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L&Q, one of London’s largest residential developers has finalised a new £120 million four year Planned Maintenance programme for the refurbishment of its homes in London and the South East.

The contracts will include replacement of kitchens, bathrooms, new gas central heating systems and electrical rewiring. Specialist works will include asbestos surveying and removal if necessary and major adaptation works for residents with mobility issues.

Following an extensive procurement process involving both resident board members and L&Q staff, contractors The Apollo Group, Lakehouse, Mitie and United House were selected to carry out the works.

As part of the contract agreement each of the four contractors had to produce an employment skills plan which detailed their training proposals for local residents to deliver L&Q’s social mission.

Matthew Drake, L&Q Head of Programme Management said: “We have worked together with our residents to make sure we appointed the best suppliers to carry out this important refurbishment programme.”

“Each contractor was selected on the basis of their ability to provide a quality product and deliver excellent value for money. The new contracts will also provide employment opportunities for local people.”

“Our number one goal is resident satisfaction and we are confident that our new contractors will deliver a high quality service for our residents over the next four years with excellent levels of satisfaction.”

The works are part of L&Q’s long term investment plan to ensure high quality homes and create places where people want to live.

Looking at the three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, no movement was recorded in the Northeast, Midwest or South, which held unchanged at 37, 45 and 42, respectively. Only the West recorded a decline, of six points to 49 in May.

For more information, visit www.nahb.org

Over 400 high-profile delegates have registered to attend the region’s leading landscape event including government authorities, landscape architects, urban planners, property developers, environmental specialists and the GCC Specialized Team of City Beautification who are working to enhance the co-operation between the regional countries within the field.

The 2-day Summit will see presentations given from over 20 regional and international experts including an update of the Abu Dhabi Irrigation Master Plan by Dr. Amar Jarar, Irrigation Expert at ADM, and the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Public Lighting Strategy by Martin Valentine, Lighting Expert at ADM.  From Dubai Municipality Ahmed Abdul Karim, Director of Public Parks and Horticulture Department, will be giving a speech that spotlights the accumulated experience of greening and horticulture to ensure sustainability in all natural and urban areas in the Emirate of Dubai.

International presentations will also be of particular interest to delegates eager to learn of successful urban landscaping projects that have increased the quality of life for residents and visitors in large cities. Kenneth Er, Chief Operating Officer at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore will be showcasing the award winning attraction that is located on reclaimed land in Singapore’s new downtown Marina Bay. London-based ecologist, environmentalist and master planner Gary Grant will be speaking about green roofs and living walls in hot and dry climates as part of bringing an ecosystem approach to urban landscape design.

The continued growth of the MENA region and quick recovery from the GFC has intensified demand for landscape products and services. The planned spend on major projects including theme parks and other tourist attracts across the region is US$3 trillion, and a fresh investment in the UAE construction industry is expected to provide the landscape sector around US$3.8 billion worth of new projects this year.

“With an increased focus by municipalities and property developers on sustainability, landscape architects and product manufacturers have the challenge of formulating designs and technologies that are smart, visually appealing and cost effective, with a view to protect natural resources”, said Jo Ann Jain, Director at event organizer Expotrade Global.

“This has created a strong need for education and the sharing of best practice, and committed professionals are using the Summit as a platform for connecting and contributing visions and opportunities for the advancement of the dynamic landscape industry”, added Jain.

Smart landscape technologies are being used to increase sustainability across the MENA, and an exhibition lounge at the Summit will see 25 quality suppliers from UAE, Lebanon, Portugal, Canada, USA, France, Australia and South Africa showcasing their cutting-edge solutions. Gold Sponsors include Desert Group, Convic, Fontana Fountains and Silver Sponsors include Crystal and Gulf Perlite.

