Nick Child

How to Create a Supply Chain Risk Management Protocol

There’s no question that the pandemic has dramatically changed the way we live and work, and the impact it has had on different industries has been monumental. Supply chains are just one factor in this equation, however, they’re crucial to the success of many global enterprises.  As supply chains become

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Ensuring Your Building Fully Maximises Renewable Energy

With the threat of climate change being high, many people want to help in their own way. As a building owner, you are in an excellent position to make significant changes to your building. The general opinion is that integrating these innovations into the building can get expensive. However, modern

Read More »

A guide to accounting for construction professionals

Accounting will always be a key part of running a business, regardless of the industry you’re in. But when it comes to construction, accountancy might seem like the least of your concerns. When you need to adhere to strict working practices while managing challenging projects that could pose a risk

Read More »

Top Five Evergreen Trees for Landscaping

Landscaping covers an array of different features when it comes to gardening, including flower beds, fences, walkways, fountains and much more.  In particular, evergreen trees are a must-have when it comes to landscaping. They offer a vibrant display of rich, green-coloured foliage that can be greatly enjoyed through every season,

Read More »

Why Should you Consider a Job as a Tradesperson?

There are various reasons why you may want to work as a tradesperson, including the opportunity to learn critical and practical skills that are constantly in demand. In fact, we have a veritable shortage of qualified tradespeople in the UK, which is one of the reasons why we’re struggling to

Read More »

How to Organize Your Stockroom

Do you run a stockroom? If so, you’ve probably seen how simple it is for things to get out of hand, especially when it comes to its organization.  Stockrooms are busy places, and it’s easy to brush things aside only to have them get lost or mixed up. This can

Read More »

9 Great Ways to Upgrade Your Deck Area

If your deck area is becoming a little bland, it may be time to spice it up with some upgrades. A majority of the options in this article are inexpensive and straightforward to implement. So you can have your deck area transformed in a matter of days to weeks if

Read More »

How To Achieve a Luxurious Home Interior

Are you trying to achieve a luxurious home interior but don’t know where to start? Here’s how: Define Your Style Before you start designing, you should know what you want. In any area of life, overlooking the planning process can result in less-than-desirable results. To define your style, take an

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How To Land Jobs As a Commercial Contractor Company

Having a contractor business is a great way to make a living. You can flex your creative muscles and your physical muscles and get to see your projects become a reality. You can experience all of that while bringing in big money. However, it’s also a business that comes with

