General Archives - Page 30 of 42 - Leads 2 Business Blog

20 Nov 2017

Did you Know #DYK: 3 Fundamentals you need to Know about Business Opportunities

by Carmen Barends | posted in: Construction Chat, Did You Know, Frequently Asked Questions, General | 0

Business Opportunities in 3 Steps

Sometimes you have to start at the end to get to the beginning.

I have always found that worked better for me. Like anything worth it, there is a price to pay. So I wanted you to know from the start what most people would tell you at the end. You can have the Open Quotes subscription for R60 per month (which is the equivalent of two double cappuccinos a month).

Stick around and let me tell you three fundamental steps to finding and getting more construction work. Yes, I am talking Tenders, RFQ’s, Bill extracts and finding Awards. All that good stuff. So here we go….

Open Quotes

Step 1

Respond to RFQ’s Online

If you are in our Construction directory, you may well receive RFQ’s from Buyers when they are Tendering. You can price back via email, fax (does that even still exist??) or do it online and gain a host of other benefits.

Aside from the benefits in the abovementioned picture, you can access Drawings, Specifications, and Bill extracts. You also have our handy calculator to add your rates when pricing online with the ability to stipulate whether labour is included in pricing. You can add comments to the Buyer as well as attach additional documents if you wish.

When you are in your account, your pricing is only visible to you, so what you price is confidential but still available 24/7 online via your secure password. Pretty neat hey? This means you can pretty much price anywhere quickly and efficiently and beat the deadlines, leaving you with extra time to get life done.

Think of all the trees you are saving too! No need to piles of paper that are easily blown away by the aircon in Summer.

A screenshot from behind the scenes gives you a bit of insight into your future pricing platform.

Got it? Step one – Check!

Step 2

Be in the Know

You heard it here first!

The power is in your hands. Now you can be like the Batman, Spiderman or Hulk of finding new business opportunities. You have an area on your Dashboard reflecting the most recent Bills that are being priced by Buyers that match your trades. From here you can price online, download the Bill and Drawings/Specifications too. Or if you are not keen, delete the opportunity from your Bills being priced Dashboard. You can use this to your advantage by proactively pricing to these Buyers to gain new work that you may not even have known about previously. You can also contact them and network. Let them know who you are and what your Company provides. It’s no longer passive marketing, but an active approach. All laid on a silver platter before you. Go get em, Tiger!

Got it? Step two – Check!

Step 3

Knowledge is Power

The Awards section. Yes indeed. Knowing who you can approach is all important. Now not only do you know that, but you can send your prices directly to them! Exactly. The Power is once again in your very eager and proactive hands. To price, all you have to do is identify which award matches what you can provide and click on it. You will recognise the distinctive pricing pages along with the options to insert your T&C’s, notes and documents you may need to send.

Got it? Step three – Check!

And there you have it! In 3 Steps you are a Business Guru.

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Funnily, as knowledge goes, it really isn’t all that difficult or complicated. It basically comes down to converting opportunities. Who better than to do it than you? The one who has the experience, passion and drive to succeed. So take the opportunities and run with them. Run Forest Run! Go get those business opportunities and lock them in.

Like I said at the start, sometimes it is easier to start at the end. You can have this all for R60 per month fee.

If you are keen to find out more, you can fill in the form below and we will contact you. Easy Peasy 🙂

Mail Me More Info on Open Quotes

[contact-form-7 id=”6025″ title=”Open Quotes Contact forms”]

About Carmen Barends

Social Media adventurer exploring new frontiers and learning how to survive. Tongue in cheek and mischief are the order of any good day topped with a sprinkling of laughter.

16 Nov 2017

L2B Blog: Who are the biggest Facilities Management Companies in South Africa?

by Audene Harris | posted in: General | 4

Before we establish who the big facilities management companies are, Let’s recap of what facilities management is.

What is Facility Management?

• All services required for the management of buildings and real estate to maintain and increase their
value.
• The means of providing maintenance support, project management and user management during the
building life cycle.
• The integration of multi-disciplinary activities within the building environment and the management of
their impact on people and the workplace.

What is the role of a Facilities Manager you ask, their number one priority is keeping people alive and safe. They operate on two levels:

Help

1. Strategically-tactically: helping clients, customers and end-users understand the potential impact of their

decisions on the provision of space, services, cost and business risk

2. Operationally: ensuring corporate and cost-effective environment for the occupants to function

Let’s look at the BIG Facilities management companies within South Africa. When I was asked to write this Blog, I could only think of two and I thought they are the biggest and most popular, little did I know.

Sanitech

Who is Sanitech and What do they do you ask?

Sanitech was founded in the early 1980’s. They are the first portable toilet hire company in South Africa to supply sanitation facilities to areas where no sanitation infrastructure exists

Sanitech’s Toilet Hire division has over 20 branches nationwide and 2 branches in Africa (Zambia and Botswana) with the largest rental fleet in the country with over 25,000 units and 200 vehicles.

They Specialise in :
◦ Integrated Hygiene: this is a seamless solution catering for large industrial and mining companies up to small corporate offices
◦ Daily Cleaning: this their core business.
◦ Deep Cleaning: heavy duty cleaning utilising specialised chemicals that focus directly on removing built-up body fats, grease and grime.
◦ Specialised Cleaning: Sanitech has expanded their unique offering of Integrated Services with Specialised Cleaning Services.
◦ Washroom Products: supplies a comprehensive range of effective, durable and reliable hygiene products.
◦ Pest Control: removing a wide range of undesirable insects, rodents and other pests on a regular basis necessary to maintain good hygiene levels in the workplace.

