Category: Blogging

Whether you’ve seen white particles around your faucet or shower head, found yellow stains on your clothes after washing, or are getting a chlorine smell from your water, the source of the problem is generally the same: you are drinking, bathing in, or cleaning with potentially harmful chemicals, often due to unfiltered or improperly filtered water.

But what is water filtration and how do water filters work? We’re about to explain it all for you right now.

What is Water Filtration?

Water filtration is a process that removes unwanted—even dangerous—chemicals and contagions from water by putting that water through a fine filter. Water filtration helps improve the taste, smell, and quality of your water by decreasing the number of contaminants in it, making it safer for drinking, bathing, and cleaning.

Water filtration protects you and your family against harmful bacterias and heavy metals, guaranteeing that you can have safe drinking water in your home. It’s one of the most efficient ways to ensure your water is safe without wasting electricity, water, or plastic from disposable water bottles.

How Does Water Filtration Work?

So, how do water filters work?

It’s a fairly straightforward process where contaminated, unfiltered water is forced through a very fine filter (physical filtration). This filter is fine enough that water is able to seep through, but unwanted particles and other dangerous contaminants are not. Chlorine is commonly used to disinfect the water and purify it of any bacteria or pathogens that may have made their way through the filter (chemical filtration).

Municipal water filtration systems are a little more complicated than a simple filter—they usually involve several basins, pipes, filters, a disinfection segment, and a storage and pumping section—the overall process relies on pushing unfiltered water through dense filters to remove impurities.

Here are some important water filtration facts to keep in mind:

• Municipal water filtration doesn’t addresss water hardness (average water hardness in D.C. metro area is 7-13 grains per gallon). In-home water softeners are key to tackling water hardness.
• Chlorine is often used to disinfect water, but it is not filtered out. This makes in-home water filtration a crucial step to improve the taste and smell of your water.

Benefits of Home Water Filtration Systems

Eliminates Dangerous Elements

Filtered water helps eliminate dangerous, unhealthy heavy metals in your water, as well as pesticides, mercury, lead, and arsenic.

Efficient and Waste-Free

A water filtration system helps give you clean water in an efficient way. You won’t need to continually stock up on plastic water bottles to have clean drinking water, since your tap water will be safe.

Improves Taste and Smell

Filtering your water hugely improves the taste and smell of your water, since it helps remove bacteria, diseases, and other impurities.

Is Your Water Supply Safe?

If you’re not sure when your home water filtration system was last updated, contact CroppMetcalfe. We test your water to check pH, hardness, iron, and help reduce certain unwanted chemicals. If an issue is found, our 5-Star Technicians can install under-sink or whole-house water filters, as well as whole-house water softeners. Call or contact us online today to schedule an appointment!…

Who is a Contractor (definition)?

In construction, a contractor is an organisation (or sometimes a person), hired by the client to carry out the work that is required for the completion of a project.

Nevertheless, contractors don’t always have the expertise or the trades that are needed for completing all construction work by themselves. For that reason, they are also in charge of appointing subcontractors who would be able to complete some parts of the project. Normally, there will be a significant number of subcontractors involved in a construction project.

It goes without saying that the role of a contractor has many different levels as they are responsible for a wide range of tasks and people. In this article, we try to shed some light on the various responsibilities that a contractor can have.

The responsibilities of a general contractor

Contractors can serve a construction project from many different roles and positions. That of a general contractor (main contractor) is potentially the most influential of all.

A general contractor is responsible for a plethora of details in the course of a construction project. Finding the right people to get the job done is probably one of their most important missions. But it’s not the only thing they have to do.

Taking care of materials, equipment, and any other services required for the smooth development of the project is part of their job. This is also where subcontractors can provide valuable help, as in most cases they have their own network which can support the progress of the project.

Furthermore, here are some of the most common project aspects that a general contractor can be responsible for:

• Building permits application
• Property security
• Providing (temporary) facilities on site
• Taking care of generated waste
• On-site personnel management
• Site surveying
• Site engineering
• Schedule monitoring

It’s clear, then, that a general contractor is also the one accountable for the quality of the work delivered to the client. In any case, though, safety should always be the top priority for everyone involved in a construction project.

Other types of contractors

General contractors are probably the primary type of contractor that you can find. However, this doesn’t mean that they are the only contractor category in the industry. There is a plethora of different contractor roles which vary between them with regards to the assigned responsibilities, the level of risk they take on and of course the amount of reward that they require.
In a nutshell, here are the main types of contractors that you need to know about:

Construction manager

A construction manager is normally hired in the design phase so that they can help the team in developing the project based on their rich experience. In some cases, a construction manager can initiate the construction phase before the design process is over.

In such cases, construction managers must be perfectly sure that they have all the information they need in order to kick off the project and keep it running within the agreed deadlines and budget. Otherwise, there is a serious possibility that the efficiency and quality of the project will plummet.

