There are two ways to build a go-kart: using a kit or sourcing materials to build from scratch. Kits save time and effort, but customization is still possible. Building from scratch requires research and scavenging for parts, but networking with others can provide helpful suggestions. If you’ve decided to build a go-kart, there are essentially […]
Zip lines can be built using a kit or separate materials. Safety is important, and obstacles should be removed. Ziplines can be built between trees or metal stakes. Kits include cables, handles, and brakes. Building without a kit requires strong materials. The cable should be anchored higher on one end, and a steep grade can […]
France mandates all new public buildings to be made with 50% wood or sustainable materials by 2022. President Macron aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 and plans to invest $21 million in urban farms. Paris will repurpose existing buildings for the 2024 Olympics and add greenery to public spaces. France bans supermarkets from throwing unsold […]
Choosing the right building materials involves considering local building codes, safety standards, price, quality, and sustainability. Work with contractors and consider reclaimed materials. Check salvage yards for green materials, but don’t sacrifice quality for cost. Compliance with regulations is key. Choosing the right building and construction materials for your project involves more than just placing […]
Sustainable building materials are made from recycled or renewable resources, such as lumber, stone, metal, bamboo, cork, and straw. Reclaimed lumber is the most commonly used recycled material, but it may contain harmful chemicals. Natural materials can also be reclaimed, but may contain volatile organic compounds. Bamboo and cork are easily renewable and gaining popularity. […]
Building design plans, created by architects, include functional and decorative elements and must comply with local codes. Professionals involved may include plumbers, electricians, engineers, surveyors, and interior designers. Designs can be functional or highly decorative, and must balance functionality with aesthetics while considering construction costs, energy needs, and usability. A building project is the plan […]
A building inspector checks construction projects for compliance with building codes. They may work for the government or be hired by a homeowner. Education and certification requirements vary, but continuing education is often necessary. A building inspector is one who inspects buildings, roads, bridges, dams, tunnels, and almost any other type of construction job to […]
Building hoarding is a temporary fence used for security reasons on construction sites. It ranges from webbed plastics to solid boards and can have printed panels for advertising. It reduces the risk of injury and theft, and contractors can hire companies to install, maintain, and remove it. Building hoarding is a temporary fence used to […]
Building restoration is the process of restoring a listed building to its original appearance using original materials and construction techniques. Governments often sponsor restoration for cultural heritage preservation, but funding can be insufficient. Restoration can be categorized as preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, or rebuilding, each with varying levels of labor intensity. Building restoration is a process […]
Choosing wisely and being aware of distance, resources, and composition can reduce the environmental impact of construction projects with recycled building materials. Consumers should beware of greenwashing and distinguish between recycled and reclaimed materials. Percentage of recycled material and transportation should also be considered. Recycled building materials can reduce the environmental impact of construction projects […]
The building envelope separates the interior from the exterior and includes walls, roofs, foundations, windows, and doors. Its functions are structural support, humidity control, temperature regulation, and air pressure control. Tight envelopes provide better control over indoor air quality, energy consumption, and reduce the likelihood of mold. Loose envelopes allow for natural air transfer but […]
Soft-story buildings have one or more floors that are structurally weak and can collapse during an earthquake. They often have open spaces like parking lots or retail spaces, making it difficult to install shear walls. Building codes prohibit their construction, and older buildings need upgrades to make them safer. In the San Francisco bay area, […]
Soft-story buildings have one or more floors that are structurally “soft” and can fail during earthquakes, causing serious damage. These buildings often have open spaces like parking lots or retail spaces, making it difficult to install shear walls. Buildings with a floor that is 70% less stiff than the floor above it are considered soft-story […]
Building plans are used by builders and contractors to construct buildings and estimate project costs. The process begins with an architect’s proposal and goes through several stages. Plans are put out to tender, and the job is awarded based on various factors. Plans can consist of a single drawing or hundreds of pages, organized according […]
A building envelope separates interior spaces from the exterior and can be made of various materials. It protects against external elements, provides structural stability, and regulates temperature. Open or closed envelopes impact energy efficiency and air quality, requiring a balance between the two. Homeowners can strengthen a loose building or add ventilation to a tight […]
Building surveying is a crucial role in construction, involving the use of various tools and skills to determine factors before and during the construction of structures. This includes determining land area factors, using GPS equipment, and marking physical land with stakes and markers. Building surveying also involves ensuring the integrity of structures and following strict […]
To build a canoe, one can buy a kit or build from scratch. Research techniques and tools needed, and decide on materials. Ensure all seams are sealed to prevent water from entering. Wood is the most traditional and easiest material to work with. There are two general ways to build a canoe: the builder can […]
Sustainable construction aims to minimize the economic, social, and environmental impact of creating a usable structure. It involves designing and constructing energy-efficient buildings that are healthy for people and reduce pollution and waste. Sustainable construction uses green materials, locally available materials, and focuses on economic sustainability. Energy efficiency, solar panels, and wind turbines are used […]
Building energy management involves monitoring and controlling systems such as heating, ventilation, lighting, and security in buildings. It is most cost-effective in large commercial and industrial buildings and is operated using specialized software programs. Proper building energy management ensures peak efficiency, occupant comfort, and minimizes energy waste, contributing to the green building movement and reducing […]
Sustainable construction uses renewable or recycled materials and alternative energy strategies to create environmentally friendly buildings with a smaller carbon footprint. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) provides useful information for sustainable design and construction, including the use of renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly insulation. Sustainable construction is an environmentally friendly approach to […]