Cleaning

Broll

Who is broll and what do they do – You probably thinking that Broll is a Property Management Company… well guess again,

Broll Facilities Management is dedicated to the coordination of and functionality of space thus letting you focus on your core business. In addition to Broll being property managers, they are also one of the many few Facilities management companies responsible for day-to-day operation and care of prestigious educational institutions and world-class sports stadia.

Broll offers a wide variety of services for companies in terms of Facilities management below are some examples:

Within the corporate environment

• Turnkey outsourced management
• Space planning and asset tracking
• Fleet management and courier services
• Risk management of the business-critical computer centre
• Hard and soft-service provider management

Within Schools

• Maintenance of boarding facilities and staff housing- Project management of expansions
• Coordination of all school events in association with the Occupational & Safety Act
• High-volume usage of all facilities
• Maintenance of all sporting facilities
• Conservation programmes for the upkeep of grounds and other key facilities
• Management coordinated around peak times
• Water-treatment plants and swimming pools

Within Sport facilities
• Action plans for event operations and emergency procedures
• Management and coordination of corporate hospitality
• Working with international sporting bodies regarding legislative requirements
• Working with the host broadcaster for audio and visual feeds
• Working with various security-service providers, particularly for international teams

Bidvest Facilities management

Bidvest Facilities management? Who are they? And Do they really do Facilities management you ask….. they will YES!!!!

Bidvest Facilities Management is one of the largest Facilities Management solutions companies in Southern Africa. They have a contact centre which operates 24/7/365. Bidvest offers End-End Services. Bidvest’ Facilities management solutions include Facilities Solutions, Engineering Maintenance, Property Management, and Professional Services.

Their Focused solutions include the following :

•Mobile Generators
24-hour servicing, maintenance, and refuelling support, even in remote areas
•Utilities Management
outsourced administration service with end-to-end financial management of large volume utilities billing queries.
•Mobile Maintenance
Basic electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and general building maintenance on a scheduled contract or a planned project basis by multi-skilled staff
•Training Academy
State-of-the-art technical training centre, MERSETA accredited, with various training initiatives offered to clients’ facilities staff as well as the wider public
•Telecommunications Services
Maintenance and servicing of telecommunications facilities including data centres, network buildings, telecommunications, masts and towers, and all network supporting infrastructure.
•Structure Integrity Inspections
Integrity Inspection services of structures that comply to statutory requirements, such as billboards, masts

Eris Property group just like Broll Property also offer the service of Facilities management and not just Property management.

Listed below are some of the services Eris Facilities Management Division offers:
• Technical services (Building structure interior and exterior)
• Business support services
• Soft services
They commit to excellence and allow them great control over the quality of service delivery, flexibility and the ability to maximize efficiencies to reduce costs

FFM

Ok, Ok before you ask who, what, where and how…is FFM??

FFM stands for Full Facilities Management. They are a self-funded Black-Owned & Managed Facilities Management Company. They provide Turnkey Facilities Management Solutions. They’re founded in a rural KwaZulu-Natal. They also provide a full and comprehensive Asset, Facilities and Property Management Services, ranging from Planning to Implementation.

Their services are aimed at the Government departments, Quasi-Government Institutions, Regulatory Bodies, Corporate and Private clients.

Their services include:

1. Building Management (Design, Adjacencies, Tenant Installations, Office Designs, Drywall partitioning, Glazing and Frosting, Painting)
3. Furniture Design, Supply and Rental
4. Security and Access Control Equipment specification, Configuration, Supply and Support
5. Project Management
6. Building Fabric Maintenance
7. Space Management
8. Office Automation Rental Services specification, Configuration, Supply & Support
9. Managing Building Services
The below diagram shows how FFM is different from all other Facility management companies, or as they would say, this makes FFM unique

Servest
Servest seems to be one of the well-known facilities management companies that I know of.. think about it, the hand dryer, the sanitary bin in ladies bathroom is all Servest.
Servest is one of South Africa’s Leading Integrated Facilities Management
Company. They are a multidisciplinary business positioned to coordinate all of your facilities-related services.

Servest offers a variety of different services:
Pest control
They provide effective solutions in the commercial and industrial markets.

Servest treat and control all forms of structural pests including:
• Cockroaches
• Rodents
• Flies
• Ants
• Fleas
• Bedbugs
• Silverfish
• Mosquitoes
• Wasps
• Midges/fruit flies
• Termites

Other specialised services for pest control include:
• Rodent monitoring and control (avoiding infestation, damage and health risks)
• Insect monitoring and control
• Bed bug control (using unique, innovative and proven techniques)
• Insect identification services
• Independent pest control technical audits
• Compliance with South African legislation and international quality standards

Hygiene
Hygiene by Servest is found mainly in the Washroom – at malls, office parks.
The services provided include hospitals, some schools.

