What is the Best Building Material? 

What is the Best Building Material? 

What is the Best Building Material? 

What is the Best Building Material? Let’s face it: it is true that some building materials are better suited to your project than others. The majority of structures nowadays are made of wood, steel, concrete, or masonry. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that must be evaluated. But, what is the best building material?

How to Choose the Best Building Material

Engineers and architects typically use a variety of these materials in their designs to balance cost, aesthetics, structural integrity, and longevity. Today on the blog, our commercial builders will discuss these strengths and weaknesses in depth. Thus, you can play an active role in analyzing the design of your structure.

Wooden Frames

For thousands of years, humans have used wood to construct shelters and constructions. However, our commercial construction company explains that wood remains a popular building material today.

The popularity of wood stems from its low cost. It is also lightweight and easy to work with. It functions as an insulator, allowing warm air to enter and cold air to exit.

While it may appear that cutting down trees to create a structure is terrible for the environment, wood can be an environmentally friendly option if purchased from a responsible timber source committed to sustainable forestry. Wood has a lower carbon footprint than other materials because it requires less water and energy to create.

However, our Sacramento construction company explains that wood does have a few downsides. Because wood isn’t always perfect for sustaining a lot of weight, it’s not the best choice for multi-story buildings. And, unlike other synthetic materials, wood only lasts a few hundred years before decaying. It is also prone to fire and moisture damage, as well as being a prey item for destructive termites.

Manufacturers have created a number of engineered wood products in an effort to solve some of the drawbacks of ordinary wood. These are manufactured building materials that are formed by fusing wood particles, fibers, strands, or veneers to form a composite material.

Steel

Steel is a popular building material because it is robust without being overly heavy. This makes it an excellent choice for multi-story structures, as well as manufacturing and industrial enterprises.  Our general contractor Sacramento says that steel, unlike wood, can withstand dampness. Additionally, it is resistant to termites and fire. It will also survive far longer than wood.

In contrast to masonry, steel can accommodate wide, open designs while maintaining structural integrity. It’s also bendable, allowing architects to experiment with more unusual building shapes.

Steel is more expensive than wood for framing a building. However, while steel is a more appealing choice to wood due to its enhanced toughness and endurance, it will be more expensive.

Concrete

Concrete is made up of cement, aggregates such as sand or stone, and water. As follows, it is both durable and robust, making it an excellent choice for the foundations of your construction. It can withstand the weight of the top building as well as the damp soil that surrounds it. Additionally, it is a low-maintenance finish that lasts a long time and is resistant to a number of environmental challenges. It’s important to note that concrete necessitates a different set of abilities to install than wood or metal. To ensure that your construction is built appropriately and can withstand the test of time, you should deal with a reputable and professional concrete team. Concrete may be more expensive to utilize for your project than wood or metal. 

Masonry

Unlike concrete constructions, which are placed in place as a single unit, masonry uses several smaller parts mortared together to form a single structure. Clay bricks, concrete blocks, stone, and other common masonry materials are used. 

Masonry provides building options in a wide range of materials, colors, sizes, and shapes, providing you greater creative control over the design of your structure. Additionally, it provides excellent fire resistance and can withstand moist weather and pests. 

However, there are disadvantages. The bricks, stones, or blocks are relatively hefty, and they take some time to install properly. As a result, specialist craftsmen are frequently necessary to complete the project, and a robust project plan is critical to keeping the project on track.

What is the Best Option For Me? 

Every building material has advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages will allow you to weigh them against the objectives you have set for your project. 

Because the material you pick to construct your construction is such an important decision, you should speak with an expert design team. Our team at Headwaters Construction Inc would love to assist you with your commercial construction project. Follow us on Facebook today or contact us on our website. 

Commercial Construction Project Management Tips

Commercial Construction Project Management Tips

Commercial Construction Project Management Tips

Commercial Construction Project Management TipsMany contracting firms concentrate on the commercial building market due to the unique opportunities it provides. Furthermore, the commercial construction industry is thriving. Over the following year, more than half of all commercial construction contractors are expecting an increased revenue. Many individuals are actively seeking Commercial Construction Project Management Tips to advanced their projects.