Other presenters include Talal Al Ansari, Planning Manager at Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, Hana Ameen Al Zarooni, Head of Nurseries at Dubai Municipality, Geoff Turnbull, Senior Design Manager at ALDAR Properties PJSC, Holley Chant, Executive Director of Corporate Sustainability at KEO International Consultants, Michael Holm, Senior Consultant at HOK and Ali Shehail, Landscape Consultant at Nakheel.

Expotrade Global is a conference and event organizer based in Melbourne, Australia, with a regional office in Dubai, UAE. Working alongside government authorities and industry organizations for close to 10 years Expotrade has delivered some of the most high-profile events in the infrastructure, IT, mining and resources, sustainability, banking and finance, lighting and energy sectors.

More information on the event can be found at www.landscapesummit.com

A portable cement mixer in action. It has wheels so it can be moved around by hand, and it’s rotation is powered by mains electricity.

Growing old has its advantages. Oh yes, it has its disadvantages too but we won’t dwell on the negatives, we should always look on the bright side of life, as the song goes. Now I am in my 68th year I have much to be pleased about. First of all I am enjoying good health for many people of my age do suffer with ill-health. I try my best to stay healthy by eating sensibly and taking plenty of exercise, that is between my work schedule! Speaking about work, I have begun to take things easy now in respect of the type of work I will take on and also the number of hours I am prepared to work each day and week. This has become easier to do these days as there seems to be less work available anyway! In essence I work part-time and choose what I will do. This allows me plenty of time for myself, to do what I wish and whenever I wish to do it. On Tuesday E and I took the afternoon off and dined out again and during our meal we discussed a number of things regarding what I have in mind to do about the house, the various projects I would like to get under way. The beauty about working on home projects is that there are no deadlines to meet, no need to worry about how long they will take because there is no real pressure other than the personal desire to finish them. My projects are as follows, replacing all the electrical distribution boards (there are four large ones and two small ones!), start on the proposed wet room, carry out redoing the concrete steps behind one of the garages and constructing a ramp behind the other garage. I also have it in mind to build an internal toilet that can only be accessed directly from the garden and for this project there is a small internal room within the cellar that is in the right place and near to the soil pipe and natural water drain. The present access from inside the house can easily be blocked by a building a brick wall. It is simply a store-room for some garden equipment at the moment and is not used for anything else. That equipment , what there is of it, can be stored in the one of the garages where there is plenty of room for it. When not in use the toilet would be left permanently locked. This project is one I would like to start immediately but the others will take preference as they are more important. There will be no excuse for me having nothing to do in my spare time. After our late lunch we decided to drive to the east side of town to the shopping precinct and builders merchant to assess the cost of purchasing a good cement mixer and some sand, cement and granite chippings because I want to make a start on that work first. I have thought about buying a cement mixer for quite some time as I prefer to own one rather than having to hire one each time there is building work to do. There is also the advantage of being able to lend it to others should they need one at any time. There always seems to be jobs at our house that require the use of a mixer and using one is far easier than mixing by hand! We first tried a builders merchant but found they didn’t sell them but only let them out to hire. If they were to order one it would have cost around £350. We then visited B&Q where we had seen one for sale in the past. They had three for sale, one of which was on display. Now I have seen many mixers in my lifetime and these ones were up to the mark on quality and robustness and were powered by electricity with a suitably high rating motor, a machine any respectable builder would be proud to own but what made it even more special was its price, £208! I purchased one (not too dissimilar to the one in the picture but mounted on a raised frame making it easier in use) together with a large quantity of sand, cement and granite chippings all for a discounted price of £228 with free delivery on 28th of this month, next Tuesday. The reason for the discount, which was 10%, was the fact that I have a B&Q diamond discount card because I am a senior citizen. Incidentally the builders merchant’s quoted price was for a similar machine but one that operated at 110 volts. This meant a transformer would be needed  in its use at a further cost of around £150! No wonder the merchant drives around in a Rolls Royce……LOL. Looks like I am going to be busy for some time but I do have a good apprentice…..E!

