by Damien Therrio | Apr 24, 2018 | Uncategorized
Home renovation can be a long, complicated process, especially if you’re redoing your entire house at one time. Even so, there are several excellent ways to streamline the process and ensure it all goes well and is completed on time. Here are three of the best ways to make your next big renovation project go as smoothly as possible.
Plan Your Project Fully Before Beginning
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when undertaking a major home project is to start in before a comprehensive plan is in place. Often, renovations require more changes than you first expect. For example, installing a hot tub on its own, sounds like a fairly simple project. However, you also need to take into account the effect that installing new plumbing or electrical supplies may have on the rest of your home. Be sure to plan out everything comprehensively so you don’t have to improvise or make last-minute changes in the middle of the project.
Read Reviews and Know What You Want
Before you buy parts, materials, or labor for a project, you should have a very concrete idea of exactly what you want. The best way to make this decision is to read online reviews of different parts and materials. This will help you develop an understanding of the pros and cons of different options, so you can make informed decisions about what to buy when the time comes. Be sure to get recommendations and reviews on different contractors as well.
Block Out Time for the Project
Nothing is as frustrating as trying to complete a major home or apartment project around the rest of your schedule. If at all possible, try to take time off from work and other obligations so you can complete the project in good time, without having to balance it with other activities. This step is somewhat less important if you’re having a contractor do the bulk of the work, but some time off may still be necessary, so you can adequately plan the project out with your contractor and make whatever other arrangements need to be made to facilitate it.
By sticking to these simple tips, you can ensure your next home renovation project comes off smoothly and quickly. As with many other things, the key to a successful renovation is proper planning. If you go into it with a fully-formed plan that covers all necessary steps, you’ll find the renovation to be fairly easy.
by Damien Therrio | Apr 24, 2018 | Real Estate Development
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization of architects based out of Washington D.C. and has over 90,000 members. It is one of the most influential architect organizations in the world and has ramifications on how construction and architecture are performed especially in the United States. Moreover, it is the industry-standard process for commercial construction invoicing, making it a very important aspect of real-estate and construction. Once this organization is joined, there are a host of rules that must be followed so that a high standard of quality is delivered.
What Real Estate Developers and Construction Companies Need to Know
According to Contract ERP, “AIA billing (sometimes called the percentage-of-completion method or progress billing) first became prominent in 1888 with the publication of the Uniform Contract.” The AIA was essentially founded to raise the bar in terms of architectural quality and promote a more precise nature for construction as a whole. Professionalism is the cornerstone of the ideals of the AIA and members are expected to export certain qualities and exude professionalism in order to please clients. This has built the image that the AIA produces some of the best architecture work in the world.
The AIA has five tiers of membership that directly relate to licensing privileges. These different licenses alter how much work an architect is allowed to do autonomously. A full-fledged member is allowed to practice anywhere in the United States while an associate member is not technically licensed, but is permitted to work under a licensed architect for the time being. Other variables that determine membership status: the amount of time spent in the organization, if the individual is physically capable of working or if they are licensed in another country. They also have more missions than simply raising professional standards. The AIA also aims to educate people on what good architecture should look like and try to spark public interest.
Conclusion
Overall, the AIA is a massive organization that any contractor or real-estate manager is going to have to be familiar with. The AIA influences everything from architecture licenses to governmental policy on rules and regulations in the construction world. Everything from the strict rules that members must follow the different types of memberships is important to know. Being well-versed in this pertinent organization can help anybody navigate the difficult world of real-estate and construction and enhance their prospects in those fields.
by Damien Therrio | Oct 27, 2017 | editorial
It’s important to keep your tools in pristine condition to help them last a long time. Follow our top five tips below on how to keep your tools in tip-top shape, from cleaning them every day to storing them in the right conditions.
Clean Tools With Every Use
Although cleaning off your tools may seem like a laborious task that no one wants to do, it’s vital to keeping your tools in good condition. You’ll be thanking yourself after a few minutes of cleaning that you don’t have to deal with the dirt and grime the next time you want to use your tools.
Check for Damaged Handles
When placing your tools back in storage, check for cracked, loose, or even splintered handles. If you notice that the wooden handle is damaged, it may break the next time you use it, which means you should get it repaired or replaced. However, if it’s not too badly damaged, you should just sand it down to avoid any mishaps. Once it’s sanded, coat it with linseed oil to offer it better protection for your next job.
Repair or Replace Power Tools that Don’t Turn on Easily
If you notice that a particular electrical tool does not turn on right away, do not use it. Inspect the tool to determine whether it will need to be repaired or replaced. If you decide that a tool needs to be repaired but you are not sure how to do it, contact a professional.
Use Proper Storage
When it comes to storing your tools, you must work with the space you have. If you have a lot of space, pegboards are great for storing tools efficiently. Plus, you can easily see what tools you have and where they are. Toolboxes are also fantastic storage systems. They offer portability and you can be sure that with the right case, your equipment will always be protected. You can also make use of shelves, drawers, and whatever other storage systems are available to you.
Store Them in a Dry Place
Moist environments can cause your tools to corrode and rust. Unfortunately, most people store their tools in basements, garages, or other enclosed rooms that have humidity issues. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier if you store your tools in one of these places.
With these five tips, you can ensure that all of your tools will remain clean and functional for many years to come. Make sure you clean them off, make necessary repairs, and store them properly. Only then can you keep them in tip-top condition.
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