10 Ideas for a Healthy Office Refurbishment

Offices are so much more than a working desk and loads of paper. With work cultures changing, modern brands/businesses are looking to create an environment that boosts the morale of the employees to get the work done. As opposed to management tactics and strict work ethics, a good office environment has been seen to impact positively on the productivity of a workplace. 

Things like good lighting, proper ventilation, workspace layout, storage, ergonomic furnishing, the paint on the wall, etc can be of substantial impact. However, according to a recent survey, more than 90% of global employees are dissatisfied with the office space they work in. The complaints range from lack of privacy to a dull environment.

If you have been facing these complaints, it is advisable to go for an immediate office refurbishing. The characteristics of the physical environment have always had its impact on a worker’s well being, behavior and thus their productivity. Given your budget, a lot can be planned. To make your day easier, here are some ideas for a healthy office refurbishment.

1. Start by creating a list of requirement and it would be worthwhile to interact and consult with your staff in the process. Only they know what’s wrong with the current design and what alternatives could be better.

2. Keeping the buildings physical limitations in mind (including floor space) you can work with an interior designer to chalk out the best possible solution.

3. Office refurbishment is a good opportunity to highlight the personality of the brand itself. There are many ways to relate the positivity of your brand with that of the office space. Overall, your employees should feel special to be working for your brand.

4. Another important consideration is the budget. It helps to prioritize refurbishment checklist to understand what could be done and what couldn’t be touched.

5. When you hire office refurbishment services, ensure that they have the insurance to cover damages. This would also be a good time to review your own insurance policies.

6. If you are a busy office, the refurbishment needs to go step by step. It is important that the normal day is least interrupted and that work continues as usual. Weekends are a solution. Further, you can also shift around desks for some days to complete the refurbishment of the main spaces.

7. Ensure that the person responsible for overseeing the refurbishment has enough years of experience behind him/her. The professional might also help you with more suitable alternatives and budget cuts.

8. This will also be an opportunity to think about the years ahead and the growth of your business/brand. An office refurbishment process can be a way to accommodate a growing number of desks.

9. Technology will be a key to redefining office spaces and making it less clustered and boring. Wi-Fi for instance can free up spaces that were previously used by dedicated desks.

10. Bring in fun and color into the office. All work and no play will actually make your employees a dull professional. The aesthetics of a room can actually foster a lot of creativity, logical thinking and ability to work. Small things like the color on the wall, the lighting, the color of the curtains, the shape of the desks, plant pots, etc can make a difference.

When it comes to a dynamic and highly productive office space, Google has always stood as a good example. For its employees, the office space has been one of the top reasons to join the company and commit a long term service! Make the environment look and feel happy.

7 Benefits of Structural Steel Frame Construction

Structural steel isn’t just for skyscrapers. Sustainability, durability and affordability are some of the key reasons which make steel an attractive building option from start to finish. Steel is a versatile option which can be used in almost every phase of construction process. Here are some of the advantaged which make structural steel such a dependable choice.

1. Steel is lighter than wood

This may sound surprising but it is true. A steel beam weighs less than wooden beams. Lighter-weight advantage can reduce the shipping costs, labor charges and overall project budget.

2. You can build faster with steel

In this high-tech era, clients want their projects to come in under budget and ahead of schedule. With the addition of steel in construction projects, total construction time can be dramatically reduced. Steel parts are pre-engineered in specific designs in manufacturing plants and this makes the whole process faster.

3. Steel is Durable and can be recycled 

No need to worry about landfill tax for non-recyclable items because if you are adding steel in your construction project, it can be recycled. Steel requires less maintenance so it is an economical choice. Steel structures can withstand heavy winds, fire and heavy snow loads.

4. Steel is incredibly versatile 

Structural steel can be molded into any shape that’s why it is the most preferred option for residential construction market.

5. Steel and wood hybridization 

Steel is no doubt one of the most reliable options for construction but still homeowners don’t want to move away from wood completely. This is the part where hybridization comes into play. Construction companies offer hybrid steel/wood building which is durable, cost effective and sustainable.

6. Steel is environment friendly 

According to data from Steel Recycling Institute, 80 million tons of steel are recycled each year.

7. Steel buildings are energy efficient 

This is another reason why steel is such an attractive option. When combined with other design enhancements, steel buildings are incredibly energy efficient.

If you are looking for Construction Company which can complete your architectural steelwork projects ahead of schedule, feel free to contact us.

Spray Painting Tips from the Pros

Spray paint is one of the easiest ways to add a touch of colour to your project. It’s available in perhaps any colour you want and can be purchased online or in store. 

Using spray paint seems like an easy process but you should consider few things if you want better results. Here are some tips and tricks you can follow:

1. Read the instructions carefully

Instructions are important. You should take a minute to read them. Do you know how long to shake the can before spraying? Or how far to hold the spray can from the object? Don’t forget to read the instructions.

2. Sweep, don’t point

A spray can isn’t a camera so don’t point and shoot. Sweep the can horizontally and vertically past the object as you spray to get an even coat of paint. You can also get in touch with On site spray painting experts for better results.

