Building Design and Construction Magazine

SPRINT FINISH: £22.5M LEISURE CENTRE COMPLETES FIVE MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

SPORT and leisure specialist GT3 Architects has completed a new gateway leisure centre in Coalville, Leicestershire, allowing residents to access the centre’s state-of-the-art facilities five months earlier than anticipated.  Replacing the former Heritage Leisure Centre in neighbouring Whitwick, this leisure destination has been completed ahead of schedule after seamless collaboration with contractor

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Stoford secures funding for British Salt warehouse

Commercial property developer Stoford has secured funding for the construction of a new warehouse for British Salt, the UK’s leading salt manufacturer and part of Tata Chemicals Europe. It has signed a funding agreement with ICG, the global alternative asset manager, for the 184,493 sq ft state-of-the-art warehouse in Middlewich,

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Signify announces first ever on-demand CIBSE accredited CPDs

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has announced five new CIBSE accredited Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses to arm specifiers, lighting designers, facilities managers and installers with the knowledge to be able to respond to a range of business needs from meeting sustainability goals to protection from COVID-19.

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Bathroom Remodel Checklist: 7 Tips on Renovating Your Bathroom

Besides the kitchen, the bathroom is the room with the most utilized fixtures in any household. So, if your bathroom is starting to look dated or needs a lot of repairs, you should hire excellent local bathroom fitters to make your bathroom functional and look fabulous again. But of course,

Read More »

10 Things to Look for When Building a House

Building a house is not an activity that is to be taken lightly. A big responsibility and hard work are involved in making a house from scratch. However, it doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sounds. Like any other project, some factors need to be considered when building

Read More »

7 Tips to Convert Your Garage into an Office Room

One of the best ways to utilize the space in your garage is to convert it into an office room. Most people have a garage with no real purpose besides storing cars. The best way to utilize your space is to find a way that can benefit you financially and

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Siemens businesses partner to help factory accelerate towards net zero

Partnership between Siemens Digital Industries and Smart Infrastructure help Congleton plant achieve carbon neutral target Siemens’ Congleton factory is on track to achieve carbon neutrality this year – eight years ahead of its original target. The operation, which manufactures more than 1.2m controls and drives each year, is inching its

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Latest Issue
Issue 331 : Aug 2025

