So, you want to be a construction worker? It’s not as easy as it looks. Sure, anyone can swing a hammer or carry some lumber, but there’s more to it than that. If you’re thinking of making a career out of construction, you’ll need to know your way around a
Have you recently decided to reduce some costs by learning to do things like plumbing yourself? Let’s be honest; calling the plumber for doing something you can do yourself can be somewhat of a loss. Things like unclogging the drains, sealing the pipes, or changing the fittings, are easier than
The lead contractor behind the redevelopment of Birmingham’s iconic Alexander Stadium is reflecting on the success of the project and the wide range of community benefits brought to the local area following its recent completion. McLaughlin & Harvey has detailed the outcomes of its social value programme which was implemented
Planning permission for new, 10-storey student accommodation on Talbot Street, Nottingham was granted on the 24th June 2022. The scheme, which will house 318 student beds, will replace the former Domestic and General office building located on the site. East Midlands-based engineering consultancy Howard Ward Associates (HWA) has been appointed
One of the UK’s leading joinery and interior fit-out contractors, which has posted the highest annual revenues in its history, has £60 million of secured work for the new financial year. Leicester-based EE Smith Contracts, which is celebrating its 125th birthday this year, has recorded a turnover of £61.5 million
hub South West Scotland has handed over the new Prestwick Educational Campus project to South Ayrshire Council. Based at Sherwood Road in Prestwick, the new educational campus has been developed on the site of the existing Glenburn Primary School and will accommodate the school’s current intake, as well as the
A mortgage is a loan specifically meant for property development or purchase. Refinancing a mortgage means paying off a loan and replacing it with a new one. The decision to refinance your mortgage will depend on many factors, including the loan duration, prevailing interest rates, the loan estimate, how long
Silica is found in construction materials – Natural stone, sandstone, bricks, clay, and concrete products. It is even found in some plastics as silica is used as a filter during the production process. What is silica? Silica is a natural compound and has multiple uses in the construction industry. However,
Are you saving enough money? Much has been made of the fact that nearly 70% of Americans have less than $1,000 stashed in their bank accounts. The same principle applies to entrepreneurs running their businesses. The self-employed commonly find themselves on edge financially. Follow these tips for saving money while
A driveway is probably one of the things that few people think about when considering the costs of owning their own home. Yet, approximately two-thirds of people in the U.S. own their own homes, and while it is still considered to be the American dream, many people also recognize that
So, you want to be a construction worker? It’s not as easy as it looks. Sure, anyone can swing a hammer or carry some lumber, but there’s more to it than that. If you’re thinking of making a career out of construction, you’ll need to know your way around a job site. There are plenty of reasons why you might want to consider a career in construction. It can be rewarding work, both financially and emotionally. And with the right training and experience, you can advance quickly up the construction ladder. Experience If you’re just starting out in construction, the first thing you need to do is get some experience under your belt. The best way to do this is by working as an apprentice. An apprenticeship is a great way to learn the ropes and get paid while you’re doing it. There are many different types of apprenticeships available, so you should be able to find one that’s a good fit for you. Once you have some experience, you can start looking for entry-level jobs. These jobs will usually be in construction labour. You can expect to earn around $15 per hour when starting out in this field. With experience, you can move up to higher-paying positions such as project manager or site supervisor. It’s important to remember that experience is the key to success in the construction industry. The more experience you have, the better your chances of landing a good job and making a career out of construction. There are many different ways to get experience in the construction industry. The best way to get started is by finding an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship is a great way to learn the ropes and get paid while you’re doing it. There are many different types of apprenticeships available, so you should be able to find one that’s a good fit for you. Skills In addition to experience, you’ll need to have the right skills if you want to be successful in construction. Some of the most important skills you’ll need include: Being able to read and understand blueprints is an essential skill for any construction worker. If you don’t have this skill, it’s important to learn it as soon as possible. Blueprints are the roadmap for any construction project, and being able to understand them is essential for your success in this field. Another important skill for construction workers is the ability to use power tools safely. Power tools are a necessary part of the construction process, but they can also be dangerous if used improperly. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you know how to use them safely before operating them on a job site. Strong problem-solving skills are another must-have for anyone working in construction. There will inevitably be problems that arise during any construction project, and it’s up to the construction workers to solve them. If you’re not good at solving problems, you’ll likely struggle in this field. Good communication skills are also essential for construction workers. Construction is a team sport, and being able to communicate effectively with your teammates is crucial for your success. If you’re not good at communicating with others, you’ll likely find yourself struggling to get along with your co-workers. These are just some of the skills that you’ll need to be successful in construction. If you don’t have all of these skills, don’t worry – they can be learned with time and practice. The important thing is that you’re willing to learn and grow as a construction worker. Training In addition to experience and skills, you’ll also need to have the right training if you want to be successful in construction. There are many different types of training programs available, so it’s important to find one that’s a good fit for you. One option is to find a construction trade school. These schools offer programs that will teach you the basics of construction. They usually last around two years, and upon completion, you’ll have the skills and knowledge you need to start working in the field. Make sure you get the most out of being a student and take advantage of student deals offered by companies. Like Student SIM deals, for example, will let you use the internet to its full potential, as you’ll need it to look up diagrams, details in the blueprint, and more. Another option is to find an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships are a great way to learn while you’re getting paid. They usually last around four years, and upon completion, you’ll have the skills and experience you need to start working in the field. However, it’s important to note that apprenticeship programs are very competitive, so you’ll need to make sure you have the experience and skills required to be successful. The important thing is that you find a training program that’s right for you. Not all programs are created equal, so it’s important to do your research and find one that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in construction. No matter what route you choose, remember that training is essential for your success in construction. Without the right training, you’ll likely struggle to find a job and make a career out of this field. Network In addition to experience, skills, and training, another important thing you’ll need if you want to be successful in construction is a strong network. Construction is a very competitive field, and having a strong network of contacts can give you a significant advantage. Some ways to build your network include: Attending industry events. Industry events are a great way to meet other construction workers and learn about the latest trends in the field. Attend as many events as you can, and make sure to introduce yourself to as many people as possible. You never know who you might meet and how they could help you in your career. Joining industry organizations. There are many different industry organizations for construction workers. These
Have you recently decided to reduce some costs by learning to do things like plumbing yourself? Let’s be honest; calling the plumber for doing something you can do yourself can be somewhat of a loss. Things like unclogging the drains, sealing the pipes, or changing the fittings, are easier than you would think. Learning about the various tools you can use to do the simpler plumbing work can help you maintain your house efficiently without spending much money. Want to start somewhere? Consider investing in these plumbing tools that are must-haves in your plumbing kit. You may not need them frequently, but you’ll have them handy whenever you have a plumbing issue. Drain Cleaning Tools Although keeping drainage tools in the house may seem unnecessary initially, they can be really helpful. Investing in good quality drain cleaning tools will save you many costs later, especially when your pipes need immediate cleaning. Here are the drain cleaning tools that you must have. No matter how much you need to get these, you can save a lot of costs later on since you’ll have these handy. 1. Drain Inspection Camera The first and most important thing you need in your drainage tool kit is a drain inspection camera or a borescope. You should be able to take it deep enough, and the picture should be clear for you to inspect where the blockage is. When choosing a sewer camera, you need to have criteria based on which you’ll select the tool. Choose wisely, as the best sewer camera will feature self-leveling for stable viewing as well as 120-degree views. This will help you locate the clog effectively so that you can dissolve it. 2. Hand Auger Although this is more like a traditional version, hand augers are useful enough to break apart drain clogs that aren’t too difficult to clear. Plumbers use these circular hand-held devices to steer a cable down a drain with a hand crank and clean out the clogs. 3. Plumber’s Snake A plumber’s snake, also known as a snake machine, is a motorized version that helps to break down and clean out very stubborn and deep drain clogs. These are flexible and have enough strength to move deep into the clog and break it down. 4. Hydro Jet This high-speed water jet is very effective in blasting out light clogs in the sewer. It comes with a hose that’s designed to blast water at high pressure in the clogged line and break the clog. The dirt then comes out of another opening and is dispensed off. Wrenches There are quite a few types of wrenches to choose from. Of course, there are the basic ones, like the torque wrench and the faucet key, that almost every household has. There are other types of wrenches that you must have. Why do you need them? Investing in these can save you a lot of money in fixing plumbing fittings. 1. Internal Pipe Wrench Does the name suggest anything? Although a bit less common, plumbers use the internal pipe wrench to remove rusted nuts, bolts, and other rusted internal parts in old pipes. This helps in changing the pipes systematically, or just cleaning out and replacing the internal parts, thus saving costs. 2. Adjustable Wrench This is nothing extraordinary, just something every household should have in their toolbox. However, this is something very essential. Most of the fittings and screws in faucets and plumbing lines are hexagonal. An adjustable wrench has a hexagonal fit which helps fix these parts of the pipes using enough torque. The bigger the diameter of the wrench, the longer it will be, thus providing more torque for bigger fittings. 