Managing Your Commercial Construction Project

At Headwaters, we believe in delivering high-quality workmanship that is also quick and long-lasting. Our project objectives are to lower your new construction costs as well as our running expenses without sacrificing quality. We have extensive experience with commercial construction projects such as tilt-up construction, distribution center design and construction, retail strip mall rehabilitation, office parks, and more. Today on the blog, our Sacramento commercial builders share their commercial construction project management tips.

Create a Workable Construction Project Schedule

A realistic timetable must be established at the start of any commercial building project. Creating a realistic timeline assists clients in maintaining expectations and maintains high client satisfaction. All workers and stakeholders should be kept up to date on deadlines and milestones from the start. This will ensure there is no uncertainty about what should happen and when.  Retail renovation contractors bear an obligation to manage their projects. Additionally, they ensure success.

Construction companies have benefited greatly from advancements in digital scheduling technologies. With simple-to-use personal computer software and web-based file-sharing systems, formal scheduling becomes much easier. Contractors should manage their schedules properly, regardless of the software they use, to avoid unnecessary conflicts and delays.

Make A Budget

Contractors must plan for every detail and account for the unexpected when budgeting for a building project. Contractors may ensure they have enough room in their budgets and will not go drastically over the amount they have recommended by planning for complications and extra expenses. Some aspects of commercial construction budgeting are affected by the sort of bid selection at work. A variety of bid selection techniques can be used in construction projects. Knowing what the client values in bid proposals will almost certainly influence how contractors budget for their bids.

Handle and Organize Documents Carefully

Managing the documentation and information linked with a project is an essential element of commercial construction contracts. A strong organization is essential to ensure that records are complete, personnel follows protocols, information is easily accessible for sharing with members of other teams, and everyone can adhere to plans to the letter. Construction project managers are often in charge of a wide range of deliverables. A job breakdown structure, documentation, a risk-management plan, and other items may be included.

Poor documentation has been linked to a higher chance of disputes, design changes, delays, reduced efficiency, and more. In contrast, good documentation can be very beneficial. It will aid in increasing consensus, minimizing design revisions, increasing efficiency, and ensuring that the project is completed on time. Importantly, it will also ensure it remains under budget.

Take the initiative

It’s critical to plan for unexpected events to occur throughout the organization and contracting timeline because they almost always happen. Thus, setting reasonable expectations is critical for overcoming these obstacles.

Material shipment delays occur frequently and can have a substantial impact on timetables, budgets, and customer satisfaction. Planning for such shortages and delays assists contractors in developing backup plans to ensure that such challenges do not derail construction projects.

Commercial Construction in Sacramento

Contact Headwaters Construction Inc. today to discuss your commercial construction project! We’d love to discuss your goals and share our tips. As follows, our passion and expertise are in commercial new construction, shopping center renovation, and tilt-wall building. Importantly, we deliver outstanding quality, communication, and service with every project.

What To Know Before Building a Commercial Building

What To Know Before Building a Commercial Building Sacramento

What To Know Before Building a Commercial Building

What To Know Before Building a Commercial Building SacramentoBuilding a new business facility requires a significant investment. Today on the blog, our experienced Sacramento commercial builders discuss what to know before buying a commercial building. 

All You Need to Know Before Building a Commercial Building

Purchasing a new commercial building is not something you should take lightly. Below, Headwaters Construction Inc. shares the five most important factors to consider. 

Know All About the Building Type and Location

First, think about the type of building you wish to build. Whether it is a retail, industrial, residential, hotel, office, gym, or another specialized facility such as a movie theater, each type of structure has its own set of needs and criteria.

Our commercial construction company says you should select a site that is zoned for commercial development. You might want to choose a site with easy traffic access. Learn about other local businesses in the region that may draw your consumers or be a source of competition. Other development and infrastructure plans for that area may have an impact on your business investment, either positively or negatively. It is critical to conduct research before choosing a site.

Zoning, Planning, and Permitting

Each sort of business structure has its own set of requirements. Consider how consumers and visitors will approach and use your building. Have the building created to suit staff, customers, and any other special requirements your company may have.

Consider how you use technology and modern conveniences. Specialized AV, Best Commercial Audio Video Design company, explained that tenants are demanding more amenities, particularly in residential buildings. For example, they want high-speed wireless internet, in-wall USB ports, storage, etc. Our Sacramento General Contractor advises you to ask, “what will I need in my new commercial structure to succeed?”

