An Overview on Basic Construction Skills

The construction sector has become one of the most booming areas of business in every country - specially for developing countries. Philippines for example is one of the many developing countries that is seen with great potential for any business, which is why every year, there are a lot of investors that set up their business in many key areas of the county. Those businesses opens up a great opportunity for job generation - from the construction phase to the start of business operations.

Construction projects needs a lot of work force especially for the huge ones like skyscrapers, shopping malls, government buildings and other building and engineering projects. There is a great need for skilled workers that will take over several tasks to complete a construction project. A typical construction project needs various types of skilled workers - foremen, masons, machine operators, drivers, etc. Whether anyone wants to apply for any of the mentioned job titles, it is really important to have a great understanding about the basic construction skills. This will help the workers, regardless of their titles, become more proficient workers and also equip them with the new trends in construction which they can carry on throughout their careers.

The primary basic construction skills that a worker should possess is knowledge with safety and standards best practices. There are many risks that can cause danger to any worker in a construction site - this is why every worker should be cautious and understand every precaution and safety measures.

Another essential skill is being able to read blue prints. Blue Prints are basically a draft which contains the instructions on how everything should be done. Construction projects rely on blue prints in to ensure that a structure is built correctly and safely. It is very important for everyone, even for a helper in order to make every tasks go smoothly and more efficiently.

Finally, a general knowledge on the operation of a variety of tools and machine is a very important skill for everyone. Improper techniques of using such tools makes any work inefficient and dangerous that it may cause damage to structures, harm people and compromise the construction project.

Every contractors should provide trainings that will educate all employees about safety and standards, best practices and new trends in the field of construction. This will not only make them more effective but it will also contribute to the success of your construction firm.

Common types of Cement used in Construction Projects here in the Philippines

 By: Cedric Lee

When having a construction project, be it a small structure or a skyscraper, one of the most essential elements is cement. In the Philippines, there are mainly two kinds of cement that are generally used by most construction companies for any construction and engineering projects: Portland Cement and Blended Cement.

Portland Cement is essentially a general-purpose cement. This type of cement is more economical and environment friendly compared to blended cements. Portland Cement is a product of limestone, clay and other materials that undergoes grinding and hydration process. This kind of cement is usually utilized for creating concrete, mortar, stucco, etc. There also different types of Portland Cement that are specifically used for specific construction. There is one type or variation that is specially for constructions in water. There are also types that are quick binding and are made to resist heat and chemical reactions.

Blended Cement on the other hand are a variety of cement materials that are usually blended with Portland Cement to create a high quality concrete which is more consistent, less penetrable, more resistant to aggressive chemicals and with a higher compressive and flexural strength. There are also a wide variety of blended cements that serves different purposes.



Cedric Lee is the board chairman of Izumo Contractors Inc., the leading construction firm in the Philippines.

Construction Site Essentials

There some important things to considers when doing a construction project. Whether it is a single family home or a commercial building, there are some essential things that you should take into account so that you can do the project smoothly. Failure to prepare the basics may lead to safety and productivity issues that you don't want to happen. In this article, we will discuss 5 essentials in doing a construction project.

Safety Gears

Safety gears are the ones that should be prioritized. These includes hard hats, vests, steel toe boots, communication devices and other safety gears. You should make sure that all these gears are being worn by your workers.

First Aid Kit

Getting injuries is inevitable in an environment like a construction site. Make sure you have a complete first aid kit in your construction areas at all times to prevent minor injuries like to get worse.



Water
Another thing that is essential to a construction site is water. Primarily water is needed by the workers, therefore there should be an adequate amount of clean drinking water in designated areas. Water is also important for several activities that concerns production such as mixing concrete, cleaning materials and many other tasks.


Lights

Lights also plays a big role in a construction project. An adequate amount of lights helps workers get the job done smoothly, safely and accurately especially when doing the finishing on the inside of a building.



Generator

Generators should also be present in your construction site. Even when the site has an access to adequate amount of power, inevitable events like power interruptions may occur anytime. In order to keep the job running and stay on schedule, you should have generators as backup source of power.


These 4 of basic things that you should have on your checklist when doing a construction project.

Construction Industry in the Philippines

For a developing country like Philippines, the building and construction industry is surely one of the most booming business sectors. Every year, an increasing number of buildings, establishments, public works and whatnot are being built throughout the country. There are a lot of established construction firms that handles various civil engineering and architecture projects.

Civil engineering works deals with the design, construction and maintenance of a physical environment which includes buildings, infrastructures, public works, bridges, etc. Architecture works on the other hand is both the process and end result of planning, designing and building. Construction projects are usually faceted into many different aspects that is handled by a project manager, architect, structural engineer, construction manager, etc.