Want to learn more? Construction management 101: The ultimate guide

Construction managers can also be responsible for managing trade contractors. Nonetheless, clients can be in charge of the trade contracts in many projects if they have the required experience. If the trade contracts aren’t placed with the client side, then the management contractor is the one responsible for that.

Construction managers are seen as the king of the construction site given the vast amount of responsibilities and people that they have to manage.

Prime contractor

Another category of contractors that you need to know about is the prime contractor category. It is a vague category as there are many definitions someone can give to prime contracting. Sometimes a prime contractor can be a synonym to a general contractor.

Prime contracting is a good choice for large-scale clients. Ministries, such as the Ministry of Defence, could be an excellent example of a prime-contracting client, as they are constantly in need of building or maintenance work.
In general, though, the relationship of a client with a prime contractor is a long-term commitment which may include one or more future projects.

Principal contractor

A contractor can also be responsible for ensuring that all work done in a project complies with the CDM regulations. They cover a wide range of project aspects which primarily have to do with health and safety.

In short, these are some of their most noteworthy duties and responsibilities:

• Progress monitoring.
• Planning and managing a project’s construction phase.
• Coordinating with principal designer and the client.
• Staying on top of the work done on site.
• Making sure that health and safety specifications are followed.
• Continuously reviewing, modifying, and updating the programme of the project based on the latest changes and received feedback.
• Collaborating with other contractors.

Design and build contractors

Last but not least on our list, it’s the design and build contractors who are in charge of first designing the project, and then take care of its development while managing the numerous details on site.
It’s a more holistic approach as the contractor is involved in almost every step of the project. In some projects, the contractor remains on top of the project even after its completion by maintaining the built structure.

Common pains for a contractor

By now, it’s evident that being a contractor is extremely demanding. You need to have full control over your projects and be able to quickly identify any problem source. Only then, you will be able to act fast and prevent costly mistakes from happening.
All in all, here are some of the most common obstacles that contractors need to overcome:

• Managing the team on site: Keeping a strong connection between the site and the office can be tough. Especially, in cases where a contractor has to stay on top of numerous projects at the same time. That is where digital tools can bring great value today.
• Task delegation: The better connection between office and site the easier it becomes to delegate tasks and keep everyone on the same page. The advent of interactive systems has made things in that direction much simpler.
• Programme reviews and updates: As construction expert, Matt Ghinn said, “Programme is king”! That being said, contractors need always to be on top of the latest project updates. Tracking changes to the programme can be easier today with the help of construction software but it can still be a big challenge if a contractor works simultaneously on multiple projects.

Read also: Modern methods of construction – The future is now!

• Paperwork: Paperwork is one of the biggest nightmares for every contractor. The amount of captured data in the course of a construction project is humongous and with in mind, it becomes clear that the transition from pen and paper to digital is of paramount importance.
• Collaboration across the supply chain: Improving communication and by extension collaboration across employees and subcontractors can make the difference between the success and failure of a project. At the moment, there are too many decision makers in the supply chain and that needs to change.
• Learning from past projects: Last but certainly not least, contractors have to become better with the collected project data. These valuable bits of information can function as the basis for improving efficiency and reducing rework rates in future projects.

Contractors as specialists

There is a lot of discussion about the diverse role that a contractor has in a project. There are many examples of contractors who spread themselves too thin in an effort to satisfy different types of projects and clients.

Interestingly enough, an essential shift in that direction has started to emerge. The specialisation of contractors could be a smart strategy moving forward for the benefit both of the construction industry and the contractors per se.

What do we mean by referring to specialisation? Simply put, we refer to the dedication of contractors to a specific type of construction projects (eg. building bridges). This approach would allow contractors to become better on what they do while minimising their financial risk.

If done right, it can be a win-win situation for the entire sector as it can boost quality, financial stability and support the standardisation of the sector.

Final word

To sum up, it is evident that providing a specific definition for the role and the responsibilities of a contractor can be harder than it might look due to the multi-purposed services that they provide in the course of a construction project.

However, the advent of digital tools in combination with the challenges that the sector faces in terms of project delivery has paved the way for a new approach in the duties of a contractor.…

Pests have the ability to wreck everything you work so hard to protect. This includes your home, your property, and the health of your loved ones. Getting rid of pests is not easy on your own. Many do-it-yourself pest control solutions involve using harsh chemicals that can also harm your pets and loved ones. That is why it is important to call an experienced and professional pest control service company. There are many benefits of professional pest control. Hiring someone to eradicate your pests is the quickest and safest way to solve your pest control problem.

Below, we discuss five benefits of professional pest control.

Benefit #1: Accurate Pest Identification

You cannot control a pest problem without first identifying the pest problem. Various chemicals and bait may be necessary to get rid of different types of pests. Do you have a mouse or a rat problem? What type of spider infestation do you have?