Importantly, in commercial building construction, you must guarantee that all zoning rules and permits have been followed correctly. Our Commercial Renovation Folsom manager states that the most critical stage before starting construction is to do this as soon as feasible. For example, certain areas may have height, floor, and color limits, among other things. Headwaters Construction Inc. can assist you with all elements of planning. These include contacting the local zoning office. Additionally, it will ensure that the project meets all of the standards of the surrounding area.

Budgeting & Financing

When opting to build a commercial building for business usage, you must be careful to ensure that the money you spend is profitable. We highly suggest hiring engage a financial adviser to help you prevent such catastrophes and make this task easier for you. There’s a ton that goes into purchasing a commercial building with budgeting and financing. 

Ready to Purchase a Commercial Building?

Ready to take the next steps? Contact Headwaters Construction Inc. today. We’d love to discuss your commercial building project with you, or discuss retail renovation plans. We are experienced in commercial construction. Additionally, we’d love to be your partner. 

 

Choosing A Paint Color For Your Commercial Project

Choosing A Paint Color For Your Commercial Project

Choosing A Paint Color For Your Commercial Project

Choosing A Paint Color For Your Commercial ProjectIf you own a commercial building, exterior painting is crucial. It sets the tone for your business, while also maintaining the look. Additionally, paint only protects your structure from the weather. Also, it contributes to the initial impression clients have of your company. Our commercial builders explain that a fresh coat of paint, in addition to beautiful signage and landscaping, may boost the curb appeal of any commercial property. Today on the blog, our commercial construction company discusses choosing a paint color for your commercial project.

The Color of Your Building Is Important

Color is a powerful tool that organizations employ to generate brand identification. Importantly, choosing the appropriate exterior paint colors can assist any business owner. Additionally, it will make their company distinctive to both new and existing consumers. When choosing an external paint color for your commercial building, our General Contractor Sacramento urges you to keep the following in mind.

Construction

Each architectural style has a particular appearance that lends itself to various color palettes. We recommend selecting colors that complement the architecture of the building for the aesthetic. If your structure is in a historic district, your color choices may be limited.

Appeal to Your Ideal Customer

When painting the exterior of your business, use a color scheme that appeals to your core consumer type and target demographic. In general, younger people are drawn to stronger hues, whereas more senior clients choose muted and neutral colors. Furthermore, there is evidence that men and women perceive colors differently. Before selecting colors for your business, think about how color influences your target customer.

Business Type

It is commonly known that people link different colors with different emotions and sensations. A restaurant or bakery needs distinct color associations than an office building. For example, our friends at Maid For Muddy Paws, Deep Cleaning Service Woodlands, TX explains that they chose hues of pink and black to make their business stand out to their target audience.

The Natural Environment

When selecting exterior paint colors, consider your surroundings for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Many property owners avoid dark or rich colors in locations with bright year-round sunlight because they fade rapidly and absorb heat, raising cooling costs.

Surrounding Environment

Roofing, landscaping, sidewalks, and other outside aspects are frequently difficult and costly to replace. It is critical to choose an external paint color that contrasts with the hues of these items.

You should also consider nearby structures. If you deviate too much from the standard color schemes in the surrounding neighborhood, your building may become an eyesore.

Color Psychology

Color psychology is more of a marketing term than a scientific one. It has long been regarded as a powerful tool in branding by marketing gurus. Thus, colors have an effect on emotion, perception, and purchasing decisions. Employee productivity has even been demonstrated to be influenced by interior paint hues. Aligning the color of your exterior paint with your logo and other marketing materials creates consistency and helps to make your company recognizable.

Contact Headwater Today for Your Commercial Construction Project

Headwaters Construction aspires to be the commercial building industry leader in California, Washington, and Oregon. Our dedication to providing high-quality services is intended to provide you with peace of mind. Contact our team today to discuss your commercial construction project.