3. Basin Wrench Unlike any traditional wrench, a basin wrench is a T-shaped wrench whose design will allow you to use them in very confined spaces. Due to the length of this tool, it’s effortless to turn and fasten or loosen the faucet parts under the sink. There are various sizes of basin wrenches, so you can choose whichever you think fits most of your sink fixtures. 4. Pipe Wrench Pipe wrenches are the most common tools plumbers love keeping in hand. They essentially help in doing most plumbing fittings. Have you seen plumbers use one wrench to hold the pipe while rotating the fittings in the right direction? Yes, those tools. Investing in pipe wrenches can help you effectively cut off costs when you need to change pipes or fix something in the plumbing lines. Of course, you should learn to use it in conjunction properly. 5. Faucet Key A faucet key, also known as a faucet wrench, isn’t a traditional wrench. It’s an X-shaped wrench that helps to loosen and tighten all types of faucets that would be hard to open otherwise. Depending on the fittings you aim to fix, you can find various sizes of faucet keys in the market. By measuring the diameters beforehand, you can choose the one that’ll fit the sillcocks and spigots in your home well. Other Plumbing Equipment You Should Have There are other types of equipment that you must add to your plumbing toolkit if you don’t have them already. These tools won’t only help in plumbing and drainage work but will also be helpful in other cases. Knowing how they work can also help you fix things quickly. Here’s a list of these items and what their functions are. 1. PTFE Tape Polytetrafluoroethylene film tape, or PTFE tape, is mostly used to wrap around pipe threads. It seals the threads to each other securely. There are a few names for this tape- thread seal tape, Teflon tape, and plumber’s tape. There are a few types of this tape, white, yellow, red, green, copper, and silver, each serving its purpose separately. Use them for sealing hose ends, natural gas fittings, water heater pipes, welding lines, pipes for medical purposes, and other types of pipe fittings. 2. Pipe Cutters Sometimes, you need to replace pipes, whether they’re old
The lead contractor behind the redevelopment of Birmingham’s iconic Alexander Stadium is reflecting on the success of the project and the wide range of community benefits brought to the local area following its recent completion. McLaughlin & Harvey has detailed the outcomes of its social value programme which was implemented over the course of the redevelopment in a report published today (17 August 2022), including impressive local job creation figures, ethical procurement, and a range of community partnerships. A total of 370 jobs were created and sustained throughout the redevelopment of the stadium over the last two years, as well as a total of 35 apprenticeships, work placements and internships, and 756 weeks’ worth of vocational training. 58% of employment was created for those living within 30 miles of the site, and an impressive 334 members of the workforce were upskilled throughout the course of the project. 91 community and education groups and over 600 school pupils have been engaged throughout the redevelopment, and £80,000 of community investment, both financial and in-kind, was achieved. McLaughlin & Harvey recently won the Inspiring Change in the Community Project Award for their Employment & Education Academy initiative on the project, which addressed the employment and skills gap by removing inequalities and barriers in employment and education. Judges at the Inspiring Change Conference & Awards, organised by CECA, praised the contractor for their outreach to local ‘hard to reach’ community groups, which ultimately led to 48 new entrants to the industry, including 26 long-term unemployed. Ethical procurement and working with local suppliers was also key to McLaughlin & Harvey’s social value programme. 50% of project spend was with local businesses and in total the social value programme generated £21.5m of local economic value. Martin Keys, Operations Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “The greatest challenge faced was ensuring the project ran to time and budget. This was achieved amidst a world health pandemic and a global shipping crisis – to name a few – thanks to the collaboration, engagement and one-team approach from all partners involved. “Alongside this excellent achievement, today’s report also highlights the real benefit we have brought to local communities here in Birmingham, both engaging with young people and hard-to-reach groups, encouraging them into work and bringing a lasting legacy to the area, which as a business, we are very proud of.” The £72.4m stadium redevelopment project was part-funded by West Midlands Combined Authority (£25m) and the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (£20m), with Birmingham City Council providing the remainder of the funding. Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Anyone who visits the venue knows what an amazing job our contractors have done on the redevelopment of the Alexander Stadium – which is now the undisputed premier athletics facility in the country. “But the community story is just as impressive. McLaughlin & Harvey told us they would be good neighbours and project partners and they backed up their words with a really impressive programme of community engagement and support for grassroots projects not only in Perry Barr, but right across the city. “They’ve set a standard for other firms working on projects for the council to meet.” Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “We invested in the stadium redevelopment because we knew that it would provide a world class sporting facility for the region and enhance our reputation on the global stage. Anyone can see the contractors have certainly delivered on that. “This project also creates a social legacy as we can see with hundreds of quality construction jobs and training opportunities created and supported through the pandemic and engagement with the community including local school children who will be inspired by their experiences for years to come.” Anita Bhalla, Interim Chair, Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) said: “After successfully completing the redevelopment of Alexander Stadium on time and on budget, this latest report highlights how McLaughlin and Harvey also managed to deliver a wide-ranging and impactful community engagement programme. “Increasingly, social value is at the heart of how we measure our GBSLEP investments like the £20 million that went into this City Council project. We recognise how critical it is that local people feel the benefits of the major developments that are happening on their doorstop. This contributes to driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth across our region and for all our communities.” The report can be viewed at https://www.mclh.co.uk/media/6076/mclh-alexander-stadium-social-impact-report.pdf
