Latest Developments in Building Fire Detection and Protection Systems

Every building whether commercial or residential require fire alarms and protection systems. The residents or staff must be aware of the fire risks in their building and measures available to counter fire in case of an emergency.

A fire detection is something which can help in sensing smoke, excessive heat, fire and raise an alarm for building residents or staff to take appropriate measures, evacuate the premises and take proper steps in controlling the fire. Fire alarm systems are crucial to give quick warning to its occupants when a fire occurs and evacuate the building.

The technology advancement in this field has led to many smart and innovative products which are capable of detecting fire or smoke at a much lesser time. They not only help in alarming and controlling the situation but also suppressing it instantly without creating any further losses.

Some of the technologies are mentioned below:

• Water Mist System
• Video Image Smoke Detection
• Integrated Voice Evacuation and Messaging System
• Fire Sprinkler System
• Sound Wave Fire Extinguisher
• Personalized Voice Smoke Alarms

Click here to know more about these new fire safety technologies >>

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/new-fire-safety-technologies-for-buildings/

Understanding Hot Water Technologies for Commercial Buildings

While planning or renovating building services, clean inlets for hot water are now a must. If the building hosts restaurants, dining areas or facilities like hotel rooms, one must keep in mind that hot water is essential.

Of course, when installing hot water systems in commercial buildings, the planning and management will never be as easy as a simple water geyser.

Reliability and regulation play a key factor in commercial setups so it’s important to know what you are getting into.

Commercial water heaters can be a major pain point in your business when equipment malfunctions. Similar to the heating and air-conditioning, water heaters may also become the source of major expenses, with energy consumption increasing your utility bills or equipment needing frequent repairs.

Consider these essential tips for choosing and installing commercial water heaters in your building.

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/hot-water-systems-for-commercial-buildings/

Road Safety Essentials for Workers at Construction Zones

Road construction work zones are busy areas that present many potential hazards for construction workers, motorists, pedestrians, and other public road users with several work activities taking place at the same time. Therefore, it is important that worksite safety professionals consider some standards and guidelines. To help you plan, develop and implement your strategies efficiently, ProjectLink has compiled a list of road safety tips and equipment in an infographic. The safety solutions listed here will help you set up and maintain a safe work zone.

Want to make road safety a priority?

Go ahead and integrate these safety measures into your business practices.

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/road-construction-work-zone-safety-essentials/

Spring Home Improvement: Tips for Choosing the Right Window & Door Styles

There is a reason why they call it spring time cleaning. As the weather gets pleasant, the days are longer – Spring is the perfect time to spruce up the house and make all those improvements to your home that you have been considering.

When it comes to window and door fittings, spring is the ideal time to make changes. Here are some reasons why:

a) Temperatures

The larger your door or window project, the more you will benefit from having your window replacement done in the spring. When an unconditioned air – hot or cold – comes into your home, it can make things rather uncomfortable. Unexpected dips in the winter and soaring temperatures of summer months can make difficult for the family if windows are missing.

b) Moisture

Although spring and fall have similarly pleasant temperatures, fall tends to be rainy. This could delay installations and cause other unwarranted damage while installation.

c) Longer Days

Spring and summer days are longer, and that can help make your replacement project shorter. The longer our specialists can work in a single day, the less they have to prep and break things down. Of course, it is also essential to identify and understand the needs of your window and door replacements. Windows and doors are a long-term investment, and cannot be changed often like other household refurbishments.

Here are a few reasons to consider before you take the plunge:

i) Your windows have a single-pane glass or temperature-conductive frames and sashes. A window replacement is beneficial if the home has a single-pane glass for all windows, these are not conducive to weather wear cracking at extreme temperatures. Single pane also does not provide adequate insulation if you live in colder climes.

ii) Your windows are in poor condition. Besides breakage and efficiency concerns, windows in poor condition can contribute to water and moisture leaks, humidity issues in the home and even pest infestations. Cracked window-panes, non-operational windows and rotting frames, sashes and sills on wood windows are all good reasons to consider replacement.

iii) Your windows pose safety problems. Windows that don’t open or shut completely or that are weak or loose because of improper maintenance or damage are good candidates for replacement. And if your home has upper-floor rooms with windows that don’t open, consider replacing them with operable windows and placing an easy-to-use fire ladder in the room so the windows can serve as exits in case of emergency.

If you decide to replace your windows, there are four factors to consider when choosing energy efficient models: frame, glass, design, and installation.

Click here to know more about them >>

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/home-improvement-tips-for-spring/

Updated: Top 12 Cladding Ideas For Australian Houses

Who doesn’t dream of an attractive home with beautiful roof, exterior walls, and a garden with a natural setting? While purchasing a new house that fulfills your entire wishlist can always be a big step, availability of affordable options to transform your existing house into a dream one would be a great choice to exercise.

