sell or throw away any old item, including old baby strollers, shoes, packaging material, plastic bags, torn luggage, etc. If you are finding it difficult to decide whether to throw something or not, ask yourself this: Will I use this item in the next three months? If the answer is no, then it’s time to throw it out!

10. Contact a professional pest control service

While the above-mentioned measures can help reduce the number of pests in your house, you cannot completely eliminate pests without professional help. Pest control service on Urban Company helps you get rid of these harmful pests. Our professionals are well trained and use verified chemicals and measures to ensure the safety of you and your family.

Benefits of pest control services

Let us take a quick look at the benefits of getting a professional pest control service done from Urban Company:

• Thorough and safe: Our professionals ensure they use safe pesticides, disinfectants and other verified chemicals only. The new age pest control measures are comparatively safer and less harmful if used in recommended quantities. If you are doing pest control on your own, do wear gloves.  So, you don’t have to worry about your family members or pets getting affected.
• Affordable: Urban Company’s pest control services are highly affordable.

Table 1: Cost of pest control services for different apartment sizes

• Customisable: Depending on the area and scale of pest infestation, you can choose from various packages on our website.

Table 2: Types of pest control services and treatment methods used by Urban Company.

• Guaranteed results: Once you get a pest control done, you can rest assured that your home will be free of pests for the next 4-6 months.

Follow the points mentioned above and you will be able to keep insects and pests out of your home.…

For anyone wanting more out of a career that doesn’t include college debt.

The program was originally designed and created from the ground up. In an effort to improve overall workforce efficiency and safety. Laborers weren’t getting any raises in pay, not getting promoted and they were not improving in the job. In an effort to get employees to be motivated to have a sustainable career in masonry, and to move up the company ladder, management called a meeting among Mason Tenders and this is essentially what evolved.

1. Learn as you earn.

As a WASCO employee, you’re eligible to enroll in the MTI program. You are paired with experienced employees, where you are then introduced to new skills on the job. As you master new skills, you are then eligible for evaluations that can increase your hourly pay rates and earn valuable industry certifications.

2.   How far can I go?

MTI provides the opportunities and the training you need to advance to full-time management, overseeing the work of multiple crews and complex projects. MTI has the instruction, experienced mentors, and opportunities that will allow you to master those skills too.

3. How much can I earn?

The need and job market for skilled, certified masons is constant. In a growing economy, new builds and expansions offer skilled, certified masons countless opportunities. Even in softer economies, repair and renovation work exists in the residential, institutional, civic, and business sectors.

Most begin their careers as Mason Tenders, with a starting hourly rate of $15.00/hour. With additional training and specialties certifications, you could earn an additional $9.50/hour, for a total possible pay rate of $24.50/hour as a Mason Tender and that is just the beginning. Certified, experienced masons who manage multiple crews and projects can go on to earn a six-figure income.

4. How long will it take?

That depends on you, how hard you are willing to work. If you have the talent and the drive, here is what to expect. Once enrolled in MTI, your 40 hour work week will be supplemented by 4 additional hours of class time monthly, usually on a Saturday morning. During these Saturday morning classes, you’ll learn the principles and science of masonry and restoration that you’ll put to work on the job.

As you learn and demonstrate competency at each new skill, you and your mentor mason will determine when you’re ready for testing and certification. With each new skill certification you earn, you’ll see increased pay and new opportunities on the job.

How far you go, and how quickly you get there, depends on your drive and your skill. On average, MTI students advance from Mason Tender (ground floor) to a Lead Tender or Apprentice in as little as two to  three years.

5. WASCO is family.

The hopes and dreams of this program are to make it a more professional approach to attract better candidates to join the WASCO family. We want WASCO to be a place where you could grow personally and professionally, to go home every day with a huge sense of self-accomplishment.…

At Oliver, our  plumbing services is almost as popular as our HVAC services. From toilets to sewer lines to showers and more – we’ve got you covered. For fun, check out these interesting facts that you may not have known about plumbing:

1. Standardized plumbing can be traced back to around 3,000 B.C. when the Indus River Valley civilization used earthen plumbing pipes to provide transportable water and drain wastes.

2. If you have a leaky faucet that drips twice per minute, you’ll waste over a gallon of water in a week.

3. The flushing toilet was invented by John Harrington in 1596, which is where we get the nickname “the John.” We also call the toilet “the crapper” because of Thomas Crapper, who widely increased the popularity of it.

4. Mario and Luigi (of the video game Super Mario Brothers) are plumbers.

5. Ever hear the myth that when you flush a toilet in the Southern Hemisphere, the water flows the opposite direction? It’s not true. It’s possible for the water to flow either direction in either hemisphere.

6. The word “plumber” comes from the Latin word “plumbum,” which means “lead.”

7. There are two different types of plungers – a toilet plunger and a sink/shower plunger. Toilet plungers narrow at the bottom to fit into the toilet while sink/shower plungers are flat.

8. In 1939, Al Moen invented the single-handle faucet that can control hot and cold water in just one turn.

9. Insulating your home’s pipes can reduce the amount of heat lost as your water travels from your heater to your faucet. You’ll run less water waiting for it to warm up and save money on your utility bills.

10. The floating mechanism in your toilet’s water tank is called a ballcock and it controls the flow of water.

11. The first fire sprinkler system was invented by a British man named Sir William Congreve. He perforated pipes along the ceiling and installed a valve outside the building that could be opened to send water through them.

12. Manhole covers are circular because if they’re turned sideways, they can’t fall through their own opening.…

The adversarial nature of contracting is deeply entrenched in the UK construction industry.
With clients and contractors trying and outmaneuver each other at every opportunity to get the best outcome for themselves.

That’s despite numerous warnings over the years that it reduces the efficiency and effectiveness of projects. Not to mention the damage it causes to the client-contractor relationship.

As far back as 1994, the Lathan Report criticized the confrontational relationships between clients and contractors. Since then, the Egan Report in 1998 and 2011’s Government Construction Strategy have echoed those sentiments.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. And Osborne is aiming to buck the trend by developing closer, more open relationships with clients at the earliest opportunity.

But what does this mean in practice?

Osborne’s Chief Executive Andy Steele said in a recent interview that one of the industry’s biggest challenges was getting customers to trust contractors again.

And one of the ways we’re trying to rebuild trust is by making the procurement process more transparent in terms of what is realistic and what adds value to the client’s objectives.

As Construction Managing Director John Craig said: “It comes down to trust and honesty; having the courage to tell our clients in a constructive and supportive fashion what is realistic and what isn’t, and working openly with them from the outset to meet their aspirations. Rather than storing up problems that ultimately impact upon both the project and the relationship.”

In turn, this openness presents ways for the client to achieve more value for money, rather than simply looking for ways to reduce costs in the contracting stage. But a closer, mutually beneficial relationship provides benefits beyond the technical and commercial aspects of projects.

When you pool resources, share ideas, and identify common goals, both parties can work together to achieve the best outcome. As seen from the case with the Winchester Council contract and the Osborne Property Services business which has just resulted in an extension of the contract.

For instance, contractors can provide clients with skills and expertise at the outset of a project. This helps clients define their aims and find ways to solve problems at the crucial early stage as demonstrated by the Leigh Road Bridge project commissioned by SEGRO for the Slough Trading Estate site.

It also involves sharing risk and agreeing on ways to measure performance, resolve disputes and make improvements at each stage. We believe working with clients in this way will, ultimately, help deliver projects on budget, on time, and to higher standards. It will also lead to improved processes and productive long-term relationships based on mutual trust that can benefit both parties in future projects.…