Over the last year, the Bank of England has attempted to curb rising inflation through a series of interest rate hikes. The theory behind this is simple: when interest rates are higher, people are more incentivised to save than to spend. This dampens demand, and therefore pushes down prices. We’ve seen this in the property market, with the average price of a house sliding from a peak of just under £300,000 last summer. This is just the latest downward trend in a market that has been rising relentlessly since the 70s. If we look at the inflation-adjusted price of property over time, we see an overall upward trend. In today’s money, the average price of a home at some points in the 70s was just £100,000. The rising cost of building The construction sector is facing the effects of inflation, much like every other part of the UK economy. But there are special concerns to weigh, here. The rising cost of fuel makes it more difficult to get materials and equipment to the building site. What’s more, the price of certain kinds of skilled labour is going up. All these costs must ultimately be passed to the person paying for the building – and perhaps the people who subsequently buy the property from them. The effects of second-home ownership You might suppose that owning a second home might help to drive up property prices. After all, when one person owns two properties, there’s one less property available for everyone else to live in. Of course, there’s a built-in penalty to owning a second home that’s uninhabited. The homeowner must foot the bill for things like maintenance and mortgage payments. Providing the space for a tenant, therefore, is a financially sensible thing to do. It’s also worth noting that the effects of second homes in the city are different from those of second homes in the countryside. A holiday home or lodge in a rural location will tend to provide a place for people to stay when travelling, without contributing to urban house-price inflation. Plus, these homes tend to be fairly reasonably priced, and so within the reach of lots of potential buyers – not just extraordinarily wealthy ones. Will prices come down in 2023? According to most estimates, house prices will indeed continue to fall throughout the year to come. The extent of the fall varies depending on who is being asked. Lloyds and Halifax are betting on an 8% fall, while Zoopla puts it at closer to 5%. The Office for Budget Responsibility, which provides the basis for the Exchequer’s decisions, thinks a 9% fall over the next two years is likely. These predictions hinges on several factors, but all of them are related to the interest rates set by the Bank of England. This rate, of course, is set according to world events – which might move suddenly in just about any direction! Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

A welding career can be very rewarding. Good pay, high job demand, and opportunities for advancement into robotics or management (or both.) But, it’s not a career you can just decide to start overnight. It takes specialized training, skill development, and certifications. So, we put together a list of schools, scholarships, and more to help you get started. HOW TO START YOUR DREAM WELDING CAREER Deciding your career path can be very nerve-wracking. With no prior experience or guidance, starting your welding career may seem overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are 4 steps to guide you to your preferred job in the welding field. 1. RESEARCH DIFFERENT WELDING PROGRAMS Your first step will be to research welding programs, to eventually enroll in a welding program. Top-rated welding schools can be found from Alaska to Georgia, especially in areas of the country where welders are in the highest demand. To find the right school for you, do a little research to figure out which one best serves your end career goal. Take a look at the degrees and specialties offered, regional accreditation, and relationships with local businesses that hire graduates. Make sure you’ll get mostly real-world education that’s up to current standards, and look for included certifications. 2. EVALUATE TUITION AND FEES ACROSS THE PROGRAMS YOU RESEARCHED The next step is to weigh your financial options. It’s no secret that money will likely be a determining factor – if not the main one – in which school you choose. Tuition and fees range widely depending on the type of welding program you’re interested in, from a few thousand dollars for basic certification programs to near six figures for a bachelor’s degree. 3. COMPARE SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER RESOURCES Next, you should search for a scholarship or take advantage of a related program. One of the upsides of choosing a welding degree is its high demand – many organizations with a vested interest in training skilled welders offer scholarships, grants, or other ways to help grow a talented workforce. Scholarships vary in the amount awarded, grade-point average requirements, and eligibility. The American Welding Society offers its own scholarships as well as links and information to hundreds of others around the world. Most scholarships require a GED or high school diploma and acceptance to an accredited program. Keep careful track of deadlines since they can be any time during the year. States also receive federal funding through the Workforce Investment Act to award grants to help build up a local workforce. For many areas, welding is high on the list of important positions. Start by contacting the Workforce Development Center in your state! 