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		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Electrics_when_building_a_new_home</id>
		<title>Electrics when building a new home</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Electrics_when_building_a_new_home"/>
				<updated>2019-06-13T13:03:03Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;= Introduction =&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Building a new home is always an exciting process, as you’re designing a house of your dreams. However, many people get so caught up in the décor aspects of their home that they completely neglect the essential elements, such as the electrical details. Unfortunately, if you make a mistake here, the consequences could transform your dream home into a [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Construction_hazards safety hazard]. After all, electricity is all around us, and we use it every day, which is why you want your home to be both functional and safe. With that in mind, here are four important things you should know about electrics when building a new house.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:11.jpg|link=File:11.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Plan the location of your outlets ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You might think that the location of your outlets is irrelevant, as long as you have one or two in each room to charge your phone. However, the location of your outlets could end up changing the entire layout of your room if you don’t plan this step thoroughly. For example, you probably want to place your computer desk opposite of your window, so as to avoid direct sunlight. But, if you don’t think about this before you start installing the outlets, you might have to choose a less convenient place for your desk later. So, make sure to consult with your electrician and map out where you’d like your furniture and outlets to be. This way, your electrician would be able to come up with the best solution that would match your ideas.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:22.jpg|link=File:22.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Know if you need extra power ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Technology is an important part of our daily life, and it’s getting more advanced by the day. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to see large audio systems, specialized gaming computers, huge TVs, etc. If you are a tech-savvy person who likes to have some advanced technology in their life, or if you are a chef who has a lot of kitchen appliances, it might be a good idea to find out how much power your home actually needs. If you find out that you do need more power, it also means that you wiring needs a professional upgrade. In this case, if you live in the Land Down Under, you should call an [https://www.staywiredelectriciansydney.com.au/ experienced Sydney electrician], who know how to safely update your power supply so as to prevent the circuit from overloading. So, you’d be able to use all your gadgets safely, without worrying about any hazards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:33.png|link=File:33.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Think about energy efficiency ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Being eco-friendly is becoming more important than ever before, and while building a new home, you have a chance to do your part. For example, you can install smart thermostats, temperature sensors, smart lights, and many other electronic systems that would allow you to control your home’s use of energy. Some systems can even adjust your energy use to the price of power during different time periods of the day. They would inevitably save you money, but the impact they’d have on the environment, or rather, not have, is much more important. Plus, since most of them can be controlled remotely, they can also serve as an extra security measure that would deter thieves by making it look like somebody’s home.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Use customisable lighting switches ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Lighting switches are usually plain and boring, but, believe it or not, they don’t have to be. They can serve as decorative elements as well, and you can get really creative with them. For example, you can opt for an LED-based control panel, or you can find something in a bit more unique shape. The same goes for your outlets too. For instance, you can add USB charging ports to your regular outlets. In short, don’t hesitate to consult your electrician about possible aesthetic upgrades for your switches and outlets.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Building a new home implies much more than decorating it. There are many other, more functional things that you would need to take care of if you want to avoid any problems in the future. So, even though electrics might not be the most fun area of construction, it’s as important as any other. Make sure to do your research and consult your electrician if you have any questions. This way, your home will be functional, safe, and much more comfortable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* Ampere.&lt;br /&gt;
* DC electricity networks.&lt;br /&gt;
* Developing system intelligence for optimising building electricity networks.&lt;br /&gt;
* Domestic heat pumps and the electricity supply system.&lt;br /&gt;
* Domestic micro-generation.&lt;br /&gt;
* Electrical drawing.&lt;br /&gt;
* Electrician.&lt;br /&gt;
* Electricity supply.&lt;br /&gt;
* Glossary of electrical terms.&lt;br /&gt;
* Kilowatt hour.&lt;br /&gt;
* Micro-grids.&lt;br /&gt;
* Power factor.&lt;br /&gt;
* PV inverter.&lt;br /&gt;
* Subsidy-free low carbon electricity.&lt;br /&gt;
* The Future of Electricity in Domestic Buildings.&lt;br /&gt;
* The use of batteries to store electricity for buildings.&lt;br /&gt;
* Voltage.&lt;br /&gt;
* Watt.&lt;br /&gt;
* Wireless electric highways.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
= External links =&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* [https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/how-to-measure-home-energy-use/ How to measure home energy use.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Electrics_when_building_a_new_home</id>
