Posts Tagged ‘Building’

Building Home Construction

Article by Johnny Townsend

You want your excavator to clear an area with a minimum of ten to fifteen foot across the construction area. This program trucks to get in and out and dropping material off. After the hole is dug the building blocks contractor comes in and formulate the footings. After the cement footing are framed and poured the basement walls will most likely be set and poured morning. So to dig your foundation and have your poured walls ready for framing may be three days. Observe that some custom home builders will begin building the bottom of the house before it’s backfilled. If you wait to develop till the basement is backfilled you could possibly wait an entirely week ahead of the concrete basement is cure up enough to backfill. Or perhaps you risk the danger of the basement wall bowing during the backfill operation.At this stage your house builder will notify their subcontractors how the basement is and to consider scheduling their rough in work yearly week. Almost certainly they are contractors he’s worked with in the past and knows they actually do a good job and will also be done promptly to meet your construction schedule. On many new homes building a floor “hard deck” and framing the exterior and interior walls usually take approximately three to four days tops. Most contractors will ordered the trusses off your house plans the day they set the footings in order that they would be built and delivered through the truss company once the walls are completed. Once you build a house you want to have all the fabric you can ordered and able to install because your main objective is to buy the new home framed up and dried in as fast as possible. So from your day I build the bottom I want to have the roof on and shingled within a week and the doors, windows and siding installed the subsequent week with my subcontractors concluding their rough in preparations. That will be the septic system, well, heating, electrical and plumbing all roughed in at this time.After all my rough in passes inspection I’m ready to have the insulation installed and get ready for drywall. Drywall contractors usually take in regards to a week to ten days of all custom homes when the sheet rock is hung over the primer and paint finish. In the event the paint dry’s the house builder goes in and install cabinets, interior doors, and do a lot of the trim work. As the trim tasks are being done the subcontractors will finish up their work to experience a final inspection of it. At this point all there’s left to accomplish on the inside is floor installation and take care of up the tiny amount of trim work. On the outside the finish cement work will be completed like the sidewalks and the driveway. And then the excavator will squeeze finish grade in the top soil. As soon as the final inspection and also you receive an occupancy permit you will be able to move around in.Children enjoy playing with toy blocks back in the day. They lay down the base plane make different bricks on the top until they form a house. They position little toy people acting like dealers and buyers canvassing newly-built homes, then adorn the houses with matchbox cars and trucks.

Search our directory that has reached over half a million building contractors, building home construction, in the US!building home construction, homes builders, homes builders










Builders’ cleaning Melbourne and how it can help you about Home Construction and Building

Article by Johnathon Black

Every home goes through construction and building. Whether it is for the creation of the structure itself or an addition to the current structure it is always a tedious process. It is also a process that creates a great amount of waste and waste materials.In the worlds of construction you would often find that it is messy but when the buyer comes it is always left pristine and immaculate for their eyes. If you are wondering why is it that the house you are buying is spotless when the workers just left a few hours earlier, because it is with aid of your helpful neighborhood builders cleaning firms?Builders cleaning services do not necessarily mean that the builders themselves are the ones making the actual cleaning. In fact, it is far from it. In most cases the developer who is looking to sell the property hires a separate firm to handle the cleaning.There are also some other ways people can achieve that clean look but there are certain advantages to hiring a company to do the cleaning for you.For one thing, it is more economical to hire a specialist to do the cleaning because they have a cheaper hourly rate and can complete the cleaning task much quicker than people would not experience in cleaning would normally take.Furthermore, they are specialists in cleaning, so they know and understand what it takes to get the place appealing to potential buyers. You always want to make sure you make a good impression with your prospects and a dirty house will just not do.In addition to having experts cleaning the home, you also have the benefit of having insurance. When cleaning you do not expect to encounter many problems that would actually damage the finished home but when things like these do happen you need to ensure you are protected. Fortunately, most cleaning companies are insured so that anything happens you know the property is safe.Insurance will replace and repair any damage that the cleaner does. If you had your workers do the cleaning, more often than not, these damages will not be covered by your building company’s insurance and as such any repairs will be out of your pocket.The beauty of a home would be lost if it was not presented the right way. It is a matter of making the prospective buyer see the home as their home and imagine their own family living in it. This is one of the main reasons why you should consider hiring that cleaning company to do your builders cleaning tasks.

