For years, lighting was a neglected part of interior design. However, interior designers and architects now appreciate the aesthetic appeal of architectural lighting. The layers of lighting will enhance your room’s visual appeal and compliment the decor. The three layers of lighting design are ambient, accent, and task lighting. Ambient
If you are planning on opening a bar, you can create a space that suits all of your needs by designing and constructing it yourself. It is sure to take a lot of work and you will need to collaborate with various professionals, like architects and construction companies. But first
Running a business requires cash flow. Sometimes, cash is needed quickly. Whether it’s for sudden expenses or cash flow gaps, a cash advance can help. A cash advance is easy to get quickly, often within 24 hours, and gives you more flexibility to manage your cash flow. But when does
Shipping containers have long found their way into the business world. Some of the reasons behind this move are that these containers are mobile and can be used for various purposes. Any sector can take advantage of shipping containers, and construction isn’t an exemption. The construction industry uses shipping containers
The Momentum Group has been appointed to deliver Gravity’s biggest venue in the UK. The 100,000 sq ft space in the former Debenhams unit in Liverpool is being transformed into the largest multi-purpose entertainment venue in the UK. Bringing together 11 unique immersive experiences all under one roof, The Momentum
Health and safety matters are serious business, and nothing short of essential for businesses of any stripe to address and maintain. The construction industry, though, is one of the most dangerous industries in which to work, owing to the myriad risks inherent to active construction sites – rendering contractors and
Construction sites are one of the most dangerous places to work in. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics paints a grim picture of 150,000 workers being injured every year due to construction site-related activities. In reality, the numbers are higher thanks to all the unreported cases. When you have read
For more than two decades, Scandic has been developing its future leaders within the Group through its internal Talent@Scandic leadership program. Recently, 24 talents from the company’s five markets were selected to undergo seven months of intensive skills training led by industry representatives, mentors and leadership development managers. Each year,
Landlords have a lot on their plates. Between finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, maintaining the property, and dealing with emergencies, it can feel like there’s not enough time in the day. Thankfully, some tasks can be handled by the landlord themselves without having to call in a professional. In
As a construction manager, you must ensure that all the construction-related responsibilities are taken care of. Here, you are the one to plan, oversee, and organize the project team, control limited resources, manage client expectations, allocate resources, and ensure that the project is well delivered on time. The good thing
For years, lighting was a neglected part of interior design. However, interior designers and architects now appreciate the aesthetic appeal of architectural lighting. The layers of lighting will enhance your room’s visual appeal and compliment the decor. The three layers of lighting design are ambient, accent, and task lighting. Ambient lighting illuminates the entire room and comes from overhead light fixtures, like pendants. Accent lighting is decorative and highlights points of interest, while task lighting is for specific tasks, like desk lamps. The three layers of lighting serve specific functions. Interior designers layer colors to enhance the visual appeal of a room. Layered lighting performs a similar function. However, you should consider the room’s purpose even as you figure out how to use the three layers of lighting. Ambient Lighting The first layer of lighting is ambient lighting, also known as general lighting. This is the layer that comes to mind for most people. It illuminates the entire room and comes from overhead light fixtures. Examples include pendants, chandeliers, ceiling fans, panels, and cove lighting. Ambient lighting is usually uniform, so the light fixture is fitted in an area that illuminates the entire room. Large rooms sometimes have more than one source of ambient lighting. Accent Lighting. Accent lighting is the decorative layer. You can use this lighting to focus on parts of the architecture, artwork, or decors you would like to highlight, especially in the evening when the lights are on. Accent lighting is a secondary light. It usually illuminates spaces where ambient light doesn’t reach. This light is usually most effective when it is three times brighter than the surrounding area. Task Lighting. The third layer of lighting is task lighting. This is supplemental lighting, usually for performing specific tasks. For example, lights for reading, preparing meals, and personal grooming. This lighting may be in the form of table lamps, floor lamps, reading lights, or even portable desktop lamps. Why Layered Lighting Is Important. Layered lighting is important because it; What To Consider When Using Layered Lighting. Layered lighting is an important part of interior decor and architectural design. However, you need to consider the following when using the three layers of lighting. The practicality of installing the layers of lighting. Are you doing major remodeling works in an established house or layering a new house? It may be easier to layer the lights in a new house. Layers of lighting are a critical part of architecture and interior decor. Always ask about lighting layering from professionals, and see how best to make it a part of your interior decor.