Planning permission for new, 10-storey student accommodation on Talbot Street, Nottingham was granted on the 24th June 2022. The scheme, which will house 318 student beds, will replace the former Domestic and General office building located on the site. East Midlands-based engineering consultancy Howard Ward Associates (HWA) has been appointed as civil and structural engineer on the development through repeat work with long established clients, McLaren Property. From its head office in Nottingham, HWA delivers construction engineering consultancy services across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, emergency services, commercial and residential throughout the country. HWA has given pre purchase advice on engineering site constraints such as contamination, site levels and services. To support the planning application HWA provided a contamination preliminary risk assessment, transport assessment and travel plan, flood risk and SuDS strategy alongside civil and structural engineering design. The project provides an opportunity to regenerate an inner-city site in an area which is closely linked to Nottingham Trent University. Over the last five years, Wollaton Street, adjacent to Talbot Street, has been extensively redeveloped, providing areas which resemble an extension of the university campus. The purpose-built student accommodation provides social benefit by relieving pressure on community housing. Dan Bailey, managing director at HWA, said: “We are delighted to be working on the Talbot Street development following planning approval – refurbishing the former Domestic and General building into quality student accommodation for an area closely linked to Nottingham Trent University. “The site presents great opportunity to give a worthwhile contribution to the ongoing regeneration efforts in the inner city. We have been involved providing pre purchase due diligence on engineering matters and support through the planning phase for this student resi with McLaren Property, along with planning consultants Savills who navigated gaining the permission.” HWA will be working alongside Leonard Design, Chord Consult, Pulse Consult, and Evolve in the following phases, with the project programmed to complete for occupation in the 2025 academic year.
One of the UK’s leading joinery and interior fit-out contractors, which has posted the highest annual revenues in its history, has £60 million of secured work for the new financial year. Leicester-based EE Smith Contracts, which is celebrating its 125th birthday this year, has recorded a turnover of £61.5 million for the year to March 31, 2022. This record-breaking activity has been secured partly by working on multiple prestigious developments including the luxurious The Peninsula London hotel overlooking Hyde Park Corner and the completion of 15 super-prime apartments in Knightsbridge in London. Profits have bounced back strongly following Covid-19 and are forecast to exceed pre-pandemic levels for the year ahead. EE Smith Contracts enters the new financial year with £60 million of secured work, with significant flagship opportunities for the months ahead. The business, which employs 285 staff, has reduced carbon emissions by over 20 per cent in the last year despite the growth in activity at its sites in Leicester and London by investing in a new £125,000 extraction system. There is also continued growth in long-established apprenticeship programmes, with 35 new apprenticeships having been recruited since the outbreak of Covid-19. Neil Simpson, Finance Director at EE Smith Contracts, said the company has enjoyed record-breaking liquidity through the year, giving it a secure platform for the coming years. He said: “The annual results to March 2022 have delivered the highest annual revenue in the company’s history which is due to the hard work and unwavering commitment of our staff. “We are in advanced discussions regarding a few contracts in the high-end residential and hotel markets which remain stable despite a challenging economic backdrop. “All this is the best possible way for the business to celebrate its 125-year history which is a history built on employee training and development and investment in cutting-edge technology, and delivering best-in-class craftsmanship. “EE Smith Contracts has a long history of training youngsters and a significant number of our current employees are former apprenticeships who have stayed with us because it is a family environment. “We have established great links with London colleges and have 30 apprentices on our sites in London who are learning from among the finest craftspeople in the country. The London labour market is very dynamic and we’re building the EE Smith Contracts family environment on those sites as well to retain our apprentices and provide a pathway for their career. “Further reductions are forecast in our carbon emissions following significant investment in carbon saving technology in the last six months because this is an area which is really important to us. “Overall, after evaluating the cost of the pandemic, which we estimate cost the business £3.8 million, to reach a stage where profits are now healthier than pre-Covid is testament to the high standard of our work and the high calibre of our staff.”