To read more about Builders cleaning Melbourne these are the tricks and tips visit the Builders cleaning Melbourne blog at www.spcservices.com.au










Home Music Studio Building/Construction Tips

www.creativeguitarstudio.com Andrew Wasson of Creative Guitar Studio answers a viewers question… Q: I was wondering if you could shoot a quick video and discuss your studio, especially how you have done the; ventilation, soundproofing, security, and especially air conditioning. I am in the process of making a studio here in California and I feel like I can’t get a straight answer from any of the carpenters I’ve hired in regard to these areas. It seems like the carpenters all have their own opinions and some of their ideas seem pretty bad to me. Any information you could share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Chaz – Canoga Park, California A: Thanks for writing in Chaz. Right away when I read your email I immediately sympathized with you and I went back in my mind to the days when I was building my studio and I was going through all of the issues you’re probably facing right now. Many of the concerns I faced were also in the same areas that you are concerned with as well. Andrew’s Official Q & A Guitar Blog Website: www.andrewwasson.com Andrew’s “Video GuitarBlog” YouTube Channel www.youtube.com The Creative Guitar Studio Website: www.creativeguitarstudio.com Follow Andrew on Blogspot: creativeguitarstudio.blogspot.com Follow on Twitter for new lesson announcements: twitter.com MySpace: www.myspace.com Facebook: www.facebook.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Aug. 19 Shanghai Building Material Market diary (what confidence?) – Prices of construction material

Article by hi joiney

8 19, showers cloudy. Yesterday’s Shanghai is, although no high-temperature alarm sounded, but the hot air being very clear, but at night the thunderstorms also washed away by recent high temperatures can not continue. Today, Shanghai has a shower, wake-up call the morning, more wet construction steel market participants Shanghai mood. The difference is that the rain come and gone, the market was weak and difficult to return. Opened, the West of the works offer two, three smooth steel index, the standard price no adjustment; wire offer of 30 yuan / ton down. Mainstream offer stable and lower than the bottom of the transaction price Yindie. Monday’s turnover of may be too disappointing, dealers wait and see the patient disappeared, morning, and yesterday held steady most of the leading businessmen of different, more large selection of cut listing prices, especially several market sales of the main channel of large, offer a sharp downward revision to increase, leading to occupy the majority of shares in Shanghai construction steel prices fell across the board resources. Spot market, according to feedback, offer all varieties after the market opened a bit confusing, with two Rebar For example, free products because of low inventories, prices little changed ,16-25mm between the mainstream price of dollars in 5080-5180, but new and Changzhou, Wuhu Zhongtian resources continue to decline, some specifications offer close to 5020 yuan, Shanghai Bao part of the specification is below the 5,000 mark, closing at 4,980 yuan; 28-32mm is about 5350 yuan more than in the ship. 3 Steel 16-25mm high come down significantly, the leading multi-brand sales in 5100-5150 dollars, however, relatively strong early in the 28-32mm rebar sales, some manufacturers resource price Powei 5350 yuan, and two steel prices are almost no difference. Wire extended yesterday’s decline, General Line Price of 5150 yuan traded up and down, while High Line Powei 5300 yuan, the small number of 5,200 yuan mark once again near the brand. Prices dropped across the board yesterday, except for the overall demand for light, but also support market confidence due to the purchase cost significantly loosened. Following yesterday’s leading steel mills in Shandong lower prices ran off after the early morning today, a leading steel plant in Jiangsu unexpectedly reduced prices, including wire and plate, screw were significantly down regulated, respectively, 200 yuan and 300 yuan / ton. According to industry sources, the practice, the plant more closely sand steel price changes, should be acquired put forth, round steel price adjustment in the sand before the rush, is there meaningful. Price adjustment in the plant after the market hit another bad?? Are rumors that construction steel manufacturers benchmark East Sha Steel next month agreement will increase substantially. Just two days into this week, first, Shandong Steel markdowns, lower prices after the steel mill in Jiangsu increments are really a leaky house, with rain every side, and so the message to the rumors of a steel plant in exports next month, adding more credibility, let the market is more confused on the loss. Confused under the merchant shipping cash as the first choice, however, when more and more dealers choose the same operation, how the market is not chaos? Demand come from? It is reported throughout the morning, few market transactions, the volume is low to the site, users do not buy or buy up the majority of companies compete to cut prices shipping not ideal. Information surface, the Shanghai Bureau of Statistics data released yesterday, 1? In July, the Shanghai investment in fixed assets 239.472 billion yuan, up 4.6% over last year. Among them, the real estate investment 77.039 billion yuan, up 7.6%; urban infrastructure investment in key projects in the momentum driven by strong investment 81.014 billion yuan, up 13.1% over last year. Two conclusions can be drawn from the data: first, if allowing for inflation, fixed-asset investment in Shanghai negative growth. Second: urban infrastructure investment and the growth rate remains above the real estate investment. Data also tells us that the status and needs of flat demand for the pattern of differentiation will exist in a given period. Afternoon, the large intraday price not adjusted, but the market price on the three threaded steel Powei 5100 yuan individual specifications, wire continue to fall?? Rumors general line of 5,100 yuan, 5,180 yuan higher the price line has been closing. Shanghai’s construction steel market today, in the weak behind, let the people see the loss of market confidence.

