Construction Chat Archives - Page 2 of 16

8 Sep 2022

Infographic: What is a Smart City

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

A smart city uses cloud-based data and technology to create a more efficient, sustainable, and better quality of life for the people who live there. A smart city alleviates traffic jams and improves resource management by “talking” to its citizens to make data-informed decisions in real time. Smart cities are not a shiny thing of the future: they’re ever-present today.

According to the IDC, smart city technology is expected to grow to $135 billion by 2021. If flying taxis or driverless cars are our future transportation, smart cities are taking population growth and urbanization risks by storm.

Below, we assess the benefits of smart cities and how they can improve the lives of their citizens. For a look at what exactly makes a city “smart” and the world’s leading smart cities, jump to the infographic.

What makes a city a smart city?

A smart city, also called an eco-city or sustainable city, has a system of sensors, networks, and applications to collect data that help connect and improve the city.

To address issues as diverse as traffic congestion and energy use, a smart city uses Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Internet of Things (IoT) systems to connect the data that optimizes every layer of the city. This data helps trigger actions to streamline urban services, reduce costs, and improve people’s overall quality of life.

Think of it like this: the city talks to you. It tells waste management when a trash bin needs to be emptied or commuters when there’s an open parking spot nearby.

The data also improves communication between the people who live there, the city, and the government. This connectivity helps build a more efficient and sustainable infrastructure. In some cities, a mobile app is used where citizens can check updates in real-time.

Why do we need smart cities?

According to the UN, over 40 megacities with more than 10 million people will exist by 2020, with 68% of the world population projected to live in urban areas by 2050. While some megacities are already struggling to deal with the influx of residents, smart cities are a solution to help make urban areas easier to live in. Better yet, they can help create a more sustainable future.

Jesse Berst, the Chairman of the Smart Cities Council, said it best: “Cities are our hope for the future. If you’re in the U.S. or Europe, 80 percent of us live in cities already. We can’t solve the planet’s problems unless we solve them in cities.”.

About Sasha Anderson

Millennial Mom + wife living the hash-tag life. Remember: If You Fail - Fail Forward

1 Sep 2022

The Importance of a Feasibility Study

by Mareez Herselman | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

What is a feasibility study for the construction industry?

In order for a project to succeed, it’s always beneficial to conduct a feasibility study, which outlines what contributors can expect from the project prior to devoting resources, time, or budget. New ideas may also emerge from a feasibility study that could completely alter the scope of a project. Rather than rushing into a project and discovering it won’t succeed, it’s better to make these decisions in advance. A preliminary study gets undertaken in the very early stages of a project.

These studies are prone to take place when a large project has been proposed such as a shopping centre, lifestyle estates and hotels, etc. The process gets used when there could be some doubt or disagreement in regard to the proposed development. These studies can determine whether or not the project is viable, remediations for the site or the best location to construct the proposed development.

The feasibility study plays a large role when considering and planning potential projects. The geologic hazards, hydrogeological conditions, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Fault Studies & Seismicity, etc determine if a project is viable to move forward.

The Geologic hazard is for the design team to determine the best plans for your site.

The Hydrogeological conditions are the groundwater conditions.

The EIA is the impact it will make on the environment once the project moves forward.

Depending on the scope of work of your proposed project, the design engineer will determine if the EIA should be completed, and the Fault Studies & Seismicity of the geologic conditions are determined by the scope of work. In most cases, government entities require the EIA to comply with the local laws and regulations. Feasible studies depend on the scope of your project and its functioning demands.

Performing a Feasibility Study ensures that time, money and energy won’t be wasted on the Project. There are five main aspects:

Technical Feasibility – The engineering team will determine if this project would be possible in a technical way.
Economic Feasibility – The cost-benefit analysis will determine if the project will be economically viable.
Legal Feasibility – This will handle your legal matters such as planning permissions etc.
Operational Feasibility – How well the proposed project resolves issues and has viable solutions.
Scheduling Feasibility – This is one of the most important aspects in my opinion. This is to determine a timeline for the proposed project, and whether it would be able to be completed on time and within the budget.

Upon completion of the feasibility study, various scenarios, as well as their implications, strengths and weaknesses, will be analyzed in detail. Due to the many, many factors explored in the study, it may still be difficult to decide whether to proceed, but with the accumulation of information, decision-makers will be empowered to make informed, educated decisions without second guessing.

Sources
CDMG
ORS
Small Business Chron
Sports Facilities
Go Bridgit
Extension IA State

To view more from our How-To Series, please visit Leads 2 Business Blog.
If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit Leads 2 Business.
To view our Wiki Help with screenshots and video tutorials, please visit Leads 2 Business Wiki.