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Nick Child

How to Create a Supply Chain Risk Management Protocol

There’s no question that the pandemic has dramatically changed the way we live and work, and the impact it has had on different industries has been monumental. Supply chains are just one factor in this equation, however, they’re crucial to the success of many global enterprises.  As supply chains become increasingly disrupted, it’s important to have a risk management protocol in place so that your business remains functional. If you own a business that relies on international product shipments or industrial supplies, keep reading to learn how you can prepare for a potential supply chain disruption. What Disrupts a Supply Chain? Before the pandemic, supply chains still faced disruption and shortages, hindering both international and local businesses. Things such as natural weather disasters, environmental concerns, human error and labour shortages all played a factor. Financial concerns also cause supply chain issues, with suppliers experiencing unexpected changes in funding which can upset their processes. Changes in regulatory environments and sociopolitical concerns are also huge risks to supply chains—a major concern for people on a global scale. While some of these things are within our control and could be addressed fairly quickly, many of them are not within our control: for example, a global pandemic.  A global pandemic created unprecedented labour shortages as people who were required to complete manual labour tasks either became ill or were forced to stay home for their own safety. On top of labour shortages, an increase in demand sent many businesses in a tailspin trying to keep up with new consumer spending habits, as people increasingly shopped online or ordered products in bulk. Many businesses are still recovering from this upset, and it could take a while before things go back to any semblance of normalcy.  Common Strategies to Mitigate Risk  There is no way that your business will not be impacted by supply chain issues at some point or another, so you must have a risk management protocol on hand. Once you’re aware of the risks that could cause a supply chain to experience disruptions, you’re able to consider which ones are most related to you and your business.  For example, if you rely on materials from a company that you know is located in a country that experiences common environmental concerns, it would be best to focus on strategies that align with those issues. It might take some research on your part before you begin creating strategies so you’re able to make educational choices. The best way to approach supply chain risk management is by looking at prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.  Prevention In this step, you’ll want to think about all the different ways you can be proactive about supply chain risks. This includes conducting research about your industry and staying on top of the latest news—if anything seems like it could have the potential to be damaging, you’ll know to keep your eye on it. Which of your operations are the most vulnerable to a supply chain disruption? Are you dealing with rare, difficult to find products or materials? Was there a recent election in a country that you deal with on a regular basis? These are all things that you’ll want to think about so you can make adjustments or change course before you’re forced to.   Prepare  It’s always important to have a backup plan in case a Plan A doesn’t follow through. Even if you feel that your business is rock solid, something could always come up and set you into a tailspin. In this case, build relationships with local suppliers of similar products to set up alternatives in case something falls through. Also, set up tracking data if you can so that you receive alerts ahead of time that there are delays. You can even ask providers to give you insight into their risk management protocols so you can align with their ideas.  Response So you’ve gone through some preventative measures and you’ve thought about how you’ll prepare. But now it’s time to walk through how you’ll actually respond to a crisis. Counteracting risk by having a chain of command set up in times of crisis is imperative. This means practicing or running drills with a polished plan to ensure it’s air-tight. Establish a clear and easy line of communication between you, your employees, and your distributors to make sure everybody is on the same page. One of the only things that can make a crisis worse is having a confusing, unplanned response.  Recovery  After you’ve responded to a crisis, it’s important to look at what you could have done better or what you did right. Conduct an audit of your mock response tactics and see what worked and what might be a red flag. The recovery period is just as crucial to your risk management protocol because it helps maintain all the hard work you put into responding to a crisis. This can include consistent monitoring to make sure everything is in order, swapping out distributors, and asking your team what could have been done differently. Be Proactive and Catch Issues Before They Occur No matter what industry you’re in, there will also be unknown factors disrupting processes. Preparing for the unknown is practically impossible, but there are steps that you can take outside of continuously having to play defense. Risk management strategies are great, but what’s even better is performing an audit and finding ways your company can improve even before a crisis hits.  Do you solely rely on international companies to supply you with industrial equipment, and can you maybe look for industrial suppliers in Canada? Consider the way you communicate with distributors—do you have a good connection with them and are they trustworthy? The old adage that “a best defense is a good offense” rings true when it comes to managing supply chain disruptions. Sometimes, it’s not how you react, it’s how you prepare.  Protect Your Business and Mitigate Risk  Supply chains have always been complex and disruptions happen, so it’s important to keep

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Ensuring Your Building Fully Maximises Renewable Energy

With the threat of climate change being high, many people want to help in their own way. As a building owner, you are in an excellent position to make significant changes to your building. The general opinion is that integrating these innovations into the building can get expensive. However, modern technology can allow the addition of renewable tech easily. Here are some tips on how to do it. Solar energy The easiest way to integrate when it comes to renewables is solar energy. First, there is the use of passive solar energy. It refers to the indirect usage of the sun as an energy source. For example, you can consider adding more natural lighting to your building as a passive use of solar energy. Instead of paying for interior lights, you can install bigger windows and mirrors for better daylight lighting that can save you a lot of money. Another passive use is solar heating through better insulation and intelligent positioning of windows. This approach can be a big help during the summer months. For a more active use of solar energy, there is the installation of solar panels for the building. It should be easy to find a solar company in Manchester that can do the installation for those based in the area. It is a great way to use the rooftop space if you don’t have a penthouse. In addition, the electricity your panels can generate will cut down on the external energy consumption of your building. Wind energy Another easily accessible renewable method for a building is wind energy. Natural ventilation through the use of wind catchers can be a good alternative to mechanical ventilation and even air conditioners. If you position them in the right places, your building will always feel like it has fresh air moving through it. A building still in the design stage could also use clever design for better air movement. For example, large spaces connected to hallways naturally draw in the air so that you can encourage natural movement. For example, you can place an atrium in the direction of prevailing winds. This position allows the surrounding spaces to have cold air because of the windows while warmer air collects in the atrium. The temperature difference then encourages the hot air to spread out into the nearby space while the colder air rushes in. Geothermal energy While many think geothermal energy requires a nearby volcano or hot spring, the earth’s natural properties can provide some renewable energy. It is because the temperature below ground is much different from above it. Using a heat pump, you can pump in cold air to push warmer underground air to heat a building. You can also do the opposite with hot air passing underground and dispersing its higher temperature so you can cool a building. It takes some planning, but this approach can help reduce HVAC costs a lot. Final thoughts Adding renewable energy to your building is not as complex as it initially appears. The pointers above should give you an idea of integrating renewables into your building’s systems. You can assure yourself that you are doing your small part in fighting climate change.