3. Use a large dropcloth

You should use large plastic or cloth dropcloth instead of taping together newspapers that might fall apart as you paint.

4. Use a handle

You should use an aftermarket spray can handle for better results.

5. Do a pattern test

You should spray a test shot onto a piece of plywood to see the spray pattern. Depending on the spray pattern you can change your technique.

6. Stay Safe

Ensure the work area has proper ventilation.

7. Prepare the surface 

Most materials must be cleaned, sanded and dried before spray painting application for better results. You should apply a primer for a smoother surface.

8. Allow the project to dry

Different finishes require specific drying times. Wait for the recommended time before moving the object.

10 Essential Winter Maintenance Tips for Commercial Buildings

Winters are approaching and you all must be thinking how to keep your commercial buildings warm and safe from the rough weather outside. Strong chilling winds, snowfall, and heavy rains can take a serious toll on your office building and its architecture. If you take proper care, then this damage to the buildings can be prevented to a great extent. 

Let us go through this article to know those 10 excellent tips that can help you keep the commercial buildings safe and secure. Let’s get started.

1. Check the heating systems

In cold weather season, maintaining the heating systems should be top most priority for you. Therefore we suggest that you should look for the working of the heating systems such as the boilers, etc. Furnaces and rooftops should also be checked from time to time. This forms a part of the building refurbishment.

2. Look for the cooling systems

The cooling systems such as the refrigerators and air conditioners should be checked as the winter sets in. These appliances will not be used in the winter season and therefore you should unplug these devices and clean them up.

3. Calibrate the thermostats

Calibrating the thermostats will allow the devices to function efficiently. Following this practice can also help you lower the value of the utility bills to a great extent. Just do this and enjoy the winters. Calibrating is an important procedure in building refurbishment.

4. Replace the air filters

Start of the winters indicates that it is the time to replace the air filters. Also, it will be good for the energy consumption as the dirty air filters will consume more energy.

5. Check the doors and windows

Crevices in the doors and the windows can be a reason for the warm air going out of the rooms and the cold air creeping in. If you want to avoid this then check for the leaks in the doors and the windows.

6. Clean the gutters

You should see that the building refurbishment teams looks towards the cleaning of the gutters. In winters water can freeze and cause clogging of the gutters in the buildings.

7. Entrance mats should be of good quality

Feet carry most of the dust in the buildings. You should ensure that you use good quality entrance mats so that 80 percent of the dust is trapped in the entrance mats.

8. Inspect the drains and the irrigation systems

These water systems are more prone to the blockage in the winters. You should make sure that they are cleaned regularly.

9. Repair any cracks in the sidewalks

The holes in the sidewalks can deepen into sever potholes if not repaired on time by the building refurbishment team. Also, ensure that you use premium quality construction material.

10. Be prepared for the power outages

Winters are harsh and can lead to extended power failures. You should always maintain a power backup in case of any emergency or else power loss can lead to work loss too.

Common Reasons for Blocked Drain and How to Avoid Them

We all experience blocked drains in our homes. Nothing can be as inconvenient as that of blocked drains and the inability to use the plumbing system of your homes in a perfect manner. Properly running water is all what we need to sustain the plumbing system of the house. 

Wouldn’t you imagine that the water starts flowing smoothly as soon as you turn on the tap. Pipe onsite repairs can be quite troublesome and therefore it is always advised to keep the taps and drains in a good condition so that you do not need to call the plumbers in any emergency.

We’ll tell you some common reasons that can cause blocked drains and you should try to keep the drains clean so that you won’t have to spend much on the cladding repairs. Let’s get started.

1. Growth of vegetation

Drains and pipes are more susceptible to vegetation growth due to the growth of various kinds of microorganisms. You might not realize but this unwanted vegetative growth in the pipes and drains can cause huge damage to the pipes and it could be quite expensive for you to maintain and undertake repairs. Once built and installed, we do not pay much attention to the pipes and this growth and its residues keeps on accumulating. 

Even the roots of the trees and the plants can creep into the drains and cause breakage or leakage. The drains can also bend and get blocked worsening the situation all the more. The damage caused by the vegetation growth can be undone by expensive methods such as the se of machinery for digging, and rebuilding.

2. Blocking by the foreign objects

If you observe that the sink or the tub in your home was working fine a few days back and has suddenly stopped working, then there might be chances of a foreign object blocking the drain. The object can get stuck in the drain due to various reasons, common one being that there is no filter over the mouth of the drain in the sink or the tub. 

It might happen that the stuck object does not block the pipe at once, but with time it will boost the accumulation of dirt and other foreign particles and hence increasing the blockage.

3. Grease

Grease and oils are the major causes of clogging in the drains connecting the kitchen sinks. The oils can flow down the drain and then solidify over time. As the oils solidify, they attract more of waste around them and form hard clogs which are very difficult to remove.

4. Hair

Hair is the main cause of blockage in the bathroom drain. The hair strands form a kind of mesh which traps other articles and debris, thus forming a bigger blockage in the drain.

