Are you – like millions of others – amazed by 3D printed houses but wondering if they’re safe? Well, it’s interesting to note that these homes are actually quite similar to traditionally built concrete houses in terms of safety. Believe it or not, concrete is one of the safest building materials out there, and has been used in architecture for centuries. In fact, concrete walls are often safer than many other common building materials! How are they built? It is via high-tech 3D printers that a concrete mixture is extruded with ideal consistency and a controllable drying factor which allows workers to stack layers of cementitious mix. What’s also interesting is that it also retains dimensional accuracy while allowing the concrete to flow smoothly. Once the workers set the machine to print the system extrudes the concrete according to the floorplan. And don’t worry, safety is always the top priority. These homes are required to meet local state laws and regulations – just like any other home. Why are 3D printed concrete walls a great option? Concrete is much more durable than wood and has a much higher resistance to fire which means that it’s less likely to catch fire or spread flames in case of a fire outbreak. It is not susceptible to rotting or decaying and can withstand harsh weather conditions and last much longer than wood. Another important aspect of 3D printed concrete walls is that they are very resistant to pests such as termites which can be a significant problem for wood structures. Termites can cause extensive damage to wooden structures and often compromise the structural integrity of a building and lead to safety concerns. The good news here is that concrete is not a food source for termites so they are unlikely to cause any damage to 3D printed concrete walls. But that does not mean that homeowners shouldn’t follow Integrated Pest Management for their family’s safety.  How can you follow IPM principles in your home? As you may already know pests can pose a safety risk in your home – this is why it’s important to follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and keep your living environment safe and healthy. It’s common knowledge that certain pesticides can be harmful to humans and pets if used improperly so it’s crucial to be mindful of the products you use. But how exactly can you follow IPM principles in your home? A simple step would be to practice good sanitation by keeping your 3D printed home clean and free of clutter as this can help prevent pests from finding a place to live and breed. If you do need to use pesticides, it’s important to read the label carefully and follow the instructions to a T.  The good news is that following IPM principles in your home can potentially save you money and keep your living environment safe and healthy for years to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

You’re probably a careful driver while on the road. You observe traffic rules, wear a seat belt, put away your phone, avoid intoxicated driving, and employ several defensive driving tactics. These steps should help you reduce your chances of causing accidents. They’ll also lower the risk of letting another driver’s mistakes make you get involved in a crash.    Though you may be a careful driver, not all vehicle operators are. Hence, some collisions may still happen despite how keen you may be on the road. Typically, you’re entitled to compensation if someone else caused your car accident. You can recover losses and damage incurred during the crash.    However, the claim process isn’t always easy, and getting fair compensation can sometimes be challenging. Also, most defendants hire the best lawyers they can find, and most times, their insurance companies will try their best to deny your claim.   So even though you may be the offended party, it isn’t always a guarantee that you’ll win. However, there are some things you must do to ensure this.    In this article, you’ll learn four crucial steps you should take to increase your chances of winning your car accident case. You should:   An essential thing to do after the crash is to collect all relevant data from the scene. This includes:   Collecting all this data after the accident is vital because memories fade fast. You’ll forget some details that may be helpful in your case as time goes by.    If witnesses don’t call the police to the accident scene, you can call them yourself. They’ll ask you to provide a statement. Once you finish that, document the officer’s contact details, name, and badge number.    You should also get your copy of the police report from them. Don’t worry if you make or find any errors. Usually, correcting accident reports is possible and easy. This is if you can assure an officer that the information is incorrect by showing any proof you may have from the accident scene.    If you can’t provide such evidence or convince the police officer about the mistake in your report, you’ll need a good lawyer. They can help you rectify the information.   Handling your car accident case alone can be challenging. Without a lawyer, the defendant’s attorney or insurer may trick or intimidate you into taking a smaller settlement than you deserve.   So, finding an excellent car crash lawyer to help you is vital. A good attorney knows your rights as a victim. Hence, they’ll do their best to protect you. They’ll also collect the right evidence, prove liability, and determine all damages incurred in a bid to get you a fair settlement.   