Our Sacramento pest control company can accurately identify your pest problem and determine the most effective extermination method. We can also answer all of your pest control questions.

Benefit #2: Discovering the Source

Eliminating pests means finding the source of the problem. It is not enough to simply get rid of the pest you can see. You must find the source of the infestation and eliminate it. This may mean finding water leaks or plugging up holes in the foundation.

Benefit #3: Less Damage

Our professional pest control company will respond quickly and efficiently to your problem. This means less damage to your property and your yard. Effectively getting rid of pests is the best way to safeguard your home and prevent devastating structural damage.

Benefit #4: Pest Management

Our professional pest control service uses Integrated Pest Management programs to solve our clients’ problems. Do-it-yourself applications of pesticides can result in the over-application of harmful toxins. Pesticide exposure can hurt young children and pets. Integrated Pest Management is a multi-step approach that can provide long-term pest solutions. This involves pest identification, monitoring and prevention.

Benefit #5: Protect Your Health

Professional pest control can help you protect your health by completely eliminating your pest problem. Pests, such as ticks, spiders and cockroaches can carry dangerous and harmful bacteria and diseases. Some of these diseases include Lyme Disease, E-coli, and Salmonella poisoning.

Our Sacramento Pest Control Services Can Help

Pest control in Sacramento is easier with a professional pest control company on your side. At Jones Bros Pest Control, Inc., our trained and licensed experts can help you get rid of pests in your home or business.

We will help assess your situation over the phone to accurately provide you with a quote and consultation. We will schedule an on-site inspection and determine the best solutions for your pest problem. While on-site, our technician can perform Integrated Pest Management services.

We check with our clients to make sure the problem is resolved. We perform follow-up treatments when needed.

Contact Our Sacramento Pest Control Services

There are many benefits of pest control. At Jones Bros Pest Control, Inc., we work with homeowners and businesses in the Sacramento area to help them rid their properties of pests.

To speak with us about Sacramento pest control services or the benefits of pest control, give us a call. One of our professional pest control exterminators will discuss your pest control problem with you.

Call us.  We care about you and your property. Let us help you get rid of your pest problem once and for all.…

Summer is coming! You’re going to want to take some cool showers when the weather heats up, especially if you don’t like running the A/C on all day long. If you’re having an issue getting cold water in your shower, fixing that problem is going to become critical to your happiness when the weather gets warm.

The Solution Is to Replace the Cartridge

The most likely cause of your problem is a defective pressure balancing spool, which is a part of the cartridge inside your shower faucet. To fix the problem, you’ll need to replace the cartridge.

Replacing the Cartridge is Harder than It Sounds

Unfortunately, a build-up of corrosion may have caused your cartridge to become lodged inside the faucet over time. For most people, the hardest part of replacing a shower cartridge is getting the old cartridge to come out.

You’ll Need a Special Tool

To make it easier to remove your old stuck cartridge, you’ll need a special tool creatively called a “cartridge puller.” Cartridge pullers are designed to thread into the old cartridge, making it easy to pull the cartridge out. In addition to the cartridge puller, you’ll also need a Phillips screwdriver, needle nose pliers, and silicone grease. Once you’ve got the right materials, the process is relatively straightforward. See below:

1. Turn off the water supply to the shower faucet.
2. Use the screwdriver to remove the handle of the faucet.
3. Take off the metal cover under the faucet handle to reveal the valve stem protruding from the wall of the shower.
4. Use needle-nose pliers to pull the retainer clip out of the top of the valve body.
5. Tug on the valve stem and pull it out. Removing the valve stem will expose a space inside the valve body. The cartridge is lining the wall of the space.
6. Use the cartridge puller to remove the cartridge from the faucet. Different types of cartridge pullers will function in different ways, so you’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to use your particular model.
7. Take the old cartridge to a home improvement center or hardware store to find an exact match, and purchase a new cartridge.
8. Line the inside of the valve body and the new cartridge with silicone grease to ensure that the new cartridge will slide into the valve body easily.
9. Insert the new cartridge into the valve body and put back the outer parts of the faucet that you removed in step 1 and 2. Don’t forget to put the retainer clip back into the valve stem.
10. Turn back on the water supply to the shower.

That’s it! Test the water to ensure that the cold water is now functioning. If the hot and cold water is reversed after reinstalling the faucet, this is an indication that the cartridge was put into the faucet backwards. To fix the problem, simply pull the cartridge out, turn it upside down and put it back in the valve body.

For additional help, take a look at this step-by-step tutorial with pictures.