There are a lot of ways to brighten up your home’s exterior appearance, where the cladding is one of the most appreciated and affordable ways for your new house or even for renovation.

Apart from being an aesthetic tool, cladding forms a protective shield around your house, adding to the mechanical strength of the building's structure. Ensheathing the house walls, facade, roof, and canopies with cladding ensures that your house is robustly resistant to sunlight, moisture, rain, strong winds, and pollutants. Indeed, cladding materials always prove to be more tolerant to cracks compared to non-clad ones.

There are many cladding options available in the Australian market today. Be it renovation or a fresh construction, it is important to make sure you are aware of the differences between these products and what is going to offer the best solution for your home.

To help you out with your choices, ProjectLink has bundled up the 12 most affordable yet attractive cladding ideas. These options not only give your home a glamorous look but will fit your budget too. Browse these options and find the perfect choice for your project.

You are just one click away from giving that fascinating touch to your residence!
 

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/cladding-ideas-for-australian-houses/

Best Inventory Management Solutions for Construction Industry

If your company is working on multiple projects around the city, then equipment and inventory management are nothing new to you. The unpredictability of the construction industry has made the management of parts and equipment a difficult task. Access to the right parts or equipment in a timely manner greatly affect customer service and work schedules.

Scheduling the use of equipment can often become a complicated and cumbersome task. This is especially true if there is a significant distance between projects or if the projects require many of the same tools. These activities can be managed with efficiency if the organisation adopts a robust construction inventory management system.

To help you manage inventory and improve your warehouse’s performance, ProjectLink has compiled a list of some efficient tips and solutions.

Take these techniques into consideration and stay on the top of every detail at the project site.

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/construction-inventory-management-techniques

Emerging Design Trends in Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare service delivery is a fascinating and challenging industry. The work is driven by many variables including a growing population, ageing demographic, frequently changing Medicare reimbursement and other co-funding models as well as a fast pace of technological advancements in medicine and medical devices.

Construction of hospitals, medical precincts, and facilities has become extremely challenging in these times. It is important for capital project administrators, architects and construction professionals to recognize changing trends and take the necessary shift in thinking about the healthcare infrastructure and project delivery.

In this blog, we have discussed a few trends in hospital industry and some basic things to keep in mind if you are venturing into design and construction of healthcare facilities.

1. Microhospitals
2. Modernization of the ED
3. Infection Control
4. The Medical Village
5. Behavioral Health

Curious to discover more about them in detail? Check out the latest article on ProjectLink.com.au now...

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/trends-in-healthcare-planning-and-design/

Top 10 Buildings Blogs for Home Construction Professionals

Whether your home needs a total renovation or remodelling to make better use of the space, ProjectLink is here to help you. We have compiled a list of 10 of the best home building blogs to help you enhance the beauty and safety of your home.

These construction blogs will not only give home builders, project managers, architects, and contractors the knowledge they need to be plugged into the right resources but will also provide information on the latest trends and developments shaping the Australia's construction industry.

This handy list of construction blogs would help you get the desired look of your home, and that too without putting too much of stress on your budgets.

Alternatives to Wood in Construction

There are 4 light weighted, fire and heat proof long lasting alternative materials to wood including, wood composites, bamboo, hemp, and stones.
Read More»

Cladding Ideas for Australian Houses

Get 5 gorgeous yet durable cladding ideas for construction of Australian houses, including, stone, vinyl, weatherboards, metal, and fiber cement cladding.
Read More»

Home Flooring Ideas that will Add the 'Wow' Factor

Explore top flooring ideas including hardwood, bamboo, cork, vinyl, and laminate flooring with all their advantages and disadvantages.
Read More»

How to Make a Completely Insulated House?

Weatherproof your house, from heat and cold, with a proper insulation of attic, walls, and basements.
Read More»

How to Prevent Fire Hazards at Home and Office

Guide for most basic safety precautions to prevent fire risks at homes and offices. Also, find the top suppliers of fire safety equipment in Australia.
Read More»

How to Transform Ordinary Homes to Exotic Residences

Discover top trending styles and ideas that can help you make your homes look like exotic residences.
Read More»

How to Decorate your Home with Stones

If you want to beautify and spice up the look of your home, you should think about adding these trending stones in your home decor.
Read More»

How to Stay on Budget During Home Renovations

Keeping home renovations on budget can be tough. But, these tips will help you have an affordable and hassle-free remodel that you can be really proud of.
Read More»

Latest Trends in Home Remodelling and Design

Want to give your home a makeover but don’t know where to start? Take a look at some impressive remodelling design trends at ProjectLink to get ideas.
Read More»

How to Design a Perfect Outdoor Space this Spring

Designing a smart landscape requires solid planning. If you also long for a breathtaking outdoor space this spring, we have something just for you.
Read More»

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/

How to Create a Good Work Culture for your Construction Team

The construction industry is fairly time sensitive. The coordination of teams and schedules depends on many external factors. Project managers cannot undermine the time pressure for sensitive jobs like laying of concrete or weather conditions like rain/sleet. Even with a tight hold on project sheets the primary resource to manage is your team!