Building Design and Construction Magazine

Five things every builder needs to know before they buy an electric van

Electric vans are increasing in popularity, but should you buy one for your business? Dan Powell from Desperate Seller reveals the top five things every electrician needs to check before going electric.  With the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel vans looming large over the horizon, you may be wondering if now is the right time to make the switch to electric.  Electric vans are more expensive to buy than their diesel counterparts but they offer significant long-term savings when it comes to fuel, tax, and maintenance costs. Electric vans are easier to drive and more refined than their diesel rivals too, which means they tend to be more comfortable over a long journey.  The latest crop of electric cargo carriers from Ford, Vauxhall and Peugeot will also deliver heavy-duty load carrying capacity that will easily match the latest diesel panel vans. However, before you ditch your diesel, there are some important things you should be aware of. Dan Powell, editor at the online van marketplace Desperate Seller, reveals the top five things you need to know before joining the electric revolution.   Work out your mileage How many miles do you drive a week? Does your daily commute involve long motorway trips or are you a local electrican who covers lots of short journeys? Before you set foot in a van showroom, you’ll need to work out what your daily and weekly mileage is (then add 20% to cover those unexpected site visits and trips to the local wholesaler).  Once you have an idea of your mileage, you can start shortlisting vans. The Ford E-Transit will cover between 166 and 196 miles on a full charge, while the Vauxhall Vivaro-E is advertised with a maximum range of 205 miles.  It’s important to note the real world range may be slightly lower than the advised figure as things like air conditioning and heating will require power from the van’s EV battery.   Do the maths An electric van could save your business thousands every year. Charging the 75kWh version of the Vivaro-E will cost around 28p/kwh and give you around 200 miles of range. A diesel van that returns 47mpg will cost at least £37 to fill (at 191p-per-litre) and you could save even more if you charge your van at home on an overnight tariff. Electric vans are more expensive to buy than their diesel rivals, however. The Vivaro-E, for example, is around £5000 dearer than the standard diesel model. But road tax is free and electric vans also have fewer moving parts than diesel vehicles, which means maintenance and servicing costs tend to be lower.  Many supermarkets and public car parks will also let you charge your van for free while electric vans are exempt from clean air zone charges, like the London ULEZ.  Take charge Obviously, if you buy an electric van then you’ll need somewhere to charge it. And a home charger is the cheapest and most convenient way for your business to operate an electric van. Charging your van via a three-pint plug will take all day, so invest in a home wallbox if you have a driveway as this will cut the charging time to six or seven hours.  There are more than 33,000 public EV charging points in the UK. And more are being added to this figure every day. Some public charging stations are free to use. Rapid charging is the most expensive way to charge your van but is useful if you get caught short, boosting your battery from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes.  Check your weight Electric vans tend to have lower towing capacities than their diesel counterparts. The Vivaro-E, for example, will tow a braked trailer up to 1,000kg – so always check the spec if you need your electric vehicle to tow tools or equipment. Payload capacity and loadspace is generally the same as diesel and petrol vans. In 2018, the Government changed licensing laws to make it easier for people to drive electric vans. This means you can operate an electric van weighing up to 4,250kg with a standard driving licence (instead of the 3,500kg you’d normally be limited to with a petrol or diesel vehicle).  Take a test drive Have you ever driven an electric van before? If you haven’t, you’ll probably find the experience a little strange at first because electric vans are silent and don’t have a manual gearbox.  Electric vans also use regenerative braking, which recovers energy to top up the battery when you slow down. This means the van will lose speed when you lift your foot off of the accelerator much quicker than a standard diesel vehicle. As a result, we’d recommend taking an electric van for a lengthy test drive so you can see if it is something you feel comfortable with.  

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SPRINT FINISH: £22.5M LEISURE CENTRE COMPLETES FIVE MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

SPORT and leisure specialist GT3 Architects has completed a new gateway leisure centre in Coalville, Leicestershire, allowing residents to access the centre’s state-of-the-art facilities five months earlier than anticipated.  Replacing the former Heritage Leisure Centre in neighbouring Whitwick, this leisure destination has been completed ahead of schedule after seamless collaboration with contractor Metnor, project manager Paragon, landscape architect OOBE and M&E and BREEAM consultant Envision. The project, delivered on behalf of Everyone Active and North West Leicestershire District Council, includes an eight-lane, 25m pool, teaching pool with movable floor, eight-court sports hall, three squash courts and a 120-station fitness suite with spin and dance studios.  Clare Noble, senior architectural technologist at GT3, said: “We were delighted to deliver this leisure centre so efficiently in collaboration with a host of great firms and contractors. We’ve worked with Everyone Active, Metnor and Paragon on a variety of leisure schemes and have a brilliant working relationship – this communication and transparency (combined with a lot of individuals putting in hard work) is what allowed us to accelerate the completion of the Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre. “A good working relationship is exceptionally important to GT3. We aim to create beautiful spaces while delivering transparency, inclusivity, and added value – which is why collaborating seamlessly with our partners is central to our work. Our ‘people architecture’ ethos extends beyond the people we’re designing for to the people we’re designing with, too.” One of the themes central to the site’s design was the sensitivity to its setting. Situated opposite an existing further education college, the new pool hall gives the appearance of pre-patinated copper cladding on its overhanging roof to reflect the design of the college. External glulam timber columns were carefully chosen to mirror the National Forest setting, and full-height glazing in the café opens up the centre to its surroundings. The bricks incorporated into the design have been locally sourced from nearby Ibstock, just 3.5 miles away, linking Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre further to its surroundings. The scheme has already seen great interest, with impressive engagement from the local community. Paul Sanders, head of community services at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “Our state-of-the-art Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre is a fabulous facility for the district which, fits well into its National Forest setting. It’s a building we hope will get people excited about getting fit and active, and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring high-quality design.” The centre opened its doors to the public on 14 February and will facilitate a healthy lifestyle for the local community, with memberships to the former Hermitage Leisure Centre automatically transferring to the new state-of-the-art scheme.   For further information visit www.gt3architects.com or join the conversation over on Twitter @_GT3Architects 