Chemical Deep Clean
The Ablutions are a big hot spot for bacteria build up and viruses. This is and probably will be the most unhygienic environment. They put us, our colleagues, and visitors at risk with this.
This explains why this is one of servest’s main focus.
Below are some of the services they offer under Hygeine:
• Urinal traps
• Long urinal drains and gulleys
• Underneath toilet rims
• Showers walls and drains
• Basin overflows, drains and piping
All equipment is used according to HACCP standards, this is to ensure that there is no cross between high-risk units (such as Toilets & urinals) and low risk unite (such as basins and showers)

Kitchen Solutions

Servest also offer specialised deep cleaning services for your kitchen, to simplify the process for effective results. Specialised deep cleaning services for your kitchen, to simplify the process for effective results.
These services include:
• The cleaning of extractor fans (this is what attracts a grease build-up on the canopies, filters and extractors that can become a serious fire hazard)
• Cleaning of stove areas (this is especially important as grease on floors means slippery conditions that can result in injuries)
• Cleaning of deep fryers and surrounding work surfaces (this is where grease and dirt build up. This is an ideal breeding ground for carrying diseases.
• Cleaning of wall plugs (areas, where dirt build-up, promotes increased cockroach activity)

Office Plants

Office plants also form part of the servest Facilities Management.
Not only will your office be clean, but it will also look beautiful.

Services offered:
• Beautifully designed natural and artificial plants
• Eye-catching designs and impressive indoor displays
• Scheduling service plans for all plants
• Specialised designs, installation and maintenance of atrium and special events

Wate Water

Servest also offers water purification services. There are two types of systems they offer:

Manually Filled Systems:
The filtration of on-site tap water.

Inline Systems:
The filtration connected directly to a water supply where tap water is automatically filtered and available for use.

Below are different types of water purification they offer.

• Desktop water dispensers and purifiers
• Free standing water dispensers and purifiers
• Water fountains and industrial water fountains
• Mineral pots (portable desktop water purifiers)
• Reverse osmosis systems and under counter filtration systems
• Water treatment systems
• Replacement water filters
• They install it and you enjoy it
Servest also offer bottled water – (500ml) in cases of 24 bottles per case, or 18.9lt PC bottles.

A Quote on their website: “Quality water you can trust” – Servest

Compass Group

This is a first for me ..I have never heard of Compass Group – Probably been living under a rock…. EEEEK… So who is Compass and what do they do…

Compass group is owned 75% by Compass Group PLC and 25% by Thebe Investment Corporation.
Compass Group PLC is one of the largest food services and facilities company in the world, They operate in over 50 countries and providing their services to over 30 000 clients locations.
Thebe Investment Corporation is the oldest most established BEE organisation in South Africa.

Supercare is part of Compass group and deals with the facilities management.

HYGIENE SERVICES
They provide a range of specialised services, including maintenance and regular refilling of products so that hygiene facilities and operations are hassle-free and effective.

• Wall Mounted Soap Dispensers
• Toilet Hygiene Services
• Air Freshener Dispensers
• Hand Dryers
• Dust and Industrial Floor Mats

SPECIALISED CLEANING
This is a complicated and difficult cleaning processes such as deep cleaning or floor cleaning. There is nothing they cannot clean – from upholstery to ceilings to from escalators and high windows. There are no impossible jobs or hard to reach spaces.

Something to think about:

Does a clean office impact productivity?

Sources:

http://www.safma.co.za/About/About

http://www.safma.co.za/Business

http://www.fastmoving.co.za/retail-services/business-intelligence-115/bidvest-facilities-management-316

www.broll.co.za

http://compass-group.co.za/3-reasons-why-a-clean-office-is-important/

www.eris.co.za

www.fullfacilitiesmanagement.co.za

https://www.servest.co.za/services/water/

Image sources:

About Audene Harris

I started working at Leads 2 Business in August 2014 in the Telesales Department as an Accounts Co-coordinator. I am extremely privileged to be apart of a dynamic Sales team and an empowering Company. I am a very out-going person with many characteristics, and love to help when a client needs any assistance.

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9 Nov 2017

L2B Blog: Job Profile: Facilities Manager

by Melanie Miles | posted in: Frequently Asked Questions, General | 0

So you have decided to become a Facilities Manager….now how much should you be earning, and what skills would you need to become one?

I have done some extensive research and have sourced the following key information to help you on your way to becoming an amazing Facilities Manager. Just remember not to do it longer than 20 years!

How much can you expect to earn?

Facilities Managers should earn an average salary of R357 994.00 per annum. The salary for being a Facilities Manager rises steadily for more experienced workers but goes down significantly for the few employees with more than 20 years’ experience.

Most people with this type of employment go on to other positions after 20 years in this career.

Pay by Experience Level for Facilities Manager

Mid-Career (5-10 yrs)
R395,000

Pay by Experience for a Facilities Manager has a positive trend. An entry-level Facilities Manager with less than 5 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of R287 000 based on 56 salaries provided by anonymous users. Average total compensation includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay. A Facilities Manager with mid-career experience which includes employees with 5 to 10 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of R395 000 based on 70 salaries. An experienced Facilities Manager which includes employees with 10 to 20 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of R479 000 based on 39 salaries. A Facilities Manager with late-career experience which includes employees with greater than 20 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of R379 000 based on 12 salaries.

Pay Difference by Location

Pay Difference by Location
Pretoria
▲16%

Johannesburg
▲11%

Cape Town
▼-25%

National Average: R376 955

Oooookay…so now you have the pay scale figures running around in your mind…what kind of skills do you need to become a Facilities Manager, and of course, do you have some of them already?