hub South West Scotland has handed over the new Prestwick Educational Campus project to South Ayrshire Council. Based at Sherwood Road in Prestwick, the new educational campus has been developed on the site of the existing Glenburn Primary School and will accommodate the school’s current intake, as well as the relocation of the nearby St Ninian’s Primary School and the creation of a new Early year’s centre and nursery As the Authority’s development partner, hub South West Scotland (hub SW) managed the development and delivery of the project and worked closely with construction partner Morgan Sindall, architect BDP, independent tester Capita and principal designer and cost consultant Gardiner and Theobald. South Ayrshire Council formally announced the project in May 2019 with work beginning on site in early 2020. The new campus consists of 22 classrooms and multi purpose rooms spread over two storeys, with an Early Years centre and nursery facilities for children aged two to five. Incorporating leading sustainable methods into the project was key with the new campus running purely on electric power thanks to the installation of roof solar panels and air source heat pumps for heating. In addition to a state-of-the-art sports hall, the new Prestwick Educational Campus will feature outstanding outdoor sporting amenities, including an all-weather pitch. A new allotment garden, willow garden and sensory garden will offer students and children from the surrounding community the opportunity to learn about local nature. Councillor Stephen Ferry, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education said: “We’re committed to providing children and young people with the best possible start in life, and I’m delighted that pupils can now set foot into their brand new school after what I’m sure felt like a long wait for them. “Prestwick Educational Campus will provide a modern and engaging environment for learning and will ensure pupils can thrive throughout their years at school. We’re continuing to transform learning in South Ayrshire with our school build programme, and I know that both schools will benefit from the shared provision. “I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone involved in making this project a huge success, and wish all of the children, teachers and school staff good luck for the year ahead.” Michael Ross, Chief Executive of hub South West Scotland, said: “We are incredibly proud to have led the delivery of this project for South Ayrshire Council, delivering the project early – enabling the full school to decant before the end of the summer holidays – on budget, and to the highest quality standards. “This is the 14th project we have successfully delivered for South Ayrshire Council. It is this long-standing relationship that has enabled us a platform to invest in ongoing initiatives, continuous improvement and processes to support our joint agenda for excellence in project delivery which has been demonstrated and proven here. “This platform allows us to implement our unique Build Ayrshire events that upskill SMEs, facilitate our hub clubs that create a network of connected Ayrshire businesses and also reinforces our partnership with Ayrshire College where we support curriculum activities. “This project was a real team effort. A huge well done goes out to all parties involved, the local supply chain and our construction partner Morgan Sindall.” Stuart Parker, managing director of Morgan Sindall Construction’s Scotland region, said: “It’s an honour to deliver this state-of-the-art educational campus to the local community. “Our aim was to create an inspiring space where students can socialise, learn and flourish in an environment that feels special to them – we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it. “This campus is yet another example of working collaboratively with our partners to create special places that have a positive impact, so a huge thank you to all involved.” Lindsey Mitchell, Architect Director, BDP Glasgow Studio, said: “I’m thrilled that pupils will be starting their first day at nursery or school at the new Prestwick Campus. We received such positive engagement and involvement with the pupils, parents, staff and the wider Prestwick community and I hope the buildings and open spaces we have created reflect their needs and views. “The design celebrates the identity of both of the primary schools and the shared space will help bring together each of the school communities. “We aimed to create something authentic for the community that will be inclusive, welcoming and provide a platform for contemporary learning and teaching. The buildings present a positive, community facing frontage that will provide a strong sense of arrival to all pupils, staff and visitors regardless of whether they are using the facilities, teaching or learning at the campus.” The outputs delivered as part of the Prestwick Educational Campus project are not limited to the built environment. hub South West Scotland tenders and awards projects to help drive job creation and investment in the local Ayrshire SME base. As a collective team we facilitated 14 apprenticeships filled by local young people. As part of the work experience programme, attendees supported the groundworks team with setting out, kerbing, landscaping and joinery. They were also given the opportunity to observe key milestone activity on site including cement pours and completion of steel work. hub SW tendered the project competitively to maximise local economic output which saw two jobs created and also saw a graduate quantity surveyor and graduate QHSE manager hired to work on the project. hub SW has held multiple workshops with local SMEs and ensured that 80% of packages were tendered by territory supply chain. This project has awarded £9m of works packages to subcontractors within the hub SW territory, included within that is £3.7m of spend with subcontractors in Ayrshire and £3m of that with South Ayrshire Council based businesses.