If what’s offered by the defendant’s insurer seems less, your attorney will proceed to court. If they do, they know the right strategies to apply to help you win your case.  With the assistance of a skilled DUI Lawyer near me, your chances of a favorable outcome are greatly increased. It’s crucial to get a medical check-up after your car accident. This will help you accurately record the injuries related to your crash through a doctor’s diagnosis. This information will also enable your attorney to determine fair compensation.   Failure to see a medical professional after your car accident can hurt your case because the defendant’s team can claim your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.   Don’t dismiss a request by your healthcare provider to go for regular check-ups. Doing so may cause the defendant’s lawyer or insurer to claim you weren’t hurt. Attending your doctor’s appointments is the only way for you and your attorney to prove how the accident affected your well-being.   Details from the check-ups can also show how much money you are or may have to spend on the injuries resulting from your accident. This way, you can get fair compensation that helps you cover the treatment you need now and in the future.   It’s also best to avoid anything that could negatively impact your case. For instance, you shouldn’t speak to the defendant and their lawyer or insurance company about your case. They might trick you by appearing sympathetic, but you should ignore them. Some do this to gather information they can use against you.   If anyone from the other driver’s team needs to speak to you, they should do it through your lawyer.   You also shouldn’t post anything about your ongoing case on social media. The defendant’s team could twist anything you say and use it against you. It’s best to avoid posting anything online before your case is finalized.   Final Thoughts    You’re entitled to compensation if you’ve been hurt in a car accident that was someone’s fault. Even so, winning an auto crash case and getting your deserved compensation can be challenging even though you’re the injured party. However, it isn’t impossible.    In this article, you’ve learned four essential steps you must take after your car accident. These can help you win your case. Feel free to review this piece as often as possible if you need clarification.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Construction workers are constantly at risk of developing lung-based illnesses from chemicals and contact-based alignments from toxic substances. Workers can prevent the detrimental effects of inhaling or touching hazardous chemicals via training and quality equipment. 10 Hazardous Substances Found on Construction Sites If you were injured from the following toxic chemicals and substances, contact an occupational hazard attorney in your local area. They can help you get the compensation you deserve. 1. Asbestos Asbestos is often used as insulation or fire retardant in older construction sites and buildings. It can cause respiratory issues if airborne particles are inhaled. Workers should wear disposable coveralls, rubber boots, eyewear, gloves, and respirators when around asbestos.  2. Benzene Common in industrial sites, benzene is a dangerous chemical used in the production of plastic, rubber, or solvents. Inhaling the particles can lead to skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. In cases of prolonged exposure, benzene can cause blood cancers and damage to the nervous system. 3. Lead Paint Lead poisoning poses a serious risk, especially to children and pregnant women. It can be found in old paint and construction materials in older buildings. While the US banned lead paint in 1978, it’s still found in nearly 29 million housing units, posing a significant health risk. 4. Liquid Freon Freon is used in air conditioning and refrigeration, typically in the form of pressurized gas. It can be very dangerous if inhaled, as it cuts off oxygen to the skin and cells. Since freon is a tasteless, odorless gas, construction workers may not know that they’re being exposed to it, 5. Acid and Bases Strong acids and bases, such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and lye, are often used in the construction and renovation of buildings. Contact with skin or inhalation of vapors can be very harmful. The severity of your symptoms will depend on what acid or base you’re exposed to. 6. Gaseous Mercury This heavy metal is a frequent occurrence in old construction sites and can cause neurological problems if inhaled. Mercury is so dangerous that it can trigger kidney, liver, and heart deterioration, cancers, and pulmonary fibrosis. Permanent respiratory disability is also very common. 7. Silicon Dioxide (Silica) Silica is a common mineral found in concrete and mortar and causes silicosis and respiratory illness if inhaled. Crystalline silica is a common construction-related disease that results from inhaling silica dust. Eventually, this dust causes inflammation, scarring, and permanent damage. 8. Insect Pesticides These chemicals, used in the extermination or control of pests, can cause a range of illnesses if inhaled or ingested. While a worker may not be exposed to pesticides directly (as in, they won’t be present when pesticides are being administered), pesticide residue can still cause damage. 