		<title>Electrics when building a new home</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Electrics_when_building_a_new_home"/>
				<updated>2019-06-13T08:15:31Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: Created page with &amp;quot;Building a new home is always an exciting process, as you’re designing a house of your dreams. However, many people get so caught up in the décor aspects of their home that th...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Building a new home is always an exciting process, as you’re designing a house of your dreams. However, many people get so caught up in the décor aspects of their home that they completely neglect the essential elements, such as the electrical details. Unfortunately, if you make a mistake here, the consequences could transform your dream home into a [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Construction_hazards safety hazard]. After all, electricity is all around us, and we use it every day, which is why you want your home to be both functional and safe. With that in mind, here are four important things you should know about electrics when building a new house.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:11.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Plan the location of your outlets ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You might think that the location of your outlets is irrelevant, as long as you have one or two in each room to charge your phone. However, the location of your outlets could end up changing the entire layout of your room if you don’t plan this step thoroughly. For example, you probably want to place your computer desk opposite of your window, so as to avoid direct sunlight. But, if you don’t think about this before you start installing the outlets, you might have to choose a less convenient place for your desk later. So, make sure to consult with your electrician and map out where you’d like your furniture and outlets to be. This way, your electrician would be able to come up with the best solution that would match your ideas.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:22.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Know if you need extra power ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Technology is an important part of our daily life, and it’s getting more advanced by the day. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to see large audio systems, specialized gaming computers, huge TVs, etc. If you are a tech-savvy person who likes to have some advanced technology in their life, or if you are a chef who has a lot of kitchen appliances, it might be a good idea to find out how much power your home actually needs. If you find out that you do need more power, it also means that you wiring needs a professional upgrade. In this case, if you live in the Land Down Under, you should call an [https://www.staywiredelectriciansydney.com.au/ experienced Sydney electrician], who know how to safely update your power supply so as to prevent the circuit from overloading. So, you’d be able to use all your gadgets safely, without worrying about any hazards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:33.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Think about energy efficiency ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Being eco-friendly is becoming more important than ever before, and while building a new home, you have a chance to do your part. For example, you can install smart thermostats, temperature sensors, smart lights, and many other electronic systems that would allow you to [https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/how-to-measure-home-energy-use/ control your home’s use of energy]. Some systems can even adjust your energy use to the price of power during different time periods of the day. They would inevitably save you money, but the impact they’d have on the environment, or rather, not have, is much more important. Plus, since most of them can be controlled remotely, they can also serve as an extra security measure that would deter thieves by making it look like somebody’s home.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Use customizable lighting switches ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Lighting switches are usually plain and boring, but, believe it or not, they don’t have to be. They can serve as decorative elements as well, and you can get really creative with them. For example, you can opt for a LED-based control panel, or you can find something in a bit more unique shape. The same goes for your outlets too. For instance, you can add USB changing ports to your regular outlets. In short, don’t hesitate to consult your electrician about possible aesthetic upgrades for your switches and outlets.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Building a new home implies much more than decorating it. There are many other, more functional things that you would need to take care of if you want to avoid any problems in the future. So, even though electrics might not be the most fun area of construction, it’s as important as any other. Make sure to do your research and consult your electrician if you have any questions. This way, your home will be functional, safe, and much more comfortable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/File:33.png</id>
		<title>File:33.png</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/File:33.png"/>
				<updated>2019-06-13T08:14:18Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/File:22.jpg</id>
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				<updated>2019-06-13T08:08:16Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/File:11.jpg</id>
		<title>File:11.jpg</title>
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				<updated>2019-06-13T08:06:54Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Construction_industry_trends</id>
		<title>Construction industry trends</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Construction_industry_trends"/>