If you are planning on opening a bar, you can create a space that suits all of your needs by designing and constructing it yourself. It is sure to take a lot of work and you will need to collaborate with various professionals, like architects and construction companies. But first things first: begin by looking at the key principles that you need to keep in mind when designing and constructing a bar. Know Your Budget and Stick to It Before you do anything else, you need to know how much money you are able to invest in the design and construction of your bar. You are sure to have many other expenses during the start-up phase of your business, so make sure funds are allocated for design and construction. Once you know how much money you have to spend, you can begin making informed decisions about what your bar will and will not include. You may also be interested in this article about how to make your budget work harder when it comes to subcontractor selection. Know What the Occupancy Level of Your Bar Will Be You also need to know what your occupancy level is going to be for your bar. You can then ensure you build a bar that is the right size. That does not just include the size of the social areas. It also includes the size of things like your kitchen and bathrooms. Know How to Design a Layout That Works Well for Staff and Customers Spend a lot of time planning the layout of your bar, as it needs to be both appealing for customers and practical for maximum operational efficiency. You will need to consider the position of the bar itself as well as different customer zones. For example, you may have a section for patrons who are dining, an area where customers can sit at the bar, and an outdoor area. The layout should be simple for staff and customers to navigate and have clearly designated areas. Know What Food You Will Serve So That You Can Design Your Kitchen Appropriately You need to carefully consider what kind of food you will serve at your bar. That will affect the design and construction of your kitchen. For example, you will only need a small kitchen if you are solely offering sandwiches, whereas you will need a larger commercial kitchen if you are planning on serving restaurant-level meals. If you are planning on focusing on a certain type of food, you might even want to make your kitchen visible to customers. For instance, if you are planning on making stone-baked pizzas, you may want to have the oven in plain view. Know Whether You Want to Provide Private Rooms You could open up another revenue stream by hiring out private rooms or setting up a membership programme where patrons can hold club meetings in private rooms. For instance, you could set up a brewery membership club. A membership programme could certainly help you to gain a steady stream of cash and attain loyal customers. Take a look at Ollie’s five reasons why you should have a membership club to learn more. Then, determine whether to include private rooms in your bar or not. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Running a business requires cash flow. Sometimes, cash is needed quickly. Whether it’s for sudden expenses or cash flow gaps, a cash advance can help. A cash advance is easy to get quickly, often within 24 hours, and gives you more flexibility to manage your cash flow. But when does your business need a cash advance? Here are seven situations when a cash advance can provide much-needed cash. Unexpected Expenses Unexpected expenses can quickly deplete cash reserves or cash flow. From repairs to contracts, cash advances can help cover necessary expenses quickly. You have to factor in cash advances when budgeting for unexpected expenses. Some cash advance services also offer cash advances as part of their cash flow management plans. Make sure to get the cash advance details in writing, such as repayment terms, cash advance amounts, and cash advance fees. That way, you can plan your cash flow accordingly. And make sure to get cash advances from reputable cash advance services. Some signs of a reputable cash advance service include a straightforward process, cash advance fees outlined in writing, and cash advances with flexible repayment terms. If a cash advance service doesn’t meet these criteria, it’s best to look for cash advances elsewhere. Cash Flow Gap Sometimes, cash flow gaps can squeeze the cash flow of your business. You may have invoices that have not been paid or are delayed, which can create a cash flow crunch for your business. A cash advance can help you bridge the cash flow gap. You can use cash advances to cover cash flow gaps before your invoices are paid. This flexibility makes cash advances an attractive option for cash flow gaps. There’s no need to worry about repayment of the cash advance. Cash advance services will usually let you repay with your next invoice payment or cash flow injection so you can easily manage your cash flow. Growth Opportunities Your business may have an opportunity to expand or grow. But you might lack cash reserves or cash flow to do it. A cash advance can provide the cash quickly and help you take advantage of growth opportunities faster than traditional funding sources like loans. You can use a cash advance to purchase equipment or inventory, hire new employees, or even open a new location. You have to make sure to understand the repayment terms and plan accordingly. And if you need more cash in the future, you can always apply for another cash advance to help grow your business. Unlike traditional loans, cash advances are easy to obtain. Seasonal Peaks Businesses