4. FINALLY, GET CERTIFIED! The final step to your first welding job is to get certified, which proves that you can create quality, sturdy welds that meet your job’s code. If your school doesn’t include certification as part of its curriculum, several organizations offer testing. Certifications are as varied as the type of job and cost anywhere from as little as $25 to maintain a certified welder (CW) certification, to more than $1,000 for more specialized roles. If an official welding school just isn’t an option for you, it’s possible to get certified using other methods. One popular option is to work under an experienced welder and learn through hands-on experience. And while certification is required for you to get paid work as a welder, how you get certified is based solely on if you can show up and adequately perform the responsibilities of the job position. IS IT WORTH IT? In a word, yes. The median pay for a welder in May 2017 was just under $20 per hour, and wages can be upwards of $25 per hour for specialized jobs in industries like electric or gas utilities. In addition, The Bureau of Labor Statics expects the field to grow by 6 percent through 2026. KEEP UP WITH WELDING NEWS At American Torch Tip, we pride ourselves in providing useful information and resources for those in the welding industry. After being in business for more than 80 years, American Torch Tip is fulfilling the mission we set out to accomplish by successfully designing and manufacturing thousands of industry-leading torches and consumables for welding, laser and plasma cutting, and thermal spraying. A welding career can offer a lot of rewards, like good pay, high job demand, and opportunities for advancement. And if you’re interested in robotics or management, you can often combine those interests with welding to create an even more rewarding career. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Bed bug infestation can be a very difficult thing to deal with. This kind of infestation comes in many forms and may, therefore, require various methods of dealing with the menace. Whether you decide to use Hot air treatment or any other method, there are many reasons you need to engage professionals in this exercise. One of the advantages of using professionals in bed bug control is that these are people trained and experienced in spotting where bed bugs hide. With the various forms of bedbug infestations, one may require a customized control method that best suits their needs. However, to eliminate the bedbug menace in your home, you require hiring professionals. We shall discuss reasons one needs to hire professionals for bed bug extermination. Why you should invest in professional bed bug extermination 1.    It is more effective This is probably one of the biggest reasons one should use professionals in bed bug control. Most of the DIY remedies for bed bug control are not effective. They could work for a short period after which the bed bugs become more active. With a professional service, you are assured their methods are effective and trustworthy. The professionals do their work more effectively and ensure that kids and pets are not exposed to any risks during the process. 2.    Professionals do it quickly This is yet another advantage of using professional bed bug killers. They are well aware that the earlier an infestation is dealt with, the better. As such you need to know when you have an infestation and call the professionals at the earliest time possible. This is the best way to kill bed bugs and control them. 3.    Professionals are experienced trained and certified Another important aspect of bedbug professionals is that they are well-trained and certified. These are people who are experienced in their work and therefore you can be sure they know their job. They have the right tools for the work.  They are also well-versed in the techniques and equipment that are required to exterminate certain types of bedbugs. With their experience and know-how, they will exterminate all bed bugs permanently and effectively. 4.    They save you time and money There are many websites and blogs designed to teach you how to kill bedbugs. With these, you will just waste your money and time. To avoid this, you can hire professionals who will exterminate the bedbugs promptly. 5.    Professionals are efficient and strategic By the time you discover bed bugs in your home, it means they have already been around longer. As such, you can be sure the infestation has been around and will require a team with the right strategy and efficiency. This is only possible for professionals. The professionals know the right strategies to take to kill the bedbugs with efficiency and permanence. In conclusion, with the use of professionals in bed bug control, you are sure your problem will be sorted once and for all. The professionals are also courteous and know how to handle their clients with professionalism. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A retaining wall is easy to build if you are patient and adhere to safety standards. You just need to plan, study your landscape and determine the most suitable materials to construct your wall. You can use natural stones, timber, bricks, or even concrete, depending on your preference and your landscape’s topography and availability. In addition to materials, you need to be aware of the safety standards to ensure you get a strong wall that will not collapse after a short while. Here are four top types of retaining walls you can build to enhance your landscape. Gravity Retaining Walls Gravity retaining walls work towards holding back a mass of soil down a steep slope. The wall has to hold back the horizontal pressure applied by soil on the slope to keep it on top of the resulting plane. You will need to check with your local authorities to ensure that you do not interfere with the natural flow of water on such a slope, as your wall will alter the direction of the water due to its immense size. Officers from your local council can come to inspect your topography and advise you appropriately. They also inform you of buried lines and mark them so that you don’t interfere with them when digging the foundation. Counterfort Retaining Walls Counterfort retaining walls are strong walls that help push back sloping soil and stones using thin vertical concrete webs called counterforts. You include these counterforts at the back of the wall to add strength to keep it from bending or collapsing from the force the soil applies to the wall. They also increase the weight of the wall to ensure the soil remains in place. The entire wall comprises reinforced concrete that is pre-casted at a factory and then installed in whole at your site. The heel and the stem slab spread horizontally along the length of the wall reinforcing the counterforts that are placed at regular intervals along the wall. Semi-Gravity Retaining Walls Semi-gravity retaining walls contain tension-reinforcing steel that strengthens them without making them as thick as gravity retaining walls. These walls are a blend of cantilever and gravity-retaining structures. The entire mass of the wall resists the lateral pressure of the earth or soil. They are suitable for short slopes with limited lateral pressure. Like all the other walls, you must ensure the drainage is sufficient for the water to flow freely. Water retention could force the wall to bend and eventually collapse. Cantilever Retaining Walls Cantilever walls are similar in design to counterfort walls. The difference between the two is in their stem, which is thinner as compared to its counterpart. Due to their thin stems and slightly thin base slab, you use less concrete to build these types of walls. The base of this wall or the heel slab extends to the backfill providing extra pressure to the soil and keeping it in position. The step holds the soil vertically with extra support from the toe and heel slabs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

When you are planning to conduct a home renovation you need to ensure that the cost estimates are accurate. When they are accurate you will know how to save money before your renovation takes place. Below are 10 tips to achieve accurate cost estimates in your home renovation. 1. Develop A Checklist Every home renovation is different. Because of these differences, you should develop a checklist that lists all of the material that your renovation will use. You can use an estimating software like CostCertified so that you see how each item gets priced. Once you have your checklist, you won’t need to create it all over again if you need to make updates. 2. Expect Changes In Price As you plan your home renovation, you need to be aware of the pricing for the materials and for the labor involved. The reason why is because of the increases in price that are happening, as well as problems experienced throughout the supply chain. 3. Decide The Need For Specific Tools When you review your home renovation estimate, make sure that the tools will actually be needed or not without affecting the renovation. Decide if the tool’s size will be necessary or if a more manageable tool is appropriate for the job. You should also enquire if you can conduct some of the work with your own tools. 4. Review All Quotes When your home renovation contractor presents you with their quote, it is important to review it with them and not to assume that it has not changed from what you verbally agreed upon. When you review the quote, you can make changes to it before signing off on it. 5. Consider Labor Costs Labor is another important cost to consider when it comes to paying for a renovation. Before you sign any quote, ensure the labor costs are reasonable to you. Ensure that these costs also include the taxes.When formulating the labor cost, you also need to consider the weather conditions and how productive the labor force will be. 6. Verify The Accuracy Of Payroll When you have a home renovation and you decide to hire independent workers, it is important to have an agreement on what the pay will be before work commences. When you have a pay rate established, you will be able to easily calculate other workers who might come onboard later on. 7. Determine Unit Cost When you determine the unit cost, you are able to quickly gain estimates without having to wait too long. For your unit cost to be determined, take the following steps: Gather the items needed Label each item with a cost Total up the cost and have it double checked Include a markup to finalize your costs 8. Bring In Additional Experts If you lack experience in certain areas of home renovation, it is perfectly ok to bring in a contractor who specializes in certain areas of home renovation. When you do, ensure that you get their quote so that it can fit nicely with your current costs and so that you don’t go over budget. 9. Research Your Home Renovation Type Online When you are planning a home renovation, you should do some research first. Go online and research the exact type of renovation you plan to conduct to see what the costs would be for labor and materials. This is a good starting point to get an idea of what your entire project would look like when completed. 10. Incorporate As Much Technology As Possible You have a lot of tools and technology at your disposal when you plan a home renovation. The use of this technology can easily reduce overall cost. Besides costs, the technology will also help you to achieve estimates that are the most accurate and in less time. This time-saving benefit allows you to get your project underway and completed sooner than anticipated. When you are planning a home renovation project, it is important to know how to achieve accurate cost estimates. When you follow the tips above, your home renovation project will begin and end within budget. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Specialty chemicals are compounds with exclusive properties and functions utilized across industries like agriculture, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Due to the high demand for these substances in various industries, the market has undoubtedly expanded. Consequently, the number of suppliers offering them has considerably doubled.  With the abundance of suppliers in the specialty chemical market, it may be challenging to choose a reliable one. Hence, companies must consider different factors to ensure the quality of the chemicals used in their industrial and manufacturing processes.   A good supplier offers high-quality products at a competitive price, prompt delivery, and top-notch customer service. Conversely, working with an unreliable supplier can lead to delays, low-quality products, and financial losses. Therefore, you should take the time to find the right supplier to ensure that you receive the best possible products and services.   Keep reading to know the several factors to consider when looking for a reliable specialty chemicals supplier.  High-quality specialty chemicals are vital for safe and efficient use across industries. They also minimize the risk of health and safety issues and lower costs associated with using inferior products.  Product certifications are a great indicator of the quality of a supplier’s products. These certifications show that the specialty chemicals have been tested and verified to meet specific quality standards, such as ISO 9001, a widely acknowledged quality management system that guarantees the company complies with customer and regulatory requirements.  Additionally, it’d be best to inquire about their quality control processes. A trustworthy supplier should have procedures to ensure consistent and high-quality products. It may include frequent testing, inspections, and audits of their production protocols and final products.  Having a supplier who can provide you with the products you need is crucial to ensure the smooth operation of your business or research. A reliable supplier should have a well-stocked inventory and be able to fulfill your orders quickly so you don’t have to worry about unexpected delays or shortages.  The timeliness of delivery is also an essential factor to consider when choosing a specialty chemicals supplier. Remember that late deliveries can cause significant disruptions to your business or research, leading to decreased productivity and increased costs.  Price is essential when choosing a specialty chemicals supplier, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration. Find a supplier that offers good value for your money, meaning high-quality products at a fair and competitive price.  Beware of suppliers offering prices significantly lower than the market average. These prices may be too good to be true and may indicate that the products they provide are of low quality or are failing to meet the industry standards and regulations. Using low-quality or non-compliant products can lead to negative consequences and increased costs in the long run.  When comparing prices, consider the total cost of the products, including shipping and any additional fees. Moreover, look for a supplier with flexible payment options and an efficient process for easy ordering and delivery tracking.  It’s crucial to assess the quality of a supplier’s customer service. A good supplier should be easy to work with, provide responsive customer service, and resolve issues/inquiries efficiently.  When evaluating a supplier’s customer service, assess the ordering process, customer service responsiveness, and the support offered. A reliable supplier should have a streamlined ordering system and a readily available customer service team.  Additionally, trustworthy suppliers should offer technical support, such as product information, data sheets, and assistance in using specialty chemicals. This is crucial as these products often require specialized knowledge.  Choosing a supplier that prioritizes sustainability and has responsible practices can help reduce the environmental impact of using specialty chemicals.   When evaluating a supplier’s sustainability and responsible practices, you should consider their efforts to reduce waste and use renewable resources. They should have a well-established recycling program and should take steps to minimize waste. They should also use renewable resources, such as recycled materials or renewable energy sources.  Another critical factor to consider is the supplier’s compliance with environmental regulations. These regulations can include the EU’s regulations on the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals (REACH) and the United States’ Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Compliance with these regulations helps ensure that the products are safe for human health and the environment.  Conclusion  To sum up, choosing the right specialty chemicals supplier is an important decision that requires careful research and consideration. Make sure to thoroughly evaluate each of the factors mentioned above to make an informed choice that’ll support the success of your research or business operations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Casinos have been a source of entertainment to people all over the world for centuries – and this is particularly true for the UK. While advances in technology have seen the development of online casinos and real-time gambling, landmark casinos remain popular.  Some of the most iconic casinos in the UK include the following establishments: Why UK casinos have become popular tourist attractions Some of the factors that have contributed to the popularity of UK casinos as tourist destinations are their outstanding facilities. Furthermore, there are a variety of gambling opportunities these land-based casinos offer. Finally, most of these casinos – such as the Ritz club – already have a distinguished past, making them attractive for long-term members through to the next generation of casino players. How do these casinos contribute to the local economy? Firstly, some of the effects of UK casinos on the economy are fostering job growth – from dealers to waiters to security guards. Secondly, the large amount of income generated by these casinos means high taxes – and ultimately this contributes to the wider economy in the UK. Lastly, these casinos enhance the growth of tourism due to their status as world-class establishments – attracting people from all over the world to the UK.  Are there any plans to build new iconic casino construction buildings in the UK? The UK is home to some of the most iconic casino buildings in the world, such as The Ritz Club and Crockfords. However, there are currently no plans to build any new iconic casino construction buildings in the UK. This is due to several factors. For example, gambling laws have become increasingly strict over recent years, and additionally, many casinos have closed due to financial difficulties post-pandemic. Despite this, there are many exciting casinos throughout the UK for visitors and locals to enjoy – long into the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Do you want to construct a new business office? If so, you have come to the right place. This guide will help you to take the right steps when it comes to your construction project, so you can avoid making some of the pitfall mistakes that most people make. Figure out Financing One of the main things that you have to do before you even begin constructing your offices is organise your financing. This will involve you gathering the information regarding the structure you intend to build and the profit you expect to make. If you can find out this kind of information early on then you can easily find out if your project can go ahead as planned. Hire a Great Designer You want your offices to suit your team and the general operation of your business. You may even have a vision for your build, but the only way you are going to make all of this work is if you hire a fantastic designer. Your designer will make sure that you meet all of the right building codes and they will also be able to advise you on the current regulations. If you don’t hire a good designer then you may find that you end up struggling to get the result you want out of your construction project. Choose a Good Contractor It’s so important that you hire a great contractor when it comes to your office design. If you want to find a great contractor, then you need to ensure that they are both licensed and insured. Making sure that they have completed similar projects in the past is also very important. If they have no experience in your chosen project then this could end up working against you. Ideally, your contractor will have a series of connections too, including a metal recycling service so you can dispose of any waste properly. Get a Building Permit Before you begin your project, you have to make sure that you have the right permit. Your permit can vary depending on your city and state, so make sure that you are more than familiar with the laws within your area and that you also understand your building plans. This takes a lot of time, so make sure that you account for this when it comes to the timeline of your project. Survey the Land With your permit, you then need to get the land surveyed. You need to find out the best location to build your offices, while making sure that the area is capable of supporting your building. Making sure that there are no structures underneath the soil is imperative, along with ensuring that the soil type is suited to construction. If you can make sure that this is the case, then you will soon find that your project goes smoothly and that you are also able to get the result you want out of your build. Building some new offices can be stressful, but with this guide, you should find that everything goes to plan. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