9. Chemical Solvents Solvents such as paint thinners, acetone, and more can be hazardous if inhaled in large doses. If a worker is experiencing stomach pain, headaches, dizziness, nausea, loss of coordination, or irritation, they’ve been overexposed to solvents. They must be removed from the site right away.  10. Toxic Dust Dust is the most common hazard on a construction site and can contain nearly every chemical or substance mentioned on this list. Dust can aggravate asthma symptoms when particles are inhaled and can also cause skin irritations. Drywall and wood are common sources of dust. In Conclusion… Staying safe on a job site is paramount, so it is important to be aware of these hazardous substances and ensure that proper safety protocols are in place and being followed. All of these chemicals could cause serious, irreversible damage if workplace safety isn’t taken seriously.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

A day in the office is often full of many activities. Some workers are welcoming clients, while others are toiling their hours balancing accounting books, preparing reports, and brainstorming for the next big company project. Having possible distractions can negatively impact the work of your team members. Hence, in most cases, you’ll find most offices scheduling cleaning for the weekend to avoid any distractions. But if the need arises, you may need to perform office cleaning on a weekday in your workplace. This can be tough yet not totally impossible to carry out.   Then, how do you conduct office cleaning on a weekday successfully? Here’s a guide to the process that can help you out: Plan Ahead Planning is a great way to execute projects successfully. It’s something you want to adopt as you clean your office on a weekday too.  Start by picking a date or dates for the cleaning. It could be on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The number of days needed for cleaning depends on the scope of work: the more the space to clean, the more weekdays to include. It’d also help to allocate timeframes of the day, like from 8AM to 10AM.  The other aspect you need to carefully plan for is finances. Create a budget for the cleaning process. It should include money for buying cleaning tools and the labour you’ll use. Since the cleaning will take place during the week, it’s best to seek day porter services to help you with the cleaning. Keep Your Whole Team In The Loop It’s always important to keep your workers in the loop when you’re planning to do office cleaning on a weekday. In this case, inform your team of the weekday office cleaning. It’d help to remind them a week prior, as well as the day before. Doing so ensures they prepare themselves physically and psychologically. Additionally, it’d help to communicate the plan through a memo or a meeting so that no one is left uninformed. Communication is key to the success of your weekday cleaning – this can’t be stressed enough.  Use The Right Cleaning Products There’s a wide range of cleaning products you can use. Each one is best utilized in certain situations. In this case, the situation is cleaning on a weekday. It means you have to buy products certified for office use. Additionally, go for products without strong scents because some workers might be allergic to strong smells.  Office furniture comes in various materials. Some are wooden, while others are made from fabric. You can easily use water to clean the wood. But you want to avoid water to clean fabric furniture. Vacuuming is the ideal cleaning solution for fabric furniture.  It’s important to consider the location you’re cleaning as well. Some spaces, such as the bathroom, require disinfectants. Meanwhile, the kitchen needs food-friendly cleaning products. Since it’s an office setting, there are pieces of electric equipment, like laptops, that need special cleaning tools. It’s because you can’t use water and soap on them. There are special cleaning products for them; ensure you buy them for proper use. Work In Sections This read has already established that cleaning the office on a weekday means workers are working. It’s best to clean the office in sections to maintain productivity. A cleaning schedule will come in handy. If time isn’t on your side, create a schedule throughout the week. You can arrange to clean bathrooms on Mondays, office floors on Wednesdays, and windows and doors on Fridays. Working in sections prevents distractions and ensures work productivity. Points To Note When Doing Office Cleaning On A Weekday The easiest way to manage office cleaning on a weekday is by being proactive and consistent. Do this by practicing proper waste management all the time. It’d help to segregate wastes, based on type, for proper disposal. Have a section for biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and recyclable ones.  Sensitize your workers to these disposal techniques and their importance. Have your workers handle their trash responsibly. For instance, they shouldn’t throw waste on the office floor or their desks. The other thing to note is that office cleaning doesn’t only touch on the indoor space. It extends to the outdoor space, like the parking lot and compound. Having your immediate outdoor area clean presents a positive representation of your company to the public.  Conclusion A clean office is essential in providing a good environment for workers to fulfil their responsibilities. With the need to ascertain this, you might require to clean the office on weekdays. The discussion above guides on ensuring the weekday-cleaning process is thorough and effective. Keep the tips featured in mind in order to successfully carry out office cleaning on a weekday. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