Construction is the process of building or assembling an infrastructure in a certain area or land. In general, there are different types of construction: Building Construction, Heavy/Civil Construction and Industrial Construction.

Building Construction is the process of adding a structure into a real property. It can be a commercial or a residential building. From small scale to large scale and from houses to condo units or hotels. Commercial building construction is procured privately or publicly. Construction projects can also be renovations or reconstruction of certain structures.

Heavy/Civil construction projects are mostly involves government agencies for big projects in national or local levels. These projects are commonly government buildings and public infrastructures.

Industrial Construction is the process of building infrastructures for industries like automotive plants, food and beverage plant, petroleum plant and other buildings for different industries.

Plumbing Advice For The Do-It-Yourself Homeowner

You may not know this, but plumbing is actually a fairly simple concept, when approached correctly. Once you have a good understanding of how everything works, then even the largest projects will appear to be a lot more simple. Read on for more great advice about plumbing in your home.

If water is not coming to the dishwasher, you most likely have a blockage somewhere. You will need to turn off the water supply and remove the hose that leads to the dishwasher. After securing the hose, turn the water back on. See if it feeds into a bowl. If not, then you must find the block where it is at which may include removing more piping.

You should drain all of the water out of the tank of your hot water heater at least once every three to six months. Draining all of the water out of the tank helps to prevent sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank. This sediment can cause the tank to bang or to heat less efficiently.

Check your faucets for leaks. Check the knobs and the faucet itself. Hundreds of gallons of water a day can be wasted due to leaks and that's not good if you're paying your water bill. By stopping a leak now, you can save yourself a lot of money. Leaks can grow over time as well, so avoid a disaster and check all faucets for leaks!

It is important to clean your faucet's aerator from time to time. Not cleaning it can cause lime buildup, which in turn, could cause water leaks or low water pressure. To clean a aerator, you can unscrew it from the faucet, dip a brush into vinegar, and use the brush to clean it.

In conclusion, there is a lot to know about plumbing, but it all ends up being well connected in the end. Build on any knowledge that you already have and you can take care of just about any home improvement project or plumbing issue that you might be faced with.

House Improvement Tips That Are Sure To Work

 By Cedric Lee

Photo courtesy of betterhomesandgardensideas.com

Improving your home can be a great way to enjoy your living environment. Do your best to learn as much as possible before you begin. This will help make sure you do it right the first time. With the help of this article, you can be sure you get your money's worth and be satisfied.

Insulating your attic should help you reduce your energy bill. If the insulation of your attic is not good, you might be losing a lot of heat in the winter. You can buy quality insulation at any home improvement center, and it's quite simple to install.

Anytime you undertake any major home improvement project, be honest with your contractor on how much you have budgeted for the work. Being honest will allow your contractors to be able to use better quality materials for your renovation. Additionally, the contractor will be able to get the best value for their dollars. Open communication has strong benefits for both the homeowner and the contractor.

When looking for a contractor, the lowest quote is not necessarily the best. When you get bids for any work you're contracting out, make sure you research all companies that are bidding. It might be tempting to save money up front, but you'll end up shelling out more later to fix the sub-par work.

Cleaning your gutters is a great project that requires little time but has lasting impact. Clogged-up rain gutters cause moisture to build up between the gutters and holes in your home's fascia board. This can make the exterior wood to deteriorate. Maintaining your gutters is a wise home improvement chore.

Any type of home improvement project could turn into a big headache, if it's not done the right way, but if done the right way, it could add value to your house. By reading and following the tips listed above, you should be able to prepare yourself so that you might ultimately avoid those disasters.

Cedric Lee is the president of Izumo Contractors Inc. If you are looking for contractors for your upcoming construction projects, please visit Izumo Contractors Inc.'s website.

DIY Plumbing

By: Cedric Lee

Image courtesy of hometips.com

Simple plumbing issues can not only hurt the image of your home but they can destroy your wallet. Simple things from clogged drains, to more advanced leaks can be incredibly destructive. Don't fret however! With a few essential tips for the do it yourself home plumber, you will be ready to take care of any issue.

DIY plumbing jobs will require that you understand how to solder copper for the lines for the water supply. You can practice this skill so that you will be able to run your lines without worrying about it leaking. Search online for video tutorials that can help you get a handle on how to go about soldering.

To make sure there is no accident or sudden rush of water when you tackle a plumbing project, make sure you are ready for a cleanup. If you go into the work with a huge stack of towels and blankets ready to absorb water, the prospect of needing to actually do it will keep you alert enough to avoid triggering the accident in the first place.

