One way to liven up your office space is to have commercial skylights installed. From reducing eye strain to making it possible for your employees to get more done, skylights have some great-- and perhaps unexpected-- benefits to bring to your office or workplace. As we will show you with this sampling of benefits related to skylights, there are some excellent reasons to give them serious consideration.
Reduced Energy Costs Office skylights will reduce your office energy costs in a couple of important ways. Allowing natural light into your work areas equates to needing less artificial lighting, and that has the potential to be large energy savings. Additionally, sunlight provides heat, and that can reduce your office heating costs as well. Combined, you could see anywhere from 5 to 20 percent reduction in your electricity usage. Health Benefits Sunlight is a necessary component of a healthy life. Adding skylights will also reduce the stress level in your office environment, contributing to a happier, more upbeat staff. Research shows that we need sunlight to perform at our best, and while skylights cannot provide all of the light exposure people need, they can contribute to an improved quality of life. Increased Productivity Because of the positive effects provided by natural light, skylights have also been shown to increase the productivity of those who work in areas beneath them. No one can promise you that your employees will get more done, but introducing natural light into the work environment will certainly be a step in the right direction. Higher Morale Workplace morale plays a critical role in keeping your office operating efficiently. As a result, the mood-enhancing qualities of natural sunlight coming through your skylights could reduce conflicts and improve teamwork. The idea is that people who are in a more satisfied state of mind are also more likely to be diplomatic and play a productive role in team projects. Environmentally Friendly Because skylights reduce energy consumption, they reduce carbon emissions. And since skylights do not emit any harmful chemicals this beneficial trait will continue throughout the life of the skylights. Installing skylights is not going to stop a changing climate, but it is one way business owners can make a small step in the right direction. Commercial Skylight contractors can introduce you to a variety of skylight styles, ranging from traditional skylights to light tunnels. Each type was developed to meet specific functions, and some installations can be completed in as little as a day. For the expected return on the investment, it is easy to see why office skylights are a popular part of many commercial remodels.
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Every company needs commercial plumbing services from time to time, but essential repairs and upgrades often get delayed longer than they should, or have to wait on external factors to predicate the changes. Commercial plumbing fixtures are among the things that rarely get priority but play a larger role in supporting your company than it often appears. From keeping everything operating properly to impressing visitors, the plumbing fixtures in your commercial space need to be frequently maintained and upgraded when necessary.
Faucets and DrainsFaucets and drains are the most frequent application of commercial plumbing services. As such, they will show wear sooner than other areas. Drains may become cracked or chipped, or simply lose their original shine. Faucets may develop leaks, become loose in their sockets, and more. These repairs are relatively inexpensive, and upgrades are sometimes done in the course of office upkeep. Sinks and BasinsSinks and fixed basins can last for many years, but they will all begin to show signs of aging after 15 years or so. This can be especially true in a rough work environment where scratches, chips, and bangs may happen more frequently. Sinks rarely need to be replaced, but it does happen from time to time. Work-based reasons for replacing sinks include things like repurposing a work area, a growing workforce, or the need to meet economic or environmental goals. Tenant Build-OutsWhen tenant space is being created, or an office is built to suit, upgrading the plumbing fixtures can reduce future service calls and add value to the lease. Depending on the scope of the job, the interior plumbing may need to be rerouted or expanded, with new fixtures being added to areas that had not been previously plumbed. Whether you are developing a single office space or building out a warehouse for total company operations, you will need the services of commercial plumbing professionals. New OwnershipIt is not uncommon for new building owners to revamp their new facility to suit them or their clientele. This may include things like developing an executive washroom, adding showers and restroom facilities in a warehouse, or just taking out the old fixtures and replacing them with something more representative of the company's goals. Even your specific application may require specialized plumbing, especially in a factory setting with high usage demands. The best approach here is to consult commercial plumbing representatives as part of the design and planning process to ensure that everything goes smoothly as the work progresses. From executive preferences to faulty fixtures, there are a lot of indications that it is time to upgrade your plumbing fixtures. From small replacement services to large-scale remodels and new builds, commercial plumbing is an important part of any office, warehouse, or factory renovation. There are some excellent reasons to consider scheduling an appointment with licensed skylight contractors. From creating a more aesthetically pleasing interior to boosting the resale value of your home, skylights offer benefits in some surprising ways, as you will see in this sampling of reasons to have a skylight.
