Common Windows in Commercial Construction

Common windows in commercial construction

Common Windows in Commercial Construction

Common windows in commercial constructionAll windows let in light and most give some ventilation, but windows can differ in a variety of ways beyond those basic functions. Some window kinds are easier to open than others, and some are better for airflow than others. If you are working on a commercial construction project, you know how many options are available on the market. Today on the blog, our Sacramento commercial builders share common windows in commercial construction.

Windows Used By Our Sacramento Commercial Builders

Distinct windows might also have extremely different appearances to match the architectural design or ornamental style of a structure. Identifying one of the basic window kinds is the first step in narrowing down the many alternatives for windows. Keep reading to discover the types of windows preferred by our company commercial renovation Sacramento.

Windows with Awnings

Awning windows open outward by pivoting from the top of the window sash and are controlled by a crank. Awning windows are frequently used in conjunction with large picture windows, and they can be positioned along the bottom, sides, or top of the picture window to offer ventilation. They can also be erected above doors in the same way that transom windows are.  Our tilt-up construction company explains that awning windows, because they open out, are not suggested near walkways or other high-traffic areas, as the open windows may hinder the traffic flow.

Bay Windows

Bay windows are a great tool for architects to use when creating angles and projections on building construction. Additionally, bay windows allow light to enter from various angles. Most bays have side windows that may be opened to allow for circulation. Bay windows are popular in kitchens and family areas, where the large sill can be used for plants or a window seat.

Windows with Casements

Casement windows, like awning windows, open outward and typically pivot from side hinges. Many casements feature quite big glass panes to allow adequate light to pass through without being blocked by muntin bars or other construction. Casements, on the other hand, often provide more open ventilation areas than other window kinds. Additionally, casement windows, when closed and latched, can provide a very effective seal for increased energy performance. Also, like awning windows, should not open onto traffic lanes.

Single & Double Hung Windows

The most prevalent and well-known window kinds are double-hung and single-hung. To elaborate, our Folsom construction company explains that the sole distinction is that single-hung has a movable lower sash and a fixed top sash, whereas double-hung has two movable sashes, with the upper sash sliding down.

The main advantage of double-hung windows is that they provide slightly better ventilation. When both sashes are opened halfway, air flows naturally through the lower opening and out through the higher opening. Double-hung windows can also be cleaned inside and out without having to clean from the outside (or the need for a ladder).

Windows with Sliders

The windows of the leader open in a sideways fashion. They, like casements, can provide clear vistas and plenty of ventilation, but they cannot be sealed as tightly as casements. Because of their huge openings and ease of operation, sliders are typically utilized for egress windows in basement or below-grade bedrooms.

Sliders are relatively simple, with no mechanical parts (except a lock), very rudimentary seals, and no tensioning mechanism. Because of their simplicity, they are frequently the least priced form of window.

Contact our Commercial Construction Team Today

Contact our team at Headwaters Construction to get started with that big commercial construction project. We are here to help you get your project up and running! Follow us on Facebook today to learn more.

 

 

Commercial Lighting Options

Commercial Lighting Options Sacramento

Commercial Lighting Options

ICommercial Lighting Options Sacramentot goes without saying that every structure necessitates some type of illumination. No matter how many windows your building may have, our commercial builders explain that artificial light is necessary inside and outside.

Additionally, lighting a commercial property can also be a legal necessity. To start, lighting makes it possible for personnel and customers to see where they are going. Additionally, commercial lighting properly illuminates emergency exit routes and doors. So, what are your commercial lighting options? Today on the blog, our commercial building remodeling company discusses this below.

What Are My Commercial Lighting Options?

In addition to these legal obligations, there is also the need to ensure that the illumination works properly.  In particular, the exit routes, which are only required in times of danger to life. Regular emergency light testing should be part of any business’s standard operating processes in order to maintain efficiency.

If you are seeking to install some commercial lighting, it is critical to explore the alternatives so that the working spaces for employees and any areas where clients may congregate are well-lit. Our Sacramento commercial construction company shares the forms of business lighting you should consider:

LED

Because of advancements in manufacturing, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have gained prominence in recent years. It is currently (in most circumstances) a superior option to other incandescent metal bulbs or earlier varieties of business lighting. Commercial LEDs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be used both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, because of their energy-saving features and increased longevity, they can cut the cost of any business’s utility bill, making them well worth considering. Our neighbors over at LMS Garage Doors, the best garage door company, share that they recommend this lighting to their customers for garages.