We are high quality suppliers, our products such as car unlocking tools Manufacturer , China car door unlock for oversee buyer. To know more, please visits lock picking tool.










Overview on building and construction material

Article by Agarwalstonemart

Wood flooring, hard flooring, seamless chemical flooring, ceramic tile, stone, terrazzo, various seamless chemical floor coatings and many more are the types of floorings which are available in the market and are high in demand. Spider Glass Fitting has a better ability of anti-rust and anti- corrosion. These days, numerous designs and shapes of Spider are available in the market at reasonable cost.

is an innovative permanent covering of finish material on the floor to give an elegant look to the home. is a collection of unique designs and patterns of flooring which offer smooth touch to the floor with elegant designs. Kota Flooring is a high quality finish material which is applied over the floor to provide a soft and smooth walking surface. In the market, several kinds of floorings are available which vary upon the customer’s choice and budget. Kota stone is mostly used as a finish material in the Kota Flooring. Cost, endurance, noise insulation, comfort and cleaning effort are some important factors which decide the choice of the material for flooring. Soft covering is one of the most demanding flooring patterns which cover the whole floor by the innovative designer carpets. Soft covering flooring offers reasonable flooring which attached to the floor structure and expands it to the wall. These flooring cannot be moved from one place to another. Wood flooring, hard flooring, seamless chemical flooring, ceramic tile, stone, terrazzo, various seamless chemical floor coatings and many more are some types of Kota Flooring which are used as per the combination of the wall texture and impression.