There are Alternatives

There are ways to complete this task without buying a cartridge puller. If you have a tool called a tap in your home, this can be used to thread the inside of the cartridge. Once this is done, you can insert a bolt into the cartridge and pull the cartridge out of the wall. You can check out the process online in this YouTube video:

Finally, if you’re not interested in trying to replace the cartridge yourself, and you’re lucky enough to be a resident of Pittsburgh or the surrounding area, give us a call. We’ll be happy to help you get your shower back to full functionality.…

Save yourself from any toilet trauma with these tips.

Let’s say you’re a person who’s known for their devotion to extreme cleanliness—especially in the bathroom. You know your way around cleaning an air duct; you’re an expert on how to get bathroom grout pristine; you even mop your bathroom floors with castile soap! Now imagine anything more embarrassing than clogging a toilet and having no plunger. Think about it—there you are in a restaurant bathroom, using a friend’s commode, or even sitting in your very own rustic bathroom, taking care of business, when the toilet suddenly clogs, and there’s nary a plunger in sight. Panic sets in and you begin to wonder: Will the toilet overflow? Will it stay clogged forever? How long can I hide in here without arousing suspicion? It’s not a good feeling, people.

Before you consider jumping out of a second-story bathroom window or start exercising your potty mouth, know that you actually can flush your way out of this toilet travesty, sans plunger. (However, if you’re using a public restroom, you might just need to cut your losses.) Most at-home toilets can easily be fixed in a jiffy with a bit of elbow grease and a few ordinary items. Sometimes you can even wait it out and hope for the best—some toilet backups actually fix themselves, thanks to a little time and a lot of gravity. But when time is of the essence, here’s how to unclog a toilet without a plunger.

WHAT DO I NEED TO UNCLOG A TOILET WITHOUT A PLUNGER?

Depending on what you have on hand, you can determine your best course of action—because you can actually go about unclogging your toilet a few different ways. We’ll break down each method further, but make sure you have dish soap, a wire hanger, baking soda and vinegar, or even bath bombs to get the job done.

WHAT SHOULD I NOT DO?

Avoid flushing repeatedly, especially if the water’s already rising. In this instance, so you don’t have a clogged toilet and a flooded bathroom floor, remove the tank lid and push down on the flapper, which is the rubber contraption toward the bottom. Next, cut off the toilet’s water supply by turning the valve, usually located behind the toilet, and wait for it to reside before you tackle the mess inside.

HOW CAN I DE-CLOG MY TOILET WITHOUT A PLUNGER?

1. HOT WATER

If there’s not much liquid left in the toilet bowl to begin with, pour in a bucket or pan of hot (not boiling) water. The force of the water should help break up the clogging culprits. Houselogic also suggests tossing in 1/2 cup of salt prior to the H2O.

2. DISH SOAP

No luck with water? Try filling the toilet with a hefty helping of dish soap. The slippery substance can break down solids and guide them down the drain. Give the mixture a bit of time to work its magic and move any bodily…unmentionables…along.

3. BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR

Mr. Rooter Plumbing attests to this method, which involves adding a cup of baking soda and vinegar to a half-filled toilet bowl (either add hot water or scoop some out to reach this level). Pour the baking soda first, then slowly apply the vinegar to prevent the mixture from spilling over. Let it soak for about 20 minutes.

4. EPSOM SALTS

According to Alpha Plumbing, any bath bombs or Epsom salts lying around can be worth sacrificing for the cause. Place either in the bowl and let the fizziness do its thing for a little while.

5. WIRE HANGER

For when something’s really jammed in the pipe, a wire hanger can be your saving grace. The closet tool basically works like a toilet snake and brings a more aggressive approach to your bathroom clog. Extend the hanger into a makeshift rod and use it to push around the blockage until it eventually gives.

6. TOILET BRUSH

There may not be a plunger nearby, but hopefully your friend’s home at least has a toilet brush waiting to come to your rescue. Essentially, use the cleaning wand just as you would a plunger, diving deep into the toilet bowl and thrusting away at the drain hole. You’ll probably want to toss the brush after the deed has been done, and have cleaning supplies handy to clean up the mess.

If all else fails, the situation might be out of your hands and best left to the professionals: plumbers. And might we persuade you to add a plunger to your shopping list (or your friend’s) in case of future emergencies?…

There’s never an appropriate time for your toilet to clog. Whether you’re at a holiday dinner or a neighborhood Bunco night, a clogged toilet can create an embarrassing mess. Clearing a clogged toilet can be tricky, and it’s even trickier when you don’t have a plunger. Don’t sweat it—we’ll talk you through clearing your clog, step by step.

Wield the Plunger

Get your clogged toilet back up and running again the good old-fashioned way—with a plunger and some serious elbow grease. Here’s how to restore your toilet to working order in just six easy steps:

How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger

Today just isn’t your lucky day. Your toilet’s clogged, and you don’t have a plunger? Hang in there. There are still a few ways to work through this. If your toilet isn’t draining, you may not need a plunger to fix it. Here are three unconventional ways to remove a blockage from your toilet pipes.