Tools like data surveying can be integrated directly into building information modeling programs and even drive construction machinery on site. Mobile construction applications make it easier for employees to stay in touch, connected and productive wherever they are. Self-driving drones are now helping site worked reach high-risk areas for assessments. But the primary resource for any construction team are the people!

Companies must ensure that staff is provided with suitable work environments that encourage productivity and build a good work culture in the team.

Values Convert to Culture

Clarify the work culture by defining the core values of the company. Clarity on your organization's values means you are openly expressing things that are important to you about how you conduct business and interact with each other – and then figuring out how to live those values. It is important to balance aspiration with feasibility – this means that you can pick values that are not yet fully embodied in your organisation but you are working on including them in the near future. If your values are not practically defined, they will not build a good cultural foundation.

Writer Erika Anderson in her article for the Forbes gives a simple exercise for this "…complete the following sentence as a way to start talking about [their] values: We care deeply about________; it's how we want to do business." This will help you understand and define your values clearly. Anderson says "In one company, our clients realized that some of the elements they had defined as values were really rules of conduct – one was "Be punctual," another was "Don't blame others"; they ended up deciding that the value underlying both was Accountability – and that became one of their four values." Be prudent about your selection, stick to four or five core values for your business. These will the guiding lights for the work culture you want create.

Construction businesses are often known to have a very traditional work setup. Rigid hierarchies and traditional systems are extremely unattractive to dynamic young employees. Many construction companies are now applying varied techniques and tactics to encourage productivity and build a good work culture in the team.

If you are also looking beyond traditional boundaries for your construction team, then these ideas and methodologies are worth considering!

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/construction-good-work-culture/

Safety Products to Prevent Workplace Accidents

Safety is such a huge subject. There are literally thousands of different elements to consider when it comes to maintaining a safe and palatable workplace. Not only is safety about protecting our workers from a physical and psychological point of view, however safety also comes down to providing the confidence and trust that our workers require to do the best job possible. Safe workplaces are identified to be effective workplaces and so investing some time and money into discovering solutions that promote safety - can save you generously in the benefits that it delivers.

Large or small, any construction project can be dangerous for workers around. With proper coordination, consultation and cooperation, organisations can ensure the health and safety of all members present on site. Equipping the staff members with personal safety equipment can reduce workplace accidents. At each step of the process in construction work, management must understand that safety cannot be overlooked in order to cut costs or make profits. Your business will benefit from great safety management and happy workers.

To protect both your workforce from fatalities, ProjectLink has covered a wide spectrum of safety solutions. We have a fantastic range of safety clothing protection which cover everything from eye protection, fall protection, body protection and much more. Safety signs are always a crucial feature for informing workers and First Aid kits are an industry standard in case of accident or injury. Our suppliers even offer comprehensive site inspection Services to give insight into the potential hazards of your workplace.

If it is one thing that ProjectLink prides itself on, it is the quality and range of our safety products and services. We understand the necessity for safety within the realm of construction and infrastructure which is why our website features thousands of different solutions to ensure that your business is getting the best outcomes that it deserves.

Take a look at these different options and pick the ones that fit your requirements perfectly. By choosing to view a product you will be able to get in touch with the supplier directly.

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/c/buildings/safety

Get your Outdoors Ready for Spring with these Smart Landscape Design Ideas

As the winter moves out, and the warmer months are setting in, families and homeowners are getting ready to get out and enjoy the lovely
weather. There is nothing more exciting than a cook-off or dip in the pool when the sun is out. Here are some great landscape design ideas to get you ready for the outdoors.

It is a well-known fact that spending time in nature and greenery can boost well-being, relaxation, and health. Depending on your lifestyle and budgets you can consider a wide variety of landscape options.

From pools, patios, and decks, to outdoor kitchens, barbeque areas, and open-air dining and seating spaces can make wonderful additions to your garden and outdoor landscapes.

Outdoor Activities

If you are outdoorsy family or you love hosting people, extending your activities to the patio and garden area can add a change of scene and provide a wonderful ambience to your parties and get-togethers.

1. Swimming

Pools are a great addition to homes, especially in the summer months. It makes a great play area for the kids and adds a significant value to your property in the long run. If budgets permit, you can even consider a swim-up bar – where family and friends can savour drinks and enjoy the pool all in one! Deck chairs and lounge chairs can be great for sun-bathing and hosting a large number of people around pool areas. Keeping in mind current sustainability trends and regulations help ensure you that there are no water shortage problems in your area before investing in a pool.