Check your faucets for leaks. Check the knobs and the faucet itself. Hundreds of gallons of water a day can be wasted due to leaks and that's not good if you're paying your water bill. By stopping a leak now, you can save yourself a lot of money. Leaks can grow over time as well, so avoid a disaster and check all faucets for leaks!

Plumbing can be an advanced, highly technical profession where more often than not, you need an experts help. However, sometimes that is not the case and there are some simple do it yourself home fixes. If you take a little time to read about them you will find some of the most common plumbing problems are able to be handled by the common man.

Cedric Lee is the president of Izumo Contractors Inc.

On Having A Home Business

Today I'd like to talk about some important points when thinking of running a home business.
 
Running a home business isn't an easy task. You become responsible for a lot of things that your boss would normally be responsible for if you worked a regular job. But this article will give you some tips and tricks to running your own home business and being successful at it.

Building a network of contacts for your home business can start by offering services other than what you're selling. If you were previously a teacher, offer tutoring in your neighborhood and let the parents know what you do during the day. This can help you with supplemental income as you need it plus increasing who knows about your home business.





Be prepared to do some work out of the house. While it is true that most of the time, you will be able to work your business from the comfort of your own home, there will be times when you need to step outside the front door. Running errands, picking up inventory, shopping for supplies and making deliveries may all be part of your workweek.

Photo courtesy of loqal.ph

Don't let your home business prevent you from networking. Running a business from home means you'll have to double your networking efforts. Look for local events where you can show your business off. You'll meet potential clients and possibly network with other businesses you could affiliate yourself with. It's a win-win situation.

If you want to make money with a home business, you must be the type of person that is able to learn new things easily. No matter how much you know about the area your home business specializes in, you will still constantly need to learn new things in order to grow your business. If you are not the type of person that is willing to learn, your business is sure to fail.

Running a home business may be challenging, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Many people successfully work from their homes every day. Now that you've finished this article, you should have a good idea of where to start to make your own home business successful. There is plenty more information out there though, so if you're not confident, keep looking!

Follow Cedric Lee's blog and get more useful business tips.

Solid, Helpful Tips To Improve Your Home

 By: Cedric Lee
 
Anyone who has ever owned their own home can tell you that it takes a great deal of work to keep it looking great and working efficiently. On average, homeowners spend between 1 and 3 percent of their home's value on repairs and improvement. There are many ways to reduce costs and make your home more valuable thanks to home improvement: go over these tips before you start planning your next home improvement project.

It is not uncommon to enjoy music when working outside. Be careful to be sure that you can still hear any noises; you need to stay safe while working.

Look at several types of insulation to use if you are considering residing your home. The different types available are permeable house wrap, rigid foam insulation and completely protective wall systems. Research the costs of each one, then decide what you want to spend.

Photo courtesy of FreeDIYHomeImprovement.com

Often, the value of your home can be increased with a small or simple improvement. When you are considering selling your home, thinks about the small things that you can easily do. One example is giving your home a new coat of paint. This simple task can significantly raise the value of your home.

Use a hose or a pressure washer on the outside of your home using cleaning agents or detergents specifically made for siding. If you don't wish to buy one, renting a pressure washer is a viable option, and they can really make a difference in the house's look. Take care around windows and roof lines. Avoid spraying directly on them, as you might break something.

Now that you have read the tips in this piece, you should be ready to realize significant savings when you buy materials for your next project. You can make your home a beautiful place to live in, while still saving a lot of money.

Plumbing Tips And Tricks Made Simple For You

By Cedric Lee

This is your best chance to gain a better understanding about plumbing. It is more than important that you learn what there is to learn now, before any issues occur. Use the great advice provided in this article to establish yourself as being a sufficient plumber for you or your friends.

You may want to consider tank less water heaters if you want to conserve water in your home. These kind of water heaters heat up your water as soon as it is being used, so you are not wasting energy on keeping your water hot when it is not being used.

Make sure to use the toilet for waste and toilet paper only. Don't put cotton swabs and other items in the toilet as if it is a trashcan. Make sure that whatever you put in the toilet can easily dissolve, so that you don't cause major clogging and backup in your pipes and drains.

Many people deal with clogged toilets. However, if your toilet will not flush every time, the water rises to the top, and there is bubbling effect occasionally, this can be due to a much deeper blockage in the main pipe. The main pipe must then be cleaned in order for your toilet to work properly.

Check the filters in your furnace, regularly. If these filters have not been cleaned or replaced recently, they may become clogged. This will affect how well your furnace is able to work, meaning that you may not have enough heat during the winter. Take this simple step, as soon as the weather starts to become cold.