How to Unclog Your Toilet with Soap and Hot Water

1. Manually remove some water from the toilet bowl, ensuring that there is space for adding a gallon of liquid. Remove the water with a small container—like a cup from the bathroom sink. Just make sure you don’t put it back on the counter when you’re done!
2. Lubricate the toilet bowl by adding some dish soap, shampoo, or a few slivers of bar soap.
3. Heat a gallon of water to very hot but not boiling. A drinkable tea temperature is just right. If the water is too hot, it could crack your toilet bowl. Pour the water into the bowl, and let it sit for 20 minutes.
4. Try flushing the toilet. If it flushes, you’re all set! If instead it starts to overflow, turn the water valve off behind the toilet—then start again at step 1 or try another method.

How to Unclog Your Toilet with Baking Soda and Vinegar

If the toilet remains clogged after a few attempts at resolving the problem, remove at least half of the water from the bowl. Then try pouring 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar into the toilet. The mixture will bubble excessively, which is why it’s important to first remove the excess water. Let the bubbles sit for at least 20 minutes before you try to flush.

How to Unclog Your Toilet with Coat Hanger

Still clogged? Here’s one last-ditch effort: Unravel a wire coat hanger, and put on a pair of disposable gloves.

Wrap one end of the straightened hanger with a cloth, and duct tape it firmly in place so it doesn’t scratch your toilet. Use the hanger to gently push debris down the pipe until you can flush. Twist and push the wire in a circular motion. If you can’t feel the wire hitting the obstruction, this task may be out of your reach.

Why Won’t My Toilet Unclog? Call for Backup

If, after several attempts at plunging your toilet, it remains backed up, it’s time to call for backup. Get help from the professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We make your plumbing emergency our top priority and will schedule service with you as quickly as possible to resolve your problem.

Need help cleaning around the home? Contact us for more information.…

Hold it right there! Don’t even think about pouring that bacon grease down the drain. We get it – it’s a hot, oily mess. But it can cause serious issues when poured down your kitchen drain. So, what in the world are you supposed to do with it?

Why Is Grease Bad for Drains?

The grease solidifies once it cools off. Sure, it might flow out of the pan and down the drain, but in a few minutes, the grease solidifies in the pipes and acts as a sticky trap for gunk and debris. Over time this blockage can clog the pipes or slow the drain. Grease also wreaks havoc on local sewer systems and septic tanks. Significant amounts of grease in sewers have even clogged neighborhood sewer systems.

What to Do with Leftover Cooking Grease

Bacon grease, duck fat, lard – any grease that is solid at room temperature should stay far away from your drains. Cooking oils that are liquid at room temperatures, such as olive oil, vegetable oil or canola oil, should also never be poured down the drain. Here’s what to do with both after you’re done cooking.

Grease – If the grease is still hot, simply pour it into a dedicated grease jar or can. A mason jar works well, or you can make a disposable grease can by removing the lid of a soda can with a can opener. When the jar or can fills up, simply scoop out the solid grease into the trash bin or throw out the entire can. You may also leave the grease in the pan, wait till it solidifies, and then wipe it out with paper towels.

Cooking Oils – Allow the cooking oil to cool off before you do anything with it. If there is less than a cup of oil, pour it into the trash can on top of a few paper towels. This may not be an option if you’re dealing with large amounts of oil. If you need to dispose of more than a cup, pour the oil into a container and reuse it next time you’re frying. Or you can save plastic jugs with screw tops to collect used cooking oil in and throw the entire container away when it’s full.

What If I Already Poured Grease Down the Drain?

Our plumbers recommend the most eco-friendly drain preventative there is! BioChoiceES® is the safe, natural alternative to caustic drain cleaning chemicals that helps prevent drain build-ups by degrading organic materials such as soap scum, fats, oils, and grease buildup.

Call Expert Drain Cleaners

If you’ve been pouring grease down your drain for years, then you might need professional help. This grease is likely holding on to debris that is clogging your pipes and requires professional cleaning. Call us to unclog your drains and clean your pipes. You can also request an estimate on our homepage. We are locally owned and operated company. Our plumbers understand that plumbing service is about not only your pipes but also your satisfaction. We won’t begin work until we give you a complete diagnosis and the best options to get it fixed, followed by an upfront flat rate price; that’s what we guarantee.…

In any construction project there are three main parties involved: the owner or client, the management team, and the contractor. The building contractor plans and coordinates construction activities, and must complete the project within the established time and budget. Contractors are responsible for the entire construction process, and must determine the best methods to finish the project as specified.

General Responsibilities of a Building Contractor

In general terms, a contractor is responsible for planning, leading, executing, supervising and inspecting a building construction project. The responsibility extends from the beginning to the end of the project, regardless of its scope.