				<updated>2019-05-13T10:33:00Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: Created page with &amp;quot;With 2018 well behind us, now it’s the right time to take a look at some of the popular construction industry trends that refuse to retire. Keeping up with the latest trends wh...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;With 2018 well behind us, now it’s the right time to take a look at some of the popular construction industry trends that refuse to retire. Keeping up with the latest trends which are likely to survive well into 2019, not only helps your [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Business_models_in_construction construction business] stay on the surface, but also prepares you for making future decisions. The last year has been an interesting one, with many changes in material use and computer-aided construction. Let’s look at the most persistent building trends that will mark the current year, as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Architecture-building-site-buildings-2138126.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Green building technologies ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Green construction is based on building projects in an environmentally-friendly and resource-responsible way. It spirals through all the stages, from planning and design, to renovation and demolition. However, none of these [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Green_building green construction approaches] is significantly different from traditional building, since the economy, durability, and functionality, still remain important elements of the process. Although the construction industry is accounted for about 20% of global emissions, the expanding population demands more buildings. The only viable way is to build sustainably, using technologies like recycled bricks, self-healing asphalt, and thermally driven AC systems.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Balconies-1031241 1280.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Modular and prefabricated elements ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Modular construction companies owe their popularity mainly from the rate at which they can build residential and commercial objects. Based on assembling repetitive structures, [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Modular_buildings modular construction] is an ideal approach for building office buildings, hotels and apartments. On the other hand, modular construction saves the companies a lot of time and money, but there is also a sustainable dimension to it. Since individual elements are manufactured in controlled off-site conditions, the excess material and wastage are reduced to a minimum, as it is the building site noise pollution.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Shipyard-2458150 1280.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Increased material cost ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As it was rightfully predicted, construction material prices increased from 2-3% by the end of 2018, prompting many construction companies to consider would that mean to them and prepare in order to stay competitive. Analysed by the Associated Builders and Contractors, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data confirms the increase in material prices. The declining prices of 2015 and 2016 have now almost been completely forgotten, as the increase in demand driven by ramped-up building activity is increasing the cost of iron and steel, steel mill products, and softwood lumber. However, there are also extra-industrial factors to blame, like energy prices and a more stable global market.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Use of project management software ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Although the construction industry is known to be a bit sluggish when it comes to jumping onto the technology bandwagon, the use of project management software seems to be a trend that is cemented in place. The software products are becoming more advanced, with features being added constantly. For example, by using a cloud-based software platforms, [https://www.mcgqs.com.au/ experienced quantity surveyors] are able to efficiently manage any designs that advance away from the preliminary concept, establishing a working budget for structural and finishing elements, taking into account the complete architectural specs, structural constraints, schedules and services. Such an intelligent and streamlined approach to construction cost estimating significantly improves navigation between different tools, as well as the transparency, accountability, and efficiency.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Architect-architecture-attractive-background.jpeg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Importance of drones ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Although the medical and manufacturing industries have been the top investors in drone technology, these invaluable technical aides are slowly making their way into construction arena. Apart from government agencies using them for tasks such as bridge inspection, emergency response, and traffic monitoring, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be used for collecting data, surveying large tracts of land within minutes, as well as inspecting the progress of a project.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Drone-674237 1280.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Augmented reality and virtual reality ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The evolving sophistication of the AR and VR technologies opens up new opportunities in improving their design and planning phases, by [https://www.business.com/articles/how-virtual-reality-is-changing-construction/ enabling interactive simulations] of projects even before the new site has been surveyed. Virtual reality is especially useful when building in difficult or remote terrains, where site visits are challenging, while construction teams may need to communicate across long distances. This technology allows for instantaneous inspection and evaluation of the jobsite. Although still in their infancy, today’s AR and VR solutions are expected to improve over the years, as the number of site running trial version is expected to increase in the future.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Decreased labour workforce ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the U.S., there are currently nearly a quarter million open construction jobs, and the situation doesn’t seem to be improving. With so many ongoing projects facing labour shortage, production has either stalled or slowed down. While many companies have turned to prefabricated and modular construction in order to meet project deadlines, the number of on-site workers is still dwindling. Since the unemployment rate is still very low, construction companies still find it hard to draw in new people.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