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A guide to accounting for construction professionals

Accounting will always be a key part of running a business, regardless of the industry you’re in. But when it comes to construction, accountancy might seem like the least of your concerns. When you need to adhere to strict working practices while managing challenging projects that could pose a risk to the health and safety of your workers, it’s easy to push paying your taxes to the back of your mind. However, accounting encompasses much more than simply filing a tax return and a combination of the right tools and a solid organisational system can put your business in good stead to not only survive but succeed. If you’re a construction professional working as a contractor or on the verge of starting your own business within the industry, then this guide to accounting will help you to get started on the right path. The importance of accounting in construction Business structures in the construction industry are variable, with every big project hiring a different combination of contractors and full-time staff. This can make paying the right amount of tax and keeping track of payroll challenging, especially if contractors are being hired on a day-to-day basis and subcontractors are routinely brought in to support with specialised tasks. This level of changeability requires construction professionals to pay close attention to their finances, as failing to maintain their accounts will result in missed payments, cash flow problems and, eventually, debt or shortages in capital. This contractor’s guide to ask for deposits can help professionals mitigate some of these costs, but a robust payroll system is the only real way to prevent shortfalls.  Getting started with accounting The earlier you begin implementing an effective accounting system, the easier it will be to avoid all the challenges that come with working in the construction industry. Some of the basic considerations you must take include: Investing in the right tools Taking a manual approach to accounting in an industry that’s as changeable and multifaceted as construction will result in wasted time and complications arising from human error and ineffective organisation. Digital tools such as accounting software are by far the best way to manage not only your day-to-day finances, but your annual tax return, monthly payroll, and cash flow. Due to the high number of contractors you’re likely to be working with, it’s smart to invest in an accounting solution that can take care of invoicing, send out payment reminders and log the details of every worker for more efficient tax calculations. Not only will this ensure that you are always getting paid on time, but it will reduce the number of queries and complaints from contractors that either haven’t received any money or want to know when they will. If you aren’t sure whether accounting software is for you, you could get started with a builders invoice template, which will help you to improve payment communications through formatting. Over time, you can decide to integrate templates with software for a more seamless process. While accounting software does give you the power to manage your finances yourself, you may also want to consider hiring a bookkeeper or accountant as your business grows. This will help you to make full use of any expenses or allowances that are available to you, saving you tax in the long run. Understanding the regulations The construction industry is often subject to specific tax laws and regulations that can make its accounting processes more involved than they are in other sectors. These will vary depending on the country you’re based in and the type of project you’re undertaking. If you’re primarily carrying out work in the UK, you will need to familiarise yourself with the Construction Industry Scheme, which stipulates contractors are responsible for collecting any tax owed from subcontractors on the government’s behalf. This means that not only are they responsible for paying their own tax, but they also need to calculate and pay taxes for the contractors they hire, not unlike an employer would. In most other industries, contractors or freelancers are responsible for only their own taxes, which lessens their accountancy burden. In addition to construction-specific regulations, you will need to decide on the best structure for your business. The way you file your taxes will change depending on whether you’re a limited company, sole proprietor or part of a partnership. Taking out insurance Insurance might not seem like it’s directly linked to your accounting processes, but it will certainly help you maintain your business’s financial health should anything go wrong. You may need to take out multiple types of insurance in the event that there’s an accident on the construction site you’re working on and a contractor or employee is hurt. It can also be a good idea to insure expensive equipment or machinery for accidental damage. Without insurance, an accident could spell the end of your business, regardless of how well you’ve been managing your accounts and cash flow. Paying attention to your cash flow Many construction businesses have experienced financial difficulties due to a poorly managed cash flow. This is partially due to the amount it takes for some construction projects to be completed. If you’re going to be working on a site for many months or the best part of a year, there’s an increased chance of your client running out of funds, pulling out of the project or even going bankrupt. If you’ve already invested in all the materials and equipment needed to complete the work, you may find it difficult to take on new work if you lack funds after receiving only partial payment. To avoid cash flow issues, it’s important to spread payments across a project, sending invoices to your clients regularly and asking for advance payments instead of investing your own capital to buy equipment and materials. Accounting software will help you to keep track of your income and expenses, highlighting when it’s time to remind your client to make a payment or press pause on ongoing work. Take

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How Technology Is Aiding In The Rehabbing of Historic Architecture