Increase Natural Lighting Electric light isn't the same color as natural light, and skylight contractors are quick to point out that artificial light can cause eye strain, headaches, and a general feeling of discomfort. Natural light coming in through skylights literally allows you to bring the sun's rays directly into your home. In essence, skylights are a healthier way to illuminate your home's interior. Increased Home Value Skylights are popular with homebuyers, and installing a skylight now can be a huge boon when it comes time to put your home on the market. It is difficult to put a value on the increase in home value because skylights work indirectly to create a more open, inviting area, and that can mean a lot to homebuyers. Privacy Concerns Installing windows means that your neighbors have a better view of what you are doing inside, but a skylight provides the benefits of a window without sacrificing your privacy. If you are the type of person who wants to stroll through your house wearing anything you want, a skylight can protect your modesty without stifling your freedom. Save Energy Bringing in some sunlight saves energy by reducing the amount of electric light needed to illuminate the home. Additionally, skylights reduce heating bills by permitting the sun to contribute to warming the home. And just in case you thought that skylights could only work for the room directly below them, this is a good time to bring up modern skylights called light tunnels. Channel Light Channeling natural light is done via a type of skylight known as a light tunnel. Through strategically placed openings in the roof and reflective apparatus, light isn't confined to line-of-sight distribution anymore. Instead, light can be channeled through walls or attics to reach interior locations that would otherwise be devoid of natural light. Not every skylight contractor is experienced in installing light tunnels, so choose your contractors carefully. Skylights can make a room seem larger and more friendly, they can reduce your energy consumption, and they can contribute to an overall better mood for the whole family. If you have been looking for ways to make your family room more inviting, and create enough light for sensitive projects, it may be time to look into putting the power of skylights to work for you. Proper cleaning and maintenance of your garbage disposal can prevent you from needing a professional rooter service to clear out your sewer lines. Without regular cleaning, garbage disposals collect food scraps and other debris that cause the blades to stop rotating, and that can result in major problems with your sewer line.
Turn Off the Power Plumbing technicians can tell you how important it is to turn off the power to appliances before servicing them. And even though your garbage disposal has a switch on the wall, the safest thing to do is to manually turn off the circuit breaker that feeds that switch, or unplug the unit if it is plugged into an outlet. It is much too easy for a toggle switch to be turned on or off to rely on that as a safety measure when working with sharp blades. Inspect and Clean The Splash Guard Inside the drain with the garbage disposal is a ring of rubber flaps that act as a splash guard to prevent debris from being ejected back into the sink. Keeping the flaps clean and free of debris will keep the splashguard working properly for years. Clean the rubber using vinegar and a toothbrush or other small long-handled brush. If the flaps are worn or cracked, it is a good idea to go ahead and replace the guard. If you need to change the guard, you will need to drop the garbage disposal, and that will require a screwdriver and something to support the disposal when it is released. Add Vinegar Use vinegar and a brush to clean all accessible parts of the disposal. Food and other debris often accumulate beneath and around the blades, and that can lead to a clogged drain, jammed garbage disposal, or bad odors related to decomposing food. Vinegar is great for cleaning all parts of the garbage disposal, including the metal blades, disposal housing, and the drainpipe leading away from the disposal. Restore Power and Rinse Turn on the circuit breaker or insert the plug to restore power to the unit. Turn on the hot water and operate the disposal as the water runs. This is done to flush particles away, preparing the garbage disposal for the final cleaning step. Ice and Salt Scrub Pour approximately one cup each of ice and salt into the opening and engage the garbage disposal. Salt and ice are great for removing stains and caked-on debris. As the ice is chipped away, it bonds to the particles of salt and scrubs surfaces without harming them. As an optional final step, you can grind up the peel from a lemon or orange to give your drain a clean, citrus scent. Home plumbing contractors suggest cleaning your garbage disposal at least twice a year to keep it operating properly. This can save you a lot of money compared to replacing burnt-out garbage disposals or having clogged drains cleaned out by a professional rooter service. Siding contractors use a variety of materials to provide homeowners with the look and functionality they desire. For those living in regions where the temperature fluctuates annually, or rainy weather is common, the best option is to install siding that is able to stand up to the stresses of nature. To help you decide what works best for you, here is a brief look at 4 of the most durable types of siding.