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Stoford secures funding for British Salt warehouse

Commercial property developer Stoford has secured funding for the construction of a new warehouse for British Salt, the UK’s leading salt manufacturer and part of Tata Chemicals Europe. It has signed a funding agreement with ICG, the global alternative asset manager, for the 184,493 sq ft state-of-the-art warehouse in Middlewich, Cheshire, which will enable British Salt and Tata Chemicals Europe to store the high purity salt and sodium bicarbonate products manufactured at its three sites in Cheshire and streamline its packaging and supply chain operations. The funding agreement, the first between Stoford and ICG, comes as Cheshire East Borough Council granted planning permission for the unit, which will be built at the British Salt manufacturing site on Faulkner Drive, Middlewich.  The new warehouse will support Tata Chemicals Europe’s existing operations, storing products destined for the food and pharmaceutical markets and support its future business plans in Cheshire. Edward Peel, Stoford’s Development Manager, said: “Securing funding for this strategically important warehouse for British Salt is great news. The business has ambitious plans to invest in the region it has called home for more than 50 years. Now that funding and planning approval have been agreed, we’re putting plans in place to start construction work as soon as possible and are looking forward to delivering this warehouse.” Building begins in August with a projected completion date by July 2023.  Angus Vause, Sales & Marketing Director of Tata Chemicals Europe, said: “We are delighted that Cheshire East Borough Council has granted planning permission for our new warehouse, which is a key part in the delivery of our future growth plans for the business in Cheshire and will enable British Salt to deliver enhanced customer service and supply chain excellence.” Chad Brown, Managing Director at ICG Real Estate, added:  “We’re pleased to be partnering with Stoford on the forward funding of this well located and mission critical asset. This is an attractive deal for ICG, underpinned by strong real estate fundamentals and favourable lease dynamics, with the firm eager to deploy further capital in the sector across the UK and Europe.” Stoford and British Salt were both advised by DTRE on the sale and Avison Young were the appointed planning consultants.

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Signify announces first ever on-demand CIBSE accredited CPDs