Key skills for facilities managers

Communication and influencing skills, in person and in writing
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Decision-making
The ability to lead, manage teams and projects
Teamworking
Attention to detail but also the ability to see the implications for the bigger picture
Commercial awareness
Customer service
Organisation, time management, prioritizing and the ability to handle a complex, varied workload
A good knowledge of IT packages

If you have read the above and said yes, yes, tick tick, of course, I can influence people, etc, and you are thrilled with the potential salary you could get, sign up for a course in Facilities Management and qualify.

And don’t forget, should you be searching for any Facility Management Tender Leads, to contact me at MelanieM@L2B.co.za to subscribe and receive Daily Tender Leads directly to your inbox.

Sources:

https://www.payscale.com/research/ZA/Job=Facilities_Manager/Salary

https://www.payscale.com/research/ZA/Job=Facilities_Manager/Salary/ae63c3c3/Johannesburg

https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/279519-facilities-manager-job-description

About Melanie Miles

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

2 Nov 2017

L2B Blog: What is SAFMA?

by Candice Van Aswegen | posted in: Frequently Asked Questions, General | 1

When I hear the term facilities management I think of companies like Servest, Bidvest, Broll etc. It is a question often asked by building owners and occupiers as well as professionals in the property industry.

So… What exactly does facilities management entail? Here are a few definitions from various websites:

What is Facility Management?

All services required for the management of buildings and real estate to maintain and increase their value.
The means of providing maintenance support, project management and user management during the building life cycle.
The integration of multi-disciplinary activities within the built environment and the management of their impact upon people and the workplace.

Simply put, it is the management of buildings and services.

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) defines FM as a profession that encompasses multiple disciplines to ensure functionality of the built environment by integrating people, place, process and technology.

FM can be split into two areas of hard and soft services. What is the difference between the two?

Hard Services – are ones which relate to the physical fabric of the building and cannot be removed. They ensure the safety and welfare of employees and generally are required by law. These include:

Building fabric maintenance 5. Air conditioning maintenance
Decoration and refurbishment 6. Lift and escalator maintenance
M & E plant maintenance 7. Fire safety system maintenance
Plumbing and drainage 8. Minor project management

Soft Services – are ones which make the workplace more pleasant or secure to work in. They are not compulsory and can be added and removed as necessary.

Carrying out a Facilities Needs Assessment will help you to identify which services are actually needed by the company and which are unnecessary. These include:

Cleaning 5. Recycling
Security 6. Pest control
Handyman services 7. Grounds maintenance
Waste disposal 8. Internal plants

How important is Facility Management?

Facilities management has gained importance over the last few years as businesses have identified that well-managed buildings and utilities help companies function effectively and efficiently. Facilities management team consists of professionals involved in the day-to-day analysis, maintenance and repair of the company utilities. The facilities management team should also actively be involved in strategic planning activities that help in cutting costs and increasing employee productivity.

According to a Deloitte report on the “Strategic Role of Facilities Management”; almost 75% of facilities professionals agreed that facilities management has a significant strategic impact. However; only around 20% of a facility manager’s time is spent in strategy and planning activities while a whopping 53% is spent on the regular day-to-day operations.

About SAFMA (South African Facilities Management Association) – www.safma.co.za

“The South African Facilities Management Association (SAFMA) is a self-sustaining body recognised locally and internationally for its meaningful role in the South African Facilities Management Community. SAFMA defines Facilities Management as an enabler of sustainable enterprise performance through the whole life management of productive workplaces and effective business support services.

SAFMA offers its members many benefits, including sharing expertise with other facilities management professionals in South Africa and internationally, access to an advisory service, networking events, establishing contacts overseas, keeping up-to-date on local and international facilities management trends.

The primary objectives of SAFMA are to facilitate, promote and support skills development for Facilities Managers through working with the Quality Assurance Councils and with Endorsed Training Providers – thereby enhancing skills supply. SAFMA aims to promote and encourage networking between Facilities Management Professionals to ensure an exchange of information and best practice. Click here to read more”.

The end goal for any business is to cut costs, improve staff productivity and increase ROI. An effective facilities management process is vital to an organisation as it covers almost all the business aspects and their role in strategic planning helps a company achieve their business objectives.

Sources:

How Important is Facilities Management? | Empower CS

South African Facilities Management Association (SAFMA)

Facility management – Wikipedia

https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/soft-hard-facilities-management-difference/

About Candice Van Aswegen

I started working for Leads 2 Business in May 2012 as an Account Co ordinator and more recently the Deputy Head of Department for the Telesales team. I schedule appointments for the Account Executives with potential clients.

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26 Oct 2017

L2B Blog: Blasting & Explosives Technology

by Meryl Matthew | posted in: Construction Chat, General | 0

When we think of blasting & explosives the first thing that comes to mind for most is a building crumbling or the eruption of something catastrophic. Detonators & dynamite & a few seconds later there is a building implosion, leaving many in awe as a once beautiful building, now lays in a midst of dust & rubble. Did one ever wonder how this process happens, what actually goes into blasting & explosives?

Let’s take an insightful journey into the wonderful world of blasting’s & explosives.

What are explosives: Explosives are materials that produce violent chemical or nuclear reactions.