5. Non-flushables

Many times we unknowingly throw cotton and plastic in the drain. These materials tend to form clogs over a period of time and block the drains.

 

Important factors on building repair

Buildings are being constructed at exponential rates globally both for residential as well as commercial and industrial purposes. However, just constructing the buildings is not enough. It is important that these are maintained well and building repairs are done from time to time so that the beauty of the structure remains the same even after long period of time. Apart from such buildings, there are many structures which are in dilapidated state and need immediate repair and maintenance. Not repairing these on time might lead to accidents, which is not desirable.

Repairing of curtain walls and rainscreen panel

The rainscreen panel and the curtain walls in a building will need regular maintenance and repair from time to time. This is important so that these remain in the perfect condition. Since curtain walls are made of glass completely, they need to be kept clean from interiors and exteriors. Apart from this, curtain wall repairs are needed when there are cracks on the surface of the glass. Instances have also been seen where the curtain glass has broken and fallen. This need to be replaced immediately and such repair works are done on emergency basis.

Like curtain walls, rainscreen panels also develop damages over a period of time. And for this proper rainscreen panel repair is needed. Without the repair, the walls of the structure might get damaged due to rain water. Sometimes, the panels might be needed to be changed if they have broken or are beyond repair. Since these repair works are quite intricate ones and need expertise, it is always recommended to get a professional to work for these repair works. There are many professional contractors who take up such works and get them done for residential and commercial buildings.

Coloring and painting surfaces

Paints and colors from surfaces of buildings and structures tend to get discolored and chapped. There are many metallic surfaces which are painted, but with passage of time, the paint comes off due to many factors. With technological and scientific advancements, paint spraying is the new technique applied for surface painting. With this kind of painting, the paint gets applied smoothly on the surface and wastage is also minimized. The finishing is also perfect with this kind of painting. Sometimes building respray is also needed in places where the damage is much more. With respraying, the painted surface becomes more protected and looks good.

Choosing the right contractor for building refurbishment, repair and painting work

Whether you are looking for contractors for residential or commercial repairs and maintenance in Essex, you will find abundant resources in the city. Among all, ARS Limited needs special mention. Whatever is the kind of building refurbishment or repair work you are looking, the company offers services of all kinds. Right from cladding repair spraying to pvf2, from paint spraying to repairs in curtain walls, from stain removal to anodized repairs – the company handles everything.

There are professionals working in the company, who are experts in the works that they do. Along with providing high quality contracting services to customers and clients, the company ensures guarantee for the work done. The team also keeps health and safety in mind while working. Most importantly, the services are provided at extremely affordable rates. Call the company or email them to request a quote for the works that need to be done. 

Tips & Tricks for Successful Building Refurbishments

Carrying out refurbishment or restoration works in a building is an arduous task. The problem is more when there are budget constraints for the work. In most places, people outsource this work to an agency, which excels in refurbishment and restoration works. Usually the agencies have professionals working in the team and they have thorough knowledge on the tips and tricks of the work so that the best results are obtained from the same. It is quite interesting to see that the refurbishment work starts from very basic things and when these are changed, the whole building takes a new look and appearance altogether.

Building glass repair – important part of building refurbishment

You might have noticed that some glasses in the building are broken. There might be many reasons for glass breakage. And these broken glasses hamper the look and appearance of the building drastically. Therefore the first job that needs to be done for the refurbishment is repairing the glass. It is best when the whole glass is replaced with a new one. Understand the kind of glass that is used in the building and replace with same quality item so that it does not look different. If you cannot understand the glass variety contact the contractor who installed the glasses in the building in the first place – he can help you in this. 

Cleaning of the glasses

Just repairing broken glasses is not enough for building refurbishment. It is also important that all the glasses in the building are cleaned thoroughly. Glass spraying is one of the most effective ways of cleaning glasses and making them shine. Clean glasses definitely enhance the beauty of any building manifold times. 

Removing scratches from glasses

Scratched glasses provide a very bad impact on outsiders. Therefore make sure that scratch removal from glasses is an integral part of building refurbishment. Professionals have advanced glass scratch removal system with which smallest of the scratches and spots are removed from the glass surfaces. In many building scratch free glasses are also installed, but they are quite expensive.

Wall repairs – giving the building a new look

Damaged and discolored walls are definitely repulsive. When you are refurbishing your building, make sure that you check the walls of the building and get them repaired if needed. Curtain walls are highly susceptible to damage and hence curtain wall repair is the most common need in any building. Since these walls are concealed with curtains, it is difficult to notice the damage from outside always. but while restoration work, every corner of the building should be checked so that no part remains untouched and uncovered.

Contacting a professional company for the building refurbishment work 

As mentioned above, professionals handle the job of building refurbishment with immaculate precision. There are many such companies and you must choose the right one for your needs. Talk to different companies and understand their reactions and take their quotations. After your research and survey is over, shortlist the companies that you find good for the job and which fit in within your permissible budget. Talk with the designers and professionals and finalize the deal with the company you find most suitable. Do some homework on building refurbishment on your own so that you can understand the works that are being done and check the works properly.