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has announced five new CIBSE accredited Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses to arm specifiers, lighting designers, facilities managers and installers with the knowledge to be able to respond to a range of business needs from meeting sustainability goals to protection from COVID-19. Ranging from topics like the correct use of UV-C technology as an added layer for disinfection to driving better connectivity through lighting, the five new CPDs are the first ever on-demand Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) accredited CPDs. These courses are an addition to an existing portfolio of 700 courses on the Signify Lighting Academy that delivers training to thousands of subscribers. The trainings are available on demand, and at the end of the training, a certificate is generated confirming the CPD hours. ‘’Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a long-term commitment to undertake the systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skills. It is about learning and putting into practice new competencies year after year and investing in your future. The on-demand digital CPDs are a great initiative by Signify to enable installers, specifiers and the whole community to learn about the latest technologies and innovations and move with the times, as this also aligns closely with our agenda at CIBSE. I encourage other members to also introduce more digital CPDs, on an ongoing basis.’’ John Aston FSLL, a member of the CIBSE CPD panel The list of on-demand CPDs announced includes: • With the World Health Organization now focusing on UV-C technology as a means of disinfection, a recorded webinar UV-C for Disinfection – General Awareness Training, has been made available. This training, which is ideal for Installers, contractors, specifiers, distributors, resellers, lighting designers and facilities managers, focuses on UV-C lighting for disinfection, how it works, research conducted to date, the benefits, safety considerations, and applications to help keep air and surfaces free from viruses & bacteria. Most importantly, the training also teaches how installers/managers can ensure safe use of the technology. • Addressing the ongoing disinfection challenges posed by COVID-19, the CPD titled Airborne transmission – why UV air disinfection is essential? is a webinar from Harvard Professor, Edward Nardell, about the necessity of UV-C technology from a medical perspective and how UV-C technology is readily available, safe for room occupants, cost-effective, and can be implemented today, learn more. • More and more devices connect to the internet every day, most wirelessly. While wireless connectivity is a must have, conventional wireless connectivity solutions use the crowded radio spectrum to communicate. What’s more there are areas where radio frequency wireless connectivity is not permitted or the best fit. Responding to the growing need for better connectivity, the CPD titled Trulifi by Signify offers an introduction to LiFi, how coworking, equipped with Trulifi, isn’t just the preserve of the jet-set and digital nomads. • For those installers interested in biophilic design and natural light indoors, the CPD titled Biophilic Design addresses how enhancing our connection with nature is more than simply adding plants and that it’s a design ethos that can appeal to us all. The CPD covers the core principles and 14 patterns of biophilic design, a business case and research demonstrating that it is good for people, and good for business. • Lastly, another CPD added is the Connected Lighting CPD. As the climate crisis intensifies, every business needs to play its part to cut carbon emissions. The use of lighting controls can be used to improve the efficiency of a lighting system. This CPD focuses on how connected lighting can be crucial to designing an energy-efficient system, along with its benefits and applications. The CPD also helps delve into how the IoT systems from Signify can take you beyond the base requirements in Part L to create a truly efficient lighting installation. All courses listed above are 1-hour long sessions. ” We are proud to work closely with CIBSE to provide the first ever on-demand digital CPDs. With the CPDs now being available on demand, we are excited to offer the trade community continuous learning and development, on the go and play our part in making the industry grow. It is our aim is to create a complete programme of CPDs covering the entire spectrum of lighting. We see it as an important part of our role to increase knowledge and raise technical standards for the lighting industry. These CPDs also affirm our dedication to developing long-term partnerships with our customers and supporting them in delivering their lighting visions – from design through to installation and maintenance as these CPD meet a pressing need for up-to-date guidance on the latest technology and legislation.” Simon Greenwood, Sales Director, Trade and Specification, Signify UK&I The Signify Lighting Academy offers a comprehensive range of educational resources to advance lighting knowledge. The educational lighting materials are provided by world-class lighting experts and professionals that come with assessment tests and certificate handouts that are certified by CIBSE.

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Glodon Gsite nominated for `Construction Software of the Year´ at London Construction Awards

Glodon Gsite, a cloud-based software for construction management and information handling, has been shortlisted for Construction Software of the Year at the London Construction Awards, which will be held on 23 September 2022. The London Construction Awards is part of London Build, the UK’s leading construction and design show. The awards recognise achievements, projects and innovation in the construction industry and feature a wide range of categories for tech companies, contractors, architects, civil engineers, developers and local authorities. “We‘re pleased to be a finalist for Construction Software of the Year”, says Tom Young, Construction Director at MagiCAD Group Ltd. “Regardless of the final outcome of the competition, we consider it recognition for our efforts and the growing position in the market. We look forward to representing our company brand and product at the upcoming event. I am proud of my colleagues’ fantastic work with our clients to develop a product that improves the construction management between site and the office.” Gsite is a flagship construction platform for construction management and information handling in building projects. Gsite users include Operatives, Supervisors, Project managers, Engineers, as well as all other members of the Construction team. Gsite is used in over 30,000 construction projects all over the globe. With a robust mobile application and web browser interface, it enables users to be as mobile as the construction project requires while still being able to work on the same tasks when back at the office. Glodon Gsite is used in over 30,000 construction projects all over the globe. With a powerful mobile application and web browser interface it enables users to be as mobile as the construction project requires while still being able to work on the same tasks when back at the office. Gsite provides a single, easy to use unified construction management platform. It allows you to handle multiple use-cases, tasks, and operations from a single application with integrated instant communication functions.

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Volvo Group UK Ltd adopts waterless urinal tech to reduce emissions impact

Volvo Group UK Ltd is adopting waterless urinal technology at its UK HQ in Warwick, and its Felixstowe Renault Truck Commercials Depot, to help cut CO2 and water waste. The flushless urinals are part of the organisation’s commitment to reach net-zero by 2040, covering direct and energy indirect emissions from operations, purchased goods and services. The roll-out of the waterless urinals, provided by UK-based Smarti Environmental, is set to slash Volvo Group UK Ltd’s carbon footprint from its washrooms by 105kg of CO2 per urinal, per year. Volvo’s installation of waterless urinals is part of its commitment to actively looking at ways to optimise water. Last week’s announcement of a national drought shows the importance of such water saving measures. Volvo’s switch from flushing to waterless urinals will enable it to do its part to protect national water supplies, reducing its water use annually by 100,000 litres for every urinal converted to become waterless.

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Bathroom Remodel Checklist: 7 Tips on Renovating Your Bathroom

Besides the kitchen, the bathroom is the room with the most utilized fixtures in any household. So, if your bathroom is starting to look dated or needs a lot of repairs, you should hire excellent local bathroom fitters to make your bathroom functional and look fabulous again. But of course, it’s pretty normal not to know where you should start when remodeling your bathroom. That said, here are seven tips you can list on your bathroom remodel checklist when having it renovated below. 1. Choose Your Preferred Bathroom Design by Gathering Inspiration Online Before anything else, you should start by envisioning what you’d like your new bathroom would look like. And thanks to the internet, looking for bathroom inspiration has never been easy! Simply search for the bathroom styles you prefer and narrow down your picks until you’ve settled on the style you like the most. If you want to, you can also look for local showrooms to give you a better idea of what you want in your bathroom. From there, you can also get an idea of the cost of the materials you’ll need and plan a budget for your bathroom remodel. You can also do this if you’re considering an office bathroom refurbishment. 2. Determine the Fixtures That Need to be Added, Repaired, or Replaced The next step is to decide which fixtures need to be repaired or replaced. Do all of them need to go? Or do they just require a few repairs? Think about this thoroughly while planning your bathroom remodel budget. While deciding upon fixtures, consider updating your bath curtain to elevate your bathroom’s aesthetic effortlessly. A simple change can significantly impact the room’s overall look and improve functionality with water-resistant and durable options. Aside from replacing and repairing other fixtures, you can also add new ones for added convenience. For instance, you can add a second sink or a fancy bathtub in your bathroom. Do note that you’ll likely need to have your drainage lining relined for that. 3. Incorporate Functional Lighting Bathroom lighting isn’t just all about the “aesthetics.” After all, adding the proper bathroom lighting ensures that you can easily do your grooming routines in the bathroom. Ideally, you can mix and match different lighting schemes for functional purposes and highlight particular features of the bathroom. 4. Don’t Forget About Bathroom Ventilation Bathroom ventilation is an aspect often overlooked by many homeowners. But although it’s not the most exciting bathroom feature, it is just as important when renovating this part of the house! After all, the bathroom is vulnerable to dampness, particularly during warmer seasons. For that matter, you should ensure to install proper bathroom ventilation systems to prevent moisture from building up in this part of your house. 5. Pay Attention to all the Little Details If you want your bathroom remodeling to turn out great, you must pay attention to every single detail in your bathroom, no matter how big or small it is. Whether it’s removing sealant from bathtub or ensuring all your chosen materials go with your chosen bathroom colour scheme, every detail matters in making your bathroom appear put together. 6. Pick between a Tiled or Wall-Painted Bathroom Although both ideas are gorgeous, tiled walls are undoubtedly the better option. After all, it is a long-lasting solution and will outlast painted walls. But of course, you can also do a mixture of both and choose particular bathroom areas that’ll be tiled. Just make sure to invest in high-quality paint so that your bathroom remains free from moisture and mildew build-up. 7. If You’re Budget Permits, Add Some Luxurious Upgrades If you have the budget, you should opt for some luxurious bathroom upgrades! Some upgrades you and your family will highly appreciate could include the following: These are just some of the fancy examples you could opt for. Of course, the choice is all yours, so feel to look for other fancy upgrades you want in your bathroom! Conclusion These are just some of the seven tips you should highly consider when renovating your bathroom. Just like any other renovation, having your bathroom remodeled is not an easy job, especially when removing sealant from bathtub and other maintenance. But as long as you follow the tips mentioned above, your bathroom will undoubtedly spark joy in you again once you’re done with all the renovations.