Brick and StoneBrick and stone are the most durable all-weather sidings available from siding contractors. Able to last for 75 years or more, this type of siding easily outpaces the competition when it comes to resisting the elements. On the other hand, brick and stone are also the most expensive siding option, typically costing more than double what other siding options would entail. StuccoStucco is the next type of all-weather siding to consider. Rated for up to 50 years, stucco is about half the cost of brick and stone. While stucco is rated for many years, it is also subject to staining and can be chipped or punctured, which means you will need to do more maintenance to keep it looking great. VinylVinyl siding is available in a variety of colors to suit every homeowner. Vinyl is the least expensive siding option in most cases, but it also has the shortest durability of the siding types on our list, rated at around 20 to 30 years before needing to be replaced. It should also be noted that vinyl doesn’t handle extreme temperatures as well as other types of siding, and may be prone to cracking or warping in a few years. Fiber CompositeSlightly cheaper than brick or stone, fiber composite siding is specially engineered to stand up to the elements and provide superior coverage on your home. Fiber composite siding will not last as long, but it is more economical to install. Fiber composite holds paint as well or better than wood, and that means you won’t have to spend a lot of time or effort to keep it looking good. WoodWood is both economical and long-lasting. It only costs a little more than vinyl to install but is rated for up to 50 years, tying it with stucco. Wood may be less expensive and durable, but there is a respectable amount of maintenance involved. Painting every few years is necessary to prevent rot and provide a barrier to insects. Untreated wood siding will warp over time, requiring additional maintenance and replacing fasteners that become loosened by shrinking and swelling over time. For affordability and performance, wood is the most popular siding option for most homeowners. Siding contractors can install it quicker than brick or stone, and it will look beautiful for years. If cost is not a concern, or if you simply want to avoid regular maintenance, stucco, brick, and stone are the only options that have more to offer. You can avoid a household plumbing inspection and the repairs it may entail by taking care not to put certain items in your toilet. While some of these things may seem unusual and others obvious, you would be surprised how often they turn up during plumbing inspections and how frequently they are the root cause of major sewer repairs.
Taking a proactive role in protecting our environment and freshwater systems is good for everyone. Even biodegradable items can take years to decompose, causing odors and clogs and interfering with the operation of the septic system until it happens. Proper disposal of non-flushable materials is more than a way to avoid sewer replacement-- it is the right thing to do. Hiring home remodeling contractors is an important decision because you have so much at stake. These important tips for choosing a contractor cover some of the most common mistakes, and they can be easily avoided with research and attention to detail.
Insufficient Contractor Research You can avoid contractor problems by properly vetting your selected home remodeling contractors. Start by asking your family, friends, and neighbors for references of contractors they’ve used. Speaking directly to previous customers can give you insight into what to expect in many ways, including professionalism and customer courtesy. Follow up by checking out online reviews and testimonials, and then choose from the best of the best. Fly-By-Night Contractors Make sure that any home remodeling contractors you invite into your home are properly licensed and insured. This helps you ensure that you will receive a professional remodel, and protect the job against contractor errors and damages. Additionally, be wary of contractors who ask for frequent draws against the contract. A situation such as that means you are funding the contractor while work is being performed and has the potential to result in a job that is abandoned before completion. Out-Of-Town Contractors Think globally, but act locally. Not only does hiring local remodelers improve punctuality and timeliness, but it also helps support your community. Hiring from out of town means that everything you invest in time and labor is money that gets reinvested in some other region or city. Similarly, employing local workers keeps your community vibrant and more sustainable. Consultation and Estimates Meet with an estimator or other company representatives before any work begins and make sure that they fully understand what you want to be done and you are clear about what the costs will be. It can be very difficult to set an exact final price because materials and other expenses may fluctuate during the job, but you also want to avoid giving your home contractors a figurative blank check to work with Keep the “Contract” in Your Contractors A handshake and a fare-thee-well are no guarantee that the job will be completed or even match what you thought you had agreed upon. A gentleman’s agreement may be appropriate for some tasks around the house, but not when you are investing in renovations that affect your bottom line and the value of your home. The best approach is to have a clear contract drawn up that specifies what you will be paying for, when the job will be complete, and other details of the work to be performed. The importance of carefully choosing your home remodeling contractors is best summed up by the Latin phrase, “Caveat emptor,” which means to let the buyer beware. Poorly done renovations may have to be repaired or replaced at additional expense, and that money could better serve you for other things. You have a sizable investment in your commercial plumbing services, and it is important to get as much out of your office plumbing as you can. In the workplace, this includes taking sanitizing to a level you may not do all the time at home-- even though you should. To give you an idea of what needs to be done and why it matters, we’ve put together a set of the best practices for maintaining office restrooms.