About Mareez Herselman

11 Aug 2022

Breaking Down a Project Lead

by Nikita van Tonder | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

What is a project lead?

I would define a project lead as first-hand data obtained by our team of researchers from industry deal makers, that can be applied by our subscribers in order to identify opportunities and secure work contracts.

How do we obtain our leads?

As a Regional Content Researcher, it is my job to know what is happening where and when. We source leads by using extensive research methods, which are but are not limited to the following:

a. Desktop research by analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., social media, videos, news articles, etc)

b. Telephone – We as researchers conduct data collection via ongoing face-to-face and (or) ongoing phone discussions. The contact timing lasts from the conceptual phase of the project to completion. Unless there are contractual changes to the professional teams.

We use these methods to gather in-depth insights into the industry. Our methods ensure that we source quality and timely leads.

What are the stages of a project lead?

These are the following stages of a project. For more details on the stages read: Pertinent Project Stages

Conceptual
Procedural
Design
Tender
Awarded
Underway
Complete
Postponed, Cancelled or L2BShelved

Who would benefit from receiving project leads?

A company/Individual that would benefit from our leads is one that looks to achieve the following:

Expand their project pipeline – The way our website is designed and all the other services and features we offer – when used properly, in conjunction our leads, it can simplify and hasten any company’s pipeline.

Grow their network within the industry. The more industry professionals a sales rep meets, they essentially are building brand visibility and awareness.

Boost their revenue – when used correctly our leads can maximize a company’s ability for reaching financial targets.

If you’re interested in receiving Project Leads from us check out our Pricing Page and sign up today.

Sources
Blackridge Search
L2B
MediaBoom
Sendoso

About Nikita van Tonder

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4 Aug 2022

Quick Graphic: Pertinent Project Stages

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

Projects generally have a long life span and may also involve multiple tenders linked through the various stages which are conceptual, procedural, design, tender, awarded, underway, completion and possible postponed or cancelled or L2BShelved if applicable. Check out the latest carousel which depicts some of the Pertinent Project Stages or for more details read our blog Pertinent Project Points (breaking down a project).

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit Leads 2 Business.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit Leads 2 Business Wiki.
To view more Featured Companies, please visit our Leads 2 Business Blog.

About Sasha Anderson

Millennial Mom + wife living the hash-tag life. Remember: If You Fail - Fail Forward

21 Jul 2022

Demystifying Residential Super Estates

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

By Leonhard Jonas, CEO of Northlands Business Park and Avianto Estate for Property Wheel

The concept of the super estate is not novel. It has existed globally for several years. However, despite being well-established, no real definition exists. From a developer’s perspective, the most basic requirement of a super estate is to offer more than 2 000 residential opportunities, with facilities and amenities that capture the interest of the buyer.

As a developer, you are creating a new community or township, whose main function it is to provide a safe and secure haven. Although it’s an excellent investment prospect for those looking to expand their portfolio, those buying into a super estate live there on a day-to-day basis, and to make it feasible you need key infrastructure to support the residents. Access to an airport and main arterial routes, schools, medical facilities, and retail opportunities are vital. These factors are important to all developments, but more so to the super estate, as the intention is to create an environment where residents don’t feel the need or desire to leave their cocoon. As such, to claim the title of a super estate, the development must tick a multitude of boxes.

When you look at a super estate like Avianto Estate, Steyn City or Val de Vie, the benefits go beyond creating a safe and protected lifestyle, you are building an opportunity for a multi-generational way of living. Typically, the estate will offer a variety of residential options to satisfy the broader market. Avianto Estate for instance offers a retirement village, pre- and primary school, entry level developments for the starter family, all the way up to the affluent end of the spectrum – basically catering to almost every sector of the market.

Within the South African context, secure estates and complexes have long been sought after. In the past there was the tendency to develop parcels of land and build cookie cutter apartments that are prevalent in Europe – blocks of compact, identical homes that cater to a lock-up-and-go situation. There is certainly a place for it, but as South Africans we want more from our personal living space. Thanks to our mild climate we enjoy being active outside and these complexes don’t necessarily cater to this lifestyle. In recent years, and particularly in response to Covid-19 when we were forced to live and work 24-hours a day in our houses, people realised that a home is more than just a place to lay your head. We want our home and its surrounds to reflect our interests, whether it is cycling, equestrian activities, walking or simply having the freedom to let your children go outside to play, without constantly being on the lookout for dangers. Super estates offer this high level of security but without sacrificing on enjoyment. Super estates recreate the sense of community and allows one to return to a more innocent way of life.