When we look at these old/new trends which are going to mark the years to come, we see that apart from labour shortage and material price increases, the remaining prospects are all heralding a positive outlook that ranges from improved project management software and the use of VR, to responsibly harvested materials and sustainable technologies like prefabricated construction.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
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				<updated>2019-05-13T10:30:46Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/File:Architect-architecture-attractive-background.jpeg</id>
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				<updated>2019-05-13T10:26:37Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/File:Shipyard-2458150_1280.jpg</id>
		<title>File:Shipyard-2458150 1280.jpg</title>
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				<updated>2019-05-13T10:21:31Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/File:Balconies-1031241_1280.jpg</id>
		<title>File:Balconies-1031241 1280.jpg</title>
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				<updated>2019-05-13T10:15:00Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/File:Architecture-building-site-buildings-2138126.jpg</id>
		<title>File:Architecture-building-site-buildings-2138126.jpg</title>
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				<updated>2019-05-13T10:12:34Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Property_management_technology_trends</id>
		<title>Property management technology trends</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Property_management_technology_trends"/>
				<updated>2019-04-15T11:26:53Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: Created page with &amp;quot;With the development of technology, every industry undergoes some kind of change. Property management is no exception and the industry keeps evolving. Not only that, but due to h...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;With the development of technology, every industry undergoes some kind of change. Property management is no exception and the industry keeps evolving. Not only that, but due to how easily technology found its way into property management, it’s safe to say we’ll see plenty of new trends pop up in the industry. With that said, let’s take a look at some of the emerging trends in property management that scream next generation.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Buildings-2581875 1280.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Virtual reality ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If you’ve been paying attention lately, you just had to hear a lot about [https://www.explainthatstuff.com/virtualreality.html virtual reality (VR)]. VR isn’t all about gaming and there’s no doubt it’ll be used in many industries, including property management. Long gone are the days when you had to rely on 2D plans when buying a house or flat. 3D plans sure are an upgrade but virtual reality is changing the game even more. Using VR, you can now take a virtual tour of an unfinished building and get a clear picture of how it’ll look once the project has been completed. This is something every property management business needs to be aware of and use to their advantage. For instance, using VR is a perfect way to attract new tenants and show everyone your company is up to date when it comes to technology.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Vr-3411378 1280.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Improved communication ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Communication is an important part of running a property management business. Fail to establish good communication with your tenants and chances are your company will suffer. Luckily, as technology advances, there are new ways to stay in touch with your tenants and anyone else involved in your work. One of the latest trends in the industry is the use of customizable client portals that allow you to communicate with your tenants and send them automated notifications. Notifications eliminate the need for direct communication with the tenant which can sometimes prove to be a problem. Also, property managers are now starting to rely more on AIs to answer general inquiries. Do this and you’ll save yourself some valuable time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Cloud services ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Just like with many other industries, companies in the property management industry use data in order to be able to offer top-notch service, and the way they store their data is undergoing a lot of change. Storing data in your company’s PCs simply doesn’t cut it anymore since there are more effective solutions available. Cloud technology allows you to store your data on the web and allow anyone in your team access any file no matter where they are and what time it is. Moreover, using cloud technology means you can rest assured knowing that your data is perfectly safe even if something happens to your office PCs. And the fact that you can now use [https://www.rockend.com/ cloud-based property management software] makes things even better. Include it in your arsenal and you’ll save time on mundane tasks and make your work a lot easier.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Digital security ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