Commercial Construction Costs Per Square Foot

Commercial Construction Costs Per Square Foot

Commercial Construction Costs Per Square Foot

Commercial Construction Costs Per Square FootThe biggest worries before starting the construction of a commercial building are always the construction costs per square foot. Our commercial builders explain that costs vary substantially depending on location, type of building, and more. As follows, the zoning and topography of the area also have an impact on construction prices per square foot. Additionally, as we see in Northern California, costs are more expensive in earthquake-prone areas. Controlling these costs allows owners to complete their projects on time and allows contractors to retain their profit margins. Today on the blog, our commercial construction company discusses commercial construction costs per square foot.

Average Costs of Construction Per Square Foot in California

To start, our retail renovation Sacramento team explains that one of the most major cost drivers for commercial buildings is location. Below, we detail specific costs in California.

The Costs

To determine the average expenses in the Western United States we looked at a few different cities. We, of course, looked at Sacramento, and then San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

The average cost of a single-story commercial structure is anywhere between $300 to $400 per square foot. As follows, for mid-rise commercial buildings, the average price is between $500 and $600 per square foot.  Finally, the average cost of a high-rise building is typically always around $700 per square foot. 

Of course, these costs vary by type of building. Below, our General Contractor Sacramento explains.

Commercial Costs Per Square Foot – Building Type

The cost of construction varies greatly depending on the type of building. We’ve offered average estimates based on location in the United States, but now we’ll look at cost breakdowns based on building types across the country.

Commercial Office Spaces

A single-story office building in the United States costs an average of $300 per square foot. On average, mid-rise office buildings cost $600, whereas high-rise structures cost $700.

Hotels 

Varied places have different requirements and styles of development for hotel and lodging facilities, which affects the pricing. Three-star hotels, for example, are less expensive at $500 per square foot, and five-star hotels are more expensive at roughly $700 per square foot.

Hospitals 

Medical office buildings typically cost about $500 per square foot. Specialty clinics, on the other hand, cost roughly $619 per square foot on average.

Higher Education

Universities and other higher education institutions are more expensive than elementary and secondary schools. Regular classroom buildings, for example, cost roughly $600 per square foot. However, university buildings are the most expensive at $600 per square foot.

Contact Headwaters Today for Commercial Construction in Sacramento

Numerous factors, including location, natural disasters, type of building, and more have a significant impact on commercial construction costs. At Headwaters Construction Inc., our team is here to help you with all of your commercial construction needs. Contact us today to discuss your next commercial construction project in Sacramento. You can follow us on Facebook as well to check out our projects and connect with our top-rated construction team. 

Environmental Benefits of Tilt Up Construction

The environmental benefits of tilt up construction

The Many Environmental Benefits of Tilt-Up Construction

The environmental benefits of tilt up constructionFrom energy-saving light bulbs to hybrid automobiles and LEED-certified buildings, it is obvious that “green” will be a way of life in American culture. Additionally, it will impact the building industry for the foreseeable future. Today on the blog, our tilt-up construction company shares why it is an environmentally friendly building from the ground up. So, what exactly are the environmental benefits of tilt-up construction?

The Benefits of Tilt-Up Construction

To start, our commercial builders explain that before sustainable design became a motivator, high-quality concrete tilt-up projects were built. They had the goal of producing buildings that minimized the dynamic variations in temperature around the building. Tilt-up structures were previously known for their improved thermal efficiency. This is even before sustainability became a term in the industry.

Interestingly, our general contractor Sacramento explains there is no way to obtain LEED certification using solely the credits provided by tilt-up concrete.

LEED Certification

Although tilt-up construction cannot achieve LEED certification on its own, it is a building shell technology that gets simple credits. It works at delivering valuable points toward certification or propelling your project to the next level of sustainability. Why not go with the approach that produces the most “green”?

Site-casting concrete pieces provide several benefits for overall sustainability. To begin, all of the major components for a tilt-up construction may be obtained locally. This aspect, along with on-site tilt-up panels, decreases the amount of gasoline required to transport goods to the project site.

Building envelope efficiency is extremely essential in lowering energy consumption and costs in sustainable projects. When compared to several competing technologies, tilt-up structures feature a tighter structure and less air intrusion. The thermal mass effect—inherent concrete’s capacity to absorb and store energy—can also be coupled with optimal insulation solutions to provide maximum thermal performance.