often experience seasonal peaks where their cash flow is higher during certain months or days. A cash advance can help you manage this seasonal peak by providing extra cash to cover expenses during these times. You must ensure that your business can repay the cash advance within the repayment window. Cash advances are usually flexible and will let you repay over some time so that you can plan your cash flow and budget accordingly. Commercial Contracts Businesses may need to pay for commercial contracts or other expenses upfront but need more cash reserves or cash flow. A cash advance can provide the cash needed and help businesses take advantage of larger commercial contracts quickly. You can repay the cash advance within a few months or longer, depending on the terms of the cash advance. Make sure to understand the repayment schedule beforehand and budget accordingly. That way, you can take advantage of commercial contracts without worrying about cash flow issues. Tax Payments Tax payments are due on a specific date, and businesses lacking enough cash flow may be unable to make their tax payment on time. A cash advance can help businesses pay their taxes on time and avoid potential penalties. You don’t have to worry about cash flow when you use a cash advance to pay your taxes. The cash advance will be repaid on the due date with no hassle. So if you need help with tax payments, a cash advance can help you pay your taxes on time. Starting a Business Starting a business can be expensive. From equipment to employee salaries, you’ll need cash to get your business up and to run. A cash advance can provide the cash you need quickly, so you don’t have to wait for traditional funding sources. You’ll get to use the cash right away and repay it with your next invoice payment or cash flow injection. It makes cash advances an excellent option for businesses that need access to working capital quickly without having to wait weeks or months. Final Thoughts With a cash advance, businesses can access quick cash to help them with everything from growth opportunities to tax payments. So feel free to use cash advances when you need help with your business finances. But be sure to do it wisely and understand the repayment terms before taking out a cash advance. That way, you can get the cash you need without worrying about potential risks. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Shipping containers have long found their way into the business world. Some of the reasons behind this move are that these containers are mobile and can be used for various purposes. Any sector can take advantage of shipping containers, and construction isn’t an exemption. The construction industry uses shipping containers since they’re cheaper to purchase and install than permanent structures. As a result, they can save money and enhance their bottom line. If you own a construction business, consider following suit to ensure your enterprise continues to grow with efficiency. That said, you must find the right shipping containers for your company. The best way to achieve that is by partnering with a reputable vendor. By working with a good seller, you’re guaranteed to find high-quality products. Consider finding shipping containers from a company like Royal Wolf or any other similar provider. Any construction company can utilize shipping containers in various ways. They include the following: You’ll probably spend a better part of the day supervising employees’ work on the construction site. However, you’ll still need to handle some administrative tasks like responding to client emails and completing paperwork. But to do that, you need an office. Constructing a permanent office on the construction site will likely take a lot of time. Besides, you’ll likely demolish it when you’re through with the project. That makes shipping containers the perfect solution for your office needs. Shipping containers can be modified to make a comfortable and functional office. And because some of them are large, they can allow you to put in two or three chairs and a table where you can place your computers and files. Besides, as noted earlier, shipping containers are mobile. Therefore, you can take your office to the new site after completing the current project. That goes a long way in enhancing your efficiency. When completing a construction project, you may want to find someplace to store the work tool and building materials. Some people consider hiring a place for this purpose. But taking that decision can be more expensive since you must pay the rental and transportation costs. Besides, long-distance travel may damage your equipment and construction materials. For that reason, consider using shipping containers as your storage space. Depending on the size and quantity of your items, you can always find the right shipping containers to serve you. And because they allow you to use padlocks and lock boxes, you won’t be worried about the security of your items. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that everything is protected from theft and damage. Doing construction work comes with a lot of risks. For instance, some of the work tools and equipment are very dangerous, and they can injure employees. You should take the injured workers to the hospital for medication and treatment. But before that move, you may want to administer first aid to them. For that reason, you need to have a first aid station on your construction site. The simplest and the most cost-effective way to establish a first aid station on a construction site is to use a shipping container. You can customize it to hold first aid amenities, like an exam bed, an HVAC system, and other emergency medical supplies. You can also use shipping containers as mobile hospitals for your employees. Sometimes, you might be doing a construction project somewhere far away, where you cannot transport your employees to and from work. At the same time, renting rooms for them can be too expensive in the long run. The best option could be to construct apartment units for your workers on your construction site. You can achieve that by utilizing shipping containers. Large shipping containers can be perfect for apartment units. You only need to modify them to accommodate the living needs and even preferences of your employees. Your employees will want to have access to a bathroom after completing daily work. But since you aren’t on that site permanently, you don’t need to construct permanent bathrooms. That’s where investing in shipping containers becomes necessary. To make temporary bathrooms out of these containers, you only need to fit them with amenities like toilets, showers, and sinks to wash hands, bodies, and faces. Takeaway As detailed above, you can utilize shipping containers in various ways at construction sites. But you must select the most suitable option for your needs. Remember to conduct some research so that you find the right containers for your project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Momentum Group has been appointed to deliver Gravity’s biggest venue in the UK. The 100,000 sq ft space in the former Debenhams unit in Liverpool is being transformed into the largest multi-purpose entertainment venue in the UK. Bringing together 11 unique immersive experiences all under one roof, The Momentum Group is responsible for the fit out and delivery of the 100,000 sq ft space creating an immersive visitor experience with e-karting, bowling, street golf and digital darts amongst a raft of other experiences, including hospitality and food and drink. Commenting on behalf of Gravity, Gareth Buxton said ‘The experience, attention to detail and local knowledge that The Momentum Group brings is what we needed for this ambitious project. Their flexible approach to the project, network of suppliers and contacts is what makes them unique.’ He went on to say, ‘There is a growing demand for visitor immersive experiences and this project, will bring together a number of complex entertainment units to deliver the revolutionary concept.’ Chris Renshaw, Co-Founder and Director at The Momentum Group said ‘The demand for leisure experiences and pursuits is increasing and we are thrilled to have been appointed to deliver this project. The project is vast and Gravity’s largest in the UK. We are delighted to be able to showcase our services and partnership working with the team at Gravity.’ Work is underway with Gravity due to open in the new year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Health and safety matters are serious business, and nothing short of essential for businesses of any stripe to address and maintain. The construction industry, though, is one of the most dangerous industries in which to work, owing to the myriad risks inherent to active construction sites – rendering contractors and building organisations’ commitments to workplace safety all the more important. There are, naturally, legal consequences for any given business’ failure to remain compliant with health and safety legislation – and indeed, health and safety legislation is often recognised as the driving force behind increased worker safety standards. While this may be true, there is also a moral imperative placed on organisations to ensure their staff are kept as safe as possible. Not only this, but there are financial implications for failures to do so, whether in the form of delayed progress, reduced staff capacity or compensation owed through civil accident claims. The Facts The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in which to work, owing to the myriad risks inherent to active construction sites. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), construction is responsible for the largest proportion of work-related casualties in the UK; between 2021 and 2022, 30 construction workers were involved in a fatal accident at work. The HSE figures also reveal the leading causes for fatal injuries across industries, with falling from height the single biggest cause of workplace fatality. Of the 123 workers who suffered a fatal injury at work between 2021 and 2022, 29 were as a result of falls from height. The next-closest causes of workplace fatality being struck by a moving vehicle or moving object – which caused 23 deaths and 18 deaths respectively. Technology and Improvements to Safety Though every workplace injury or casualty is failure in and of itself, workplace safety has nonetheless improved over the past few decades – with technological development a key factor in this improvement. Tools and equipment are more reliable and longer-lasting as a result of new innovations in material, design and manufacture; likewise, new safety features and items of PPE are possible with new tech-led design principles. This naturally raises the question of what the future of safety in construction looks like. What is the future of technological advancement, and how can this future impact worker safety in tangible ways? AI Solutions Perhaps the defining technological development of the digital age is based in software and algorithms, as ‘artificial intelligence’ technology grows in stature and commercial capability. In construction, machine learning algorithms can be used to tangibly reduce incidences of injury in the workplace – but how? AI software can be used to automate a number of tasks, including the monitoring of security systems and video feeds. By teaching an algorithm how to recognise the markers for a potential incident, it can recognise accidents in-the-making and effect responses quicker than a human can, and with less margin for error. It can also take on project management duties and assign relevant training to workers given high-risk roles. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction sites are one of the most dangerous places to work in. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics paints a grim picture of 150,000 workers being injured every year due to construction site-related activities. In reality, the numbers are higher thanks to all the unreported cases. When you have read the below, it would be wise to look into a Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response standard (HAZWOPER). This requires that workers be trained to perform their anticipated job duties without endangering. Also to include staff knowledge on HAZWOPER training materials. This will help with many skills for employees in such an important sector. Fortunately, a lot of these accidents are preventable through practicing stringent safety precautions on site and spreading awareness among workers. If you are a manager or a worker, here are some important ways that you can keep yourself and others around you safe to prevent yourselves from senseless tragedy. 1. Do Not Start Working without an Induction The first step of any professional training should include safety training. Keep in mind that each site has specific hazards and high-risk areas. Induction training is a legal requirement for all workers, and that too for good reasons. It helps reduce the risk of accidents as well as provide advice on emergency management until medical services are received. 2. Safe Work Method Assessment The law requires that all construction – before commencing – must provide a safe work method statement and other construction safety initiatives, which outline the work at the site, all potential risks involved and the measures taken to mitigate imminent risks. The statement should be placed at a site that is visible to all workers. All safety protocols should be easily available and regularly monitored to ensure that they are practiced. A 24/7 emergency contact with maps and signs throughout the site should display clear instructions to get to all exit and entry points, the site office, emergency fire equipment, first aid, as well as other site amenities, like toilets. 3. Always Wear PPE A construction site is a huge safety hazard and notorious for unfortunate accidents. It goes without saying that the victims are usually the workers or visitors to the site. The importance of wearing Personal Protection Equipment or PPE cannot be stressed enough. All aspects of the protective gear, from the hats, boots, vests, and goggles, serve an important purpose in minimizing injury. The ear muffs protect you from the noise; meanwhile, the boots protect your feet and provide a firm grip. Moreover, the high-vis ensures that you are seen, whereas the hat protects your skull. A PPE can be a differentiator between a minor accident and a fatal one. 4. Do Not Put Yourself Or Others at Risk Your actions may put not only you but others in danger; hence it is necessary to conduct yourself responsibly at construction sites. One wrong move can prove to be fatal for others; therefore, maintain all safety protocols throughout your work hours. 5. Never Work in Unsafe Areas Be mindful of your surroundings and stay vigilant when working with equipment. Ensure that there are guard rails when working at heights and that you have safe access to sites. Never work under cranes or other dangerous operations where there is the risk of being hit by something overturning or collapsing. 6. Report Defects and Near Misses Any problem should be immediately notified to the appropriate authority. Most of the time, the management will only take action once they are made aware of it. But never try to take matters into your own hands. Never remove machine guards, safety locks, guard rails, or scaffold ties and don’t tamper or attempt to fix equipment unless you are competent enough to do so. 7. Use the Right Equipment Only use the appropriate equipment for the job and ensure that it is in good condition and safe to use. Never use 240v instruments without prior authorization and safety checks, and only stick to 110v equipment. A safety precaution that should always be practiced is to check all tools and equipment for any damage or defect before commencing work. 8. Entry and Exit Points There should be separate points of access for vehicles and heavy machinery to ensure pedestrian safety, especially at sites of high traffic flow. 9. Compliant Chemical Storage One of the most common causes of fire at construction sites is due to chemicals that haven’t been stored carefully. Other accidents like chemical injury, explosion, asphyxiation, and pollution at work sites are also not uncommon. Proper storage, such as an explosive storage cabinet is used that separates chemicals to reduce spillage. 