The Great Pyramid of Giza is not the largest prehistoric building project in the world, as it was built during Egypt’s historical era. The Indus Valley Civilization in present-day Pakistan and far western India built great cities, but did not construct monumental structures. Silbury Hill in England, dated to 2750 ±95 BC, is a massive […]
Using steel building materials can be cost-effective for residential and commercial construction. Consult a professional to determine which materials require special tools. The purpose of the structure will determine the type of steel construction materials needed. Compare prices and quality by visiting manufacturers and building supply stores. Get a materials list from the builder for […]
Construction fraud involves dishonest practices in the construction industry, including fake licenses, theft, and false billing. It can lead to unsafe structures and financial losses. Fraud can occur with both unprofessional individuals and prominent companies. Victims should verify credentials and make payments by check. Construction fraud refers to a wide range of dishonest practices that […]
Residential construction contracts define the duties and rights between a builder and owner, including scope of work, contract price, dispute resolution, and other provisions. Parties negotiate terms and may use standard contracts as a model. Additional documents may be added to the contract. Residential construction contracts are documents that define the duties and rights between […]
Building systems engineering involves designing ventilation, electrical, plumbing, and communication systems for buildings. Engineers use computer-aided design software to incorporate utility connections into the building design. Heating, ventilation, electrical, plumbing, and communication systems are all important aspects of building systems engineering. Elevators and communication networks are also included in larger buildings. Building systems engineering is […]
Green building standards aim to create environmentally friendly, sustainable, and healthy buildings. The US Green Building Council (USGBC) established Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) to set voluntary and uniform standards. LEED rates buildings in five areas and offers certification levels. Green building standards can increase construction costs, but studies show long-term savings in […]
Team building puzzles are used to improve communication and teamwork within professional or educational groups. They can involve unique communication methods and obstacle courses, and are used to quickly develop professional bonds and relationships. Team building puzzles are an educational tool used to help bring together groups of people who work together in some way. […]
A construction estimator evaluates projects, prepares cost estimates, manages budgets, and administers contracts. They work on various projects and may specialize in specific areas. They prepare financial statements and can earn a degree or work as an apprentice. A construction estimator evaluates a construction project, conducts surveys, and prepares cost estimates and a budget. Other […]
A building ordinance sets minimum standards for construction, covering materials, systems, and environmental issues. They are enforced through inspections and permits, with many countries adopting a model code approach for uniformity and economic advantages. Building codes have a long history, with modern codes being less harsh but still important for safety. A building ordinance is […]
Building depreciation is the loss of value over time due to factors such as deterioration. Straight-line depreciation is the most commonly used method, but reducing depreciation from building balances gives a better idea of the property’s true value. Underestimating asset value is generally best in business. Depreciation can be defined as the amount that an […]
Building services engineers are responsible for the electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other necessary operating systems of buildings. They design and plan these systems to ensure safety and comfort for occupants, and may specialize in mechanical, electrical, or environmental engineering. They also focus on environmentally friendly systems and public health issues. A bachelor’s degree in engineering […]
A building permit is a document that allows construction work to begin, issued by local or regional government authorities. The process of obtaining a permit varies by region, but typically involves filling out an application and submitting required documents and fees. The permitting agency reviews the project to ensure it meets building requirements, and may […]
Automated buildings are managed by a central control system that uses computer networks to monitor and provide feedback on heating, cooling, lighting, and other building applications. These systems can be used to control many different systems within the building, and offer many advantages over traditional maintenance systems. An automated building is a facility managed by […]
Building Allowance Insurance is required in some areas for construction projects of a certain value and provides protection to property owners if the builder dies, goes missing, or goes bankrupt. It is most popular in countries like Australia and is required by law for registered builders in South Australia. Unauthorized builders may not have this […]
Construction law covers legal issues related to construction, including building codes, contracts, liability, and litigation. It is a civil law area, and attorneys can assist with contract management and dispute resolution. Building codes increase safety and standardize construction practices, while contractors may need bonds or insurance to cover them in case of lawsuits. Government officials […]
The Boeing Everett Plant in Washington, USA is the largest building in the world with 282 acres of usable floor space. Other large buildings are related to aircraft or spacecraft assembly, but not all have usable floor space. The Aalsmeer Flower Auction is the largest commercial building, while the Great Wall of China and Three […]
Building maintenance technicians are responsible for repairing and maintaining commercial and residential buildings. They have a wide range of skills, including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and masonry. Their tasks include repairing leaky faucets, cleaning clogged pipes, and performing preventive maintenance inspections. They also perform administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and keeping accurate records. A building […]
When choosing a team building seminar, consider the course content, vendor reputation, and why the group is attending. A positive, collaborative environment is more successful than a competitive one. Consider the intensity, recognition of each role, and comfort level of participants. Focus on the curriculum first before considering other factors. There are several factors to […]
Building management systems (BMS) are computer programs that monitor and control building operations, including HVAC and lighting. They can also regulate energy efficiency, air quality, and security. BMS programs offer benefits such as cost reduction, longer-lasting systems, and increased occupant comfort and productivity. Building management systems (BMS) or building automation systems (BAS) are programs used […]
Building maintenance workers are responsible for repairing, installing, and maintaining structures. They must be observant to identify problems, have repair skills, perform preventative maintenance, and stay informed about industry developments for proper installation of new materials. A building maintenance worker is responsible for the repair, installation, and maintenance of a structure. This job requires the […]