Historically a super estate would have either a polo or a golf course offering. As desirable as these are, they do come with a higher price tag. In his recent podcast, Founder and Executive Chairman of Northlands Group and Developer of Avianto Estate, Darin D’Oliveira, explained that the recent movement is to avoid these traditional, costly facilities and become more inclusive, which ultimately benefits the residents: “Conservatively, to maintain a golf course is over R400 000 a month, which is a cost that the residents of the estate ultimately carry. By avoiding such facilities and allowing the public access to the communal nodes of an estate, such as the restaurant, sporting facilities and gyms, owners are no longer lumbered with excessive levies.”

As with everything, these estates have their time and place, but we are seeing a shift away from these conventional models that often distort the affordability of living in such a place. A more inclusive and humble approach maximizes on the natural surrounds and promotes an outdoor lifestyle through hiking and biking trails, fishing, and picnic spots, to provide the same level of satisfaction but without driving up the levies.

From an affordability standpoint, super estates, despite offering a magnitude of amenities, actually provide a more cost-efficient way of living. Security and landscaping expenses are normally high, but when divided amongst all the residents of an estate, suddenly become far more affordable. The larger the estate, the more residents are paying in levies – it’s a case of economies of scale. With interest rates expected to increase, super estates offer even more financial benefits to the buyer and investor alike. When buying into such an estate at the beginning stage, all costs, such as transfer duties and bond registration are included, ensuring massive savings for the buyers.

Another positive upshot from investing in a super estate is that developers are more sensitive to green-building practices; utilising low maintenance materials, rehabilitating the natural surrounds and providing water and electrical security by way of solar power back-up systems and water storage tanks. This ultimately benefits the residents who are no longer at the mercy of the national providers and are encouraged to live more sustainably and responsibly. All in all, the super estate not only provides the greatest quality of life, but it is becoming more accessible and affordable to the greater population.

About Sasha Anderson

Millennial Mom + wife living the hash-tag life. Remember: If You Fail - Fail Forward

13 Jul 2022

Breaking Down a Tender Lead

by Leoni Vermaak | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

Have you ever read through a tender advert in a newspaper or online and thought to yourself, What are they on about? Where will this contract be taking place and what are the requirements for me to tender? After reading it for the Fourth Time with no luck, you start phoning the contact people listed to clarify crucial information required for you to tender or just skip the tender altogether and move on to the next.

What if that was the big tender that you have been waiting for? If only the tender was broken down for you in an easy-to-understand format.

Here in the Tender Department at Leads 2 Business that is exactly where we come in. We break down the tender notices into different sections so that no crucial information is missed as follows:

Contract Number: This would be the specific number used to identify the current contract.

Title: A short and sweet description of the services or product required.

Description: A more detailed description of what is required and where it will be needed.

Site Inspection: The date, time and location of where the site meeting will take place.

Closing Details: The date and time for tender submissions to be handed in.

Document URL: If documents are available online, Clicking on this link will take you straight to the downloadable documents.

Document Collection: This will inform you when and where the documents will be available If there is a fee payable for the documents and where the tender fee should be paid. Here you will also find the names of the contact persons, should you require any other information on the tender.

Delivery Point: The delivery point will have details of where you need to submit the tender documents. The physical address or the email address.

Contract Period: The duration of the contract.

Validity Period: The period in which price quotations for the provision of goods and services must remain valid.

Restrictions: The restrictions will inform you if you need a specific CIDB Grading for the contract, The certificates and documentation that you will need, BBEEE requirements or any other restrictions provided by the company or person.

Deposit Details: If any, the amount that needs to be paid before collection of documentation.

Location & Region: Where the contact or services for the tender is required.

And last but not least.

Professionals: Here you will find the relevant contact details for the professionals involved in the tender.

I call this Easy Hassle-Free Tendering.

Leads 2 Business is surely the way to go if you want to receive leads relevant to your business and save time, effort and resources so you can easily identify the information required to submit your tender for consideration on time.

About Leoni Vermaak

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29 Jun 2022

Crypto and Construction

by Melanie Miles | posted in: Construction Chat | 2

Cryptocurrency, also known as Crypto-currency or Crypto, is any form of currency that exists digitally or virtually and uses cryptography to secure transactions. Cryptocurrencies do not have a central issuing or regulating authority. A decentralized system to record transactions and issue new units is used instead.

The first Cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, which was founded in 2009 and remains the best known today.

Cryptocurrency is a peer-to-peer system that can enable anyone, anywhere, to send and receive payments and does not rely on banks to verify any transactions. Cryptocurrency payments exist purely as digital entries to an online database describing specific transactions. When you transfer Cryptocurrency funds, the transactions are recorded in a public ledger. Cryptocurrency is so-called because it uses encryption to verify transactions and is stored in a digital wallet. Advanced coding is involved in storing and transmitting data from wallets to public ledgers.