Shirley Anne

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• Old cement mixer (kenarah.wordpress.com)

Aluminum tape can be useful for patching roof cracks. Remove the paper backing, then apply the sticky side to a very clean surface. This ensures a waterproof seal over any cracks.

Porches need repainting at times. Make sure you apply a high quality exterior paint product. Make sure to paint using a base of the same type as the old kind; use oil for oil or water for water. An oil-based paint is better for trims and will last a long time but you should use a water-based paint for decks or floors since oil-based paint can become slippery in the winter.

Landscaping is an important aspect to consider when renovating your home. Believe it or not, when people see your home, initially they notice the front lawn. An attractive one can give quite the impression. Keep your lawn manicured, and add shrubbery for beauty.

Having to replace your roof is certainly not an expense that you want to take on. If is something that you can not avoid you should be sure to get a fee quotes before choosing a roofer. When it comes to the material used on a roof, there are tons of choices, such as metal, wood shake, composite shingles, and lightweight tiles. A contractor can help you make the right decision.

Gutters, downspouts and chimneys sometimes get overlooked during yearly maintenance and home improvements. Make sure to inspect these parts of your home so you can make necessary repairs. Chimneys are more prone to fires when they are not cleaned at regular intervals. Likewise, debris often clogs gutters and downspouts, and this can cause water damage if it is not taken care of regularly.

During your next home improvement project, make sure to allocate a space to put all the debris that is generated from your work. Removing lots of rubbish can be expensive, and planning ahead can save time, money and the frustration of working around piles of discarded materials.

When you are thinking about tackling a paint job project in your house, it is crucial that you know how much paint will be needed to get everything done. Do not guess how much the job is going to cost as you could be way off. Do your research and find out how much paint you’ll need.

Cedar fences are great for areas that are fire-prone or very dry. Cedar wood has a great reputation for lasting a long time, and it is noted for its safety in fire prone areas.

Remember the paint in a room before making other adjustments. Painting your ceilings and walls will go faster and easier if you get it done before installing your flooring. No matter how many drop cloths you lay down, a little paint is bound to end up on your lovely new floor.

If you ever come across a ceiling leak, you may need a roof upgrade. Procrastinating on this issue can be dangerous. Use a specialist who has expertise in the field. Ask them about insurance and a license.

You should now be aware that home improvement is not nearly as daunting as it first appears. Instead, focus on the many benefits it brings, along with the money you will save.
metal carports

James Surls
American (Colorado/Texas)
Again in the Meadows
2002

“There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face”
― William Shakespeare

Photographs manipulated with Corel Painter and The Gimp.

James Surls, Again in the Meadows

“I believe that the justification of art is the internal combustion it ignites in the hearts of men and not its shallow, externalized, public manifestations. The purpose of art is not the release of a momentary ejection of adrenaline but is, rather, the gradual, lifelong construction of a state of wonder and serenity.”
― Glenn Gould

James Surls, Again in the Meadows, plus a construction crane, a pile of dirt, and a stop sign

The whole difference between a construction and a creation is exactly this: that a thing constructed can be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists.
—- G. K. Chesterton

♥Δ♥

What you’ll find at the end of our drive.

The girls and I are a bit of an oddity on this road and I’d like to think that it’s not just because I’m such a pathetic jogger.  We certainly don’t meet the demographic for the neighborhood which is retirement age which also means there’s no kids nearby for Sofia to play with – which is a shame.

Living in a more rural setting definitely has it’s plusses and minus’.  Some people call it Isolation but we think of it as Privacy and Space.  Once you have it, you want more.  Our five acres is already looking small when we think of all the things we want to do with our little slice of paradise.  Jon has all sorts of ideas.  My next door neighbor calls it a “disease”  once you start building, you can’t stop.  Luckily, I am not afflicted with that disease so we should balance each other out.

I hope.