ERP systems are widely used in all sorts of industries today, and yet it’s easy to misunderstand their function or misinterpret their benefits if you’ve never encountered one yourself. To bring you onboard with all that this type of platform has to offer, stick around as we talk you through a few core concepts, and also discuss what it takes to select the perfect option for your organization. An Overview of ERP Systems and Their Benefits An ERP system is essentially software that helps manage your company’s daily operations by collecting data related to financials, inventory management, human resources management and customer relationship management in one centralized location. This empowers you with real-time insights into your company’s performance while helping streamline processes such as accounting tasks or sales order tracking. It also facilitates collaboration between departments within your organization which can help improve productivity and efficiency levels significantly over time. The cost savings associated with using an ERP system should not be overlooked either – from reduced overheads to enhanced scalability, you’ll be able to grow your business faster and more effectively. Finally, ERP systems are incredibly user friendly for non-tech personnel too – so don’t let the tech jargon intimidate you! By understanding how an ERP system can help streamline processes and increase efficiency within your organization, you’ll be better equipped to make a decision that best suits the needs of your business in terms of costs versus performance. Exploring Specialist ERP Solutions, e.g. for Installations You don’t have to settle for a generic system to oversee your business’ operations if you occupy a particular industry niche that has unique needs to address. For instance, with specialist services like OpusFlow you can enjoy ERP software for sustainable installations, delivering a platform that’s tailored to the particular requirements of companies that serve customers in this sphere. Of course in a market this vast, you might struggle to make a decision even if you are focused on specialist services, so next let’s look at how you can weigh up rival ERP tools and pick the best option available. How to Evaluate the Different ERP Systems for Your Company Evaluating an ERP system for your business can be a tricky process. With so many different providers, it’s important to know how to determine which one is the right choice for your company. Here are a few tips to help you make an informed decision: First, research different ERP systems and their features. Consider the size and type of business you have, and make sure the ERP system you choose offers the features and services you need. Second, review customer reviews. It’s important to get feedback from customers who’ve used the ERP system to get an accurate idea of how it works. Read customer reviews, both positive and negative, to get a better understanding of the system. Third, talk to the vendor. Ask questions about their product and services, as well as their customer support. This will give you a better idea of how well the system works, as well as how reliable the vendor is. Finally, consider your budget. Make sure the ERP system you choose fits within your financial capabilities. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the vendor to get a better price. Wrapping Up Now that the secrets of ERP systems are known to you, it’s time to start your search for a suitable solution in earnest. Don’t be shy about testing out several platforms before you make a final choice, as this will give you a taste of what different vendors can bring to the table. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Commercial metal usage continues to grow due to demand for a wide range of commercial applications. A metal supply company is needed for commercial construction, air conditioner systems, power lines, and much more. However, each project may require a different type of metal. Here are seven of the most used metals for commercial applications. 1. Iron Iron is the most abundant metal. About 5% of the Earth’s crust is comprised of iron. Close to 90% of all refined metal is iron. Iron is typically combined with other elements to create new alloys, such as steel. It is often used to make alloy steels by combining iron with nickel, tungsten, manganese, vanadium, chromium, and other alloys. Iron is also used for wrought iron products. Common examples include wrought iron chains, nails, rivets, nuts, bolts, railings, and ornamental ironworks. 2. Steel Metal supply companies offer a large variety of steel products. Steel is one of the most used metals due to its strength. It is also available in over 3,500 different grades to suit different applications. Common types of steel include stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloy steel. Steel is used in the production of most vehicles, medical equipment, ships, and household appliances. Stainless steel is made from iron, chromium, and other alloys. It is resistant to corrosion, making it a common choice for metal parts that are exposed to water and moisture.  