Overhead Lights

These perform just what they say, providing lighting to a specified area in order for someone to complete a task. They can be quite simple to set up and provide efficiency to those who work in that sector.

Outdoor Lights

These would be security lights or floodlights that provide a significant amount of illumination across a big region. These can assist secure your property or even allow your employees to perform work outside in the dark. Our friends at Specialized Audio and Video, Sacramento audio and video, recommends getting smart lights so that you can operate them from wherever.
In addition to LED lights, you might want to think about the following:

Fluorescent Lighting

This is one of the most popular lights found in big open areas. It often employs fluorescent technology with a frosted finish. They are long-lasting and inexpensive, which explains their widespread use in commercial settings.

CFLs

These, too, make use of fluorescent technology and an inbuilt ballast. They are energy efficient, yet unlike tubular fluorescent lighting, they produce a more natural white light. Individual tasks are best served by this method. of knowledge to provide you with a variety of choices for your specific requirements.

Commercial Construction Projects in Sacramento

Give us a call or drop us a message to learn more and receive assistance with your construction project! Headwaters Construction Inc. is here for you.

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. 

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.

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.

How to Improve Punch Lists

How to Improve Punch Lists

Simple Ways to Improve Punch Lists

How to Improve Punch ListsEvery project must come to an end at some point. However, like with other construction processes, it is easier said than done actually getting to the end. When it comes to technology application, the construction industry has often demonstrated that it lags behind the rest of the globe. That could imply that your present punch list isn’t working. Or that you don’t utilize one at all, neither of which is ideal–especially when clients rely on you to deliver on time. Today on the blog, our Commercial Builders share how to improve punch lists.

What is a Punch List?

In today’s construction, a punch list is defined as a listing of items requiring immediate attention and a document typically attached to the certificate of substantial completion. Before getting payment, the Sacramento general contractor must rectify the punch list work.

Additionally, a punch list may also include specifications for other materials or things that were damaged during construction. As follows, these must now be repaired. Additionally, it could also involve improper installations that aren’t working as expected. However, punch lists often only include minor changes. Regardless of how modest the changes are, it is critical to carefully execute a construction punch list. This guarantees your project gets the final touches it needs to be declared complete.

Do Not Procrastinate Until the End

In most cases, the punch list is not prepared until the walkthrough is completed. However, this does not imply that punch lists should be generated at the end of a project. Instead, our general contractors explain it is preferable to begin creating a punch list earlier in the project. They recommend using this as a frequent check on building quality.

Laying out the various parts of the project also reveals whether there are any gaps in the project requirements. Additionally, it reveals if there is a contract that must be filled. Throughout the project, you should meet with the project owner or stakeholders on a regular basis. We recommend this to determine what needs to be done before the handoff. Additionally, it ensures that all of their specifications and project criteria are met.

Implement Regular Inspections

Regular inspections, or “punch walks,” will help you reach your objective of a zero-punch list faster. Inadequate construction quality is a major cause of project delays during the closeout stage. However, it is critical to remember that quality should be built-in. This is opposed to being added as an afterthought at the conclusion of a project. When you have standards and quality checks in place along the route, you avoid the need for costly rework and project delays at the end.

Even adopting a punch list structure for your inspections is an excellent approach. This helps keep your team focused on quality throughout the construction process. A punch list form is well suited to the purpose of quality control. Its checklist format is ideal for providing quick monitoring while also documenting exactly what needs to be fixed and whether or not it has been accomplished.

Create a Punch List Budget

One of the most important goals of every project is to stay within the budget. However, financial overruns are common when attempting to complete a project. Setting a budget for the punch list in advance might be a useful approach for keeping a project on budget. It also speeds up the progress of punch lists because there are fewer doubts about where the money will come from to complete them. Setting up this budget as part of the initial project allocation is, of course, the most effective method.

Contact Headwaters

Ready to get your commercial project going? Contact Headwaters Construction today. We’d love to assist you in tilt-up construction, construction planning, and more. Head to our Facebook today to check out what people are saying about us!