Technology is often blamed for destroying historic architecture, but in some cases, it can be used to help preserve and restore these buildings. In this article, we will discuss how technology is being used to aid in the rehabilitation of historic architecture. We will also discuss the benefits of using technology in this restoration project. Helping To Preserve Our Cultural Heritage Rehabilitating historic architecture is a necessary process that helps preserve our cultural heritage. Historic buildings are a valuable part of our built environment and represent an essential part of our collective history. By rehabilitating these buildings, tech expert Mark Stiffler believes we can maintain their architectural integrity and ensure that they will be able to stand for future generations. The rehabilitation of historic architecture also positively impacts the local economy. It can create jobs, revitalize communities, and attract tourists. In addition, the reuse of existing buildings can help to reduce our carbon footprint and conserve natural resources. Therefore, the rehabilitation of historic architecture is a necessary process that helps preserve our cultural heritage. Technology Makes Rehabilitation Easier And More Affordable While many challenges are involved in rehabilitating historic buildings, technology has made many aspects of the process easier and more affordable than ever before. For example, advances in laser scanning and 3D modeling have made it possible to create accurate digital representations of existing structures. This data can be used to develop virtual reality simulations that allow stakeholders to explore different design options and make informed decisions about the project’s direction. In addition, new construction techniques and materials have made it possible to replicate or restore original features with greater precision and at a lower cost than ever before. As a result, technology has played a vital role in ensuring that our shared heritage can be preserved for future generations. Using 3D Printing To Create Replicas Tech expert Mark Stiffler noticed that 3D printing could be used to create precise replicas of missing or damaged architectural elements. This technology can create detailed models of complex shapes, which can then be used to develop full-scale prototypes. Additionally, 3D printing can make molds for casting, which can be used to create exact replicas of the original piece. This process can be used to repair or replace missing or damaged pieces of architecture, such as statues, columns, or other ornamental elements. In addition, 3D printing can be used to create customized facades or other factors that are not readily available. As a result, this technology offers a versatile and precise solution for creating missing or damaged architectural elements. The Use Of Drones In Historic Architecture One of the most exciting applications of technology in historical architecture is the use of drones. Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can be equipped with a variety of cameras and sensors. They have been used extensively recently to capture detailed images and video footage of hard-to-reach places. This data can then create accurate three-dimensional models of buildings or sites. In the past, this type of data would have been complicated and expensive to obtain. However, thanks to drones, it is now possible to gather this data quickly and affordably. This information can help plan and execute rehabilitation projects more accurately and precisely. CAD Software Easily Creates Plans And Drawings Architects and engineers frequently use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed plans and drawings for construction projects. However, CAD software can also help restore old buildings to their original condition. By creating a 3D model of the building, CAD software can be used to identify areas that need to be repaired or rebuilt. In addition, CAD software can be used to create accurate plans for restoration work, which can help to ensure that the work is carried out correctly and that the finished product closely resembles the original building. As a result, CAD software can be a valuable tool for those undertaking the challenging task of restoring an old building. Conclusion Rehabilitating historic architecture is a necessary process that helps preserve our cultural heritage. However, it can be difficult and expensive, especially when done correctly. Thankfully, technology has made many aspects of the rehabilitation process more accessible and more affordable than ever before. For example, computer-aided design (CAD) software can be used to help restore old buildings to their original condition. Additionally, drones can capture detailed images and video footage of hard-to-reach places. Technology can preserve our shared heritage for future generations.

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Top Five Evergreen Trees for Landscaping

Landscaping covers an array of different features when it comes to gardening, including flower beds, fences, walkways, fountains and much more.  In particular, evergreen trees are a must-have when it comes to landscaping. They offer a vibrant display of rich, green-coloured foliage that can be greatly enjoyed through every season, but especially during the long winter months. Throughout the year, evergreens can provide beautiful blossoms, delicious fruit, and a shelter for wildlife, as well as protecting your landscape from the varying weather conditions.  There are many factors to consider when choosing the right evergreen tree for your garden. Consider how tall and wide you would like the evergreen to grow, the speed you would like it to grow, and the purpose for your choice of evergreen tree. Evergreen trees vary greatly, so read below to find out about the top five out of many evergreen trees for landscaping. 1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) Growth Rate: Up to 3 or 4 feet per year Location: Full sun to partial shade The Leyland Cypress is an excellent, exceptionally fast-growing evergreen which will thrive in most conditions. The perfect evergreen if you are looking for an upright hedge that is easy to maintain with its soft foliage. It can grow to be around 50 feet in 15 years.  2. Thuja Green Giant (Thuja standishii x plicata) Growth Rate: Up to 3 feet per year Location: Full sun to 50% shade  The Thuja Green Giant provides an excellent, exceptionally fast-growing evergreen for homeowners looking for privacy, beauty, and easy care and maintenance. This exceptional evergreen is also perfect for protection from all weather conditions and elements. This evergreen can grow as tall as 20 feet in just a few years.  3. Columnar Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Fastigiata’) Growth Rate: Up to 1 foot per year Location: Full sun The Columnar Blue Atlas Cedar is a beautiful, tall evergreen tree which can be grown as a grand backdrop to any landscape or driveway. This fast-growing evergreen is narrower than other cedar trees as branches grow upwards and can grow as tall as 15 feet within 10 years.  4. Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) Growth Rate:  Up to 1 foot per year Location: Full sun The Ponderosa Pine is a large, native tree of North America, and is an excellent choice for a larger landscape, usually growing to at least 12 feet tall. This style of evergreen is suited to and most frequently grown in more relaxed spaces, such as along the coast or in the countryside.   5. Castle Wall ® Blue Holly (Ilex x meserveae) Growth Rate: Up to 2 feet per year Location: Full sun to partial shade The Castle Wall ® Blue Holly is an ideal choice for hedging, usually growing anywhere from 6 feet to 15 feet tall, and around 3 feet wide. This wonderful evergreen can be left to branch out as a hedge, or delicately trimmed and displayed to suit your taste.  The type of evergreen you choose for your garden will depend on your individual needs. Make sure you consider your options carefully and reach out to experts for advice if needed.