People to Know compiles a list of the industry’s leaders, nominated by their peers. Leaders are across all categories of CRE and mainly feature senior executives, but there is also a category for “Up and Comers”: the young professionals who show great promise.

A few months ago, the Editor of AZRE met one of my firm’s Project Managers. Marty is younger, but has worked for my firm since he graduated from Arizona State University’s Del E Webb School of Construction. Marty definitely shows a lot of promise. He has been on the management teams for a number of major projects in the Valley.

Marty met the Editor over lunch with one of our general contracting partners to discuss a project. He was extremely impressed with Marty, and he suggested that I nominate him for the recognition. So I did. I wrote a little bio for him, summarized his major projects. The selection team chose Marty! At first he was a little nervous but he seemed to warm to the idea over time. I was so proud of him.

Then today at lunch, he was telling me about the launch party. He said he got his copy of the magazine and went home to show his seven-year-old twin daughters. He said they were so impressed that he was in a magazine. He was just so proud of their reactions.

Thinking about that conversation today still puts a smile on my face. I love that whether through public relations or an employee newsletter, one of the primary functions of my job is to highlight when my co-workers do great work. The best reward is to see that smile, knowing that they are appreciated and their hard work is noticed.

SALT LAKE CITY – The Northern Utah Chapter of Women’s Transportation met with almost 50 middle school girls Wednesday to encourage them to study science, technology, engineering, and math, which are also known as STEM subjects.

Students from the Northwest Middle School and Salt Lake Center for Science Education were able to learn about the planning, funding, designing and engineering of the new Sugar House street car line.

Tracy Harty, Northern Utah Chapter of Women’s Transportation president, said preparation should begin before high school.

“Think about the classes you’re taking in high school,” she said. “Look at all of these women who have successful careers, and they took science and they took math. They’re really good at their jobs, and they’re moms, and they’re married or single or whatever, but we want to show them that they can do it.”

The students were also able to get hands on experience.

They wore hard hats, safety vest and glasses when they studied the new construction site while also learning about construction safety.

The skies over the Eastern Spans at dusk

Oncoming Dusk, over the old and new eastern spans

Eastern Spans at Dusk from Oakland

Bay Bridges, old and new at dusk from Oakland

CLICK ON THE IMAGES ABOVE FOR DETAILS

My son is six years-old.

It’s a fun age.

Witnessing your progeny develop original thoughts on shared topics is a trip. He is starting to mention girls he thinks are pretty. He can sit through six innings at Wrigley Field (you try sitting through nine sober Cub innings…), and we are watching some classic movies together.

Indiana Jones (the snakes were scary, but we made it).

Star Wars (the original 3 + the annoying one with Jar Jar Binks).

Dumb & Dumber (right in his wheelhouse).

Top Gun (fast-forwarded a few parts…).

Goonies (…down here is our time!)

Jurassic Park.

During Jurassic Park – which, by the way, holds up incredibly well 20 years later  - a certain scene got me thinking about the jobsite.

The tour has just begun. The weather turns for the worse as the archeologists, scientist, lawyer and grandkids roll up to the T. Rex exhibit. The predator is MIA.

Not to worry… this contingency was planned for.

A mechanical contraption lifts a tethered goat into the lair.

The T. Rex is being fed in an attempt to present a show to the audience.

Rex isn’t going for it.

Nothing happens.

Nada.

Dr. Alan Grant speaks up.

“T. Rex doesn’t want to be fed, he wants to hunt. 

You can’t just suppress 65 million years of gut instinct.”

You know how the rest of Jurassic Park turns out, but Dr. Grant’s observation holds true on the jobsite.

Your workers don’t want to be fed, they want to hunt.

They don’t want to show up to work and be told what to do.

They want to be challenged.

They want autonomy.

It’s in their nature.

This doesn’t mean they ignore the blueprints and go rogue with a nailgun.

It means they aren’t sheep (or goats).

Their DNA is more like the T. Rex.