In the Long Run, Tilt-Up

A building must be maintained throughout time in order to be genuinely sustainable. Tilt-up structures have achieved life spans exceeding 100 years. These buildings not only withstand the test of time, but they also have a very low maintenance profile, lowering expenses and product usage. The environmental consequences of decreasing maintenance expenses are sometimes underestimated. However, they have a major influence on a building’s overall sustainability.

Tilt-up wall panels’ innate resilience allows normal wear and tear. Additionally, it also provides the option of recycling panels in the case of a building expansion or restoration. Repurposing wall panels as site fill or pavement sub-foundation material minimizes total construction waste.

Collaboration for a Better Tomorrow

Manufacturers of construction products are also trying to develop products that improve the tilt-up structure while also contributing to sustainability.  Tilt-up construction uses 80% less raw material and natural gas to manufacture and distribute than traditional full-size brick. Because of the production method and decreased weight, less clay and shale are required. Thus, less energy is utilized to create and distribute the product.

As the “green” movement pervades more parts of life, we examine the influence of our work and the legacy we will leave. The structures we design have a long-term impact on both the environment and the people who inhabit them.

Contact Headwaters for Tilt-Up Construction

Follow us on Facebook today to see more of our tilt-up construction projects! We would assist you in your tilt-up construction project. Contact Headwaters Construction Inc. today for commercial building services in Sacramento.

Types of Commercial Building Projects

types of commercial building projects

Types of Commercial Building Projects in Sacramento

types of commercial building projectsThe types of commercial building projects have similarities and differences, depending on the exact type of building. Certain elements of those tasks will be identical, but understanding the many subtleties that are necessary will make the final decision of which commercial construction firm to hire a simpler process. Today on the blog, our General Contractor Sacramento shares the types of commercial building projects that are built in today’s market.

Restaurants

When it comes to restaurant chains, adhering to the corporation’s rules is critical. Our Commercial Building Renovation Contractors explain that a unique strategy for particular organizations makes an impact. Specifically, in terms of client comfort and employee flexibility. Additionally, understanding local rules pertaining to safety and other kitchen-related issues is important.

Grocery and Retail Stores

Since grocery stores and retail stores are visited by many, the general layout of the building is critical. This implies that the appearance of both the interior and outside must take into account more fluid mobility. This makes it vital to hire an experienced Sacramento construction company.

Hotels, Motels, and Other Lodging

This mostly focuses on the hotel and motel industries. This is a concerned such as ease of access as well as the level of comfort and privacy provided to visitors. Some motel building projects are quite simple, but large motels necessitate the use of an expert hand for that particular business development. Our commercial contractors explain that knowing that the ability to enjoy peace and quiet is important for this type of business. Additionally, this sort of construction must occasionally balance problems. For example, sound-proofing and technological advances. This can be done by a local company like Specialized AV, Commercial Audio Video Installation Sacramento company.

Athletic Buildings

When this is discussed, massive stadiums are frequently the first thing that springs to mind. Smaller facilities for high schools, fitness centers, and other recreational spaces, on the other hand, can be included in the same sentence. These buildings frequently need the inclusion of elements such as bleachers or other essential objects in the overall project, while also taking visitor safety carefully.

Corporations and Offices

The scale of these structures ranges. They can range from practical facilities for a small business to skyscrapers.  The sort of business that will use this facility may necessitate a different strategy than a cookie-cutter one. Simultaneously, building needs such as restrooms and fire escapes must handle critical access problems.

Hospitals and Medicine

Hospitals will always be needed, but smaller clinics and facilities, like vet offices, should be considered. All of these locations require a structure that allows for simple movement for workers and patients while also allowing for potentially life-saving equipment. In this case, accessibility must be mindful of the fact that the facility will most likely be used by people from various walks of life.

Commercial Building Projects in Sacramento, CA

Contact Headwaters today to discuss your commercial building project types in Sacramento. We are skilled in ground-up construction, tilt-up construction, commercial renovations, and more! Our professionals are here to support you!

Benefits of Steel in Construction

benefits of steel in construction

The Benefits of Steel in Construction

benefits of steel in constructionThe use of structural steel for a building’s frame system provides several advantages to a commercial construction project. Today on the blog, our commercial builders are discussing the many benefits of steel in construction. These advantages include:

Construction Time

Because of its ease of production in the shop, structural steel increases construction efficiency. Additionally, it maintains strict construction tolerances. Material deployed in the field will always lag behind. With structural steel, you may achieve a rapid erection in all seasons. Also, it offers precise tolerances for connection with other building systems. Our General Contractor Sacramento explains it also offers little construction site waste.