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Why Should you Consider a Job as a Tradesperson?

There are various reasons why you may want to work as a tradesperson, including the opportunity to learn critical and practical skills that are constantly in demand. In fact, we have a veritable shortage of qualified tradespeople in the UK, which is one of the reasons why we’re struggling to build the requisite level of housing to meet demand. This is despite the fact that the number of women who work as tradespeople jumped from 15,000 in 2009 to 33,000 just 10 years later, and the influx of trained labourers from overseas. But what are the main benefits of working as a tradesperson? We’ve outlined three of the most prominent below: Enjoy a Varied Career As a tradesperson, you should note that no two days are ever the same. Even though you’ll have a defined skill with fixed parameters, the nature of the work that falls within your wheelhouse can be broad and varied. If you’re a plumber, for example, you may attend a residential home to fix a leaking faucet. The next day, you could find yourself installing a complete shower room at a gym, which is a far more complex and immersive challenge. This creates a certain level of interest and job satisfaction, particularly if you enjoy travelling to work in different places and meeting new people and customers on a regular basis. Over time, it can also help with the cultivation of brand-new skills or lead to the enhancement of existing knowledge and practical experience. Benefit from Constant Demand As we’ve already touched on, the UK is in the midst of an ongoing skills shortage in trades such as plumbing and electricians. This is not only leading to a scenario where the UK government is unable to deliver enough public or private sector housing on these shores, but it’s also leading to wider workforce shortages that impact on both residential and commercial projects. Because of this, there’s an almost constant demand for skilled tradespeople in the UK, both in terms of building new homes and maintaining those that already exist. In fact, tradespeople are crucial from the perspective of keeping businesses open and functional at all times, and qualifying as a plumber, electrician or plasterer almost guarantees a steady flow of work. Enjoy a Competitive Salary As a skilled job that’s in high demand, you can bank a competitive salary when working as a tradesperson. The imbalance between supply and demand in the most important trades has certainly seen the earning potential of tradespeople increase in recent times, particularly in relation to individual projects and those who work on an independent basis. Certainly, a self-employed tradesperson can make a relatively large amount of money in the current economy, so long as you can justify your costs and create a competitive price premium that the market can bear. This is an important consideration, as you don’t want to undervalue your skills or price yourself out of the market when compared to your competitors.

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How to Organize Your Stockroom