Boom! Did you hear that explosion? It sounded like a thousand sticks of dynamite blowing up at once. Can you imagine what that might look and sound like? Dynamite was used dating back to our forefathers & is still used today. These are the 4 main industries that use dynamite i.e. construction, mining, quarrying & demolition. An interesting fact, dynamite was used as a weapon in the military but in time other explosives took over & dynamite became a thing of the past

Blasting in the mining industry: In the mining cycle blasting is imperative. In almost every aspect of mining, rocks are broken by drilling & blasting. This technology is the process of breaking down material by using a certain amount of explosives on a mine site. Too many explosives on a mine site can cause damage to rocks & the caving of rocks. A more traditional method of blasting is using black powder & dynamite. The more common explosive used today is ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil).

What is civil blasting: The most important function of civil blasting is for breaking, removing or demolishing rock of different sizes. So think about how roads are formed. The preparation that goes into forming this long stretched highway. Blasting is one of the most important functions, to ensure the road maintains a certain level, as well any hard rock found under is removed before the roadworks begin.

Building implosions: A building implosion has to be strategically planned, well timed & executed. The detonation has to be on point, so that the structure collapses on itself, in the blink of an eye. The reason for this well-executed implosion is to minimize damage to its surroundings. Building implosion is not just related to buildings, although the terminology, this includes bridges, towers, tunnels etc. History is quite amazing the first ever attempt at a building implosion was in 1773 in Ireland of the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Technology does control the present & definitely the future with improvements being made every day. So picture great beaming machines, built of bolts, gleaming metal & revolutionized with technology, in the click of a button, from the comfort of your office a building or mine site can be blown up.

Blasting footage: https://youtu.be/6Fw3omoCxRs

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamite

http://technology.infomine.com/reviews/Blasting/welcome.asp?view=full

http://www.blastquest.co.za/blasting-a-drilling-info/30-blasting-the-types-of-blasting-services.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_implosion

Image Sources:

About Meryl Matthew

I started at Leads 2 Business in 2014. I am a friendly, bubbly, enthusiastic person. I am passionate about sales & customer service. My motto "when you know better you do better".

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19 Oct 2017

L2B Blog: Renovation or Demolition?

by Nirasha Rampersad | posted in: General | 4

The defining line between renovation or demolition:

Here is a question that is posed to me at least once a month – “Do I renovate my existing home or do I demolish it and start from scratch with a new build?”
There are plenty of reasons to consider demolition. You may be looking to free up land, or perhaps you’re working on a major building refurbishment and need to change the layout.
There is a fine line when you are renovating where you need to know if you’re going to start wasting money fixing a house that is not worth fixing.
If your home is structurally sound, the outer shell of the home has been properly maintained (the roof, the siding/brick and the foundation) and it was properly done at the time of the construction then there is probably no need to demolish it.

Two ways you could demolish a building structure:

1. Explosive Demolition
2. Non-Explosive Demolition

Sledge hammer
Excavators and Bulldozers
Wrecking Balls
High Reach Excavators

Things You Should Know About Demolition

1. Demolition – So how do you demolish a building or home? Before you take down all or part of a building, you will have to apply to the Building Department for a demolition permit. The process is much the same as for a building permit, but some special situations may affect your application. In a demolition control area, for example, you will not be able to demolish a residential property until you have received a demolition permit issued by the municipal council.

I say the best way to demolish a building is also known as strip-out, this process is very popular right now. As recycling and salvaging of material are very attractive to builders during these days, allowing them to re-use material or recycle it. Selective interior/exterior demolition or recycling of wood, brick, metals and concrete are all recycled for future use in new structures blending the old with the new. This demolition process is not limited to removal of interior equipment, walls, floor, ceilings and exterior components. The main purpose of this method is to recover the maximum amount of primarily reusable and secondary recyclable material in a safe and cost-effective procedure. Although it is a labour intensive process and can be very difficult to achieve in a timely and economical manner for light framed buildings. Demolition may very well be the most exciting and speedy phase of construction. For a complete demolition, a home can come down and be entirely removed from the site in a day or two.

Question: I want to demolish my house and there are items like flooring and windows that may be reusable. Who do I call?

Answer: Find a demolition company that actively recycles the whole building. Most demolition companies crush materials with large machinery and cart it away. If you have good quality reusable materials like timber flooring, heritage bricks or period architectural features it’s worth looking for alternatives. Have a look at http://www.enviroserv.co.za/industries/construction

Woody and plant materials
Concrete
Gravel, aggregate, stone, and rock
Masonry and rubble
Metals (ferrous and non-ferrous)
Wood
Plastic
Glass
Doors and windows
Asphaltic roofing, Plumbing fixtures

2. Renovation – What is Renovation (also called remodelling)? It is the process of improving a broken, damaged or outdated structure. Renovations are typically either commercial or residential. Both remodelling and renovating mean to make improvements on an existing building or home. However, they refer to two slightly different types of construction. Renovation means “restore to a good state of repair”… Remodel means “to change the structure or form of something”.

If most of the changes that you want to do are inside the house and are more cosmetic, then you should rather think about renovating. Tearing down interior walls and moving plumbing and heating lines is not that big of a job and can be done on a moderate budget. With new dust stopping protection and floor protection, a lot of the work can be down without causing damage to the rest of the house that isn’t being altered. Plus this allows you to leave your furniture and other possessions in the house while it’s being worked on.