Make It A Group Effort Unless you have dedicated maintenance staff or a plumbing maintenance contract with commercial plumbing services, maintaining the office restrooms should be a group effort. This keeps everyone involved and gives every employee a chance to put their personal complaints to rest by taking care of them firsthand. Split the office into teams and set a twice-a-week restroom maintenance routine that cycles through the teams. Faucets, Fixtures, and Drains Using a bathroom disinfectant cleaner on faucets and fixtures will keep them looking good and free of mold, mildew and potentially harmful bacteria. Scrub with a stiff sponge or microfiber cloth, and rinse away the residue. Pour a cup of white vinegar in each drain, but only at the end of the workday when the drains will be idle for a few hours so that the vinegar will have time to loosen build-up before it gets flushed away. The toilet is the most frequently used item in the room, and is notorious for receiving the least amount of regular maintenance. Mirrors and Glass Mirrors and other restroom glass needs to be cleaned regularly to keep it aesthetically pleasing, but thoroughly cleaning the entire office restroom provides the best health benefits as well. Use a disinfectant glass cleaner, and wadded newspaper to clean glass and mirrors to avoid streaking and maintain a nice shine. Wall Care The walls of an office restroom are exposed to a wide assortment of dust, dirt, and bacteria. Cleaning and disinfecting them regularly will benefit your entire staff by reducing the transmission of minor illnesses like the cold and inhibiting the spread of more contagious infections and diseases. Wear protective gloves and glasses and spray a small amount of disinfectant cleaner on a microfiber cloth, then wipe the walls thoroughly. Heavily soiled walls will become permanently stained and will require painting or replacement, so regular maintenance can prevent large expenses. Restroom related complaints are among the top three complaints in the work environment, and resolving most of them will not require commercial plumbing services. By giving each employee a portion of the responsibility for keeping restrooms clean and operating properly, you can eliminate many of the complaints that are faced by management while keeping your office space more sanitary and improving the overall health of everyone. Reducing your home water usage also means requiring fewer residential plumbing services because the more water you use, the more wear your plumbing system has. Cutting down on water usage is good for the environment and your wallet, and you do not have to make any huge sacrifices to do it. We put together these 5 ways to reduce your home’s water consumption without scheduling rooter service, and you can probably think of a few of your own.
1. Repair Drips and Leaks Leaky faucets, running toilets, and worn plumbing valves waste a lot of water and may cause permanent drip stains in your sinks or tub. If you are not comfortable with making repairs yourself, schedule residential plumbing services to get the job done for you. Also look out for slow draining sinks, which indicate the opposite of a leak: clogged pipes. 2. Wash Only Full Loads Whether you are talking about dishes or laundry, you can save a lot of water by only washing full loads. Washing machines and dishwashers are designed to function efficiently when they have full loads, plus you will reduce your use of detergents and other add-ins by having fewer loads. 3. Showers Over Baths A shower is more efficient than a bath, saving water and time. A long shower now and then is a welcome luxury, but most of us only need around 5 minutes to wash and shampoo. You can also reduce water by not opening the hot and cold water valves all the way. That is one method of controlling water pressure, but we will get to another shortly. 4. Reduce the Water Pressure Even though it is rarely mentioned, one of the most dramatic ways you can reduce your home water use is by reducing the water pressure coming into the home. Just as you can reduce pressure at the sink or tub valves, you can reduce the pressure available throughout the plumbing system by partially closing the incoming water line to the home. This is usually a hand valve on homes with a water pump but may require a special tool if you are using municipal metered water. 5. Trick Your Tank You can add a handful of pebbles to a 1-liter bottle, and then fill it the rest of the way with water. Put a cap on the bottle and place it in your toilet tank so that it doesn’t interfere with the flush mechanism. In an average home, this idea will save 5 or more gallons per day, and that adds up quickly. If you suspect a plumbing issue such as a broken pipe that is causing you to use more water than you should, you can get the problem diagnosed and necessary repairs made by qualified, residential plumbing services. One of the renovation options you may want to discuss with your home remodeling contractors is whether a walk-In shower or tub is right for you. There are situations unsuitable for a walk-in shower or tub enclosure, but most people decide that the convenience and durability alone are worth the upgrade.
Improves Home Value A walk-in shower or tub has a wonderful impact on your home value. If you are calling in home remodeling contractors now but plan to sell the home in a few years, adding this feature gives your home a whole new selling point and buyer appeal. And if you are already remodeling, making the upgrade now is the most affordable way to go. Walk-Ins are Versatile Walk-in showers and tubs can be fitted to most bathroom configurations without any major refitting. From one-piece drop-in units to more spacious custom designs, a walk-in shower fits perfectly. Whatever the available space may be, there will be a walk-in option available. Walk-ins Use Less Space Because they are available in many different sizes and configurations, including custom designs tailored to the space available, a walk-in tub can save space in the room for other remodeling options such as a linen shelf or backlit vanity. Many Styles and Options Available Walk-in showers and tubs fit well into almost any type of home decor. Your home remodeling contractors can talk to you about the many options and styles you can choose from. Water jets in the tub and directional shower heads are two examples of ways to customize your walk-in shower or tub, but walk-ins are versatile enough to accommodate almost any feature you want to add. Easier Access for Seniors For homes where seniors are aging in place, alone or with relatives, a walk-in tub or shower can be a huge benefit. It allows them to be more independent and improves their hygiene and self-care routines. Walk-ins also reduce the risk of falls, and you can add additional fall protection equipment if necessary. For some seniors, a walk-in tub enclosure may even be a medical necessity because it allows them to get in and out without stepping up or over anything. Unless your home remodeling contractors cannot install a walk-in unit for some reason, making one a part of your bathroom remodel is probably a great idea. Depending on the enclosure and features, many walk-ins are comparably priced with regular shower and tub models. For the price, you really can’t beat the performance and functionality. |
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