We’ve already mentioned above how important data is for property management companies. With that in mind and the fact that hackers now target small businesses more than ever, make cybersecurity an important part of it all. Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that more and more property management companies decide to invest in cybersecurity. If you’re a property manager, you know just how important it is to protect your tenants’ or clients’ personal information. The last thing you want to happen is hackers getting their hands on that information. That being said, jumping on the bandwagon and turning to a company that offers cybersecurity services makes a lot of sense. And the good news is, the number of cybersecurity businesses is increasing and finding an organization you can turn to should be a real piece of cake.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Internet-3484137 1280.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== New types of keys ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Every property manager knows just how difficult managing keys is, especially when there’s a whole bunch of them. A large number of tenants ends up losing their keys and replacing them takes both time and energy. Luckily, new types of keys show just how far into the future we are right now. The property management industry is slowly moving towards [https://www.doityourself.com/stry/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-a-keyless-door-lock pin-coded entries] and locks you can control using an app. However, difficulties that come up when managing keys aren’t the only reason why these new types of keys are emerging. They’re also making it a lot easier for property managers to ensure their tenants are as safe as possible, which is an important part of the job.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Final thoughts ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Technology is advancing at a rapid pace and these are just some of the trends we saw emerge in the property management industry. Still, there’s no doubt we’ll see a lot more innovation in the industry and staying up-to-date is a must. The best part of it is that most of these trends help create an easier and smarter way to operate.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Research_/_Innovation]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
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				<updated>2019-04-15T11:25:40Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: &lt;/p&gt;
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		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/File:Vr-3411378_1280.jpg</id>
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				<updated>2019-04-15T11:23:20Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: &lt;/p&gt;
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		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/File:Buildings-2581875_1280.jpg</id>
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				<updated>2019-04-15T11:21:20Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: &lt;/p&gt;
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		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/How_to_keep_dust_under_control_during_a_home_renovation</id>
		<title>How to keep dust under control during a home renovation</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/How_to_keep_dust_under_control_during_a_home_renovation"/>
				<updated>2019-03-13T21:16:27Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: Created page with &amp;quot;Dust is one of the prime ‘stress amplifiers’ during a home remodelling. It can mysteriously travel to the farthest corners of your home, entering furniture, flooring, wardrob...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Dust is one of the prime ‘stress amplifiers’ during a home remodelling. It can mysteriously travel to the farthest corners of your home, entering furniture, flooring, wardrobes, and electronics. Whether you’ve chosen to do the renovation yourself or hired a team of professional renovators, it’s important that you learn these dust management techniques.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:BkDN7Nm.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Fit dust containment into your budget ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
No one really accounts for dust containment preparations as a part of their remodel costs, which is a big mistake. While it doesn’t cost much, be ready to spend $100-200 depending on the size of your project. While it’s an added cost, having your home clean once the dust settles, pardon the pun, is next to priceless. You would certainly spend more than that sum for cleaning products and house cleaners at the end of the project.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Hello plastic my old friend ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Before you start with demolition, which is the phase which creates the most of ultrafine dust, it’s essential to [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w76xEfKx1qo contain the project] in its own bubble as much as possible. Separate any areas you’re not working in at the moment with plastic sheets, stapling them up and reinforcing the edges with a tape. Depending if you’re keeping a wall or not, you may use duct tape or more wall-friendly painter’s tape. You should use at least 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm plastic, which is flexible enough to be manageable, and yet strong enough to withstand throughout the whole project. As your project progresses, make sure to check if your enclosure remains dust proof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Protect the floors ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Protecting your floors both inside and outside the work area saves you many stressful hours trying to remove the dust. Create a single entry and exit pathways to and from your project site, with a detour to the restroom, and make sure the workers are using those pathways only. When it comes to flooring types, carpets are notorious for sucking up the fine demolition dust. If your kids or pets crawl around on it, the