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10 Things to Look for When Building a House

Building a house is not an activity that is to be taken lightly. A big responsibility and hard work are involved in making a house from scratch. However, it doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sounds. Like any other project, some factors need to be considered when building a house. Here are some key factors to consider when making your first home. Required Government Approvals Before you start building, you will have to apply for various government approvals, such as the building permit for your home. Do not forget to check the original building plans for my house. Depending on the type of structure you will build and its size, you may also need to get other licenses such as a fire safety certificate, electrical installation requirements and a noise level assessment if you are constructing a home near a railway line or bus route. Layout The layout of your house is essential as it determines how much space there is inside the house and how much heating and cooling equipment will be required. It would help if you also considered how much land is available for parking and storage areas on your property. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms should also be considered so that they can be accommodated easily within the premises. Furthermore, do not forget to consider whether you want an open-plan kitchen or a separate kitchen area. The building or scaffolding companies London you choose should help you come up with a design that fits the available space. Besides, you can also hire architects to help you get the best design. Location There are many different types of locations that you can choose from when building your new home. However, one thing is for sure – the location of your new house will impact how much money you need to invest in it. For example, if you live in an urban area with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops nearby, then your house might require less investment than if you move to rural areas where nothing but nature surrounds you for miles and miles (and miles). Purchase of the Materials The first thing you must do before building a house is to purchase all of the materials that you need for this project. This includes wood, nails, screws and other things you will need to complete your home. You should also make sure that you purchase all the necessary tools and equipment required for construction. Elevation The second factor you should consider when planning to build a house is the elevation of the land. Before deciding where to make your home, check whether any high buildings nearby or other structures could obstruct your view from your new home. If so, choose another spot for your house with better visibility. You may also want to check whether there are trees surrounding the land or not because they may interfere with construction activities like digging. Size and Shape When building a house, size and shape are important factors to consider – both of which can significantly influence how much money you spend on your home project and how long it takes to complete! For example, if you want a big backyard with room for kids’ toys and games or a pool table, you may need to choose an expansive lot larger than most homes built today. Design The design of your home should be based on your tastes, as well as those of other members of your family. You may also want to consider the location where your new house will be built; this can affect how it looks. For example, if you are building a home with building contractors in North London, then it is likely that there will be more trees around it than if you were making one in a city centre area. Budget It is essential that when you are considering building a new house, you keep an eye on how much money it will cost. This can be affected by many things, including the type of materials used in constructing the house and the final cost. Having too much money for something can make it difficult for yourself and others who work with you at home but having too little may mean that no job gets done correctly. Homebuilder You should consider hiring experienced builders in Kent to build your home if any parts of it require special attention or expertise. A good home builder can save you time, money and effort in completing your project promptly and with high-quality results. The advantage of hiring an experienced contractor is that they usually have more experience than most other builders and can easily handle different types of projects. Qualified building contractors in North London are also able to offer their services at a lower price than most other contractors since they have more experience building homes than other people do. Outdoor Space Outdoor spaces are essential when considering a home because they can make up for deficiencies in other areas of the property, such as lack of indoor living space or space for parking vehicles or outside machinery. Wrapping Up There are many factors you have to consider when building a house. It is more than just getting the materials. But also having a good contractor understands your needs and will give you excellent service. A builder not only has to have the expertise of constructing the house, but they must also be able to communicate with all parties involved. You need to make sure that you check every detail until it is completed and has your approval. This requires that you find the right person for the job.