Do you run a stockroom? If so, you’ve probably seen how simple it is for things to get out of hand, especially when it comes to its organization.  Stockrooms are busy places, and it’s easy to brush things aside only to have them get lost or mixed up. This can make it harder for workers to find items and could even lead to you losing money if you cannot keep track of your inventory.  To design an orderly space, check out this article. Below you’ll discover a few ways you can effortlessly arrange your stockroom.  6 Tips for Organizing Your Stockroom Rely on Buckets and Bins Some stockrooms make the mistake of simply placing their items on shelves rather than putting them into containers. While this isn’t always possible for some things, smaller items could get pushed around into nearby objects. If there are openings in the shelves, they could fall through.  Buckets and bins will avert this by helping keep everything in one place. You’ll also want to label them to keep things together.  You might also consider color-coding the containers. For instance, green buckets indicate clothing, while red means electronics. This will aid you in finding things much faster.  Make sure, though, that your items properly fit inside the containers. Those that are too big or small could make it harder to find goods.  Don’t Forget Vertical Space Many stockrooms rely on horizontal space, but it’s important to think vertically too. With vertical space, you can build things up, not just sideways. This ensures that you’re using all areas to their fullest potential.  While you can stack containers vertically, try carousels and racks. This way, you can easily reach items without needing to take down bins. Carousels also let you electronically move items up and down so workers can grab them quickly and safely.  Be sure, though, that there is plenty of space for workers or machinery to access these vertically-placed items. If the shelves are too close or bordered by a wall, it will make it much more difficult to retrieve things.  Use Forklifts  This device is a great way to transport your inventory, especially heavy and large loads, efficiently. Forklifts can lift inventory and transport it to designated areas. They can also reach high spaces so that you can rely on vertical space.  To better aid, you, contemplate investing in pallet forks. These slide in place over the current ones but extend them slightly so you can lift larger loads than your current forks allow. Pallet extensions are made of high-quality steel that can be custom fitted. For best results, you’ll want those that measure 42-48 inches long.  Adjust the Layout It might be worth considering altering the stockroom’s layout if you notice it’s hard to get around certain areas or reach specific goods. For example, if the room’s center is crowded with shelves, it might be worth moving them out toward the wall. On the other hand, if you find that certain products are extremely popular, moving them all to a specific section closest to your loading dock might be beneficial.  Invest in Good Lighting  It might be surprising to learn that lighting can play a major role in your stockroom’s organization. Unfortunately, poorly lit areas can often get overlooked, leading to them accumulating debris over time. Besides this, some items might get lost. To prevent this, high-quality lights are essential. Most of the time, LEDs are ideal because they’re brighter and also energy-efficient, so they can run for hours without significantly increasing your energy bill. In addition, despite being brighter, they have less glare, preventing workers from getting headaches or eye strain due to the reflection.  You can install traditional light bulbs around the stockroom and task lights. A great perk of some task lights is that their bulbs can be adjusted at various angles so you can shine lights into corners, shelves, and other hard-to-see areas without needing to install multiple sets.  Use an Inventory App These apps are designed to help you keep close track of your goods. You can refer to it to monitor quantities to know when it’s time to restock. Some even provide statistics to see which items are doing great and others not. By using one, you’ll find that it will be much easier to keep track of the inventory and know what is performing well. Better yet, you can give your workers access to the app so they can update it in real-time or provide notes on certain items.  Keeping a stockroom organized can be tricky, especially if you do a lot of business. However, by keeping this information in mind, you can create an efficient space to work in. 

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9 Great Ways to Upgrade Your Deck Area

If your deck area is becoming a little bland, it may be time to spice it up with some upgrades. A majority of the options in this article are inexpensive and straightforward to implement. So you can have your deck area transformed in a matter of days to weeks if you put in the work. Then, you’ll have the ultimate hangout space in your backyard.  Add Plants Give the space life by adding plants to some of the bare spots on your deck. For example, consider installing some planters around the edges, placing large pots near the posts, and getting some hanging baskets if possible.  Depending on your gardening capabilities, you should plant various flower breeds around the deck to showcase an array of colors. However, stick with leafy plants, succulents, and bushes if you want a simple look with low maintenance. Decorations Customizing with outdoor decorations turns a house into a home, and you can upgrade your deck by showcasing your style. First, if you have outdoor furniture, get some cute pillows. Then, get some hanging decor for the railings.  If you have difficulty finding decor for your deck, hobby stores usually offer it in just about any style. However, you can also order online to save money and expand your options. Restain the Wood Over time, the color of your deck will fade to grey. Additionally, parts of it may turn an unsightly, slimy green from excess moisture and algae buildup. So if your deck looks a little dull, it may be time to power wash and restain it to look brand new. Install a Pergola Pergolas are wooden lattice structures that provide shade without completely blocking the sunlight. Installing one will give your deck a unique creative style that simultaneously provides comfort.  To make the ultimate hang-out spot under the pergola, you’ll need some comfortable furniture, pillows, and an outdoor rug. Then, hang a string of lights around the perimeter to create a relaxing vibe at nighttime.  Expand Your Deck Adding another level can create extra space if your deck is too small for your needs. So whether you’re seeking a private place to relax, more room to party, or a spot to build an outdoor kitchen, adding another level to your deck creates endless potential.  However, this task is meant for professionals who know how to maintain your deck’s structural integrity while building. Deck builders in Harford County, MD, can safely create the deck of your dreams. Therefore, you can ease your mind knowing that you won’t sacrifice quality.  Add Some Lights Lighting plays an essential role in setting the mood. So if you wish to switch up the vibe on your deck, you should switch up the lighting. This upgrade can be enough to totally transform the space, creating a fun place to hang out on summer nights.  The trend is to use strings of lights above the deck space, but you should also consider bug-repelling torches, candles, and even lamps on each post. Additionally, get creative with the lighting by finding decorations that double as lamps. Install a Bar Having a bar at home can make your house the go-to for every get-together. First, you’ll need a counter with plenty of storage underneath and another behind the bar to display alcohol. Then, get a few barstools to complete it. Finally, consider adding a few beer taps if you want to go the extra mile.  Screens Several types of screens can serve as valuable upgrades for your deck. For example, a small, wooden privacy structure can also serve as a place for climbing plants to grow, adding to your deck’s visual appeal.  On the other hand, adding a bug screen around the deck can turn the space into a sunroom, so you can still relax outside without worrying about pests or the elements ruining the area. Plus, this can double as a privacy screen, allowing you to relax without interruption from neighbors. Multipurpose Storage If your deck is cluttered with random junk, it may be time for a clean-up. Once you’ve gone through your things, set them aside and build some multipurpose storage units. For instance, you could build benches with a lifting seat. Or you can use a microwave cart with drawers to hold gardening supplies and act as a display for your favorite plants.  Conclusion Your deck space holds much potential, and your home may not feel complete if you aren’t using it to its fullest advantage. So implementing some of these upgrades can totally transform the area into the perfect hangout spot. Ensure that you conduct adequate research before starting a DIY project and hire a contractor when you’re not qualified to complete the task safely.