can inhale those particles months after the project is done. Even if you’ve separated the non-project areas with plastic sheets, go an extra mile and protect the carpet with a cling wrap, or simply fold it up and relocate it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Pexels-photo-1249611.jpeg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Consider moving out ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If you’re planning to renovate your entire home, you’ll need to relocate for a couple of months. Even if you’re just remodelling the downstairs, you need to store the furniture, appliances and other belongings somewhere. While hiring a moving company that specializes in home moves makes sense, their rates can be high, and chance are that their available schedule won’t match with the beginning of your works. Instead, you can rent out a truck and relocate your things at your own pace with a couple of friends. A [https://truck.budget.co.nz/en/home service like Budget truck rental] would be perfect for low-intensity moves, since they operate a fleet of truck of all sizes, so you can tailor down your vehicle to your needs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Do your demolition in stages ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If your remodelling project requires a lot of demolition, for example if you’re removing a whole section to open up a space, first tackle the areas away from the rest of the house, and then move towards the separating wall. The key is to keep the barrier between the rooms intact as longer as possible. Before the last wall goes down, erect a temporary plastic wall on the other side using a simple wooden frame and some thick sheet plastic. This wall will be your main barrier protecting the rest of the house until the work is done.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:OTCL9JW.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Cut and sand outside ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Unfortunately, home renovation dust horror doesn’t stop after the demolition stage, so don’t rush to remove any dust containment you’ve taped in place. In reality, not many things generate more dust than cutting and sanding drywall boards. While [https://www.familyhandyman.com/drywall/drywall-installation/how-to-hang-drywall-like-a-pro/ fitting drywall] is one of the latest stages in a home remodelling, it’s easy to overlook how much dust it can create. If possible, do as much of the drywall cutting and sanding outside and only bring in the finished pieces.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Plan for single entry and exit point ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Even if you separate the work from non-work areas, the project crew must enter and exit the area somehow. Limit this foot traffic to one doorway only and lock and seal all the remaining access points. Remove the door from its hinges and install a dust containment door kit with a zipper, which should be closed at all times except when the crew is entering or leaving the area.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Not only is the renovation dust bad for your health, it can spread through an entire house creating a mess that takes much more time to clean than it would to contain the work area. While no solution mentioned here is 100% dust-proof, combined they can keep the bulk of the dust in the project area, making the final clean-up much more manageable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
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				<updated>2019-03-13T21:12:24Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: &lt;/p&gt;
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		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

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				<updated>2019-03-13T21:09:51Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: Construction workers&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;Construction workers&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
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				<updated>2019-03-13T21:07:58Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: Home renovation&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;Home renovation&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Renovating_an_old_house</id>
		<title>Renovating an old house</title>
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				<updated>2019-02-13T09:19:46Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: Created page with &amp;quot;File:Pic1.jpg  First and foremost, let’s make some things clear – home renovation projects are not as easy as they make the look on TV, especially if you’re dealing wit...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;[[File:Pic1.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
First and foremost, let’s make some things clear – home renovation projects are not as easy as they make the look on TV, especially if you’re dealing with an old house. If you’re considering renovating your period home, you need to realise that this project can be extremely overwhelming, especially if you miss any of the crucial steps during the planning process. Additionally, the budget that’s you’ll need to set aside for this endeavour is going to be anything but small.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On a brighter note, once all the renovations are done, you’ll be left with a beautiful home that boasts period architecture but is filled with the latest contemporary, green and energy-efficient solutions. To help you stay on the right track, here’s a complete guide to renovating an old house.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Plan and design ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Since you’re dealing with a large-scale project, you will first need to plan everything out and come up with the optimal design before you even begin with the works. First, you’ll need to determine the budget for your project. Inform yourself about the current prices and even call in a contractor to estimate how much money you’ll need to set aside. Once you get the estimated price, increase it for around 23-30 % (for unplanned expenses) and that will be your budget. Next, make sure you organise all the contractors accordingly to avoid any downtime as much as possible. Finally, show your design to an architect and see if it’s doable. Chances are that your original design will need to be altered, so be ready to make some compromises as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Pic2.jpeg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Structural inspection and repairs ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