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7 Tips to Convert Your Garage into an Office Room

One of the best ways to utilize the space in your garage is to convert it into an office room. Most people have a garage with no real purpose besides storing cars. The best way to utilize your space is to find a way that can benefit you financially and financially. This article will discuss tips to convert your garage into an office room. 1. Clean Out the Garage Before you start to convert your garage into an office room, you need to clean out the garage. This is an essential step because it will help keep your new office neat and clean. You should also remove all the unnecessary items stored in your garage. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or debris from the garage floor. You can also use a broom and dustpan to sweep away any garbage on the floor. It would help if you also tried removing any clutter that might interfere with your new office room. 2. Upgrade the Insulation If you have already converted your garage into office space but still have no heating or cooling system, upgrading the insulation on the walls and ceiling would be wise. This will help you create a comfortable environment for working in your garage. The best way to do this is by fiberglass batts in your walls and ceiling. These can be bought from any home improvement store and installed quickly by yourself. Once installed, these fiberglass batts will absorb sound and heat so that you can work without any issues. 3. Add Windows Adding windows styles of double glazed windows to your garage is one of the best ways to convert your garage into an office room. With a window, you can take advantage of natural light and create some privacy. Windows also allow for natural ventilation, which can help keep the room more relaxed in the summer months and warmer in the winter months. Windows can be installed in several ways, but the simplest is installing them on the ceiling. You’ll need to measure where you want your windows and how high they need to be to meet code requirements. You’ll also want to choose whether you want single or multiple windows. Window spraying expert, will help get an attractive window frame. Then, you’ll have to contact an installation company with the necessary experience and equipment for this project. 4. Add Proper Lighting Proper lighting is critical in converting your garage into an office. Good lighting can make the space feel more extensive, and it also helps to create a more professional environment. The first step to adding proper lighting is determining what kind of light you want. You can choose from several different types of light sources: Halogen bulbs are typically brighter than incandescent bulbs but don’t last as long. They’re also more expensive than standard incandescent bulbs, so be sure to factor that into your budget. LED bulbs produce a whiter light than halogen bulbs and use less energy, making them a good choice for long-lasting efficiency. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are inexpensive and efficient, but they don’t last as long as LEDs or halogens, so if you’re looking for something that will last longer, consider an LED bulb instead.   5. Paint the Walls in Fun and Interesting Colors to Spice Up the Room The best way to spice up a room is to paint the walls in fun and exciting colours. If you’re looking for something that will turn your garage into an office, then wall paint is the way to go. The first thing you need to do before painting your garage walls is ,cost to replace garage door and to decide which colour scheme you want. You can go with a bright colour like blue or yellow, or you can choose to use pastels like beige or white. If you want something more dramatic, choose a bold red or purple colour that can pop out against the neutral backdrop of your garage wall. Once you have decided on a suitable colour scheme, it’s time to start painting! You can either hire a professional painter or do it yourself if you have some experience with painting walls. If you choose to do it yourself, then make sure that there are no cracks in the surface of your garage wall so that none of the paint will seep through them when you apply it later on. 6. Select the Right Kind of Furniture If you want to convert your garage into an office room, you’ll need the right furniture. Some people use desks and chairs that come with their home office furniture. This is a good choice if you’re starting and don’t have much money to spend on office supplies. But if you have experience in this area or want to make your garage an efficient workspace, consider purchasing additional furniture. The first thing to consider is how many people will use the space.Garage conversions Essex can comfortably accommodate only one person at a time, so you’ll want to go for functional rather than decorative pieces when choosing furniture. A good rule of thumb is that if there are more than two people in the room at any given time, they need more seating options than just a desk and chair. 7. Ventilation and Air Conditioning To make your garage into an office, you will need to improve the room’s ventilation and air conditioning. Without proper ventilation and air conditioning, you will find yourself in a space that is hot and humid, which can be damaging to your health. In addition, if you convert your garage into an office, you must have proper ventilation and air conditioning so that you do not experience any health issues related to poor ventilation or uncomfortable temperatures in the room. Installing a standing fan is the best way to ensure that your garage has proper ventilation and air conditioning. These fans can be purchased at any hardware store or home

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Siemens businesses partner to help factory accelerate towards net zero