10. Environmental Conditions Construction sites are open spaces and, therefore should account for adverse environmental conditions. Protection of workers must be ensured, and guidelines must be in place to stop work in the event of natural disasters and other emergency situations. Ideally, a dedicated team should be organized to manage emergency crises, such as these and direct workers and answer questions. They will also be responsible for conducting quality checks, report hazards and near misses to elicit a prompt response from the head office. 11. First Aid Ideally there should be one first aid officer for every 25 workers. Nevertheless, all workers must be trained to offer basic first aid and CPR through regular first aid training workshops to provide help until emergency medical services arrive. The first aid kit and all equipment should be easily accessible on site and known to all workers. 12. Keep the Site Tidy and Practice Site Safety A clean site is a safe site. Construction sites are bound to be messy with debris and equipment on the ground, which increases the risk of trips and falls. This accounts for a large percentage of major on-site injuries. Dusty sites will trigger respiratory illnesses, so it is essential to keep sites as tidy as possible to avoid asthma attacks or exposure to toxic dust. Be careful to prevent the
For more than two decades, Scandic has been developing its future leaders within the Group through its internal Talent@Scandic leadership program. Recently, 24 talents from the company’s five markets were selected to undergo seven months of intensive skills training led by industry representatives, mentors and leadership development managers. Each year, Scandic’s Executive Committee identifies the focus areas and projects that Talent@Scandic participants will delve into based on the company’s strategy and direction. In this year’s program, projects will have an overall commercial and HR focus. The talents will also receive training in project management, financial knowledge and commercial, leadership and operational development as central parts of the leadership segment. Additionally, they will be matched with mentors from Scandic’s organization to increase familiarity and guidance during the duration of the program. – I’m extremely proud that for more than 20 years, we’ve had such a great focus on and commitment to knowledge and leadership development at Scandic. Developing and nurturing our team members lays the foundation for how our company feels and performs and creates strong, effective leaders. Together with the Executive Committee and our leadership development managers, I am convinced that this year’s talents will go far at Scandic and that in the future, they will continue to stand firmly during both ups and downs, says Jens Mathiesen, President & CEO of Scandic Hotels Group. Now more than ever as we experience major shifts in the world around us, it is of the utmost importance to develop skills and continue our extensive work to shape the leaders of the future. Training is an area where we invest significant amounts of time and energy to create the right conditions for people to succeed within the company and as leaders as well as personally. We’re now offering these talents a smorgasbord of knowledge and in seven months, we’ll have 24 new employees prepared to take on leadership roles at Scandic, says Maud Samuelsson, Group HR Manager, who is responsible for leadership development at Scandic Hotels Group. The Talent@Scandic program is built on Scandic’s leadership compass and the concepts Empower, Build trust, Inspire and Collaborate, the basic principles of the company’s leadership development. This year’s Talent@Scandic participants: NorwayAmalie Heitman, Acting General Manager, Scandic SvolværAndre Bjerke, Front Office Manager, Scandic SjølystChristopher Spencer, Food & Beverage Manager, Hotel Norge by ScandicIeva Marcinkeviciute, Housekeeping Manager, Hotel Norge by Scandic Mareike Friemel-Haukebö, Hotel Manager, Scandic Seilet Martine Brusletto Stenberg, Food & Beverage Manager, Scandic Sjølyst Nora Aasprong, Accounting Manager, Country Support Office Norway FinlandAnna-Pauliina Urjo, Front Office Manager, Hilton Helsinki-Vantaa Airport Antti Viitasalo, Hotel Manager, Scandic Jyväskylä Station Ida-Riikka Tanhuanpää, Food & Beverage Manager, Scandic Park Helsinki Sami Lyly, Head Chef, Marski by ScandicTuomo Laaksonen, Director Corporate Sales, Country Support Office Finland GermanyMelanie Konopka, Food & Beverage Manager, Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer DenmarkPatrice Boman, Hotel Manager, Scandic Palace Hotel Patrick Nielsen, Restaurant & Bar Manager, Scandic Falkoner Stine Wiis, Front Office Manager, Scandic Sydhavnen SwedenAnna Koivisto, In-house Sales Manager Group & Meetings, Country Support Office SwedenAnna Larsson, Food & Beverage Manager, Haymarket by ScandicAnnie Dahlstedt, Service Team Manager, Scandic WinnCaroline Björnlund, Service Team Manager, Scandic Örebro Central Claes Benediktsson, Food & Beverage Manager, Downtown Camper by ScandicKarin Bjerenius, Service Team Manager, Scandic Portalen Marica Nivelt, Hospitality Manager, Scandic Grand CentralVegard Fjärvoll, Service Team Manager, Scandic Upplands Väsby Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landlords have a lot on their plates. Between finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, maintaining the property, and dealing with emergencies, it can feel like there’s not enough time in the day. Thankfully, some tasks can be handled by the landlord themselves without having to call in a professional. In this blog post, we will discuss what landlords can DIY and when they should call in the pros! Screening Tenants One of the most important things landlords can do is screen their tenants. This