is one of the most common and attractive which are adopted by most of the construction companies. are designed by using high quality material and are offered in various specifications. Spider Glass Fittings offer numerous features which include elegance, low on maintenance, perfect finish and superior performance. There are various construction companies which offer these glass fittings at a competitive price and can also be modified as per the customer’s requirement.is mostly applied in the offices and workplace buildings to offer an outlook of elegance and grace. Spider Glass Fitting is classified into various patterns which involves 1 way , 2 way glass fitting, 3 way and 4 way glass fitting patterns. Spider Glass Fitting is made up of high quality stainless steel iron which gives silver shinny look when applied on the glasses. Spider Glass Fitting has a better ability of anti-rust and anti- corrosion. Designer floorings provide a unique look to the whole interior of the home. Several patterns and innovative designs are available in the market, which can completely change the look of the house. These days, numerous designs and shapes of anti-corrosion Spider Glass Fittings are available in the market at reasonable cost. Designer floorings provide a unique look to the whole interior of the home. Several patterns and innovative designs are available in the market, which can completely change the look of the house. These days, numerous designs and shapes of anti-corrosion are available in the market at reasonable cost. <a target=”_new” rel=”nofollow” http://www.indiamart.com/agarwalstonemart/

Designer floorings provide a unique look to the whole interior of the home. Several patterns and innovative designs are available in the market, which can completely change the look of the house. These days, numerous designs and shapes of anti-corrosion Spider Glass Fittings are available in the market at reasonable cost.










Find More Construction Materials Articles

Construction Materials for Shed Building

Article by Ryan Pete

If you would like to build a shed, you need to make sure that you have all the materials in hand. If you have started to build the shed and then you find out that some of the materials that are required are missing, then it will take a long time for you to complete the shed project. Plan early as possible to save time.

Safety during construction should be your priority. It is very important that you buy the safety equipments before you actually start the construction. Some of the equipment that are mostly needed would include glasses to protect the eyes from any dust and splinters. Similarly, you need to have gloves to protect the hand from heat and also sharp injuries. A mask would also prevent dust from entering your nose. Being focused is most important to prevent any kind of injuries.

Other than purchasing safety equipment, you have to buy the materials that are actually needed in the construction process. It depends on the type of shed you are building. If you are planning on a concrete floor, you may need cement and other things, but if it is going to be a wooden shed, then you need wood for the floor, the walls and also the roof. Ready-made wood can be bought from the shops that are of various lengths. The wood should be pressure treated as it will prevent insects and water from damaging the wood.

There are also other tools like saw, yardstick, tape to measure lengths and glue that are also required. Common materials like hammer, nails and screws should be bought if you do not have them already. The door can be made by you, but you can also buy one. The same holds good for the windows too as buying them will save your time.

The foundation can be made from wood, cement or even concrete. The material used will depend on the strength that you want in your shed. Though you can use plywood for the roof, you also need to cover the roof with tar paper and roof nails so that the roof is firmly in place.

The shed usually has walls made from plywood. The plywood can be hidden by tar paper. This can further be made to look beautiful by using sidings on the walls. Painting the walls will make it look better and add to the value.

Want to learn more about shed design software ? Visit my website at http://www.easyshedplan.com for planning, construction, & renovating Shed.

My name is Ryan and I’ve been in building and renovating business for over 20 years.

Want to learn more about outdoor shed kits ? Visit my website at http://www.easyshedplan.com for planning, construction, & renovating Shed.










Find More Construction Materials Articles

Building with Steel Offers Many Advantages Over Traditional Construction Materials

Article by Shareef Defrawi

With the green building movement continuously increasing in popularity, it comes as no surprise that people are turning to more recyclable, durable, and cost-effective building materials. Builders are looking for answers to their construction needs while reducing the impact of construction on the environment. These concerns, coupled with recession-related cutbacks, have turned countless builders on to steel as a building material.

There are numerous advantages to working with steel:

Saving Costs

There are a number of reasons why building with steel cuts costs in the end. Steel, for instance, does not chip; thus, repair costs over time are limited. In addition, the risk of fire is significantly lower when working with steel as opposed to other materials, as steel is not flammable. This can lower your fire insurance premiums substantially – and in this economy, cutting costs without losing value to your new building is a step in the right direction.