Reduced Project Costs

When rival framing technologies for projects are examined using similar, current cost data, structural steel remains the cost leader for the majority of building projects. According to comparative research, a structural steel framing system with decking and fire protection will generally cost 5% to 7% less than a concrete framing system on a national scale.

Aesthetic Value

Additionally, our construction company in Sacramento admires steel’s inherent beauty and is eager to use it in the design of their projects to highlight the elegance, slenderness, strength, and transparency of the frame. Unlike most other construction materials, structural steel offers the project architect greater freedom of expression and originality in their design. Structural steel sections can be twisted and rolled to form non-linear components that add to the structure’s visual appeal.

High Fortitude

All other materials claim to have tremendous strength, however even when reinforced with steel, their strength is still less than that of structural steel. In fact, the increase in standard strength of the steel used in structures today over the last ten years is larger than the entire strength of rival “high strength” materials.

At the end of their lives, structural steel and cars are recycled at rates more than 100%. Rather than using land for quarrying operations to supply aggregates or landfills for building material waste, structural steel is emptying salvage yards, freeing up space for other uses.

Modifiable

In the future, structural steel structures may be changed for new uses, loading conditions, vertical extensions, and changes in owner preferences in ways that conventional frame systems cannot.

Existing steel columns and beams can be reinforced by attaching steel plates to the flanges or web of sections, allowing for higher loads. Existing steel-framed structures can be retrofitted with new stairways by removing a piece of the floor decking, bracing a single bay, and installing the necessary stair structure. While the building is still occupied, these sorts of improvements may be made with minimal interruption.

It is not uncommon for additional floors to be added to a structural steel structure years after it was built.

Efficient

Structural steel structures maximize building space efficiency by using thin columns. As follows, these columns maximize usable floor space, and longer spans for open, column-free areas.  Additionally, our neighbors over at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, the best HVAC Company in Sacramento, explain it allows for the integration of HVAC systems. This allows these factors to be added into structural spaces that allow for lower floor-to-floor heights.

Reliability and Predictability

Modern quality assurance techniques are used to produce and construct structural steel under-regulated settings. The final strength of the material is tested at the point of manufacture. However, this after it has been installed in the building’s frame. Additionally, structural steel is manufactured in a shop to precise tolerances. These are hard to achieve with site-cast materials.

Interested in a steel construction project? Contact Headwaters today to get the conversation started. We’d love to discuss your commercial construction project needs.

Different Types of Foundations

different types of foundation

The Many Different Types of Foundations

different types of foundationThis article will go through the many different types of foundations used in structures. All foundations are broadly classified into two types: shallow foundations and deep foundations. The terms shallow and deep refer to the depth of dirt used to build the foundation. Shallow foundations are utilized for small, light buildings, and deep foundations are used for massive, heavy structures. Below, our commercial builder shares the different types of foundations.

Shallow Foundations

First, our commercial construction company explains that shallow foundations are sometimes known as spread or open footings. The term “open” refers to the fact that the foundations are built by digging all of the earth to the bottom of the footing and then erecting the footing. Because the whole footing is visible to the naked eye during the early phases of construction, it is referred to as an open foundation. Thus, the concept is that each footing distributes the concentrated load of the column across a broad area. Therefore, this ensures that the actual weight on the soil does not exceed the earth’s safe bearing capability.

Additionally, shallow footings are classified into three types: individual footings, strip footings, and raft Individual Footings.

Strip Footings

Strip footings are a type of load-bearing masonry structure that acts as a long strip that supports the weight of an entire wall. Our Sacramento construction experts explain that these are employed in situations when the building loads are borne by whole walls rather than separate columns, such as in ancient masonry buildings.

Raft Foundations

Raft foundations, also known as Mat foundations, are commonly utilized for building basements. The entire basement floor slab functions as the foundation in a raft; the weight of the structure is distributed uniformly throughout the full footprint of the building. The building is nicknamed a raft because it resembles a vessel that ‘floats’ on a sea of dirt.