So how does it work?

Cryptocurrencies run on a distributed public ledger called Blockchain. This is a record of all transactions updated and held by currency holders. Cryptocurrency units are created through a process called Mining. Mining involves using computer power to solve complicated mathematical problems that generate coins. Users can also buy the currency from brokers, and then store and spend them using the Crypto wallets.

Cryptocurrency is not tangible. You will only own a key that allows you to move a record or unit of measure from one person to another without a third party. It is also considered to be immune from inflation because there is a fixed supply and the Government cannot manipulate the value. The market manipulates the value based on supply and demand.

Are there any benefits of using Cryptocurrency?

Two of the significant benefits of using crypto are that there are fewer fees and the money is available almost instantly. Instead of paying bank fees for electronic transfers or credit card processing, providers pay less than a cent per transaction. Cryptocurrency can also be instantly transferred into cash and deposited into your bank account, cutting down the time it takes to get paid.

For international companies, using Cryptocurrency avoids exchange rate calculations and converting cash into different money types. Vendors will also have more control over their funds as transactions cannot be reversed by the purchaser. If a customer wants to get their money back, they must request it from the vendor. This protects vendors from customers who make purchases and then cancel and do not return the merchandise.

Crypto and Construction?

1. Smart Contracts
Smart contracts are automated contracts that reduce the necessity of intermediaries and can save time and money and are poised to make their mark on the industry. Blockchain is one way that these contracts can be updated and transactions recorded.
2. BIM
Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies are being implemented on project sites.
When combined, BIM and Blockchain can work greatly to enhance the effectiveness of smart contracts. Combining BIM and Blockchain can work in holding all parties on a project accountable and creating a higher level of transparency. The combination could improve the effectiveness of BIM technology. Currently, BIM uses peer-to-peer networks for information sharing, but Blockchain could make updates in real-time. This constant feedback and monitoring would help with transparency, lead to better overall communication and ultimately result in a higher quality of workmanship on a project.
3. Payments
The Blockchain concept is built around a monetary exchange, as it involves Bitcoin and/or Cryptocurrency.
Blockchain can therefore be used to streamline payment processing. Getting timely payments to all stakeholders on a project tends to be a significant challenge for many companies. Failure to pay on time can lead to conflict, and when a dispute arises, there is potential for the project to go south as a result. By increasing security and creating traceable information, Blockchain can improve the payment process. One technology poised to play a role is BuilderChain, a platform that’s designed to change the way sub-contractors are both hired and paid. It can better ensure that sub-contractors are paid fast and that relationships with good subcontractors are fostered.
4: Supply Chain Management
Blockchain can help trace physical items from origin to destination.
It can help improve transparency, which can help all parties stay on the same page and avoid potential pitfalls and oversights. Similarly, Blockchain can help enable contractors to use unique digital identifiers to verify vendors and suppliers, and thereby grow their reputation over time based on how well their work is performed. These digital IDs can help a company verify the credentials of any subcontractors before they are hired.

The Cryptocurrency market is quite volatile, so users should be prepared for ups and downs. Cryptocurrency is relatively young and is considered highly speculative. If you plan to participate, do your research and invest conservatively to start. Do you think Crypto and Construction related applications will be adopted well in Africa?

About Melanie Miles

One girl who would rather wear boots than high heels...

7 Jun 2022

How to Know if Your Plumbing is Outdated

by Lorraine Grobler | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

A decrease in water pressure is an early warning sign of issues with your plumbing. Leaky pipes do not have a lot of warning signs.

If you notice a decrease in your water pressure, the first thing you should check is whether your water heater is still in good condition. Slow water pressure can happen when your water heater malfunctions. However, a change in water pressure can also indicate a leaky pipe. Old pipes can also be a problem because rust builds up over time and clogs the pipes. Leaking pipes are sometimes hard to pick up as they are hidden pipes but one can see if there is a damp spot on walls or ceilings.

Faucets should also be repaired or replaced. Replacing faucets is a very budget-friendly way to improve your plumbing and it saves on water.

Discoloured water is a huge red flag. The colour of the water can tell you what the issue is. Orange, red or yellow indicates that it is rusty pipes. Eventually over time corrosion will cause holes in the pipes. Blue or green water indicates brass or copper in the fittings. When your water is black it could well possibly be growth and that can be dangerous.

A clogged drain can end up being a serious problem. Slow-moving or clogged drains can be poor venting in the pipes. You would need a professional to inspect the problem and repair them.