In conclusion, you want to take the time now before there is an issue to learn about plumbing so that you know what to do when something occurs. When you are panicked or when your home is at risk, you will not be in the best mode for learning. Hopefully this article helps you immensely.

Types of Roofing Solutions

By Cedric Lee

Cedric Lee is the President of Izumo-Inc. A construction firm based in the Philippines.

If you are planning on building a new roof or renovate your existing roofing, there many options for roofing solutions that can help you find the one that suits your needs. Materials such as metal ceiling, cedar shakes, slate and others play a very important part.

You own concept and style is also significant. To name a few, the most common styles in roofing includes Gabled style, flat form, salt boxes and hipped form. Here's a brief information about a few options for roofing:

Gable Roofing - This type of roofing is the most common ceiling style that you see in most houses. This has 2 upward slopes meeting at the ridge, the typical proportioned triangle style of roofing. The good thing about gable roofing is that it easily ran off water. 

Flat Form - This type of roofing does not have much of a slope. Although some has a slight slope, most are totally horizontal. This type of roofing is layered in trays with joints. This type of roofing is common for some modern westernized designs of homes.

Hipped Form - Hipped forms have a trapezoidal side. With four faces, it often have slanted sides and the gutter is fitted all around. Constructing this type of roofing is kind of complex compare to gable and flat forms. But the good side about this is that it evenly distributes the load of the roof to each walls. This type of roofing is all very common in some modern house in the Philippines as these are proven solid, comfortable and more classy.

CARBON STEEL: THE STRONGEST STEEL

Photo from sxc.hu

Steel is probably one of the main materials used in constructing commercial buildings, and housings. Because of its incontestable durability it has been brought into play ever since. Like other materials, there are other sorts of steel; each has a varied usage and purpose. 

The strongest and most resilient type is the Carbon steel. It is jam-packed with a variety of metallic elements such as iron, Manganese, and carbon; the latter is the one that prevents the steel from breaking down, and also the main hardening component. It is the preferred material for threading pipe pieces. Also, carbon steel’s malleability is outstanding so it can be crafted into the form of your liking. Because of its durable and bendable attribute, it is frequently utilized by constructors in pipe fitting jobs in most residential and business construction projects. It is therefore the standard option in pipe fitting jobs because it is durable and at the same time economical. 

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_steel 

TYPHOON SENDONG DAMAGING CONSTRUCTION SITES AND BUSINESSES

Photo: taken by hygienematters @ flickr.com

It was reported that the recent typhoon that hit the Philippines, particularly in Cagayand de Oro and some parts of Iligan, had reached an estimated amount of hundred million (Php 100M) worth of damages to the small and medium businesses, according to the DTI (or the Department of Trade and Industry).  That includes the a number of factory equipment and amenities. Also greatly affected by the typhoon Sendong were food manufacturing plants in the city.

The assistant director of DTI, Ms Linda Bonia, alleged that some construction service companies in Iligan city were washed away by the typhoon along with the vehicles in some parts of the city. A lot of buildings and infrastructures in both Iligan and CDO city were   heavily devastated, affecting the homes and the livelihood of the residents. The DTI immediately took an action and tapped up some government agencies to offer loans to the small businesses who were affected by Sendong.

Choosing the Right Flooring For Your Home

photo from sxc.hu

A home is something we consider a place we feel relaxed and comfortable. And renovating is one way to transform your home to the paradise you have always wanted to live in. Renovations include the walls, doors, and the floorings. In this article, I will give you tips and information about the ideal type of floorings for the different areas of your house. 

First, we go to the part of the house where you spend most of your private time – your bedroom. When thinking about bedroom overhaul, most likely you would want to personalize it. Depending on the type of “look” you want your room to achieve, you can pick a dark and light colors stripe for your own room, if you’re a boy; and opt for lighter shades or any of your favorite colors and materials if you’re a girl. It can also be any flooring you want it to be. Be it tiled, carpeted, cork, or wood.

As for the kitchen, a practical look, yet, neat and nice looking flooring would be a fine choice. See to it that you pick a covering that can protect your floor from water (or any spills during food preparation). It should also be strong enough in case of strapping impacts from big utensils, kitchen appliances, and the likes.  Nonetheless, to guarantee the customers they have adequate flooring materials, they provide a little spare flooring, usually the contractors include an approximate of 8% bonus square footage of the bought home flooring merchandise.

photo from sxc.hu

The living room is where we consider the receiving area in our house, meaning this is the part of the house where you walk in and out. Plus this is where most of the heavy appliances and furniture are displayed. Flooring contractors, as a rule, advice homeowners to choose a durable type of flooring that can bear all the bustles in this part of the house. For the living room, you might want to use hardwood flooring . 