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How To Achieve a Luxurious Home Interior

Are you trying to achieve a luxurious home interior but don’t know where to start? Here’s how: Define Your Style Before you start designing, you should know what you want. In any area of life, overlooking the planning process can result in less-than-desirable results. To define your style, take an online quiz. Then, objectively look at your space and consider all of the elements that cannot be changed, such as location, size, and natural lighting. Then, have fun getting inspired by researching your style and finding elements you can incorporate into your home’s interior. Invest in Your Furniture Nothing says shabby like bad furniture. But, conversely, nothing says luxury like high-end furniture pieces. Of course, choosing custom-made furniture is an excellent choice, and the best option is to purchase an entire set and build the rest of your home décor around that. But even if you can only afford one piece, make sure you aren’t buying inexpensive, cheaply made furniture pieces. There are many advantages to purchasing custom-made furniture. However, when trying to achieve a luxurious look, you will want to coordinate quality, craftsmanship, and design with colors and textures that suit your style. Custom Amish furniture in Katy, TX makes it simple to get exactly what you need and want for your home interior. This furniture is built to last, and the timeless designs are intrinsically luxurious. You can have just the right pieces built for you, using the right colors, finishes, and materials for your space. Cut the Clutter If you want to achieve a luxurious home interior, clutter has no place in it. However, if you are trying to decorate, removing all the clutter before you even start is a good idea. If your clutter is items that you use every day, it is possible that you need more storage space. When you are custom-made furniture, see if you can increase your storage space by incorporating more drawers and cabinets, perhaps by having some drawers built into your sofa, for instance. This will make it easy to have those everyday items within reach without them becoming distractions to your luxurious home décor. Let in the Light Wherever it is possible, let some light in. Sometimes, window coverings are used to create privacy and block much-needed light. If you can change your window dressings to maintain privacy but let in light, you will find that letting some light in makes your rooms less drab and automatically seem more luxurious. Say Yes to Color If you are trying to achieve a luxury look, it doesn’t mean you have to stick with neutral colors. You can still use color, but you will want to pay attention to the tone you are trying to set. Bold colors like deep reds create energy and evoke confidence, while soft tones make you feel relaxed. It doesn’t matter if you choose a color for your sofa or throw pillows on it. You will want to use complementary colors in all areas where you add color to your interior. You can also try using color on an accent wall to set a tone and add interest to your home’s interior. Focus on Mixing Rather than focusing on matching patterns and design elements, try mixing them. The trick is to use only a few different types of patterns, mix them with solids, coordinate them by using colors and repeat them at different scales to add visual interest. You can achieve very good results by following a few simple rules for mixing patterns. Go With Textures Adding different textures can be done in many ways. Everything from adding stenciled patterns to your ceiling to putting a sherpa throw on your sofa can increase the visual appeal of your interior. You can find different textures in every area of your design, from the type of furniture you choose to the window coverings. Stone and concrete can be important textural elements, as well as macramé or rattan. Both hanging and potted plants can contribute to the variety of textures in a room. Look everywhere for opportunities to add texture in a way that represents your style and maintains the luxurious flow of your interior. Upgrade your Fixtures Whether it is a simple light fixture or a major appliance like a refrigerator, upgrading your fixtures and appliances can greatly impact your home interior. Even just changing out knobs and faucets can create a more luxurious look. When it comes to lighting, pay attention to how a light fixture looks and how it illuminates a room. Determine where you want the light to shine, and get a fixture that puts the light where you want it to. Make a Statement with Art It’s hard to achieve a perfect luxury home interior without using art to make a statement. You have a lot of options to choose from. You can choose groupings of framed art, a large focus piece to call attention to the center of your room, or a deluxe sculpture that perfectly defines your style. Bas relief and hanging sculptures are also popular choices. Whatever type of art you choose to make a statement, it should be bold enough to set the tone for the entire room. Also, everything else must support the statement without being a distraction. 