Building Green

Steel is 100% recyclable, making it an eco-friendly choice. Building with steel generates much less waste than building a home or building with wood. For example, an average wood framed home produces approximately 50 cubic feet of waste that will inevitably end up in a landfill. In comparison, a steel made home generates only of 1.5 cubic feet of waste on average.

Design Aesthetic

When building with steel, a wide range of design options are available. Due to the strength of steel, towering walls are a viable option in the design process, allowing for much roomier, open spaces providing one with numerous choices in regards to interior design once construction is complete. Another benefit to using steel is that the process by which steel is molded contributes to a level of consistency in the shape of building components that is virtually unattainable with other materials.

In many situations when using other materials, finished products look far different from initial specifications. Construction with steel eliminates this headache. Furthermore, steel comes in various colors. There are a number of standard-framed models as well. Steel is suitable for whatever type of construction you are looking to build, from offices to houses to storage sheds.

Durability

It is widely known that steel is a highly durable material that does not chip or rot like wood, and does not promote the growth of mold or mildew. There is virtually no risk of termite, insect, or rodent infestation. In addition, the weight of building components for steel are lighter than wood. This helps with framing and foundation costs. Furthermore, steel constructions can withstand some of the most extreme weather conditions on earth. Steel should thus be strongly considered in areas susceptible to hurricanes, earthquakes, high winds, and floods.

Steel is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice for your next building project. Additionally, it can save you time and money on labor costs, ensuring you make your construction deadlines. Overall, steel is arguably the most practical building material available.

Whirlwind Steel Buildings is a metal building manufacturer based out of Houston, Tx that is committed to preserving the environment by offering many green building alternatives to traditional construction. Learn more about Whirlwind at http://www.whirlwindsteel.com










Cargo Express trailers are “World Class”. This video shows the materials and construction methods used when manufacturing a Cargo Express trailer. More info at www.cooltruck.com
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Find More Construction Materials Articles

Building Home Construction

Article by Johnny Townsend

Sometimes even really great design ideas aren’t in reality practical to fit into a realistic construction plan. When the contractor feels that a part of the home’s design is going to cause instability or perhaps likely to become unstable after a storm or underneath the weight of snow then you need two choices. Either make the compromise or else you can look for a builder who disagrees. However, if you discover more than one builder that is not convinced the design plan is likely to be stable, how comfortable are you going to be with every weather event that blows through? Choosing a Realtor with prior home construction expertise is going to be invaluable as you begin your home building process.One-stop purchasing and modular house construction goes beyond the mere capability of being merely a single point of contact to the customer. The public is quickly learning that factory built modular homes are the cost effective model for your twenty-first century.There are numerous different real estate property options available for modular homes. You can purchase the home by having a modular retailer and act as your own building contractor, hire a broad building contractor that’s separate from the retailer, or look for a combined modular retailer and building contracting company to perform everything.One of the most difficult tasks to the home buyer is to discover modular home dealer that may complete all of the aspects of the project. New homes could be constructed more proficiently and with greater savings to the customer through assembly automation, cad-cam design and engineering. While using inherent complexities of building a new home, locating a company that can complete every facets of the home building construction becomes increasingly important.In the highly regulated business of creating homes, the combined modular retailer and building contractor becomes critical in completing a home project in a timely manner, in compliance with building code regulations, at great savings to the purchaser. Most of these modular house construction companies may have an in-house licensed contractor as part of their organization.We have found a summary of the important thing points and advantages for selecting a combined modular retailer and modular house construction company.

A single point of contact for many aspects of the projectReduced profit mark-up between contractorsStreamline communication to get rid of costly errorsIncreased customization of home upgrades for example porches, decks, basements, etc.Full integration of the design and building phasesSingle responsibility for the entire home projectElimination of duplicate errors and efforts Improved project planning in your home design and constructionPromotes customer care for the home buyerSome additional considerations for the home buyer include verification that this building contractor is licensed and insured. Learn how much have the company has for building quality homes. Require letters of recommendation from the modular retailer and lastly, choose a modular company that features a genuine desire for your home project.Undoubtedly it may take a little more time and effort to find a retailer which has an in-house building contractor, though the peace of mind gained and also the savings realized through the home construction process from start to finish will be definitely worth the effort.In case you are going to make a house guarantee the lot you select is going to give you the necessary space and types of conditions for your custom home.