3. Aluminium Aluminium is another of the most used metals due to its unique characteristics. Aluminium is lightweight but durable and resistant to corrosion. It is a combination of other materials, including bauxite ore, silica, and iron oxide. Aluminium also offers great electrical conductivity, which makes it a common choice for power lines. It also conducts heat well and is often used in heatsinks and electrical components. It is also used to make cans, kitchen utensils, and window frames. 4. Zinc Zinc is a popular metal due to its low melting point. It melts quickly, which also makes it easy to recycle. It is a strong material that is most commonly used as a coating to protect other metals. For example, zinc may be used as a coating to shield steel from rust. Zinc has a thin, protective layer called the patina. The patina protects the surface of the metal from the air, which decreases the risk of corrosion. 5. Bronze Bronze was the first human-made alloy. It comes from a combination of copper and tin. As with many other popular types of metal, bronze is resistant to corrosion. It is also less likely to bend or crack and offers great electrical conductivity. Bronze is a common material for cabinet hardware and furniture trim. As it has less iron compared to many other popular metals, bronze does not rust. However, it can develop a patina due to its copper content. You may eventually notice a greenish appearance if bronze is frequently exposed to water. 6. Copper Copper is a relatively inexpensive metal compared to other options, which helps make it popular for a wide range of applications. It is an easy metal to work and is found in a variety of items, including pipes for plumbing, currency, and wiring. Copper has excellent electrical conductivity properties. It is a common choice for circuit boards, electrical wires, and electronic components. 7. Gold Gold is another good electrical conductor and is resistant to corrosion. However, the use of gold for the exchange of currencies makes it less cost-effective for most commercial applications. It is more commonly used to cover the surfaces of components in high-end products. For example, the connectors on stereo equipment may include gold plating on the ends for increased electrical conductivity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Renovating a home can be an exciting but overwhelming prospect. From figuring out which renovations to prioritize to understanding the latest trends and design materials, there are so many factors that go into the decision-making process. Whether you’re looking for minor updates or more extensive renovation projects, knowing what to focus on during your project will ensure success in both budgeting and execution. In this blog post, we’ll explore key tips and insights about how to tackle a renovation from start to finish without any hiccups—letting you enjoy all of the benefits that come with returning your home to its full potential (and beyond). So, if you’re ready to get started on achieving those dream house goals, read ahead for more information! The Exterior The very first thing that you should focus on this list when renovating a home is the exterior. When it comes to the exterior, many things can be done. First and foremost, you should ensure that all of your windows are in good condition and consider changing them up; sliding sash windows are a popular choice these days. They can be made to measure and come in a variety of materials. Then there is also the front door to think about. Your front door sets the impression for any guest as to what they can expect once inside the home. One of the most critical factors of the exterior is the paint, so you can always have the house repainted. Landscaping The next thing you should focus on when renovating your house is landscaping. If you have a front garden in your home, this can really up the property value, especially if it is well tended. If you are renovating your home because you are planning on selling it, then improving the landscaping is one of the best things that you can do. Ensure that all the grass is cut and that there are no weeds. If you have any flowers, ensure that there are no weeds in the flowers and that everything is trimmed and tidy. Outdoor lighting can also go a long way, especially if you are showing the house. The Kitchen One of the most important rooms that you should focus on in the entire house when renovating would be the kitchen. Again, if you are planning on selling your house in the future and you are renovating now because you have a chance, consider the fact that 68% of buyers think that the kitchen is a very influential factor as to whether or not they will buy. There are many things that you can do in the kitchen, such as replacing all of the cupboard doors and door handles. You could also update all of your appliances within the kitchen. If you don’t have an island in the middle of the kitchen, now is a great time to have one installed. The Bathroom The next thing you should focus on when renovating a home is your bathroom. As you might have guessed, the bathroom is also a very important room in the house if you are planning on selling, since it’s one of the rooms that buyers pay careful attention to. The great thing about the bathroom is that you just have to make a few adjustments to make it shine. For example, you could replace the glass if you have a shower installed, and you can also replace the shower heads with something more modern. Assuming that your bathroom is tiled, which it should be, you can replace the tiling. You could also consider replacing the faucets as well as the light fixtures. The Flooring Finally, the last thing that you should focus on this list is the flooring within the house. As you can imagine, over time the flooring does get damaged, especially in rooms such as the living room, dining room, and kitchen. If there are any scuff marks on the flooring, you have to have those cleaned, and if your flooring is a little outdated, you can consider upgrading. Carpets are also a very popular choice, so you might consider having a few of those installed, especially if you have an office. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Remortgaging is the process of switching to a new mortgage provider or renegotiating the terms of your existing mortgage with your current lender. You can do this to secure a lower interest rate or to access property equity, which is the difference between the value of the property and the outstanding mortgage balance. For instance, if you’ve built up at least 25k in equity, it could be an excellent time to consider remortgaging for a better interest rate or other reasons. If you need some tips remortgaging after 25k in equity, consider the following: A three-digit number that measures your creditworthiness is your credit score. It’s based on information in your credit report, such as your payment history, credit usage, and length of credit history. Lenders use your credit score to determine the risk of lending you money and to set your mortgage’s terms and interest rate. A good credit score will increase your chances of getting approved for a better mortgage rate, while a low credit score can make it challenging to qualify for a mortgage or result in a higher interest rate. That’s why checking your credit score before considering a remortgage is essential. You can check your credit score for free through several sources, such as credit bureaus, banks, and credit card companies. Some credit card companies offer free credit score access as part of their benefits package. You can also use certain websites to check your credit score. Gather and prepare the necessary documentation beforehand. This includes proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns; proof of employment, such as a letter from your employer; and credit history, which can be obtained through a credit report.  These documents will be used by the lender to determine your ability to repay the new mortgage and to offer the best possible interest rate. Having these documents ready will make the remortgaging process quicker and smoother. Another crucial decision you’ll need to make is choosing the ideal mortgage rate. A fixed-rate mortgage is a loan in which the interest rate is set for the entire loan term, providing borrowers with stable monthly payments throughout the loan. This type of mortgage is best for those who value predictability in their monthly payments. On the other hand, an adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, is a loan where the interest rate can fluctuate based on market conditions. The interest rate is fixed for a certain period—usually 5 or 7 years—after which it can change annually based on the index it’s tied to. This type of mortgage is best for borrowers who are expecting their income to increase in the future and want to take advantage of the lower initial rates. You can use online comparison tools or consult a mortgage broker to compare rates from different lenders. It’s essential to compare the interest rates and other fees associated with the loan, as these can vary significantly between lenders. The fees can include origination fees, points, and closing costs. Factor in the costs associated with the process. These costs can include legal and valuation fees and any fees your current lender charges for switching mortgages. Solicitors or conveyancers typically charge legal fees for handling the legal aspects of the remortgage, such as transferring ownership of the property and preparing the necessary documents. Meanwhile, a professional valuer charges valuation fees to assess the property’s value. These fees can vary depending on the lender and the property’s value, so getting an estimate from your lender or solicitor before proceeding is essential. To calculate the total cost of remortgaging, you’ll need to add up the legal, valuation, and lender fees and any other costs associated with the process. You can then compare the total cost to your potential savings from a lower interest rate. As with any major financial decision, remortgaging requires careful consideration and thorough research. Make sure that remortgaging is the right option for your particular situation. For some homeowners, remortgaging might not be the most cost-effective option, so take the time to assess all of your choices. If you do everything right, remortgaging can be just the solution for you to save money and gain access to additional funds. Conclusion If you plan to remortgage, consult a mortgage broker or financial advisor on how to navigate the process. Also, check your credit score, compare rates and fees, and calculate the costs before making your final decision. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals