Enlisting the help of local construction services is important during building projects as they cover a wide spectrum of tasks and responsibilities throughout the entire process from design to completion. We’ve pulled together a list of construction support services that can’t be overlooked during the project. Project Management Construction project management services are essential to the smooth running of projects as well as ensuring costly mistakes are avoided. Project managers direct and organise each stage of the construction project life cycle from ideation to completion. The ultimate goal is to deliver projects on time and under budget. The project manager is responsible for maintaining a tight schedule, allocating resources, and ensuring quality. They will oversee all stages of construction, including: Pre-Construction Services Pre-construction services are as the name suggests – they are used before any actual construction begins. These services are part of the planning stages of construction projects and ensure the job runs smoothly. Pre-construction is the first phase of planning where the aim is to nail down the planning of the project and give the client a clear picture of what the final outcome is going to look like as well as how it’s going to get done, how long it is going to take, when each part of the project will be completed and how the client’s vision will be matched to their budget. This part of construction support shouldn’t be overlooked as it allows contractors and owners to evaluate the entire project. Pre-construction services usually include: Scaffolding When it comes to constructing buildings, scaffolding is required to make working from great heights easier. It also ensures construction workers are safe throughout the whole project. Ladders aren’t sufficient enough for working on a construction project, therefore adding scaffolding barriers can protect builders from falling. Scaffolding also allows workers easy access to parts of the building they are working on making it an important and efficient service that can’t be overlooked. There are scaffolding services available everywhere in the UK. So no matter if you’re looking for a scaffolding company in Essex, Yorkshire or even Scotland, you can easily find a company near you by searching on Google. Design Eye-catching construction designs can generate increased value throughout the development process. It can also add value and higher ROI for developers and builders which is important in this unpredictable market. A great construction design company may start their design process inside the hope with thoughtful spatial arrangements. Having efficient space inside a home or commercial building can ensure the health and wellbeing of those who inhabit it. Things like natural light, good air quality, insulation and more can create a perfect living or working environment that minimises running costs, improves affordability and minimises carbon emissions. Building Building services are important during the design of a building. They can give their input into overall strategies and standards, architecture design, the sustainability of a building and the health of wellbeing of its occupants. By hiring building services early on in the construction project, you can increase the effectiveness of the project schedule, design and construction. This is an important service to not overlook during the planning stages of the project and can help the project progress safely and efficiently as they help plan and oversee: Takeaway The success of a construction project is determined by the support services you hire. These construction services keep everything under control and ensure the smooth running of the project. You can find local construction support services in many ways including word of mouth, Google or even phone books.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Uprooting and moving to a new country can be a complex process for several folks, making them fret about packing all their belongings and wondering if they can transport the items safely to their new home. Fortunately, choosing the right removalist expert can make a huge difference in ensuring that the move is smooth and stress-free. But with so many international companies available, it can take significant time to figure out where to start and which to select finally. That’s because the wrong choice can lead to dire consequences, such as lost or damaged valuables in transit. The following are some practical tips to help you determine the right agency for your international move. Research and Compare The most pivotal step in choosing a moving company is researching and comparing several options. You can start by searching online for companies that specialise in international moves or ask for references and make a list of potential candidates. With that done, you can compare their services, pricing, and reputation by reading customer reviews and testimonials and scanning their websites for more details. Insurance Coverage Insurance coverage is essential to any international move, as it can protect against damage or loss during transit. So, ensure that the removalist experts you choose offer comprehensive insurance coverage for your belongings. Check the specific terms and conditions of their policies to ensure that they cover all the necessary items and provide sufficient compensation in case of any damage or loss. Services Offered Since different companies offer different services, choosing one that can provide the specific services you require is crucial. For example, some may offer full packing and unpacking services, while others only provide transportation services. Therefore, consider the specific needs of your move and choose a specialist that can meet those needs. Depending on your requirements, it helps to look for companies that offer additional services, such as pet relocation or storage solutions. Some also provide transport services for automobiles, making the process more convenient. Experience and Expertise Moving involves a lot of complexities, from customs regulations to shipping requirements. That’s why picking an international removalist company with more than a decade of experience and skill in handling international moves is crucial. Look for professionals that have been in this business for a considerable time and have a proven track record of successful moves. Pricing and Quotes International moves can be expensive, so getting accurate quotes from different companies is essential before deciding. Ask for a detailed breakdown of the overall costs, including any additional fees, taxes, or insurance coverage. Be wary of companies that provide significantly lower quotes than others, as this may indicate that they are cutting corners or not providing the same level of service. Ultimately, picking an expert providing a fair and transparent pricing structure is prudent. Communication and Support As moving can be a harrowing experience for many, choosing a company that provides good communication and support throughout the process is essential. Look for professionals that assign a dedicated move coordinator to answer your questions and provide regular updates on the status of your shipment. They should also have a responsive customer service team that can address any concerns or issues that may arise during the move. Conclusion Therefore, after selecting six to seven reputed organisations, you must research properly and thoroughly and compare the selected organisations with each other to choose the best one. Check what types of insurance coverages and services they offer, how much experience they have in the specific sector, and how well they communicate with you and other clients. Lastly, do not forget to ask whether they provide affordable services and free quotes. After considering all such points, you will find the most trustworthy moving company for your needs in no time. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Upgrading your office can provide a range of benefits for the teams who don’t work from home. However, the task of upgrading can be overwhelming with many different things to consider. Here, we will explore some of the best ways to upgrade your office to meet the needs of your employees and your business. Ergonomic Office Furniture Comfortable chairs, adjustable desks and other ergonomic furniture is just the upgrade your office may need. Introducing this type of furniture to your office can reduce physical strain, increase productivity and generally make for a happier team. Ergonomic furniture ensures the user’s body is kept in a safe and upright position to reduce stress on the spine, neck and hips reducing problems down the line. Unlike the more traditional office designs which prioritised image over function, nowadays we’re beginning to realise the importance of space planning for health and wellbeing. Lighting Light – both natural and artificial – has a huge effect on our overall health. Studies show that windows in offices contribute to better sleep and more physical activity. The impact of natural light also has a huge impact on employee mood and productivity. Ideally, natural light should take the lead. However, if utilising natural light isn’t an option, then using high-quality artificial lights is the next best thing. You can even invest in fluorescent light filters which allow you to experience close to full spectrum natural light even if you’re in a windowless office.  Décor Create an inspiring and motivating work environment through the décor. You can even choose to have a full office refurbishment to really take your work space to the next level! A unique office design and décor can make the world of difference for your office-based team. Thoughtful décor choices such as plants, wall art, colour schemes and more can create a lively workspace and positively impact the mood and productivity of employees. A careful selection of décor items can also help to reinforce company values and create a sense of community among employees in the office whilst also creating a positive impression on clients and visitors. With the right design choices, your office can become a space your employees look forward to working in every day. Branding and Professional Aesthetics Enhancing your office’s branding through promotional items can positively impact clients and visitors. For businesses looking to add professional touches, incorporating affordable printed swing tags on various office materials such as brochures, promotional gifts, or informational leaflets adds an elegant touch. This small investment can significantly elevate brand perception during client walkthroughs and events. Technology Updates By providing employees with the latest tech tools and software, you can streamline workflows, reduce errors and increase motivation. Upgrading computers, servers and other hardware can also improve speed and reliability which helps minimise downtime and delays meaning work gets done quicker and more efficiently. Cloud services can also be useful for hybrid working offices which makes it easy to collaborate with team members who aren’t in the same building. Technology is a great way to upgrade your office and keep motivation and productivity high. Meeting Spaces Having dedicated meeting spaces in the office can provide numerous benefits for businesses of all sizes. First of all, separating your meeting space can create a more professional environment for important discussions and presentations. It can also reduce distractions and interruptions from day-to-day office activities. It also helps increase productivity by providing employees with the right tools for presenting, such as monitors, projectors, whiteboards and even video conferencing. A dedicated meeting space can also create a more professional look for clients who come to visit. It will enhance their experience and improve the efficiency of the meeting. Storage & Organisation Having adequate storage in your office can enhance productivity among employees. It can minimise clutter an improve the functionality of a workspace. Gone are the days where papers are piled high on desks, instead, make use of cabinets, shelves, file organisers and drawers to maximise the available space. This also provides a more professional appearance to clients and visitors. Overall, proper storage and organisation can lead to less stress and increased satisfaction and wellbeing of employees. Eco-Friendly Upgrades The advantages of eco-friendly office upgrades goes beyond the positive effects on the planet. It also improves workers’ health and wellbeing. When you choose eco-friendly and sustainable office supplies, you’re choosing products with minimal amounts of chemicals. This means employees will get less harmful pollutants. Eco-friendly upgrades your office also help you boost your brand image (as we know how Gen Z are becoming more and more eco-conscious), and can help you attract and retain great workers. Most products today have some level of sustainability, however things to look out for include: Takeaway It doesn’t have to take much to upgrade your office for those who don’t work from home. Whether it’s prioritising light, choosing ergonomic furniture or improving storage, small changes can help increase productivity and mood. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Paperwork is essential to any job but can sometimes become a pain to handle. Without proper organization, your files can quickly get messy, making it difficult to find vital documents when needed. However, dealing with the paperwork doesn’t have to be complicated. With these seven tips and tricks, you can improve how you handle your documents and boost your productivity.  Using electronic signatures wherever possible is an excellent way to reduce the amount of paperwork in your office. An electronic signature is a digital image that appears when a document is emailed or posted on a website. Businesses often request these signatures when signing contracts and other legal documents.  Creating an electronic signature doesn’t have to be difficult. With online tools like PDFSimpli, you can create and add an electronic signature for free to your documents in just a few clicks.  Most offices deal with many different types of documents, including receipts, contracts, reports, invoices, and much more. Instead of keeping all these documents in the same pile, sorting them based on type would be best. You can further categorize each document by creating subfolders. For example, rather than having a single folder for all clients, you can create a subfolder for each client. That way, you can quickly find what you’re looking for without digging through the whole stack.  You probably have documents that you’ve time-stamped for future reference. After sorting your paperwork by type, you can further arrange them chronologically or alphabetically. For instance, after creating subfolders for your clients, you can file their documents based on the date you received them, from the newest to the oldest. You could also organize these files based on how frequently you use them.  Not every paper you receive is worth saving. So, before filing anything, ask yourself if you’ll need it in the future. If you can answer yes, then create its folder.  Keeping every unnecessary document will only clutter your office and make it harder to find what you need. Crucial documents you should keep could include bank statements, tax returns, insurance documents, and legal documents. Another way of staying on top of it is learning how to create a records retention schedule, this way, you’ll know how long to keep documents and went it’s time to discard them safely. Document shredding is essential for securely disposing of sensitive information, preventing identity theft, and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. Once you’re finished organizing your documents, you need to find a place to store them safely. A filing cabinet is an excellent option for storing important papers, but it can take up a lot of space in your office.  Another option is storage boxes that you can store under your desk or on a shelf in your office. Storage boxes occupy less space than cabinets and are usually less expensive.  However, cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox are the most convenient way of storing documents. These services allow you to keep files online and access them from any computer with an Internet connection. Color codes can save you time and effort browsing your files. You can add a colored sticker to each folder to help you remember their contents at a glance. For instance, you could use a green sticker for client invoices and blue stickers for invoices.  In addition, you can label your files and folders with a header that will help you identify them quickly. Your labels can contain extra information about specific folder contents, such as dates, events, or titles. Whether you use filing cabinets or storage boxes, you need to ensure that everything is well-organized and accessible. Ideally, it would help if you stored groups of related documents together in related folders. Moreover, you could also consider investing in a file shelf to place on top of your desk. These shelves are great for keeping documents you frequently access within easy reach. 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 

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