includes running a credit check, criminal background check, and checking references. While it may be tempting to skip this step to save time, it’s important to remember that your tenant will be living in your property, and you want to make sure they are responsible and will take care of your property. Collecting Rent When it comes to collecting rent, landlords have a few options. They can collect rent online through a service like RentPayment, or they can collect rent in person. If landlords choose to collect rent in person, they should have a system in place to ensure that rent is collected on time and in full. Maintaining the Property Landlords are responsible for maintaining their property and keeping it in good condition. This includes tasks like painting, repairing broken appliances, and mowing the lawn. Landlords should have a regular schedule for maintenance to ensure that their property is always in top shape. However, there are some maintenance tasks that landlords should not attempt to DIY and should instead call a professional. For example, if there is a blocked drain on the property, they need to call a local drainage company to clear it. There are some tasks, however, that landlords should not DIY. These tasks include: Emergencies If there is an emergency at the property, like a broken pipe or a fire, landlords should not try to handle it themselves. They should call the appropriate professionals to deal with the situation. Legal Issues Landlords should not try to handle legal issues on their own. If there is a problem with a tenant, like non-payment of rent or damage to the property, landlords should consult with an attorney to find out what their legal options are. Accounting Landlords should not try to do their own accounting. This is a complex task that requires knowledge of tax laws and regulations. Landlords should hire an accountant to prepare their taxes and handle their financial affairs. Hiring Employees Landlords should not try to hire their own employees. This includes handymen, painters, and cleaners. Landlords should use a professional service like Handy to find qualified professionals to work on their property. Marketing the Property Landlords should not try to market their property themselves. This is a complex task that requires knowledge of SEO, social media, and online advertising. Landlords should use a professional marketing company to help them promote their property. As you can see, landlords have a lot on their plate. Some landlords try to take on too much and end up biting off more than they can chew. But by knowing what they can DIY and when to call in the pros, they can make sure that their property is always in good condition!
As a construction manager, you must ensure that all the construction-related responsibilities are taken care of. Here, you are the one to plan, oversee, and organize the project team, control limited resources, manage client expectations, allocate resources, and ensure that the project is well delivered on time. The good thing is that with the right amount of planning and research, use of the right resources, allocation of enough time on the project, and a strong team, there is no doubt that your project will turn out a success. Have you been looking forward to starting a construction project? Here are crucial things that you should consider looking at first. Have a Detailed Plan As they all say, failure to plan is planning to fail. Here, you need to ensure that you allocate your time well. Know when, where, and how you are going to work. Also, it would be best if you took breaks to help increase your productivity. There are a lot of exciting things you can do. For example, you can choose to go for a walk, play exciting online casino uk games, read a novel or listen to music. Every construction project needs to have a well-detailed plan if success is needed. You need to note that certain things are needed before your plan is confirmed to be great. For example, your plan should clearly show everything needed for the project to be carefully completed. This is from site analysis to the creation of a realistic budget. Have a Budget The truth is that money is an essential factor that you should consider looking at. You must figure out how much money you are ready to spend on the project. This calls for you to create a flexible budget. What is your budget? How much are you willing to spend on the project? These are the types of questions you need to find answers to. Note that having a budget keeps you from overspending and lets you spend only on the project’s priority. Know Your Tax Requirements The fact is that different construction projects are subject to different tax consequences. This makes it necessary for you to go out of your way and understand the tax requirements you will be liable to once you start your construction project. To ensure that you have a clear view of the matter, you should consider seeking help from tax advisors, accountants, and planners in the construction industry. This way, you are always going to be on the safer side. For example, your books will be in order if an audit is ever needed. Get Insured Before you start working on your construction project, you need to understand how important insurance is. You need to ensure that you place insurance coverage against risks, accidents, and damages that may happen during construction. Note that insurance varies based on the contract signed. This is why you should consider consulting insurance agents to help determine the best insurance cover you should take for your project.