Contractors accomplish their duties by planning activities, supervising workers, and ensuring the project follows local codes and laws. A contractor may hire subcontractors for specialized areas, such as electrical installations and HVAC systems.

Specific Roles and Duties of a Building Contractor

As mentioned before, a building contractor has multiple responsibilities, which may vary depending on the contract. There are many roles a contractor can assume during different stages of a project, and this section covers the most common ones.

Project Planning

Every project has a master schedule that describes all activities, along with their time distribution and planned budget. This schedule has a completion date that contractors must meet, and hefty penalties normally apply for missing the deadline. A late completion can only be justified if the project was delayed by external factors beyond the contractor’s control, such as extreme weather.

The first duty of a building contractor is creating a project plan to deliver it on time. Some responsibilities include:

• Planning all crucial project development and implementation details.
• Determining the construction equipment and material requirements, and planning their procurement.
• Predicting possible changes and creating risk mitigation strategies.
• Meeting any legal and regulatory issues.
• Establishing effective communication among all project participants.

The building contractor must establish a budget for the construction project, and follow it as closely as possible. The budget is a useful tool to track project costs, since contractors can detect waste by comparing their actual expenses with the planned budget.

Project Management

The contractor needs to complete the project on time, and this involves many construction management activities:

• Ensuring funds are available to keep the project moving
• Purchasing materials with enough anticipation for them to reach the site when needed
• Purchasing or renting the construction equipment required for the project
• Interviewing and hiring subcontractors to complete specialized work
• Creating progress reports to justify intermediate payments

Building contractors are also responsible for their personnel, making sure their staff has the right size and technical skills. Contractors also manage payroll for their own employees, and subcontractor payments.

Project Tracking

Project tracking is fundamental to complete the work according to contract specifications and schedules. In addition to tracking progress, contractors must prevent disruption. This involves several complementary activities:

• Quality control
• Using cost-effective construction methods
• Ensuring a constant supply of materials, and scheduling purchases well in advance
• Construction site safety

During the construction process, the building contractor is responsible for tracking progress and managing any necessary changes. Of course, contractors must always have the project scope, time and budget in mind when making decisions.

Legal and Regulatory Issues

Contractors have a handful of responsibilities in terms of legal and regulatory issues. They  must acquire all the necessary permits and licenses before starting the project, while covering any fees and taxes that apply. Also, the entire construction process must follow local legislation and building codes.

Being unaware of legal requirements is not a valid excuse in construction projects, which means that contractors must have updated knowledge. With the right construction permits and contractor licenses, the project can progress without disruption.

Health and Safety Issues

The contractor must guarantee health and safety in the construction site, by implementing adequate procedures and raising awareness among workers. The contractor is also responsible for the proper operation of equipment and preventing any accidents from misuse.

The contractor deals with any emergencies and unforeseen issues at the project site, and must report them to the client’s supervision staff.

Conclusion

Building contractors have many roles during the different stages of construction, and each role comes with different responsibilities. Contractors should be capable of managing uncertainty and taking decisions on a daily basis. The track record of a contractor is also very important, since those with ample experience can respond better to common issues in projects. Contact us for more information.…

There are two kinds of construction projects: those that run smoothly and those that don’t. A myriad of elements contribute to a smooth project, not the least of which is your relationship with the clients. A positive contractor/client relationship is one where communication remains consistent and organization and planning are a top priority.

In addition to making for a more fluid design and build process, your client relationships are also integral to your company’s brand. Positive relationships paired with a successful build-out yield invaluable word-of-mouth referrals, not to mention positive online and industry reviews, all of which add up to more jobs.

Successful contractor-client relationships have three things in common. If you review the most successful projects you’ve worked on, the ones in which you enjoyed the relationship and/or mutual respect of the client, you’ll see there were three factors that served as the foundation of the relationship.

CLEAR COMMUNICATION

Clear communication is a tenet of any relationship, be it personal or professional. In the case of construction projects, communication doesn’t start after the contract is signed. Rather, it begins from the very first time you meet with the clients to discuss the project so you have the ability to bid fairly and accurately, making sure you have a clear understanding of their expectations in regards to quality right from the start.

From there, relationship building involves at least one visit (typically several) to the job site to make sure everyone’s vision is united. Finally, unless the client has significant experience with construction, your team should be careful to use layperson’s terms, rather than construction jargon, so clients don’t have the sense that they are ignorant or feel too awkward or insecure to stop and ask you to explain or clarify things.

