1 Sep 2022

The Importance of a Feasibility Study

by | 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

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About Mareez Herselman

7 Jun 2022

How to Know if Your Plumbing is Outdated

by | 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!

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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.

24 May 2022

Difference between a Tender and a Project

by | 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

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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.