Partnership between Siemens Digital Industries and Smart Infrastructure help Congleton plant achieve carbon neutral target Siemens’ Congleton factory is on track to achieve carbon neutrality this year – eight years ahead of its original target. The operation, which manufactures more than 1.2m controls and drives each year, is inching its way to the major milestone after deploying a range of sustainable solutions for energy generation and demand with support from Siemens’ energy and performance services business, Smart Infrastructure. These include generating 75kw of renewable energy through a hydro-electric plant at Havannah Weir on the river Dane and using carbon neutral, certified biogas to power its on-site gas engine. These measures alone saved over £250,000 pounds a year and took the 80% power-independent factory off the grid. Beyond these innovations, Siemens Congleton adopted a building management system which automatically adjusts to drive energy efficiency improvements, while modern windows and LED lighting have reduced the total energy bill by 13% and 30% respectively. Combined with reducing waste to landfill to zero and EV charging for staff and visitors, the Cheshire site is eight years ahead of Siemens’ original 2015 commitment to ensure carbon neutral operations by 2030. Commenting on the achievement, Andrew Peters, Managing Director of Siemens Digital Industries Congleton, said: “Siemens believes that sustainability is a force for good and can deliver value for all its stakeholders. We want to help customers achieve sustainable growth and to transform their industries through decarbonisation. The first step of that is for us to achieve these ambitions in our own operations. “I am delighted that by leveraging a culture of continuous improvement and sustainability – the vital components to Siemens’ Congleton’s long-term success – we have achieved carbon neutrality, a major milestone in our ambitions to reach net zero emissions by 2030.” The 50-year-old Siemens Congleton factory began its sustainability journey in 1990 when it began manufacturing drives to meet the demands of industry. In 2018 the factory became fully digital by embracing lean manufacturing methods to achieve continuous improvement and by adopting leading-edge Industry 4.0 processes. Using advanced manufacturing methods include Virtual Reality, Digital Twin, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Advanced Robotics, Cloud Technology and Additive Manufacturing, it has mastered producing up to 50,000 variations of its products to fulfil the shifting demands of its customers and markets, increased productivity by driving down costs, and improved efficiency. In 1990, 400 workers made 50,000 variable speed drives and controls a year. Today, a similar number of workers produce 1.2 million electrical devices – including 600,000 variable speed drives (VSDs). What is more is that it has been achieved within the same physical footprint. The factory is bounded by industrial units and housing estates, with no room to expand, meaning Congleton has one of the highest productivity rates per m2 of any Siemens’ sites. Faye Bowser, Head of Siemens’ Energy & Performance Services GB&I, said: “The climate emergency puts the demand on businesses of all sizes and sectors to really accelerate their efforts for decarbonisation. But a challenge is that often decarbonisation isn’t their core business. So, at Energy and Performance Services we make it our business to use our skills, our knowledge and our tools to help our customers transition to net zero in a way that contributes to their business priorities. “Despite us being from the Siemens family, we have approached working with Congleton the same we do with any organisation. It has been fantastic. In Andrew Peters you have a leader in a business which has put continuous improvement and sustainability at the heart of their long-term success. Our job was to apply those components to their energy system and their energy strategy. What we ended up with is an engineered roadmaps to net zero that considers timelines, finance, digital services, all there to safeguard business continuity, and to have a method to continuously identify more opportunities to reduce carbon on site.” The Congleton factory is leading the way for Siemens which has committed, as a global organisation, to ensure all its operations are carbon neutral by 2030 and for all production facilities and buildings to achieve net zero-carbon footprint by 2030. In the UK Siemens’ progress has been recognised by The Carbon Trust, an expert partner for supporting organisations to achieve science-based targets. In June it awarded Siemens its Route to Net Zero Standard tier one certification for ‘Taking Action’. Commenting on this milestone achievement, Olivia Whitlam, Head of Sustainability, Siemens Plc said: “Siemens is taking a holistic approach to achieving net zero and we are pleased to be guided by the Carbon Trust who helps us monitor our progress each year. “We have 8,600 people spread across offices and 11 manufacturing sites across the UK and we are creating innovation up and down the country with sustainability at the core of our operations and services. Our Congleton factory is paving the way for sustainability whilst setting a great example on how manufacturers can join this amazing journey to net zero.”

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