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How To Land Jobs As a Commercial Contractor Company

Having a contractor business is a great way to make a living. You can flex your creative muscles and your physical muscles and get to see your projects become a reality. You can experience all of that while bringing in big money. However, it’s also a business that comes with a lot of stress in many ways. You have to worry about deadlines, client demands, staffing, and anything else that comes with owning and running a business.  Beyond that, there is getting clients in the first place. Without clients, there is no business, so you must keep bringing them in. For a commercial contracting company, that means bidding on jobs and getting your brand out in the community.  If you never win bids, you will never bring in revenue. However, winning bids is not just about having the lowest one. Here are some tips on landing jobs at a commercial contracting company.  Market Your Business Effectively You will need to invest in marketing and promotion. When potential commercial clients decide to undertake a project, you want your brand to be one of the first to come to mind. You can certainly invest in broadcast media advertising, such as television and radio. However, social media and digital advertising might get you more bang for your buck. Since contracting businesses tend to work in a local area, you can target advertising to people and companies near you.  You should also put yourself on a platform such as LinkedIn to create a network in the business and contracting communities so that more people know who you are and your brand values. They will be more trusting of your business if they see the face and person behind it. Post regularly about industry updates and what your company has been doing.  You can also use search engine optimization (SEO) as a strategy. This means that you are setting up your website to appear on the first page of search engine rankings for certain search parameters. For example, when someone googles “contractor” and your city, you want your brand to show up there. You will get more organic traffic from people already looking for the services you offer.  Networking When commercial clients want a project done, they need to know that their contractor will do it professionally, competently, safely, and with an attention to detail. They also want it to come in on budget and within an appropriate timeline. The best way for potential clients to trust you is through personal connections. As the owner of a contracting company, you need to get yourself out there. Attend Chamber of Commerce functions, show up at charity events and make yourself seen in the community. Even if you don’t meet a single person who is a decision-maker at a company, those you meet will have friends, family, and other connections.  Knowing people in person will give them a better sense of your personality and how you run your business. If they can trust you as a person, they will be more likely to go to bat for you with the people who make final decisions on bids and service providers.  Get All Your Ducks in a Row The other way you can get prospective clients to trust your business is by making sure that you have protected it properly. As a commercial contractor, you can join professional organizations, get certifications and licenses, and present a squeaky clean image to the world. You should also have insurance in place that protects your business, your clients, and the general public. When choosing a contractor, businesses and commercial clients will check to make sure that your employees are bonded and that you have all of the requisite certifications. Don’t try to get away from these. Invest in making your business look strong and reputable, and clients will be more likely to sign with you.  Be Organized A red flag for a prospective client is a contractor that misses deadlines or meetings or doesn’t have information when requested. You must always be organized and on the ball, or else you might miss opportunities. If you bid too late, you will most likely be automatically taken out of the running. If organization is not your skill, hire someone to do it for you. Not only will it help with getting new jobs, but it will also help with your employees. A disorganized company will miss pay dates and make mistakes. This will annoy your staff and potentially cause issues keeping people.  Have a Bidding Strategy When you bid, you need to have a strategy. Some contractors like to quote everything down to the last penny, and some like to use round numbers, like $10,000. However, while rounding numbers makes it simpler, a client may question that. Are you rounding $80,000 up to $100,000? They don’t know, so you will need to be very close if you are rounding. Your strategy will have to balance the desire to get everything into your bid that the client wants but at the lowest price possible. But even then, you will need to be mindful of how much profit you are taking in. In general, if you do good work for a decent price, even if it’s not the lowest, you should be able to convince clients to sign with you.  Now that you have these tips, you are ready to start bringing in clients. Remember, if you provide great workmanship and build a great network, you can bring in revenue and build the commercial contracting business you’ve dreamed of. 

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