2. Parties

If you are big on hosting people and have an active social life, an outdoor space that is landscaped and properly planned can do wonders. It adds extended space for larger events and can add a create change of scene especially in the pleasant months. Comfortable outdoor furniture, gazebos and deck areas with landscaped plants and flora will charm all your guests. Make sure furniture is comfortable and resistant to the elements of nature.

3. Cooking

Many people enjoy cooking, and it is also a great way to host and entertain people. Ranging from a small portable grill to an entire cooking range, there are a wide variety of additions that you can make for outdoor cooking. Ensure you create a safe area for your outdoor kitchen and there is a specific demarcation for cooking, dining and socializing.

Portable cook tops grills will give you flexibility in terms of choosing a location and also are ideal for small backyards or patios. If you stay in an area where the weather is pleasant most part of the year, and you and your loved ones are crazy about barbeques and dinners under the open sky, you can consider investing in a permanent setup with a cooking range, outdoor refrigerator and beautiful wooden or concrete countertops.

Furniture

Consider sturdy, comfortable and durable materials for your outdoor furniture. Based on the look and feel of your outdoor landscape you can choose classic wicker furniture. Wicker matches beautifully with the greenscapes of your house.

When you have a young family and outdoor kitchen you can consider simple picnic table style benches in your garden area. Dot your outdoor pool or garden area with garden umbrellas. These will add splashes of colour and provide shade and protection when required.

Click here to know more about other additions or ideas >>

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/spring-landscape-design-ideas/

How Listing on ProjectLink can Help your Business to Grow

If you are looking for a way to help your online business to grow, you need to put a major attention on advertising. Fortunately, being listed on quality directories can do wonders for your online marketing efforts. ProjectLink is one of a kind. It is Australia’s biggest online directory designed specifically for key industry buyers to source products & services for their current and future commercial, residential, industrial and major projects.

This online directory not only lets you browse the right type of products and services for any construction project but also helps businesses gain more exposure and leads by letting them list their products. Promoting your business through ProjectLink is a smart as well as time-saving business move.

So, list your business today and make your path to success with the cost-effective plans from ProjectLink. 
 

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/member/add-my-business/

Cool Tools for Construction Safety and Heat Stress Relief

Managing Summers!

As the summer months roll in, the rising temperature will pose an undue disadvantage to the construction projects. Excessively high temperatures on the construction site can be a serious health hazard to the construction staff.

Dehydration and heat stress are a common cause of injuries and fatalities on site, but these are perhaps the most easily avoidable.

To keep your talent safe and productive, employers must educate employees and supervisors alike about the potential dangers of heat stress and heat stroke.

Managing the Heat Risk

Heat stress is caused when the body is unable to regulate itself by sweating and the core body temperature rises to critical levels. Heat-related illnesses occur when the body is not able to lose enough heat generated by physical work and external heat sources. It is a medical emergency that can lead to cramps, exhaustion, stroke and in severe cases, death. The good news is that heat illness and deaths are preventable. A key component of prevention is to provide mandatory breaks, or recovery periods, for employees working when temperatures are high.

Simple tips and tools for countering the Aussie heat can help construction teams safely manage staff.

• Hydration
• Work Shift Timings
• Mandatory Breaks
• Dress Smart
• Protect Against the Sun
• Be Prepared

To create a healthy and safe environment for all workers at construction and mining sites, employers need to provide them with personal protective equipment.

ProjectLink has compiled a list of some effective cooling products that all workers should wear while working in hot environments. Read on to find more.

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/tips-tools-to-stay-cool-at-work/

Tips for Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing

The roof is the most integral part of any construction project. It is that shelter which protects the building from extreme weather conditions like heat, sunlight, rain etc.

The selection of the right kind of roof ensures that the building stays strong for a longer period of time. If you select the correct commercial roofing for your construction project, you save on a lot of repairs and wear and tear cost in the future.

To understand roofing system, we must first understand the parts of a roofing system. A commercial roofing system can be divided into three parts:

1. The Material

The materials mostly used for roofing are metal, laminated glass, concrete tiles, clay tiles, asphalt, PVC, Teflon fabric, slate, wood etc. The right roofing material for your building is determined on the basis of the kind of building, use, climatic conditions and environmental factors. The choice of material is also made on the basis of the construction material used and aesthetics. The availability of roofing material is another factor that is considered while planning for roof construction.

2. The Construction

The construction of the roof is the next step after roofing material selection. The roof construction is based on two factors, the support system, and the pitch. The support system consists of structures like pillars or other supports that are planned and constructed based on the area of the building and the weight of the roof.