Browse our directory of over half a million building contractors, building home construction, in the US!building home construction, house construction, homes builders










Related Home Construction Articles

How to Get a Building Permit in Cabarrus County, North Carolina

Adding a new addition to your home, or building a new home all require building permits. Usually three departments will be involved in this process.  They are the zoning, environmental health, electrical, and building departments.

Contact the Cabarrus County Environmental Health department first and request a septic inspection if your home has a septic tank. They will inspect the property and verify the location and size of the septic tank.  Once this is verified, they will notify the zoning department with an approval letter.

Contact the zoning department. The zoning department will specify if a specific type of addition is allowed on your property and they will also show you where you can and cannot build on your property. Every property has setback requirements.  A setback is a specific distance from the property line within which nothing can be constructed. The zoning department can provide the setback distances for your property and they will give you the initial building permit.

During the construction process, the building code inspector and the electrical code inspector will come by the property to inspect both the building construction and the electrical installation to make sure that all building and electrical codes are being followed. The inspectors will not automatically come out. It is your responsibility or the contractor’s responsibility to set up a time for the contractor to visit the site.  

Written by wakinsey
Freelance composer; Electrical Engineer, OSP Engineer, Emergency Supplier

Framing house construction for the building of a house

Framing house construction from the on-line construction school of “How to assure the correct building a house”

Effective Steel Building Solutions

Commercial metal or steel buildings provide cost saving solutions in a variety of ways. Developers begin to notice reduced building expenses starting with just buying the permits. Since engineers have designed metal buildings with modern demands in mind, approval for the structure typically comes with no delays. Developers will find their planning headaches reduced by a demand for fewer subcontractors and less outsourcing. The shorted timeline from the planning phase to the ribbon cutting will trim back costs both in overhead and downtime.

Steel building solutions prove more cost effective since most of the construction process stays with one contractor. Commercial steel building construction includes the steel frame, metal wall panels, windows, doors, and roofing installation. Some commercial building professionals will also lay the concrete slab for the building. Others will also insulate the steel building.

Steel building solutions replace the many professionals a traditional structure would require, such as window installers, siding contractors, framers, and roofers. Having the whole structure built by one contractor not only minimizes cost, but also reduces the delays caused by the many inspections needed for each phase of a traditional project. The reduced number of subcontractors translates to no more waiting for multiple bids, countless hours doing project management, or one subcontractor delaying the project for everyone. The fewer cooks in the kitchen, so to speak, the more efficient the project.

A metal building may need plumbers and electricians. Since these trades come on site after the contractor finishes the steel building, they will not delay the main construction phase. If some or part of the building interior needs a full finish, one can schedule insulation and drywall installers to come after the electricians and plumbers. Some metal building contractors will offer all of these services in as little as a one week turn around for an average building. For those displaced by disaster, a new building can have their business on target in short order.

Metal buildings have proven to be safer and more accommodating for a variety of needs. Install shop doors, more windows, or even building additions at much less expense than with traditional structures. Reduced fire and wind hazard will not only reduce potential damage, but also reduce the cost of insuring such a building. Business owners and expansion managers will find steel buildings to provide suitable cost saving solutions

Written by sahil2010

Find More Building Construction Articles

The Truly Sustainable Commercial Building

In our striving for a more sustainable planet, we cannot ignore our commercial buildings — the stores, shopping centers and office buildings that dot the North American landscape — for such buildings account for over 2/3rds of our national consumption of electricity. (Strike one: energy profligacy.) And while we continually spend the vast majority of the hours and minutes of our lives inside our commercial buildings and homes, we typically subject ourselves to indoor air substantially more polluted and toxic than any we encounter outdoors. (Strike two: danger to user health.) Furthermore, U.S. landfills receive better than 100 million tons of construction waste each year, much of it from commercial projects. (Strike three: significant waste of resources.) Surely we can do better.