In order to streamline the client-contractor communication stream, it’s recommended that you:

• Choose one point of contact. The more points of contact there are, the easier it is for things to get lost in translation, or never translated at all. From the beginning, designate who the main points of contact will be – one for your construction firm and one of the client’s representatives. Having a primary decision maker on both sides streamlines the communication and, should there be a breakdown or mistake made, it will be easier to track the source to avoid “he said/she said” blame games.
• Select a primary mode of communication. Check in to see which mode of communication makes the most sense for the client. If the clients are older, odds are telephone conversations will be the preferred method whereas the younger generation typically prefers text or emails. If phone calls are the primary source, major decisions and/or changes should always be followed up with an email so there is a written record of the conversation/decision.
• Establish payment terms and conditions early on. Money and budgets; they are the sticking points and triggers for both you and the clients. Therefore, it’s essential that you clarify payment terms and conditions early on in the planning stages so nobody is caught unawares when invoices are sent out or if the budget needs to be adjusted with respect to economic fluctuations, change orders or other unexpected factors.
• Communicate via visuals. Visual communication is often as important, if not more important, than verbal communication when it comes to talking about a project’s scope and design. Many construction professionals forget how difficult it can be for non-industry professionals to read or makes sense of two-dimensional plans and elevations. Therefore, take advantage of 3-D construction technology so you can provide the client with a better representation of what you are talking about. The more clearly they can see what you are suggesting, the less confusion, disappointment and/or change orders there will be as the project progresses.

Open, clear and honest communication is the stepping stone for an organized project.

ORGANIZATION FROM START TO FINISH

Organization is essential to project fluidity. It begins by providing a detailed review of project’s scope and continues as you thoughtfully create your construction project timeline, schedule subcontractors, provide detailed project status updates and conduct a thorough review and analysis at project completion, so you can evaluate what went well and what – if anything – could have been done differently.

An organized relationship between a contractor and the client include:

A written, detailed description of the scope of the project. As much as  you can, provide a step-by-step process for the client to review. This helps them to understand behind-the-scenes complexities that aren’t always visible at the job site.

Provide regular status updates. Determine a regular schedule of project updates that makes sense based on the scope of the project. For smaller remodels and residential construction projects, daily and weekly status updates are a good idea. These updates serve as a way to communicate any unexpected delays or back-orders in a more immediate manner so pushed-back scheduling doesn’t catch clients unawares. Larger projects may require less frequent – but still regular – updates as you and the clients see fit.

Phase/Project wrap-up and reviews. Phase wrap-ups can be rather general unless there was something pressing that needs to be documented, such as a major delay or stoppage. At the end of the project, create a short to medium review that covers topics, like:

• Which elements of the project went well or exceeded expectations?
• What could have been communicated or executed more efficiently?
• Are there other approaches that could have been implemented to get things done faster, better or safer?

By creating this document with the client – even if they are worked on separately – you get to celebrate the project’s closure together, and you ensure clients feel included in the entire process.

ALLOW CLIENTS TO FEEL A PART OF YOUR TEAM

Ultimately, your clients should feel like they are a part of the process – and your team – even if they aren’t wearing a tool belt or operating the backhoe. Your efforts at providing clear communication channels, combined with sharing the project timeline and regular updates, are all steps that contribute to a feeling of collaboration and teamwork. The more connected the clients feel to your process, the more connected they will feel to your company, making it easier to weather any unanticipated storms together and with a modicum of conflict or tension.

It’s that feeling of, “we’re all in this together,” that fosters a sense of loyalty and respect from your clients. Those feelings will inspire them to refer your construction company to friends, leave heartfelt, encouraging online reviews and contribute positive, forward momentum to your company’s brand – all of which bring future contracts to your door.…

Consider these options for your next project.

Remember the feeling when you picked up your first iPhone? Taking off the plastic seal and feeling the sleek white box? By touching the box for the very first time you already felt the importance, quality & significance of this device. This is no coincidence! Apple meticulously strategized how they were going to package their product to align with their branding of providing top of the line product innovation & consumer experience!
It is clear that packaging plays a large role in the perceived value of a product and as a whole, the packaging industry really hasn’t changed too much in the past years, compared to the constant innovations made in portable technology. With all the packaging and box choices available in today’s market, it often becomes difficult to select the most appropriate packaging solution for your product. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of packaging options you can use to enhance your product & customer experience!

1. Paperboard boxes

Paperboard is a paper-based material that is lightweight, yet strong. It can be easily cut and manipulated to create custom shapes and structures. These characteristics make it ideal to be used in personalized packaging. It is made by turning fibrous materials that come from wood or from recycled waste paper into pulp, and then bleaching it. Paperboard packaging comes in various grades, each suitable for different packaging requirements.

SBS (or solid bleached sulfate) paperboard can be used for packing cosmetics, medicines, milk and juice, cosmetics, frozen food and more. Choosing kraft, or CUK (coated unbleached kraft) paperboard packaging are for those who prefer the natural and environmentally-friendly look of recycled paper, which can be used for similar packaging applications. Kraft is often seen to be less resistant to moisture, making it less suitable for food-related products, or frozen-goods packaging. With the right combination of design options, paperboard packaging can look high-end, without high-end pricing.