A mortgage is a loan specifically meant for property development or purchase. Refinancing a mortgage means paying off a loan and replacing it with a new one. The decision to refinance your mortgage will depend on many factors, including the loan duration, prevailing interest rates, the loan estimate, how long you plan to live in the property, e.t.c. It is difficult to know whether refinancing a mortgage is a good idea as it will ultimately come down to the reasons for financing. The following are situations when refinancing a mortgage might be worth it: To Secure A Lower Interest Rate An excellent reason to refinance a mortgage is to get a lower interest rate, which is a good idea when you consider you will be paying the loan for decades. You should particularly refinance your mortgage when market interest rates drop after an announcement by the Federal Reserve. Most experts say you should refinance your mortgage if you can reduce it by 2%. You should hence understand your APR and visit loandepot.com for the best mortgage rates. It helps to have an excellent credit score when refinancing your mortgage to get the best interest rates. Reducing your interest rate will not only save you money but will increase the rate of equity buildup in your property. To Consolidate Debt Many people are drowning in debt and will refinance their mortgage to consolidate their debt. Debt consolidation is one of the main strategies to reduce your debts. Though it does not erase your debts, it makes it easier for you to pay them. Replacing high-interest debt with a low-interest mortgage is a good idea and reduces the amount you have to pay. However, it requires financial responsibility, and you should only do it if you are sure you will not spend the money once the refinancing frees you from debt. To Access Your Home’s Equity Homeowners will often access the equity in their homes to cover significant expenses like paying for life insurance, college education, or renovating their homes. They will justify the additional debt, for example, to remodel as it will increase the property’s value. The interest on the new loan may also be lower than the interest on the previous mortgage, which helps save money. Cash refinancing is especially popular among modern homeowners. You can access your home’s equity through a cash-out refinance if you will have at least 20% equity after completing the transaction. Cash refinancing rates are often higher than rate-and-term refinance rates, but it is still one of the cheapest ways to borrow money. To Shorten The Loan’s Term When interest rates drop, you can refinance your mortgage, not to get lower interest rates but to shorten the loan’s duration. Even though the interest rate and monthly payments might rise, for example, when refinancing a 20-year mortgage to a 10-year mortgage, you will pay less interest over time. The amount you save on a shorter loan term due to fewer interest payments will be particularly beneficial if you do not include the mortgage interest deduction on your tax return. To Change An Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) to A Fixed-Rate Mortgage (FRM) ARMs typically offer lower interest rates than FRMs in the beginning. However, with time as interest rates rise, a fixed-rate mortgage may become more appealing than an adjustable-rate mortgage. You can refinance your mortgage to take advantage of the lower interest rates in the FRM. Conversely, if prevailing interest rates fall, you can switch from an FRM to an ARM to take advantage of the opportunity by refinancing your mortgage. Refinancing your mortgage is worth it if it shortens the duration of your loan, gives you a lower interest rate, helps consolidate your debt, builds up your home equity, and reduces your monthly payments. However, it would be best if you were financially prudent when refinancing your mortgage. Otherwise, you will be in a worse financial situation than before the refinancing.
Silica is found in construction materials – Natural stone, sandstone, bricks, clay, and concrete products. It is even found in some plastics as silica is used as a filter during the production process. What is silica? Silica is a natural compound and has multiple uses in the construction industry. However, exposure to fine silica particles vary between distinct types of materials with fine dust remaining in the air from many different working activities. For example: Quarrying and stone processing – Rock drilling, blasting, breaking, crushing, and screening Stone production (particularly on sandstones as they are made-up of around 70% silica) into architectural masonry, cladding, traditional masonry blocks, and natural walling stone Refractory production, cutting, polishing, and finishing products Concrete product and manufacturing and production Demolition processes where encountering concrete, natural stone, brick, mortar, plaster, roofing products are prevalent Be informed about the effects of breathing silica dust. Workers do not have to get sick when working with materials containing silica. Silica related illnesses are 100% preventable. The simplest steps to prevent exposer while working around construction products include: Using the correct responsive respiratory protective equipment Wear a face mask, and protective clothing Use blasting cabinets and proper ventilation Use wet production methods when cutting, or grinding products Limit the time you work in duty production environments Follow good personal hygiene rules – Do not eat or drink in dusty work-related areas Always Shower and change clothes after work to prevent taking dust particles home So, know the hazards and take precautions to avoid exposure. Remember, continued exposure can lead to developing health complications including, silicosis a long-team lung disease caused by inhaling fine crystalline silica dust over many years. It is the responsibility of employers to provide a safe working environment for all employees. If you find yourself in a workplace or working on construction sites where you are working around products that are known to contain crystalline silica there are health and safety training programmes that you can sign-up to. Essential Site Skills offer extensive workplace health & safety