To start off, [https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2015/10/30/the-hidden-problems-in-old-homes/#1f3a7ad45331 inspect the structure of your home]. This includes the foundation, roof, siding and windows. No matter how sturdy your roof is, chances are that it will need to be replaced or at least spruced up a bit. Next, check your siding and see if there are any cracks or weak spots that require your attention. You can even choose to implement an additional layer of insulation to make your home more energy efficient. Furthermore, replace your outdated windows with newer eco-friendly alternatives to boost your home’s energy efficiency even further. Finally, inspect the foundation and see if it requires any repairs. The foundation is the base of your home, so you want it to be in peak condition because if there’s something wrong with it your house won’t be safe anymore.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Check the grid ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Power and water grids should be your next concern. Since you’re living in an older home, chances are that these two have seen better days. Aside from all the damage, a faulty water grid can cause to your home – such as leaky pipes that can cause some serious structural damages to your foundation and walls or promote mould and mildew growth – old pipes can even contain lead and asbestos which are very detrimental for your health. When it comes to the electrical grid, you need to call in the experts to assess its condition and make any alterations necessary so that, later on, you can fill your home with all the latest appliances without worrying about blowing a fuse or even causing a fire outburst. However, keep in mind that in some countries, such as Australia, dealing with electricity on your own is considered to be illegal. That’s why Aussies turn to a [https://glenco.com.au/homeowners/electrical/level-2-authorised-service-provider/ trusty level 2 electrician from Sydney] to take care of the job for them. This way, they can be sure that their new grid is safe and can take on any new appliances and technology.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Pic3.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Restore old features ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Now that all the hard work is done, you can pay more attention to the aesthetics of your home. The beauty of old homes lies in their intrinsic charm, so you should definitely try to restore their original features. In some instances, these features can be so old and in such poor condition that restoring them doesn’t make much sense. If that’s the case, you should find someone who will be able to make convincing replicas.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Repaint ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The next step should be repainting your entire home. Even if there is a room where no works were done, you should repaint it as well. Since wallpapers were extremely popular in the olden days, you can even find some that appeal to your aesthetic and implement them instead of paint. However, make sure you first test your old paint for lead and if you find any, remove it before you apply the new one. It would be best to go with zero-VOC paints to make sure you’re creating a completely healthy environment for you and your family.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Pic5.jpg]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Decorate away ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And now, for the fun part. Since all the messy work will be done at this point, it’s time to give your new old home a thorough scrub and [https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2015/06/04/10-decorating-tips-for-older-homes/#11e9c2ec75b7 start decorating]. Since your home has that old-timey feel, a sterile ultra-modern décor might not be the best bet. But if you find this aesthetic appealing, we’re sure you’ll figure something out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As you can see, renovating an old home definitely is a lot of work, but with some careful planning and organisation, you can be sure that everything will go smoothly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
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		<title>File:Pic5.jpg</title>
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				<updated>2019-02-13T09:16:12Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: Interior decor&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Interior decor&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/File:Pic3.jpg</id>
		<title>File:Pic3.jpg</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/File:Pic3.jpg"/>
				<updated>2019-02-13T09:15:16Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: Electrician&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Electrician&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
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		<title>File:Pic2.jpeg</title>
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				<updated>2019-02-13T09:11:05Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: Drawing&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Drawing&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
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				<updated>2019-02-13T09:09:48Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Mike Johnston: House renovation&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;House renovation&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Mike Johnston</name></author>	</entry>

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