The pitch, on the other hand, is the angle of the roof from the lowest to the highest point. The pitch of a roof differs based on the roof type. For example, a thatched roof will have a steeper pitch to let the water drain down easily while a roof with clay tiles will not have a pitch as steep as the thatched roof. The climatic conditions of the region also play an important role in the calculation of the pitch.

3. The Durability

For any construction project, the durability of the building is the most important point to consider. The durability of a building is measured by the durability if its roof.

To make the roof durable the above two factors play a pivotal role. The correct roofing material installed at the right pitch gives you the perfect roof for your building.

The durability of the roofing material is very important because the roof of a building is not accessed often and at times it may get quite delayed before any proper action may be taken for roof damages.

With so many options of roofing materials and systems available today, it is hard to figure out which would be the most suitable option for your building project. Several factors need to be considered before making the choice.

To help you make an informed decision, ProjectLink has listed out some of the materials, systems and tips to help you choose one that best fits your needs and budget.
Take these tips into consideration and pick the right roof for your building project.

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/tips-for-choosing-commercial-roofing/

Construction Waste Management: Challenges and Considerations

About half of the solid waste generated worldwide are from building materials. There is an environmental impact of building material at every step of the building process – extraction of raw materials, processing, manufacturing, transportation, construction and finally disposal.

According to this Construction and Demolition Waste Status Report, “…total of 19.0 million tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) waste was generated in Australia in 2008-09. Of this total waste stream, 8.5 million tonnes was disposed to landfill while 10.5 million tonnes, or 55%, was recovered and recycled.”

It is essential for governments and authorities to consider that the built environment of the future is being constructed at the beginning of a new ecological era. Governments must now respond to the challenges of environmental sustainability, and industry must respond to the challenges of low-carbon economies and resource depletion.

If we are to move towards sustainable development, we can no longer rely on reclamation/landfills to accept most of the inert construction waste. Although there are many initiatives to reduce and reuse construction waste, a substantial amount of materials still require disposal, either at public fill reception facilities or at landfills. Landfills also pose a great threat to health and safety.

Planning

During the planning phase of the construction project, it is important to understand what excess materials are likely to be generated and then focus on how the generation of those excess materials can either be avoided or the material can be diverted from landfill.

It is now prudent and good practice to develop a construction waste management plan. The key objectives of any construction waste management plan should be to:

• Minimise the amount of waste generated as part of the project
• Maximise the amount of material which is sent for reuse, recycling or reprocessing
• Minimise the amount of material sent to landfill

The document Construction Waste Management: Plan Guidelines highlights some key elements when developing and implementing a construction waste management plan:

1. Waste streams: identify which waste streams are likely to be generated and estimate the approximate amounts of material
2. Focus on waste avoidance: instead of managing the waste once it has been generated, look at ways to avoid the generation of that waste in the first place
3. Services: select an appropriately qualified waste management contractor who will provide services for the waste streams generated and data on waste/recycling generation
4. On-site: understand how the waste management system will work on-site, including bin placement and access
5. Clearly assign and communicate responsibilities: ensure that those involved in the construction are aware of their responsibilities in relation to the construction waste management plan
6. Engage and educate personnel: be clear about how the various elements of the waste management plan will be implemented and ensure personnel have an opportunity to provide feedback on what is/isn’t working
7. Monitor: to ensure the plan is being implement, monitor on-site
8. Evaluate: once the project is complete, evaluate your estimates in the plan against the actual data for waste generated and consider feedback from personnel.

To help you improve the management of waste on construction sites, ProjectLink has listed out some innovative solutions. These techniques and methodologies would help you ensure that the optimum levels of waste reduction, reuse and recycling are achieved. Be in the know to encourage increased diversion of construction waste from landfill.
 

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/how-to-deal-with-construction-waste/

Top Tech Tools to Mitigate Risks in Construction Projects

The construction industry accounts for more than 8% of Australia’s GDP. Like all businesses, the construction industry is working towards improved processes and business efficiencies. Construction projects are complex and have many stakeholders – it is important for project management to follow proper processes and be ready for all kinds of challenges.

A good construction project management plan will always have thoroughly identified risks and a risk management plan. Risk management is the identification, assessment, and prioritization of risks. The objective of risk management is to assure uncertainty does not deflect the endeavor from the business goals.

The “Mitigation of Risk in Construction: Strategies for Reducing Risk and Maximizing Profitability SmartMarket Report” published by McGraw_Hill Construction has identified the following factors as the most significant risks facing the industry:

• Changes in schedule/ scope creep
• Budget/cost overruns
• Project process approvals
• Safety
• Site Conditions

Risk Management Strategies for Construction

On closely observing the risks listed above, we notice that many of these factors are under the direct control of the project firm.  This reinforces the fact “that mitigation strategies can directly have a positive impact.”