So what are the ways in which we can improve the long-term sustainability of our commercial buildings?

First, we must begin with the triple-bottom-line pyramid: profits, people and planet. The design and construction decisions we make must be based on sound economics. The buildings and spaces we create must nurture and protect the health of users. And our building construction practices and operations must not have adverse effects on the environment or our neighbors.

For good or ill, the various energy crises and escalating energy and fuel costs of recent decades have taught us a few things about economics. One of those is that a cheap vehicle or a cheap building may end up being quite expensive if it squanders precious fuel or energy. We have all therefore been brought up hard against the reality that is life-cycle costing. That is, you must know the long-term or life-cycle cost of something to properly value it.

For commercial buildings, this means that a slightly more expensive, yet better-insulated, building may end up costing less after just a few years of energy bills. When one applies a range of energy saving technologies — such as increased insulation, improved weather-tightness, natural daylighting, energy management controls, judicious ventilation, light-reflective materials and surfaces, occupancy sensors, green roofs, double glass walls, indoor atria, narrow floor plates, waste management systems, etc. — one may in fact achieve energy savings of up to 50% annually. Such savings can reduce the payback period for those added technologies to as short as 3 to 5 years, well within the attention span of the typical commercial building developer, owner or tenant. And, while such added ‘green’ features may increase the overall cost of a project by 1% to perhaps 10%, there are many markets across the country today that can readily exact a matching premium in rent or purchase price from end-users committed to a greener world. In fact, many users of commercial buildings, including the country’s largest retailer, have staked their reputations on ever more environmentally conscious design and construction.

And what of those who populate those greener buildings year-round? Studies have recently shown that people can be substantially healthier in greener buildings. Where daylighting is more abundant (along with attendant views), mood and morale both improve. Where proper, efficient and balanced heating and cooling are provided, along with suitable ventilation, productivity increases. Where VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and off-gassing have been eliminated from interior finishes and furnishings, occupants are less prone to allergic and breathing problems. And so, healthier occupants become happier occupants. The churn of tenants moving in and out, employees arriving and leaving, and employee absenteeism all decrease in greener, healthier buildings. Occupancy costs and management costs therefore drift downward as tenants and employees become more stable over time. Over the service life of the average commercial building in America, up to 90% of its total life-cycle cost may be just personnel costs; clearly, anything we can do to improve the lot of building occupants also aids the building’s bottom line in the long run.

In designing the green commercial building, we should establish very particular goals for the performance of interior spaces. We must obviously insure that heating, cooling and ventilating systems are properly suited to occupants and their use of those spaces. We should also insure that interior finishes, fabrics and furnishings are non-toxic, low- or no-emitting, and nurturing to health and comfort. Daylighting and artificial lighting should be orchestrated to provide appropriate light levels, light quality and operational parameters. Through sound absorption, blocking or masking, we should insure that appropriate noise control and speech privacy are maintained.

The greener commercial building also aids the planet. Some examples of direct benefits: reduced energy consumption; reduced freshwater consumption; reduced consumption of non-renewable and scarce resources; reduced noise; reduced stormwater into municipal systems; reduced waste into landfills; reduced urban heat island effect; increased reuse and recycling; increased landscaping; reduced traffic and parking impact; reduced impact on topsoil; reduced use of fertilizers; and improved air quality. In recognition of the benefits of greener buildings, utility companies and governments at all levels have provided a variety of incentives to green builders and designers. These include tax credits, fee reductions, ‘fee-bates’, reduced water costs, reduced utility rates and even shared costs and outright subsidies.

Written by rickzimmerman

More Building Construction Articles