Mat foundations are utilized when the soil is soft and building loads must be distributed over a broad area, or when columns are closely spaced, which means that individual footings would touch each other if individual footings were employed.

Pile Foundations

A pile is essentially a long cylinder of strong material, such as concrete, that is driven into the ground to support structures on top of it.

End Bearing Piles: How Do They Work?

The bottom end of an end-bearing pile sits on a layer of, particularly strong soil or rock. The load of the building is transferred to the strong layer through the pile. In some ways, this pile resembles a column. The bottom end sits on the surface, which is the junction between a weak and strong layer. As a result, the weight avoids the weak layer and is securely transmitted to the strong layer.

Friction Piles

Friction piles operate on a separate set of principles. By friction, the pile transmits the load of the building to the earth across the whole height of the pile. In other words, the pile’s whole surface, which is cylindrical in shape, works to transmit forces to the earth.

Contact Headwaters Today

Now that you have an understanding of the different types of foundations, you may have questions about which one is best for your construction plan. Contact Headwaters Construction today! Our commercial builders would love to help you with your commercial construction project. Follow us on Facebook today.

Everything About Commercial Office Lighting

Everything about commercial office lighting

The Importance of Commerical Office Lighting

Everything about commercial office lightingLighting is everything when it comes to your business or office space. It can set the mood and ambiance, and feature different elements of your business to really make it stand out. At Headwaters Construction Inc., our Sacramento construction general contractors know how important office lighting is, which is why they are sharing everything about commercial office lighting.

Things You Should Know About Commerical Office Lighting

There is more to lighting an office area than meets the eye. Energy and office lighting regulations, as well as workspace and design, have evolved in recent years. Ask yourself these questions: What colors and brightness levels produce appropriate office lighting settings? What effect does light have on worker productivity? When selecting your lighting, our Sacramento commercial builders urge you to consider the following.

1. Office Lighting Requirements

Every type of work setting needs a particular quantity of light for workers to perform. Thus, the lighting scheme should give an even quantity of illumination across the working space. Additionally, the office designers should also account for shadows cast by cubicle walls or partitions.

2. Employee Well-Being and Productivity

Light can have a significant impact on a worker’s health and productivity. As follows, exposure to natural light can have a variety of effects on office workers. Workers who are not exposed to natural light are wearier, more prone to sleeplessness, more distractible, and less active. However, if your business has windows or skylights to brighten up your working space, this will help. Providing natural light in the appropriate brightness will provide your staff a much-needed lift. Daylight hues, such as white and blue-white, evoke the sensation of being in sunlight.

3. Workstations with an Open Floor Plan

The private cubicle setup is giving way to an open-office environment in workplace settings. The ambient room lighting in this new, open atmosphere is focused on establishing a sense of togetherness and togetherness in the space and among workers. Our commercial construction company details that it should provide the most direct illumination in the workstation while allowing for natural darker patches in walkway areas where people are not gathering to talk. Individual task lighting allows workers to tailor their customized workstations to their specific needs and preferences.

4. Computers and Lighting

When laying out your office design, our Sacramento commercial construction company urges you to be considerate of your computers. Computers should not be placed directly in front of a contrasting light source, such as a window, or directly under the line of sight. Task lighting should be positioned adjustably so that potential glare or contrast can be quickly corrected as needed.

5. Energy Consumption and Savings

Whatever sort of bulb you use in your office, it costs you money and energy to run. Lighting updates have provided offices with more energy-efficient options while altogether eliminating others (such as some types of fluorescent and incandescent bulbs). LEDs are setting the standard for office lighting; they consume less energy than traditional lamps while producing greater light. Fluorescent lamps have also been given an energy-saving makeover. Our friends at Specialized AV, a Sacramento audio and video company, point out that smart lighting can also help with energy consumption. You can even operate your lighting through your phone.

Get Started with Headwaters Construction Today

If you are moving into a new office building, it is best to reconsider your lighting options from the start. Lighting should be tailored to your unique requirements. The type, brightness, and color of your lighting should be determined by the arrangement of the room and the purpose for which it will be utilized. If you have questions about your commercial building design, contact Headwaters Construction Inc. today. We’d love to assist you with everything about commercial office lighting. Check us out on Facebook today.