You ever go up to a good foreman and say, “Hey man…. I’ve got a real s***show on my hands. I need your help.” ?

His ears perk up.

Eyes narrow.

Pupils dilate.

Fingers feel for a pencil.

He digs in for more details.

Do some answer, “Nope. You don’t pay me to think.” ?

Personally – no.

I’ve never experienced this.

But I do know some think that way.

Those I work with are proud of their expertise and creativity.

They wake up in the morning ready for interesting ways to lead.

Did they simply want to be told what schedule to hit by some redheaded thirty-something? 

Ha!

Of course not.

They want to hunt. 

This hunter attitude transcends age, race and language.

It’s in their DNA.

Just like it is yours.

As you manage and lead your jobsite today, consider the value these hunters bring to the table.

Outline the vision.

Show them the prey.

And then get out of the way.

These guys don’t want to be fed.

They want to hunt.

And you both benefit from following the script.

Bradley Hartmann is founder and El Presidente at Red Angle (www.redanglespanish.com), a training and consulting firm bridging the English-Spanish language gap in the construction industry. 

This question keeps rolling through my mind as I wade through the copious amount of stuff in my parents basement and the torn apart house we hope to occupy in less than four weeks.

You will be happy to know that we are not going on the Hoarders TV show, but we are making steps to remove a closet so that all three of our boys can share a room.

Yes, in the world of resale, probably not the best move.  But in the realm of us having the priority that our boys will be close, share their lives and their worlds with each other, getting rid of a closet is something we need to do.

One decision down… 1,368 to go!

The view of the closet from the hall.  Look at all that space we will have for the boys literal bed room.  We plan on keeping their clothes, books and some toys in the other bedroom down the hall.  The boys are excited about their “sleeping” room and their “book” room as they are calling them.

Top

Side

Side

Interior 1

interior 2

Front

Back

Aimee

Benjamin

Evil Sorcerer

Nan

Terrance

Benjamin Pieces

Aimee Pieces

This assignment was a team project (four total group members) where we had to develop a board game concept, story, graphics, and any other necessary components. I developed the story, game concept, and gameplay. Aside from concept, gameplay, and rules my contribution to the project included the digital illustrations of all the characters and the construction of the game box.

The story is called the The Old Arcana, where the ruler of the country has been murdered by an evil sorcerer. It is the duty of the four governors that ruled under him to take back the throne, but they are all competing against one another to become the new ruler as well. Each character has a special resource that they start with, but in order to take back the kingdom (win the game) they must collect all necessary resources. A player may roam the map/game board any way they choose to collect he resources they need. Each character has their own set of skills that they may use to: gain resources, move along the map, damage other players, or heal themselves. Choose your character, choose your strategy, and race to victory!

There are examples of two of the characters (Aimee and Benjamin), with their skill cards, dice, character card, character piece, and resources cards laid out. The design/graphics of the cards were done by my teammate Emily Geering.

Although single-family home building remained strong in April, it was quite the opposite for condominium and apartment construction. And because of the latter, the numbers weren’t so great overall.

According to data by the Census Bureau, housing construction fell 17% in last month, to an annual pace of 853,000 homes. The reason? Well, like just states, the decline was due to the 38% drop in starts of apartment buildings with five or more units.

If you think that apartment construction shouldn’t have a large role in data, then you are sorely mistaken. Each apartment unit under construction is counted for separately, therefore affecting the overall numbers tremendously.

Although single-family home builds are optimistic, the overall pace of construction is still well below historic levels. 

Once you understand what is being said it is just about patience and more patients one step at a time. The task does require two people but after much thinking and contemplating I figured out how to assemble them alone. The simplest but hardest to do was to assemble the slide with out the help of another assisting and helping to hold one side. Eventually, I just solved one problem at a time when I got to it and figured it out. eventually I had a fully constructed play set the would have taken two people two build in the same amount of time on average.

So if you solve the problem in steps it is easier to complete and the results are satisfying.