The recommendations that emerge from the McGraw_Hill report offers practical solutions:

• Address risk early in the project to reap its full benefits.
• Communicate with other team members throughout the project.
• Implement a rigorous risk assessment and mitigation process.
• Embed risk management into your firm’s culture.
• Engage in activities that reduce the likelihood of litigation.
• Build a strong project team and assess the value of more formal collaboration, such as integrated design.

Ultimately, the report states “good project management must include good risk management”.

In this post, we discuss the top technology tools that can help you in managing and mitigating risks on construction projects. Risk management tools and techniques can be used at various stages of construction – from concept design to final site execution and even in the operation stages to determine whether business goals are being met. 
  
So let’s jump in and get started…
 

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/tools-techniques-for-construction-risk-management/

Maintenance Tips to Keep your Construction Equipment in Operation

The construction industry is an ever growing industry. The compass of construction industry stretches from houses and buildings to public spaces and transportation system. This industry stands on the pillars of specializations like architecture, civil and environmental engineering, construction management, industrial design and manufacturing, landscaping design, interior design and planning, financial management etc. Each of these sections put to use construction equipment and machinery that aid in the process of construction. Therefore the maintenance of these heavy machinery becomes important.

When the construction equipment are regularly checked and maintained, they last longer in comparison to those that have not been serviced often. Regular maintenance of heavy machinery reduces the repair costs, increases the longevity of the machinery and adds resale value if you intend to sell it. Operating cost is also important while running these machines. Construction machinery require fuel or electricity to run. Heavy duty equipment run on fuel of some kind. When these equipment are not up-to-date, these will use more fuel and energy than usual. This increases the operating cost. So, in order to reduce the cost of operation, regular maintenance and servicing of these construction equipment is required.

Construction equipment maintenance tips can be divided into sections. Each section is based on suggestions about how to improve the work quality of the construction equipment and how to reduce the overall cost.

A) Follow the Maintenance Schedule of the Construction Equipment
B) Set a Routine and Adhere to it
C) Have your Own Set of Guidelines and Rules
D) Use it Wisely

Classification of Construction Equipment:

On a large scale, the construction equipment can be divided into 4 sub categories. These are based on their functionality. These are as follows:

• Construction Vehicles
• Construction Equipment
• Material Handling Equipment
• Earth Moving Equipment

ProjectLink has an array of all the above construction equipment. Based on purpose, each category has a multiple choice of equipment to pick up from.

Let’s take a look at each category and the construction equipment maintenance tips to go along with it >>
 

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/construction-equipment-maintenance-tips/

The Importance of Sustainability in Commercial Real Estate Industry

The property industry represents one ninth of Australia’s GDP (the largest of any sector), employs 1.1 million Australians (more than mining and manufacturing combined) and generates $72 billion in tax revenues to fund community services. This means that sustainability in the real estate sector affects a lot of people and businesses.

 We commonly speak of sustainability at the residential level. It is common to hear about recycling, rain water harvesting and energy alternatives for homeowners. But what about sustainability in the commercial real estate industry?

Large business centres are inhabited by thousands of people during the work hours. Business areas are high on energy and water consumption. Over the years, businesses have understood that going green isn’t just a philanthropic decision. There are many cost benefits to it.

To meet the environmental standards and derive competitive gains, it is important to incorporate sustainability into commercial real estate sector as well.

ProjectLink has listed out some of the latest trends and advantages to drive real estate developers to include sustainable concepts in their designs. Be in know to realize more benefits from sustainability.
 

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/sustainability-in-commercial-real-estate/

Office Space Design Ideas to Foster Productivity

Image Source: http://www.news.com.au/

Today’s work-force is geared towards long hours. Their work ethic is very different from the generations before. A young office-goer of the millennial generation is looking for larger meaning from the workplace. To tap this excitement and harness their productivity, organisations are required to put efforts in making their workplaces more exciting.

If you have been looking at office spaces for a while, you could not have missed the news about the spanking new Atlassian office in Sydney!

Atlassian – one of Australia’s most successful technology companies – understands the motivation and environment that drives young tech employees and has been working tirelessly to create one of the coolest new office spaces.
Head of workplace experience at Atlassian Brent Harman told news sources the new office was all about ‘creating a reason for staff to get out of the office for the 15 minutes break’.

Besides the perks of a young and hip office culture, Atlassian provides food catering, snacks, and plenty of entertainment options for the staff. They have created an “urban-jungle” vibe as you enter the space and integrated simple iPad based technology to ease sign-in for visitors.

Quick on the heels of Atlassian is another technology company –Dropbox. “The concept is bringing the home into the workplace,” Deeps De Silva, head of marketing APAC & Japan, told news sources during a tour. “It’s very like an Australian living room. The hours you spend in the office are significant, and we wanted an environment people to feel comfortable in.