Two types of pipes play a role in how long the pipes in your home will last. Drain pipes and water supply pipes. Supply pipes are under a lot more pressure than other pipes and can cause more damage if they leak. They would be brass, copper or galvanized steel. The upside is, that they do last longer, from 80 to 100 years. Drain pipes are usually made of PVC and only last from 25 to 40 years. It’s important to know what types of pipes you have and to keep track of their age.

You can avoid a big mess and save a lot of money in the long run by knowing more about the plumbing. Knowledge is key!

About Lorraine Grobler

My journey with L2B started in November 2021 as an Account Coordinator(AC). My main role is to schedule appointments for the Account Executives(AE). I mainly focus on quality appointments rather than quantity.

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31 May 2022

L2B Opportunities created in the last 30 Days – May 2022

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

Our comprehensive, online, resource platform delivers daily leads to help you make informed business decisions. Find construction Tenders and Projects within the building, infrastructure, mining, and industrial sectors. Opportunities are researched throughout South Africa and Africa. We put new business prospect leads within your reach.

Leads 2 Business Opportunities we have created in the last 30 Days: for more information check out our Pricing Page.

About Sasha Anderson

Millennial Mom + wife living the hash-tag life. Remember: If You Fail - Fail Forward

24 May 2022

Difference between a Tender and a Project

by Debbie Wessels | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

Cambridge Dictionary definitions:-

Tender (verb)	A written or formal offer to supply goods or to do a job for an agreed price
Project (noun)	A piece of planned work or an activity that is finished over a period of time and intended to achieve a particular purpose

Google definition:-

It can potentially get a little confusing, but in short, a project is a development that is tracked from conception to completion e.g. The development of a hotel.

A tender is a specific tender for a specific requirement e.g. a tender might go out for the supply of bricks.

At Leads 2 Business we have several distinct differences between Tenders and Projects published on our database, for example, how they are captured, how you interact with them, and specific subscriptions tailored to your requirements.

Capturing a Tender:

All tender notices originate from an original Tender Advert that has been advertised publicly on various platforms that we monitor. All the information provided is captured in a user-friendly format paying particular attention to site inspection dates and times, closing dates and times, the contract number, any restrictions that might be applicable, contact names and details of relevant persons involved in the specific tender process and where the actual tender document is available. When the information has all been added and the document is saved, a unique reference number is allocated preceded by the prefix DTA (Daily Tender Advisory)

Capturing a Project:

The information collated for a Project Lead is gleaned from multiple resources and captured in a user-friendly format paying particular attention to the timing and status, GPS location, type of building or infrastructure, professionals involved, relevant documentation and the most current information on the progress of the project. When all the information has been added and the document saved, a unique reference number is allocated preceded by the prefix PPA (Private Project Advisory)

Interacting with a Tender:

Tender notices can be found on the site using the easy search function using either the unique reference number, contract number or keywords from the description. The contact details for the professionals listed on the tender advert will be available should you have any questions regarding the details of the tender. There could be links to relevant documents that are hyperlinked to download directly onto your PC. You can set reminders for the site inspection date so you don’t miss that all-important meeting. Set a reminder for the closing date so you are not late handing in your final tender document. Contact a friendly L2B researcher should there be any further information you desire. Monitor the tender notice so you are notified of any changes to the original tender notice published. The Tender Notice is updated when awarded.

Interacting with a Project:

Project Leads can be found on the site using the easy search function using either the unique reference number, name of the development or keywords from the description. Depending on the status of the project there will be a list of professionals that you are able to contact at each relevant stage of the project life cycle. There is the opportunity to build relationships with professionals to facilitate possible collaboration on future projects. There could be links to relevant documents that are hyperlinked to download directly onto your PC. Contact a friendly L2B researcher that is dedicated to researching that specific project should there be any further information you desire. Monitor the Project Lead so you are notified of any updates and/or progress as the Project evolves from Conceptual to Completion. The Project Lead is updated progressively as it moves through the Project Life Cycle

Tailor-made Subscriptions:

Your Leads 2 Business profile is designed to fit the needs and specifications suited to your trades and capabilities in the building industry. If you are only partial to tender notices your subscription won’t include Project Leads but if Project Leads is your bread and butter we understand the world you live in and you will also be able to access Tender notices.

Sources:
Cambridge Dictionary
Leads 2 Business
Google

About Debbie Wessels

I started at Leads 2 Business in April 2008 in the tenders Department and transferred to the Projects Department during the same year. I was appointed Head of Department for Projects from February 2011 to March 2022. April 2022 I started a new adventure as Content Regulator.

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