If you want to add square footage, adding an addition or several additions can easily be done, as long as you have adequate space on your property. Additions are an easy way to make your house more enjoyable and add value. It allows you to do something completely different than the rest of the house which would allow you to leave more of the original features in the existing house. This would allow you to bring a modern touch at a lesser cost than trying to reshape the whole existing interior.

3. Renovation or Demolition?

One of the big advantages of renovating rather than demolishing and building from scratch is that in some cases you can do it in stages – and still have a roof over your head for most of that time. Don’t forget to consider where you’ll live when you’re building or renovating, and how much that may indirectly add to the cost over the duration of your build.

If you’re demolishing or renovating, you may be able to recover at least some of your costs through salvage and recycling too

4. Steps to Planning a Renovation

A. Choose a design professional. To create a plan and detailed scope of work, most homeowners hire either an architect or interior designer, sometimes both. Many designers work on projects that don’t involve major structural work or additions and also offer assistance with material and colour selections. Architects may take on a wide range of work, or work only on floor plans and permits and leave the details of the electrical plan, baths and kitchen to another designer.

B. Interview contractors. Contractors are frequently brought into the process once a final design has been selected. Usually, there is at least a general idea of how the home will look from the outside, a dimensioned floor plan and some preliminary material selections. With this much information, it’s possible to provide preliminary estimates of cost.

C. Get your permits. Depending on the scope of your project and where it’s located, permitting can take a day, months or even years.

Sources:

https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/renovation-your-step-by-step-planner/
https://mg.co.za/article/2014-06-12-to-refurbish-or-not-to-refurbish
https://www.justlanded.com/english/South-Africa/South-Africa-Guide/Property/Renovation-Restoration

http://www.build.com.au/should-i-renovate-or-demolish
https://theconstructor.org/structures/demolition-methods-process-buildings-structures/13941/

Bulldozer demolition image

About Nirasha Rampersad

I started working for Leads to Business June 2017 as Support Assistance in L2Q.

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12 Oct 2017

L2B Blog: How to demolish a wall the right way

by Julia Smit | posted in: Construction Chat, General | 2

So when I got my topic for our blog I thought to myself, how am I supposed to know? Well seeing as though we’re in the Industry and get to work with the Pro’s on a daily basis, why not ask them how they do it? I reverted to my client Mr Brenton Bokelmann from Supa Diggers. With his great sense of humour, his first response was “drive the machine through the wall”

Please note, it is imperative to use the proper tools. Employ care when demolishing the wall to steer clear of injury. Wear the relevant PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as safety glasses, a dust mask, heavy duty gloves and safety boots.

First things first! Everyone dislikes a mess and extra work, so best you clear out the room or the area where the wall is and place a plastic covering for minimal cleanup time and effort.

Knowledge of the simple basic construction craftsmanship and knowledge with power saws and power hammer drills is convenient when demolishing the type of brick wall found in and around a home in South Africa.

For your regular buildings, such as houses, that are one, two or three stories high, demolition is quite an effortless process when you don’t have close by buildings etc. The wall is pulled down either physically or by using yellow hydraulic equipment: cranes, bulldozers or excavators.

Size Matters! If you have a neighbour to bear in mind and don’t necessarily want your debris lying in their dining area, break down the wall piece by piece ensuring the wall doesn’t come down all at once, causing damage to surroundings. Begin by measuring and marking the area of the wall you want to be removed, doing this you create a breaking point for your wall. Score over the said marks with a utility blade that is sharp. This prevents unwanted wall breaking or being demolished in error. Then slowly take it down piece by piece Either with your sledgehammer or excavator depending on size.

If it is a load-bearing wall, in other words, it keeps the roof in place, best you be ready to first remove the roofing in that specific area.

“A brick wall is as easy as pushing it over with an excavator and when it falls it breaks into manageable sizes so that you can move the debris,” Brenton says. If the wall has items such as electrical cables, plumbing or gas lines you will require a professional to come out and give the relevant permissions for you to be able to go ahead.

Final step, remove and dispose of all debris from the demolition in a safe and responsible manner

Thank you for reading my blog, please subscribe to receive our Building and Construction News e-mails which include the blog articles, for more amazing industry related blogs by my dearest colleagues.

Sources:

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/demolish-brick-wall-23306.html

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/decorating/how-to-basic-wall-demolition

Brenton Bokelman from Supa Diggers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demolition

About Julia Smit

I am 25 years of age and a Dynamic entrepreneur who utilizes creativity, leadership and teamwork to design and execute solutions that create customer value. I am an effective communicator with the ability to create a prospective customer into an actual customer. Experienced professional with planning and organizational skills that balance work, team support and ad-hoc responsibilities in a timely and professional manner. I am a New business development executive with 6 years of experience in sales, customer care, business growth and expansion. I take my career at Leads 2 Business very serious am super passionate about what we do.

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5 Oct 2017

L2B Blog: 10 Ways to Set Yourself up for Demolitions

by Nonkazi Zondi | posted in: Construction Chat, General | 0

One thing about construction projects like houses and buildings is that as they went up, someday they must come down. Nothing lasts forever, and that includes residential homes and buildings, as well as commercial structures.