It’s an extension of a home to our customers and our users as well.” Their Australian office has an open-plan structure with a beautiful and minimalist Scandinavian inspired look. They have been particular in creating spaces that are comfortable and user-friendly.

While their offices may seem relatively cool, companies like Atlassian and Dropbox, run tight ships! Their philosophy is to provide all the right comforts and perks, so employee productivity can be maximized for the business.

There is no rocket science to the way these spaces are created.

Read the complete blog post here to see a quick breakdown of how a well designed office space can foster productivity.

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/office-space-design-ideas/

Tips to Get the Best Out of your Home Remodel

When remodeling your home, there can be a lot of factors to think about besides the design. There are many things that are based on cost, safety, permits, etc. It is important to be aware of all these factors before you start the work.
Consider the tips below to make sure you have an affordable and hassle-free home remodel that you can be really proud of!

 

Bang for your Buck

If you don’t have the budget to remodel the entire house. Consider doing one big fabulous change to your home. Deciding to open a room by removing a wall, or getting rid of the attic to build a well-lit atrium can really make a difference to your design. Although this will be a bit expensive it will add great value to the house! Primarily cost is a decisive factor and can sometimes be a real spanner in the works.

 

Kitchen Savings

A kitchen remodeling is one of the most expensive affairs. However, if you plan it well you can get some nifty places to save money. The important aspect of the kitchen is the countertop. A well picked countertop can add aesthetic and efficiency to the kitchen.

Although it is a home-owners dream to have a beautiful granite or marble counter, this may not always suit the budget. In our previous blog, we spoke of engineered stone that is available in a variety of colors and give you durability at a good price.

In case your budgets don’t accommodate engineered stone, you can also install ones in the laminate. Laminate tops are also easy to clean and can be even found in stone textures.

 

Get a Designer!

Never underestimate the architect’s expertise. It is a reasonable and smart investment to consider paying a designer for a basic consultation on space management, they will be able to suggest well designed and suitable cabinets for your budget and space requirements. On occasion, designers are also comfortable sharing the details of contractors and distributors directly so you can save costs. The designer can also provide you with 3D drawings of your space, this will allow for you to check out various color and texture option with ease and give you the confidence to finalise on your decisions.

“Kitchens consistently top home renovation project lists on Houzz, with most people hiring a professional to assist,” says Jason Chuck, managing director of Houzz Australia and New Zealand.

The Houzz survey show:

• The majority of those renovating their kitchen are upgrading appliances.
• When replacing flooring, 40 per cent of homeowners use hardwood in their upgraded kitchens.
• Engineered quartz is the favoured choice when replacing benchtops, followed by wood, stainless steel and concrete.

Source: Houzz.com.au

 

Bathroom on a Budget

It is certain that a bathroom can make a bold statement in the home. Often, a beautifully designed bathroom is a homeowner’s pride and joy. It gives the house an aspect of luxury that no other room can!

It is good to remember that when renovating the bathroom on a budget, the devil is in the details. Construction related issues like leaky shower alcoves, excess water pooling, and bad tiling work can cause structural damage to your house. It also encourages mould growth which can be a serious health hazard to your family members.

While it is easy to swayed by the latest design trends in magazines, ensure that you pick a design that you are able to live with for some years. Choose the storage and vanity wisely, be certain you can appreciate the look for years and the storage supports all your needs. Ascertain with your contractor or supplier that the materials are moisture resistant.

Don’t skimp on proper waterproofing and plumbing – this is will pay-off in the long run. Bathrooms usually look great with ceramic or porcelain tiles, these also water-resistant, pick neutral colors and balance your patterns so you can live with for a long period of time.

Read the Complete Blog Here >>

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/budgeting-tips-for-home-renovations/

Top Design Trends for Home Remodelling

Are you considering remodeling your home? Have you been going through blogs and magazines looking for ideas. Before you put the shovel to the ground, go through our top trends lists for home remodelling.

 

1. Colour Palettes

There is nothing better than adding a bit of colour. Of course, the spectrum of colours is really wide and this makes the task of choosing quite difficult. Sometimes, it helps just to know the latest trends and incorporate that as an inspiration. This year Pantone’s colour of the year is Greenery. It has been an instant hit for those looking for a revitalizing, back-to-nature hue that brings zest while still managing to work with warm wood tones.

 

2. Smart Homes

With the boom of Internet of Things devices, connected devices now transcends to connected homes. Products like Amazon’s Echo and Echo Dot provide as a voice-activated interface for many smart home devices. Google Home or Apple’s Homepod will also be a great device with a design to suit any home.

Besides basic commands like news, calendar updates and the weather, these devices will connect to your lights, power ports and other electronic devices. The devices have now opened up to third parties so companies like Philips Hue, Wemo, Nest, Honeywell and more. This means from your morning pot of coffee to your last activity of the day can all be controlled simply by your smartphone or just your voice!
Satin finish brass can add a wonderful golden accent to your interiors

 

3. Satin Finish Brass

It is always exciting to pair the straight and simple elements of modern design with antique finishes. Brass finishes have been making a comeback in recent years, preferred for their ability to bring shiny golden tones to space without the high price tag.

For the latest look in your home consider selecting satin or brush finished brass which gives a warm and muted look but adds that wonderful golden accent to your interiors. Satin brass finishes create pleasing breaks in the design and can complement a number of styles.

 

4. Kitchen Storage Walls

Kitchens are the most used space of the home, and home owners are always struggling for space for gadgets, appliances and other kitchen equipment. When looking to free up more space in the home, one cannot keep adding cabinets and cupboards in every nook and cranny. Consider letting go of the expanses of upper cabinets and re-space all that storage onto a single hard working wall. This will become a one-stop hub that frees up the rest of the space to create a breezy look.
Laundry room makeover ideas that would completely transform this work space

 

5. The Organised Laundry Rooms

There is great value in re-doing your laundry room. While this area is not in typical view for guests an organised laundry room can bring great ease to the daily activities of the family. Opening up the area with better natural light, modular and well designed storage systems and systematic areas for functional work of the space can give homeowners a great feel good factor when doing laundry and other chores.

According to the 2016 Houzz & Home Report, people remodeling their laundry rooms of 150 square feet or more will spend an average of US $2,700. Take away appliances, and that’s a sizable budget to splurge on tile and other details.

 

6. Splurging on Entryways

Add beauty to your home’s entryway with simple features like a wallpaper, a mirror or a creative shoe rackThe compact space of the entryway can be a great space to get creative with the design without burning through your cash. A simple feature like wallpaper, a statement mirror or a creative shoe rack can lift this welcome zone of your home.

 

7. Outdoor-feeling Indoor Showers

There is nothing that says luxury more than an outdoor shower. Of course, these are expensive and not always practical in terms of privacy. Designers have now been able to create strategic locations and are looking at designing intimate courtyards to create this luxurious bath experiencing while maintaining privacy and still achieving that great connection with the outdoors and a real luxurious feel.

 

8. Counter-depth Fridges

For homes in the big city remodelling is all about placement and one is often fighting for the inches. Counter-depth refrigerators are a great innovation in this regard, they sit flush with adjacent cabinetry and countertops, freeing up just a bit more space while creating a streamlined look.
Kitchen remodelling ideas and trends

 

9. Kitchen Conversation

Kitchens are the heart of the home. Kitchens are important but they’re also expensive. Few things to remember when considering a fresh look for your kitchen. Understand your needs and manage your storage well – every inch of the kitchen may not need drawers. Ventilation is key, while there is no way of doing away with chimneys and fans, it is important to choose the right one for your cooking needs and the safety of your loved ones.

Stainless steel and granite are synonymous with high-end kitchens, but why not think out of the box. Granite, once considered a premium material is now considered old-fashioned and over-used. Engineered stone and other countertop options can add a touch of class and originality to your home kitchen, they are available in varied colours and textures and add great accents to your kitchen decor.

Consider glass finished counters in different colours, these are also easy to clean and keep things hygienic. Imagine how great the glass counters will look with the tasteful tile and plumbing fixtures you’ve so carefully chosen.

For cabinets, think about some of the lighter woods or more natural-colored walnuts, or go bold with some matte lacquers. Trends mention a big comeback for white kitchens.
Trendy flooring options to bring natural beauty to your home decor

 

10. Natural Selections

Dark wood floors are now a thing of the past. You can choose from a selection of engineered woods with lighter, more natural finishes. research suggest that white, gray and washed wood finishes are really in trendy right now. Talk to your designer about getting bleached, limed, or fumed woods with matte finishes or sealed-only floors.

Although engineered woods are not the cheapest option in the market they can give great appeal to the decor and also come with a certain durability that your home requires.

Fun Fact: To get the look of steel windows, ask the contractor to match wood on the inside of the window to the colour of the outside of the window. Steel versus wood could be a huge difference in price!

 

11. Energy Efficient Homes

Energy efficient remodelling idea for your homeThe biggest and most decision when remodelling is to consider energy efficiency. Not only will this help you in the long run with your bills, with cities like Sydney aiming for Carbon negative by 2030, your house can be a model example for many to follow. If your budgets and space permit, discuss solar energy panels for your roof going off the electric grid could save you thousands in the long run.

Rain water harvesting is now a must do for many environmentally conscious folk, consider roofing fixtures and outdoor piping that allow you to collect rain water.

For those with a green thumb, there is nothing smarter than composting. Many community led organisations will help you install composters and how to manage them.

Imagine yourself building a home that is self sufficient in food, water and energy!

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/blog/home-remodelling-design-trends/