training courses including our popular Face Fit Train the Tester course that provide those who are required to wear responsive respiratory protective equipment, the knowledge of how to conduct face fit testing using Qualitative method. If you are responsible for health and safety within your organisation, then it is essential that face fit testing is conducted correctly, and documented evidence is recorded. All ESS face fit testing and train the tester courses are delivered by our Fit2Fit accredited tutors. If you want to know more about our Face fit and related Health and Safety courses including: Asbestos Awareness UKATA Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Risk Assessment Training Non-Licensable work with Asbestos (UKATA) Go to https://essentialsiteskills.co.uk/category/face-fit-testing You canbook direct online, or you can contact one of our expert training advisors direct: 0115 8970 529 they will assist you find an alternative training location or date or create bespoke training for your organisation. We are one of the best providers of health and safety training courses in the UK. All our upcoming public courses can be viewed by month and year online https://essentialsiteskills.co.uk/training-calendar We can deliver in-house accredited training courses right at your premises, anywhere in the UK. For more specific requirements, we are also happy to customise existing courses to meet your objectives. Call 01158 970 529 and talk to a member of our team. essentialsiteskills.co.uk
Are you saving enough money? Much has been made of the fact that nearly 70% of Americans have less than $1,000 stashed in their bank accounts. The same principle applies to entrepreneurs running their businesses. The self-employed commonly find themselves on edge financially. Follow these tips for saving money while you’re self-employed. Most of these tips can be applied to your personal and business finances. The first step to saving money while self-employed is to know where you stand in the first place. Everyone should have both a household and business budget. A budget is simple enough to create. You list your monthly outgoings to get a benchmark for how much you need to survive every month. Add your monthly income to determine whether you’re in the red or the black. Your budget shows you whether you are earning enough or spending too much. It demonstrates whether you need to make spending cuts and where you need to make them. Refer back and update your budget at least once per month. You’re likely paying hundreds of dollars every month for your insurance. Everything from liability policies to health insurance will come with monthly premiums you have to pay. The self-employed also need to think about their business insurance policies, such as malpractice and self-employed insurance. Everyone needs sufficient insurance coverage to protect themselves and their assets if something goes wrong. There’s little benefit to being loyal to one insurance company over another in most cases. Get into the habit of shopping around and comparing annually. Many insurers will even price match if you find the same policy at a lower price with one of their competitors. Anything can happen at home or in business. Ideally, you shouldn’t have to dig into your retirement or investment fund if something goes wrong. A downturn in business or an unexpected medical expense could cause serious problems. Your initial focus should be to build up an emergency fund for your household and your business. Most experts recommend maintaining a minimum of six months in expenses to keep everything running if you lose the bulk of your come. If you’re ambitious, you should aim for twelve months. If this seems unrealistic, it might be worth looking at side hustles you can do to help you build that post. Look at your skills and how you can apply, search online for money-making opportunities such as looking to sell feet pictures or other photography, or take up a delivery job, for example. This will help you boost your emergency fund or give you extra cash to live on. Technology has allowed us all to automate much of our daily lives. Why pay for a coworking space when you can simply use video conferencing software to collaborate instead? Why pay for an office space filled with filing cabinets and watercoolers when you can function just as well in a home office, which you can also take a tax deduction on? There are so many ways in which technology can cut your costs in every aspect of life. With so much competition among tech providers, you might be surprised at how much money you can save by further digitizing your life. How many times have you let a premium newsletter subscription keep running when you don’t make use of it? Cutting those big expenses is easy because they take a big chunk out of your budget every month. Yet smaller expenses open you up to being constantly nickel-and-dimed. If you’ve got subscriptions to three different streaming services, think about which one you really need and cut the rest. Track every transaction at home and in business. Review whether that expense was really necessary and cut what you don’t need. If you want some help with your current finances, then Swissmoney are a great option. Tax credits and deductions are there to support hard-working Americans in business and at home. These tax credits can add up to thousands of dollars in tax savings every year. It has meant that 57% of Americans paid no federal income tax in 2021. Unfortunately, millions of Americans are also paying more than they should in taxes because they’re failing to claim the credits and deductions they’re eligible for on their taxes. Hire a tax accountant to manage your tax affairs rather than attempting to file yourself. Not only will they be able to figure out what you can claim, but they will also ensure you remain tax compliant at all times. On a side note, you may also want to consider filing quarterly taxes to reduce the one-time burden come tax filing season. Like when you create a budget, you should also be planning for retirement. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that because you’re young, this is a problem for later. Approximately one in four Americans have saved nothing for their retirement. Your nest egg includes everything from money in a savings account to a Roth IRA or SEP. Make sure you consult an investment advisor to support you in planning your retirement. But how much should you have saved for your retirement? Firstly, Social Security will only replace roughly 40% of your pre-retirement income, so you have a lot more to cover. Aim for the following guidelines when saving for retirement. Here’s what you should have saved: Obviously, the more you can save, the better. Remember, the sooner you start saving, the less lost ground you’ll have to make up. If you leave it until later, your monthly contributions will need to be much higher to make up for lost time. Conclusion Saving is a matter of slashing your expenses and committing to saving more of your income. Shopping around, streamlining your operations, and being smart with your taxes will all contribute toward putting more money in the bank. Go out of your way to keep accurate documentation and hire a professional to handle everything. By being attentive to your finances, you’ll be able to confront any financial scenario. What are
A driveway is probably one of the things that few people think about when considering the costs of owning their own home. Yet, approximately two-thirds of people in the U.S. own their own homes, and while it is still considered to be the American dream, many people also recognize that it is a huge responsibility and know that there are a lot of hidden costs. The good news is that there are some cost-effective ways to remodel your driveway. The average driveway costs about $4,500 to build, and the price per square foot ranges between $2 and $15 for materials and labor. Obviously, the greatest factor in determining the cost is the size. Still, you also need to consider the type of materials, labor cost, driveway design, site prep work, permits, and miscellaneous items like culverts. First, we’ll take a look at the different types of driveways. Then, we will focus on six cost-effective driveway remodeling tips. Types of Driveways There are several types of driveways with various costs per square foot. The following types are the most common. · Gravel driveways cost about $1 to $2 per square foot, making them considerably less expensive than other options, but they aren’t allowed in some cities. In addition, they last about 100 years with very little maintenance. · Chip seal driveways cost about $5 to $10 per square foot and are popular with homeowners who want to look like asphalt without the expense. This is also called tar and chip and will last about ten years. · Asphalt driveways cost about $7 to $13 per square foot and last about half as long as concrete but will handle temperature extremes better. · Concrete driveways cost about $8-$18 per square foot and are the most popular and require very little maintenance. In addition, they can last up to about 40 years. · Paver driveways cost about $10 to $50 per square foot because of the amount of labor needed to install them. Cost-Effective and Durable Concrete Driveways You can get a simple paved concrete driveway that will look good and last for several decades. However, you might also want to choose something a little fancier when you go with concrete because all concrete driveways tend to look the same after a while. Concrete is a versatile building material, and if you feel inspired, you have many options for creativity with concrete. 1. Colored concrete One option to make your plain concrete driveway stand out is to stain it a different color. This can be done by adding the color into the concrete mix, giving you an integral color that permeates through the entire concrete, or it can be achieved by adding stone dust to the top of the concrete, which colors just the top layer. If you already have a concrete driveway, you can have it stained and sealed at a fraction of the cost of installing a new driveway. 2. Concrete tiles Concrete tiles are poured, cured, and then laid in place. They can be stained in a variety of colors and sealed. The results are quite unique and elegant. 3. Designs in concrete You can also choose to break up the monotony of a plain concrete driveway with some designs using inlaid stone. Stenciled concrete is another method used to create designs that look like paved tiles. This is done after the concrete sets but before it completely hardens. Concrete is the best option if you are looking for a durable product at a good price. Because it is such a versatile product, you can achieve almost any desired result. K. Graber Construction is a concrete contractor in Howard County, IN, with over 30 years of experience providing quality concrete work for driveways. If you want to remodel your concrete driveway, getting help from an experienced professional can save you thousands of dollars. Getting Creative with Cheap Materials If concrete is outside of your budget and you don’t have to meet the requirements of an HOA, you might be able to use some cheaper materials. Depending on how long your driveway is and what the requirements are in your locality, you can get creative with some cheaper driveways made out of alternative materials. 4. Recycled Crushed Concrete Old concrete is sometimes recycled into crushed road aggregate. It can be inexpensive to get a gravel-type road because it usually costs about half as much as gravel, and it has a similar look. With pavers or concrete edging, you can achieve an elegant look that will compliment your landscaping and house and stay well within your budget. 5. Asphalt Topped with Pebbles Another idea is to top an asphalt driveway with a pretty pebble aggregate. Again, using edging or a line of pavers, you can make it look very elegant. You might also be able to find pebble aggregate in a color that compliments your home’s exterior. 6. Wood Chips A few cheap materials are not ideal but are certainly better than nothing. One idea is to use wood chips, especially if you live in a rural area. Sometimes, wood chips can even be obtained for nothing but the cost of hauling. If you are willing to do the labor of spreading them, you can get a cheap driveway for next to nothing. Remember that many HOAs may not let you use wood chips on your driveway.