2. Corrugated boxes

Corrugated boxes simply refer to what is commonly known as: Cardboard. Corrugated boxes are the ones many probably consider as ‘cardboard’ as it produces the large shipping, shoe & storage boxes.  What a lot of people do not realize is that corrugated boxes also come in different types depending on the durability and strength of the box. Identifying a certain corrugated material, however, is easy. How do you determine the material? Through its corrugated medium (also known as fluting).  Identifying a corrugated material is easy. It consists of 3 layers of paper, an outside liner, an inside liner and a corrugated medium (also known as fluting). The corrugated medium that gives it strength and rigidity.

The main raw material that is used to construct the corrugated board is most recycled paper, made on large high-precision machinery known as corrugators. These type of boards can reused and recycled again and again as a source of pulp fiber. Corrugated boards are of different types, single faced, double faced (single wall), twin wall, and triple wall. They can be used to make packaging with different characteristics, performances, and strength. The board is cut and folded into different sizes and shapes to become corrugated packaging. Other applications of corrugated board packaging include retail packaging, pizza delivery boxes, small consumer goods packages, and so forth.

3. Plastic boxes

Plastic is used in a wide range of products, from spaceships to paper clips. A number of traditional materials, such as wood, leather, glass, ceramic, and so on, have already been replaced by plastic.

Plastic box packaging has many advantages in which they can be recycled, and generally they are much more durable than paperboard boxes. Airtight plastic packaging containers can help to preserve the quality of food and eliminate any contamination issues. Plastic packaging also does not break easily and can be stored with food under extreme conditions.

Another reason why plastic is a popular choice for packing material is because of its ability to showcase the product at any angle without necessarily opening the packaging. It is also flexible, lightweight and can be applied with films or coating to enhance packaging appearance.

Contrary to popular belief, plastic is in fact recyclable, in the sense that it takes less energy to produce new plastic, compared to glass, and other materials. Best of all, it is very cost effective!

4. Rigid boxes

I’m sure you’ve always wondered the type of box they used to package iPhones or those luxury retail products such as Rolex, Tiffany & Co and Marc Jacobs. You have a sense that it’s a type of cardboard but still wasn’t sure because of its durable and premium appearance. This type of cardboard material is called a rigid box.

A rigid box is made out of highly condensed paperboard that is 4 times thicker than the paperboard used in the construction of a standard folding carton. The easiest real-world example of rigid boxes are the boxes that hold Apple’s iPhones and iPads, which are 2 piece setup rigid boxes.

Compared to paperboard and corrugated boxes, rigid boxes are definitely among the most expensive box styles. The rigid boxes usually do not require dies that are expensive or massive machinery and are often hand-made. Their non-collapsible nature also gives them a higher volume during shipping, which easily incurs higher shipping fees.

These boxes are commonly used in merchandising cosmetics, jewelry, technology, and high-end luxury couture. It is easy to incorporate features such as platforms, windows, lids, hinges, compartments, domes, and embossing in a rigid box.

5. Chipboard packaging

Chipboard packaging is used in industries such as electronic, medical, food, cosmetic, and beverage. A chipboard basically is a type of paperboard that is made out of reclaimed paper stock. It can be easily cut, folded, and formed. It is a cost-effective packing option for your products.

It comes in various densities and strength is determined by how high the density of the material is. If you want images to be directly printed onto the chipboard, you can treat the chipboard with bleach sulfate, and with CCNB (Clay Coated News Back) which makes the material even more durable.

You cannot use chipboard packaging if your business deals with heavy items, since the chipboard sheet is a lightweight material, made for many grocery items such as cereal, crackers, tissue boxes, and so forth. Also, if the storage environment is heavy with moisture, chipboard can easily weaken, and result in discoloration and expansion.

6. Poly bags

A poly bag, also known as a pouch or a plastic bag, is manufactured out of flexible, thin, plastic film fabric. It is one of the common types of packaging and can carry a wide range of products including food items, flowers, waste, chemicals, magazines, and so on.

Poly bags are durable yet lightweight, reusable and flexible. Since poly bags are structurally simple to make, it can be fully customized in design, style & sizes but still remain cost-effective. Plastic recycling is also possible with poly bags, depending on the construction. Most of the poly bags are made with security features, tape attachments, hanging holes, and carrying handles to make sure the products are well secured and visually appealing to the customer.

7. Foil sealed bags

Foil sealed bags can be seen typically in most coffee and tea packaging. Why? It keeps the products dense to maintain the flavor, protects it from bacteria coming in and helps increase shelf life. Apart from food, foil sealed bags are also used to package bedding and clothing products. The process involves removing the oxygen from the bag to keep the fabric tight and secure in order to prevent the growth of fungi and other bacteria. Nuts, cereals, smoked fish, cheese and cured meats are also packaged with foil sealed bags to prevent from spoilage.

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