Home Rennovation

Photo from flickr.com

Improving one’s home is probably one of our plans as we grow older, live on our own, or build a family. We know deciding to do this can be pricey and can sometimes be beyond our budget but we still include it in our plan because we have our own reasons. I listed the most common and basic reasons why we decide on upgrading our abode are as follows:

First off, our dwelling place is normally where we should feel safe. No one would want to live in a place that looks like it would collapse anytime. Safety in your home is a priority. Fixing the ceiling that drips water when it’s raining, putting the wring in place, etc. We want our home to be a place where we can relax, feel comfortable, and most especially feel secure.

Also, a house renovation raises its value and its salability. Not that you would be selling your house. But remember that houses are an asset and its price increases over time how much more if home improvements are done.

Photo from flickr.com

Changes in our lives always happen. When we or one of our family member ages, we would want to provide them a place where their needs can be within their reach (i.e. stairs, bedroom on the lower ground, safe bathroom, etc). There might come a time that you will be using a bigger car, or buying another one and your garage might not be enough for two. So settling for home renovations might be the solutions to these lifestyle changes.

These are just some of the common practical reasons why people opt for home improvement. It may be costly but it is still an investment be it for ourselves or for our loved ones.

Construction Platforms

Photo from sxc.hu

When we talk about constructions, we cannot get away with the fact that platforms are particularly important especially when trying to access elevated areas to work on (e.g. second floor, top floor, etc). Depending on the use and availability, there are many platforms we can use like boom and scissor lifts, truck and van mounted platforms. 

 These platforms should at all times be situated appropriately to its area where it will be used. It should be strongly set on the ground and must not be positioned in areas where passing people or moving cars pass to avoid accidents. Weather isn’t something that we usually worry about in construction platforms because they are well-built. They are structured in a way that even if a strong wind blows its way to where it is positioned, you can be sure that it will still be in good condition the following they where you left it. The only problem is the construction operations during this bad weather. Make sure that you are not ON the platform when that happens to avoid injuries and accidents. Remember that it’s better to leave the work (and go back as soon as the site is safe for work) than putting your own or others’ lives at risk.

Cause of Unsafe Structures in the Philippines

Photo from flickr.com

Corruption in the construction business is not anymore an uncommon issue today. See for example the earthquake incidents in Haiti and Chile where many families and business are greatly devastated. It was said that the construction qualitiy of the houses and skyscrapers were questionable. 

Shifting to a local view, the likelihood of the Philippines getting struck by a calamity similar what happened in Chile and Haiti is highly possible. The DPWH or the Department of Public Works and Highways accounted that only 60 infrastructures in the whole Metro Manila are unsafe.  However, Mr. Felino, an architect and urban planner in the country, thinks otherwise. He believes that the damage   would be comparable to what happened to the mentioned countries.

He deemed that the extensive corruption from the construction industry would be the main cause of the dangerous, unsafe infrastructures built in the country.

The citizens are advised at all times to be all set in cases of natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis. Everyone, as much as possible should be equipped with awareness of the necessary building safety guidelines and dealings.

Sentiency to ones environmental risk is a plus, like knowing if you are residing in a flood-prone area; or if you are within the 5 meters range from the fault line; and choosing a trusted construction service comapny. These things are often miss, but it will definitely save not one but many lives.

Reference: http://www.philstar.com/article.aspx?articleid=729143&publicationsubcategoryid=200

Tips For A Safe Construction Site

As part of the crew of a construction site, having a smoothly running work place during the building job is fundamental in providing a stress-free, less hazardous environment. Although this isn’t your main concern, but the safety and wellbeing of everyone should be looked upon.

Photo from flickr.com

You can do this by making the construction site safe, clean, and less hazardous as much as possible. One way to attain this is by clearing the area free from trash and unimportant scraps. This isn’t a one man job, though. It would make a difference if everyone would be involved in this responsibility.  If possible, review all the safety rules, guidelines, and policies in the working area.  

Also, making sure that the equipment for the construction project is complete and intact from the small tools to the big machineries. That also includes checking each of the gears if they are working properly and are of good standards. The aforementioned tips isn’t something to be taken without due consideration. These may be trivial compared to the overall project but “safety first” that’s what they say. We do not want to have anything to do with fines and lawsuits, do we? When you take care of our construction site; you also take care of our crew, equipment, and your business’s reputation.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Construction_site_safety