When that day arrives and the building has become unsafe or just seen better days, it’s time to call in the building demolition experts. Every safe and successful demolition begins with the company you hire to carry it out. After you’ve hired a qualified and reputable company to do the job, the demolition process begins.

Here are a few things to consider before the actual Demolition:

Engineering Survey: The first step of this process is making an engineering survey. Make sure a competent person does this task, one who perfectly knows the condition of the building. This person must indicate in the survey, the condition of the floors, framing, walls and the possibility of unplanned collapse of any part of the structure.

Hazardous Material: It’s important to determine if any hazardous material like chemicals, gases or explosives have been used with any equipment in the structure. If such material is present, then testing and purging must be done first to eliminate this hazard.

Creating the Plan: Once your needs are determined, a plan is created. The plan will include how the demolition is to be carried out, as well as all of the equipment that will be used to do it. The ultimate goal is to get that building demolished in the safest and most efficient way possible while staying within budget. These decisions will depend on things like the size of the building, the building materials, the reason for the demolition and the location of the building.

Some of the demolition methods that might be considered include:
• Implosion
• Deconstruction
• Selective Demolition
• Traditional Excavator with grapple or “claw” and thumb

Once the plan is set, the demolition company will know the method, the equipment that’s necessary, the approximate cost, how much debris there will be, how it will be dispersed at the site and how long it will take to clean up. Backup plans and emergency plans will also be part of the overall demolition plan.

Getting Permits: Obviously, it isn’t possible to just stroll into any city or town and demolish a building without getting the proper permits. Removing any building from a site will alter the landscape and can even alter property values and property taxes in the area.

Surroundings: The site must be fenced or suitably barricaded to prevent public access during the demolition process. No part of any external wall on or within 6,000mm of the street alignment is to be pulled down except during times as specified by the building surveyor.

Move Your Property to Storage: Before any demolition project, you need to get your valuables out of there, of course. Usually, there’s at least something in your old building worth holding on to! Make sure your property is well out of harm’s way long before the demolition begins so you aren’t scrambling at the last second. Anything you find that you don’t need anymore can be sold for a profit or donated to charity.

Check Your Insurance: It’s always a good idea to check your insurance policy and notify your insurer before beginning a demolition project. If a water pipe bursts or someone is injured, you don’t want to be held liable.

Arrange Alternate Space: If you’re demolishing your home or an office building, you need to make sure alternate arrangements have been made well in advance. Where will you live, or where will your employees go? Don’t put yourself in a pickle by failing to address where the people will go to after their home or workplace has been demolished.

Arrange Alternative Accommodation: Before demolition begins, ensure you have arranged suitable alternative accommodation. You may have another property to reside in, or you may wish to rent, share or board with family or friends. Whatever you decide, make sure it’s all planned out well in advance of demo day.

Reuse Old Materials: Before you bring in the wrecking ball, consider whether any materials can be reused for your new property. For example, you may wish to retain the old pavers for an outdoor patio or keep some well-established garden plants. Indoors, you may want to keep some of the cornices or skirting boards for reuse, or even the internal and external doors – after all, it’s amazing what a coat of fresh paint can do. Remember, a saving here and there can add up to thousands of Rands in savings in total.

In a lot of ways, the building going down isn’t really an ending, but a new beginning for whatever structure is going to take its place.

Sources:

https://www.domain.com.au/advice/demolition-day/

http://www.delpretemasonry.com/blog/prepare-demolition-day/

http://ferrocanada.com/involved-building-demolition-process/

https://www.safetyservicescompany.com/topic/uncategorized/safety-rules-in-preparing-for-demolition-projects/

About Nonkazi Zondi

I started at Leads 2 Business in September 2016 as a Content Researcher in the Daily Tenders South Africa Department.

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28 Sep 2017

L2B Blog: The Benefits of Green Plumbing

by Nadia Miln | posted in: General | 0

So…. the time has finally arrived for me to write my blog about the Benefits of Green Plumbing. Yay!!! No, not really (nervous face). The amount of anxiety that has been building up inside of me has been somewhat overwhelming, to say the least. I found myself googling “blogging for dummies”… yes, you heard me, that is exactly what I typed into Google’s search engine in hopes of coming across something that would calm me down and make my anxiety disappear. After a few minutes, I thought to myself… Nadia, you got this girl, how hard can it be?… so here goes. 🙂

Let us start at the beginning.

What is Green Plumbing?

Green Plumbing is the use of environmentally friendly (eco-friendly) plumbing that utilises the use of energy saving appliances, low-flow fixtures and new innovative technologies that are known for costing less and lasting longer. It involves reducing water usage, recycling water, as well as making use of resources that are more sustainable for everyday living.

Right… now that we have Green Plumbing summed up wouldn’t you agree with me that the “green” life is becoming a new trend and is rapidly gaining popularity every day which does make sense if we are wanting to preserve our environment and our planet? Speaking on a personal level as I have just had a baby… we all need to try to live a little “greener”, I know that I could do so much more to preserve our environment. We need to think about what the future will hold for our children and their children’s children if we do not make the necessary changes now.

So what are the Benefits of Green Plumbing?

1. Green Plumbing to Reduce Home Energy Use

Insulate Pipes: Insulating your pipes helps to reduce the amount of heat loss as water travels from your heater to the faucet and can cut standby energy loss at your hot water heater as well, saving you even more on your utility bills.
Remove Plumbing from Exterior Walls: By running pipes through conditioned spaces, you will reduce unnecessary heat loss caused by close proximity to cold outdoor temperatures.
Install an On-Demand Hot Water Circulation Pump: You won’t lose heat as hot water unnecessarily sits unused in the pipes, and since you won’t have to run water at the faucet while you wait for hot water to arrive, you will reduce your water usage as well.
Install a New Water Heater: Replacing an older unit with a new, high-efficiency one can have a big impact when it comes to reducing your home heating costs.

2. Green Plumbing for a Healthier Home

Investigate your water supply: Since different water filtration and purification systems target different water quality issues, it is vital that you know what you are dealing with before you move forward.
Install Chlorine Filters on Showerheads: Special chlorine filters installed in your showerhead can significantly reduce chlorine levels.
Install a Whole House Water Filtration System: This makes for healthier water and helps to extend the life of water heaters and plumbing fixtures in areas that have high sediment levels in the water supply.
Install Activated Carbon Filters or Reverse Osmosis Systems: Activated carbon filters are installed on faucets and shower heads to absorb pollutants, while reverse osmosis filtration systems are generally installed at individual sinks to provide purified water for drinking, cooking or brushing teeth.

3. Green Plumbing for a Better Environment

Install Low-Flow Showers and Faucets: Low-flow showers and faucets can reduce home water usage by as much as 60%.
Install Low-Flush Toilets: Flushing your toilet accounts for the single biggest water draw in your home, to the tune of about 28 gallons (105.99 litres) of water per person per day. A typical low-flush toilet uses anywhere from 2-5% less water per flush.
Install a Home Leak Monitoring Device: Leaking pipes, faucets and toilets can account for literally thousands of gallons of wasted water every month.
Install Faucet Flow Reducers: These easy-to-install flow reducers fit on the end of your faucets (where the aerator screws on) and can reduce faucet flow by as much as 40%.
Install Energy-Efficient Appliances: Energy-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers can reduce water consumption by as much as 50%.

Well, now there you have it… Green Plumbing. Let us all try and live a little “greener”!!

If you would like to “Go Green”, please click here for Green Plumbing companies listed on our Leads 2 Business Directory.

Sources: http://www.mrgreenplumbing.com/what-is-green-plumbing/

http://www.plumbermyrtlebeach.com/benefits-of-green-plumbing/

https://www.rotorooter.com/plumbing-basics/fun-facts/green-plumbing/

About Nadia Milln

My journey at Leads 2 Business all started back in September 2014 as a content researcher in the Daily Tenders Africa Department. In March 2018 I was promoted to content researcher in the Private Project department. I am a fun loving, bubbly person and mom to a beautiful baby boy who is the absolute light of my life.

21 Sep 2017

L2B Blog: Environmental Celebrities

by Genevieve Smith | posted in: General | 2

Let’s talk about Environmental Celebrities

First of all, let’s start with the important. What is an environmentalist?

I am sure that half of you just shouted Tree Hugger! Or at least thought it.
So an environmentalist or otherwise known as an environmental activist is a person who works to protect the natural environment from destruction & pollution.

Now, who are the celebrities I mentioned earlier?

Leonardo Dicaprio
He created the Leonardo Dicaprio Foundation in 1998. He’s been part of environmental issues like access to clean water, disaster relief and prevention of biodiversity. He is currently on the following board of organisations: The World Wildlife Fund, Global Green USA and International fund for animal welfare. The documentary, The 11th hour gives an idea of earth’s problems and some interesting solutions for them.The documentary was made by Appian Way, a production company owned by Dicaprio. Filming of the documentary lasted for 4 years.

Akon
Growing up in a town without electricity Akon understands how dangerous it is to use toxic fuels and other pollutants for fires. Akon, along with a childhood friend Thione Niang who is associated with Samba Bathly, worked together to create Akon Lighting Africa in 2013. It took less than a year before they installed quality solar solutions, these include street lamps, domestic as well as individual kits. This happened in 14 African countries.

Maroon 5
Maroon 5 contribute to this cause by driving biodiesel-powered tour buses. They promote recycling at all their concerts. They also donate a portion of ticket sales to an environmental charity known as Global Cool. They support the Environmental media association, Kiva and Teen impact.

Brad Pitt
According to the U.S Green Building Council, Brad established “the largest, greenest single family community in the world”. He has his own foundation known as the Make it right foundation. The foundation is on track to finish 150 homes in New Orleans, all residences will sport environmentally friendly features.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce serves on the boards of a couple of groups like Natural Resources, Defense council, California Coastal Protection network and Sea Shepherd. Brosnan was included into the Environmental Hall of Fame for his efforts in raising awareness against illegal whale hunting.

So it seems that only the men seem to be passionate about this situation, ladies come on! Although I would probably also just follow in these heartthrobs footsteps… But anyway, I think every individual can make an impact with a little initiative.

Sources:

http://richmondvale.org/celebrity-environmentalists/

http://richmondvale.org/what-is-an-environmental-activist/

https://www.cnbc.com/2012/04/13/15-Green-Celebrities.html?slide=5

https://www.cnbc.com/2012/04/13/15-Green-Celebrities.html?slide=7

https://www.cnbc.com/2012/04/13/15-Green-Celebrities.html?slide=11

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