For a while now, the construction of homes and buildings has become more focused on sustainability and green products. However, it isn’t the same for every design. Some prioritize profits over sustainability, and others put sustainability first, or adopt a healthy blend. Wine is one area that was somewhat overlooked in terms of sustainability. But there are now a few companies that are making an effort to create eco-friendly and green wineries with their construction, and many people are getting behind it. Why Wineries? Research has shown that wine has a fairly big carbon footprint. However, it is difficult to change when most of the carbon footprint for wine comes from the way it is produced and shipped. This means the buildings and the processes themselves have to be adapted. While making sense, it is often overlooked. After all, to harvest wine, you need a lot of space, a lot of machinery, and very cool rooms to keep the wine from being spoiled. The process also uses a lot of glass and plastic, as well as wax and cork to create the wine bottles. Transportation is also a large part of wine-making’s carbon footprint, but it isn’t as easy to eliminate. However, some businesses are working to reduce transportation problems by doing things such as sourcing locally. Though many don’t want to limit distribution and hurt their sales numbers, collecting from local places supports nearby businesses and reduces the distance every component has to travel to get to the winery, which eliminates a lot of greenhouse gasses before the products are even sold. How Are They Making a Difference? New wineries are starting from the ground up, including the buildings themselves. Their new construction is being made from straw that is then compressed to make bricks that aren’t dependent on as much carbon. They also are further reducing emissions by sourcing local sand, clay, and stone while also repurposing wood from their wine barrels. Some wineries are working to reduce the plastic in their new constructions, opting to use tile instead. Concrete is also often a eco problem, because it is used for a lot of flooring thanks to its durability and ability to handle some abuse with ease from things like big vehicles or items being dropped on them. Current options to replace concrete (this said carbon, but I think you meant concrete since that was the subject) are biochar, which is burned wood leftovers. In addition to new buildings, wineries are working to reduce their carbon footprint in other ways such as using solar panels, gathering resources from local companies, and relying on the earth for cooler rooms without as much need for rooms dedicated to cooling via electricity. Knowing that wineries are working to make a difference is a huge relief to many wine lovers. This means they can continue to support the environment while drinking their favorite bottle of red, or white. That means you can still go on that wonderful wine cruise you’ve been planning for years. And if you’ve ditched your car to be even more sustainable, don’t worry, you can use a car service to get to any port of NY transportation where your cruise will depart. If you want to support these businesses making an effort to go green, there are lists everywhere of the most sustainable wineries by location. Many of them are in California, but you can find them all over. Finding the Balance New homes, apartments, and buildings are being built in the United States all the time. While this is beneficial in many ways, it does create a problem when it comes to sustainability. About 39% of all greenhouse gasses are said to come from construction, with 11% of that from the manufacturing of materials. So any time that a new building is created, you are hurting the planet, even if you are attempting to be sustainable. Thankfully, new ideas are coming out all the time to reduce the footprint buildings have. There is always more research to be done and changes to be made, but creating sustainable buildings is an amazing goal. All around the world, we are seeing construction change. Instead of basic square homes or tall skyscrapers that cut through the landscape and look cold and unfeeling, we are now seeing large complexes that include green spaces, and homes built with solar and rooftop gardens in mind. There are all sorts of ways to reduce the carbon footprint on new construction. One of the biggest is reducing the amount of materials that have to be transported over long distances. If construction companies and designers can focus on using local materials, the damage to the environment can be reduced, and still allow unique designs to be implemented. However, sometimes these designs can seem more expensive initially and so they are often not used. You can also use cleaning materials that are more green or eco-friendly; find ways to reduce water consumption via more eco-friendly materials and appliances; and use better smart lighting that turns off to save both energy and the environment. Not only does incorporating nature back into construction and design create unique pieces and buildings that are highly desired, but it allows the opportunity for new and improved architecture and health benefits to those that live there. It doesn’t have to be just one type of building either. Research has shown that residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare, and educational buildings all profit from the use of green space and green designs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals