Construction Review Africa

PRODUCTS NEWS

Since 1989

Jan-Feb 2021, Vol 32 No.1

Marriot Hotel

An architectural masterpiece 3D Rendering bringing mistakes to zero Cracks in Concrete the 8 common types Painting need peaceful colours?

Window options the best options to go for CRM software its use in construction

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Jan/Feb 2021 | CR

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EVENTS NEWS

BREATHABLE EXTERIOR PAINT

THE ULTIMATE EXTERIOR PAINT.

PROTECTS AGAINST ALL WEATHER ELEMENTS

BascoPaintsKenya

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the ONLY WAY to ask the experts.

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BASEMENT TO ROOF SOLUTIONS Concrete Admixtures

Roofing & Building Finishing Systems

PRODUCTS NEWS

Flooring Systems

Refurbishment Solutions

Sealing & Bonding and Industry Solutions

Waterproofing Systems

SIKA SOLUTIONS Concrete Admixtures • Sikament® NNG • Sikaplast® V-200 • Sika Viscocrete®-10 • Sika Viscocrete®20 HE

Waterproofing • Sikalite® • SikaSeal® - 105 • SikaTop® Seal – 107 • APP membranes

Refurbishment and Protection • SikaGrout®- 212 • Sika MonoTop® - 412 S • Sikadur® - 31 CF • Sikagard® - 701 W

Flooring • Sikafloor® 151 • Sikafloor®-267 • Sikafloor®-3 QuartzTop • Sikafloor® - 21 N PurCem®

Roofing and Building Finishing • Sika®RainTite® • Sikalastic® - 560 • SikaCeram® - 100GP • Sika® Tile Grout

Sealing & Bonding and Industry • Sikaflex® Construction + • Sikaflex® - 11 FC+ • Sikaflex® PRO - 3 • SikaTitan® SOLO

...and many more Sika Kenya Limited 2nd Floor Semco Industrial Park Mombasa Road Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 711 140 234/786 140 234 Email: sales@ke.sika.com Website: ken.sika.com

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MANAGING EDITOR Robert Barnes DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Francis Makari EDITOR - in - CHIEF Dennis Ayemba COUNTRY EDITORS Uganda -- Betty Betty Nabakooza Nabakooza Uganda Nigeria -- Boladale Boladale Ademiju Ademiju Nigeria South Africa Africa -- Jimmy Jimmy Swira Swira South WRITERS, WRITERS Pascal Musungu, Musungu, Anita Anita Anyango, Anyango, Pascal Patrick Mulyungi Mulyungi Patrick

CON Since 1989

Current Issue

WEB & & GRAPHIC GRAPHIC DESIGN DESIGN WEB Gerald ArnoldOswald Oduor Sales and Marketing Manager Sales and Marketing Ken Okore Manager Faith Mburu

Jan-Feb 2021, Vol 32 No.1

Marriot Hotel

Hotel Yinchuan and Courtyard by Marriott Yinchuan in Northwest China, recognized as an oasis in China’s hinterland

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING Kenya: William Mutama, Joyce Kenya: William Mutama, Lilian Khavosa, Ndamaiyu, Lilian Khavosa, Fred Okoth Joyce Ndamaiyu, Wendy Kinya

An architectural masterpiece 3D Rendering bringing mistakes to zero Cracks in Concrete the 8 common types Painting need peaceful colours?

Window options the best options to go for CRM software its use in construction

South Africa: Rachel Molapo, Winnie South Africa: Thuli Nkosi, Winnie SentSentabire, Angeline Ntobeng abire, Angeline Ntobeng, Uganda: Uganda: Nobert Nobert Turiyo, Turiyo, Selina Selina Salumah Salumah Namuli Namuli Botswana: Botswana: Dickson Dickson Manyudza, Manyudza, Gerald Gerald Mazikana Mazikana Ethiopia: Ethiopia: Haimanot Haimanot Tesfaye, Tesfaye, Ruth Ruth Girma Girma Tanzania: Tanzania: Tom Tom Kiage Kiage Malawi: Malawi: Anderson Anderson Fumulani Fumulani Ghana: Ghana: Samuel Samuel Hinneh, Hinneh, Caleb Caleb Donne Donne Hadjah Hadjah Zambia: Susan Kandeke Zimbabwe: Chiedza Chimombe Rwanda: Collison Lore

REGULARS Editor's Comment 3 Corporate News 4 Events 5 COVER STORY: 6

Nigeria: Seni Bello China:Weng Jie

The editor accepts letters and manuscripts for publication from readers all over the world.

Include your name and address as a sign of good faith although you may request your name to be withheld from publication. We reserve the right to edit any material submitted .

Send your letters to: info@constructionreviewonline.com Construction Review is published eleven times a year and is circulated to members of relevant associations, governmental bodies and other personnel in the building and construction industry as well as suppliers of equipment, materials and services in Africa, the Middle and Far East. The editor welcomes articles and photographs for consideration. Material may not be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or authenticity of advertisements or contributions contained in the journal. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. © All rights reserved.

Hotel Yinchuan and Courtyard by Marriott ; depicting a grand sailing ship

10

8 common types of cracks in concrete

26

The Best Window Options When Constructing a New House

28

Role of CRM In The Construction Industry

30

The Most Common Work-Related Injuries

32

The 5 Phases in Construction Project Management

34

7 Peaceful Paint Colors

Published by Group Africa Publishing Ltd Head Office and for all enquiries: P.O. Box 10109 Nairobi 00100 Kenya, Tel: +254 722525326 +254-208000307 Email: info@groupafricapublishing. com Uganda Agent Projects Unusual Uganda Ltd. Jemba Plaza, Luwum St. Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 776 883181 bettykatongole@yahoo.com

Botswana Agent Cadline (Pty) Ltd. P/Bag 494 Gaborone, Botswana.

E-mail: botswana@constructionreviewonline.com South Africa Agent Mining and Constriction News Network 14 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston, Sandton +27 (0)011 875 4328, info@mcnnetwork.co.za Ethiopia Agent Haymi Advertising Services 22 Mazoria, Genet Bldg 4th Flr P.O. Box 1316 - 1110 Addis Ababa Tel: +251 118 955 855,

TENT Mi Vida to Set Standards of Living at Garden City

Garden City is one of the most coveted addresses for leisure, work and living.

The development is Kenya's first integrated residential, retail and office (mixed-use) development

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18 3D Rendering and Architectural Visualization

Cell: +251 930 099 152 Email: ethiopia@groupafricapublishing.com Ghana Agent Image Consortium 1st Floor, The Ecobank Building, Tesano.

Tel: 233(0)30 223 2728 I 233(0)274807127 I +233(0)206299159 Fax: 233(0)24 882 8286 Email: ghana@groupafricapublishing.com, Calebhadjah@gmail.com Kenya Agent Northwest Ventures Ltd P.O. Box 16414 - 00100 G.P.O Nairobi, Kenya

Editor's Comment

New strains are the new threat after the hope that came with the release of the vaccine and in the West this has led to both a resurgence in infections and lock downs. Ominously the strain most often being quoted is on originating from Africa - the South African strain.

Elina Residences The property is functional yet aesthetic design is inspired by contemporary suburban lifestyle with a penchant for an elegant yet warm, family environment

3D renderings reduce mistakes to its barest minimum if not completely eradicate it totally. This is possible because it is not done manually

Jan/Feb 2021 Volume 32No.1

Despite this, in Africa the picture on the ground belies the reality in the news pages as people get on with their lives taking an ever more casual approach to the pandemic given Africa’s overall lower numbers when it comes to infection and even deaths. Ask anyone on the streets about the pandemic and a good number will say it doesn’t exist or at least there is an air of Ce qui sera sera.

Given this scenario, the construction industry has roared back to life with most of the labor force taking on masks casually as the pressure to put food on the table takes precedence over personal protection. The fact that Western countries have been hit harder has however meant that there is still a dumper on the local industry as foreign direct investment has slowed. This is in addition to governments infrastructure development funding slowing down as coffers have been exhausted in fighting the pandemic.

Despite this, there is a sow uptick which as an optimist I feel will run on until the end of the year.

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Robert Barnes

Tel: +254 20 2679808 Email: kenya@constructionreviewonline.com, info@northwest.or.ke Nigeria Agent Rahma Associates B23/24, Aishetu Emoewa Plaza, 196, Iju Water Works Road, Ifako Ijaye Lga,Agege, Lagos.

Tel: 234-1-7347860 Email: nigeria@constructionreviewonline.com Rwanda Agent Kolline & Hemed Inc., B.P. 3328, Kigali, Rwanda E-mail: rwanda@constructionreviewonline.com

Zambia Agent Dayflex Limited, Dedan Kimathi Road, Lusaka, Zambia.

Email: zambia@constructionreviewonline.com

Tanzania Agent: Group Africa Publishing Ltd tz@constructionreviewonline.com Dar-es-salaam

CORPORATE NEWS

Lino Sella World Launches Cement Mixers Packed in a Box These powder-coated concrete mixers are partially disassembled and packed in a carton box.

The assembly of the machine is done exclusively with screws and bolts. The concrete mixer is packed in a carton box placed on a pallet, a solution that reduces the space needed for transportation, as well as optimizing storage, loading / unloading and handling of the product.

Savings on the transport cost as it possible to load 40% more than the quantities of traditional cement mixers in the container You earn a lot of space in the current warehouse Simplified storage and easy loading and downloading operations as the is on a pallet Up to 3 cement mixers can be stacked Possibility of air shipping even one piece only Quick and easy assembly with screws and nuts only. No need for welding or special processing The packaging in the box allows you to receive a perfect machine without any scratches or dents

Solarise Africa expands PV footprint in Africa

Rocla Supplies 19km’s of HDPE Pipes for Polokwane Waste Water Treatment

Pan-African energy leasing company, Solarise Africa, has announced their expansion into three new countries in Africa after signing a partnership agreement with Centennial Generating Co, a leading turnkey energy services company in the region.

Rocla’s HDPE vertical cast pipes were specified for two phases of the Polokwane Waste Water Treatment Project due to the quality of the pipes and the technical support Rocla provides. The project commenced in 2018 and was completed at the end of December 2020.

The partnership adds seven projects in Rwanda, spread across education, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, hospitality, and agriculture sectors, two additional projects in Zambia and one upcoming project in Uganda, to the Solarise Africa portfolio. This comes after Solarise Africa last year raised US$10m in its Series B funding round, bolstering their focus on expansion into Africa.

The project, which was subdivided into three phases, is based in the Seshego area in Polokwane. It was initiated to upgrade existing sewerage system, to meet the increased requirements of the Seshego local communities. Each phase of the project had a separate starting point with a common joining at a single point.

Rocla, Regional Sales Manager, Andrew Kruger said “The project was commissioned by the Polokwane Municipality to upgrade a now outdated sewerage system which no longer met the local community’s requirements in the Seshego area of Polokwane. We worked closely with site contractor Safcrete Construction so that the quality of the pipes Solarise Africa is currently active would be to the standard required in five countries and plans to and delivery scheduling would be as significantly expand its portfolio seamless as possible”. throughout 2021.

“One of our new projects power one of the largest commercial buildings in Rwanda. Sustainable energy provides reliable electricity that reduced its power costs by over 50%. That is the kind of impact solar can have and we are proud to help make it happen.”Said David John Frenkil, Founder and Managing Director of Centennial.

HOT WATER BOREHOLE SOLUTION FOR ETHIOPIAN ROADWORK By solving the challenge of has allowed a road construction to pumping boiling groundwater to proceed through an extremely hot The road upgrade project conducted surface, water specialist Grundfos and dry area of desert in Ethiopia.

by Grundfos client Defence Construction Enterprise was close to Ethiopia’s most active volcano, Erta Ale. This basaltic shield volcano is continuously active and is well known for its persistent lava lake.

As there was no available surface water in this harsh desert environment, it was essential that water be drawn from underground sources to allow the road project to be successfully done.

Grundfos solved the challenge of pumping boiling groundwater to surface in Ethiopia 4

CR | Jan/Feb 2021

A key challenge given the high water temperature at the pumping depth of some 430 m below surface was the cooling of the submersible pump.

This type of extreme heat would

usually lead a motor to frequently stop and start, inevitably causing premature failure.

They installed a Grundfos SP60-13 six-inch borehole pump, constructed of EN1.4401 stainless steel fitted with a 26kW rated motor. It was constructed of high-alloy austenitic stainless steel for optimal corrosion resistance, as well as fluoro carbon synthetic based rubber or FKM rubber parts which are excellent in withstanding high temperatures.”

This configuration is able to deliver water at 5,2 litres per second to the surface. Grundfos also installed a control panel fitted with specialised temperature sensors, to protect both the pump and the motor.

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EVENT NEWS

Power and Energy Africa 2021 The 9th edition of Power & Energy Africa is an imposing demonstration of its importance to the successful development of the power and energy sector in Kenya. The expectations with the first show were not only fulfilled, but clearly surpassed.

The 9th Power & Energy Africa is being held from 01 - 03 July, 2021 at Kenya's prime international venue; Sarit Expo Center in Nairobi.

Africa Rail 2021

African Construction Expo 2021

Our event is a multi-brand exhibition Part of the Big 5 series of events the African Construction and with thousands of attendees and a Totally Concrete Expo provides the platform for distinctive ground breaking conference. opportunities for business expansion, networking and learning, for thousands of built environment professionals Oracle, IRZ Lokomotiv, Transnet, visiting the 3-day expo.

PRASA, GE Transportation, Siemens, MTU, Voith… just to name a few, With thousands of built environment professionals from have all leveraged Africa Rail as their over 45 countries visiting the expo every year the 8th once-a-year opportunity to meet and annual African Construction Expo provides the platform for do business with new and existing distinctive opportunities for business expansion, networking customers. and learning.

Billions of dollars of business have Showcase your products and solutions in front of key buyers either been initiated, influenced or Exhibiting at the largest power event in the in Africa’s US$497bn construction industry under one roof! concluded at this show. industry will allow you to showcase your Exhibiting gives you direct access to this market. products and services to the industry's largest Our conference is a C-level platform that EXPO VENUE gathering of qualified decision-makers. focusses on global trends, operational Gallagher Convention Centre efficiency and practical innovative Trade visitors from all over East & Central Johannesburg, South Africa applications as well as how market Africa are being invited directly and in players can capitalise on business collaboration with several regional trade OPENING DATES AND TIMES opportunities across the continent. bodies in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, 29 June 2021 10:00 – 18:00 Somalia, Mozambique & Congo. Though 30 June 2021 10:00 – 18:00 20 -21st October 10:00 – 16:00 Kenya by itself is one of the biggest markets 1 July 2021 Sandon Convention Center, in Africa.

South Africa

Kenya - Architectural Association of Kenya

- Ethiopian Association of Civil Engineers

- Institute of Engineers of Kenya - Association of Professional Societies of East

- Association of Consulting Engineers Nigeria

Zimbabwe

Africa APSEA)

- Association of Professional Women

- Zimbabwe Institute of Quantity Surveyors

- Kenya Property developers Association

- Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers

- Institution of Surveyors of Kenya

Association Partners

Nigeria

- Construction Contractors Association of Ethiopia

- Association of Consulting Engineers of - Kenya

- The Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (Cifoz)

- SAICE

- South African Council for the Quantity

and Quantity Surveyors (AQSRB)

- Association of Ethiopian Architects

- Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya

South Africa - ASAQS

- Tanzania’s Registration Board of Architects

Ethiopia

Surveying Profession

Ghana - Ghana Institute of Engineers

Engineers Of Nigeria - Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria - The Nigerian Institute of Architects - American Association of Petroleum Geologists Africa Region

- Khuthaza ( Women for Housing)

- Architects Registration Council

- Concrete Manufacturers Association

- Ghana Institute of Surveyors

- Green Building council of SA

- Ghana Green Builders Association

- South African Property Owners Association

- Ghana Institute of Planners

- Master Builders South Africa

- Association of Building and Civil Engineering

- Building and Construction Skilled Artisans

Contractors of Ghana

Association of Nigeria (BACSAAN)

Uganda

- Nigeria Society of Engineers - Nigeria Institute of Architects

Institute of Surveyors of Uganda

Namibia

Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers (UIPE) &

Institute of Namibian Quantity Surveyors

Zambia

Uganda society of Architects

Association of Consulting Engineers of Namibia

- Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA)

Botswana

- Tanzania Institute of Quantity Surveyors

- Institute of Botswana Quantity Surveyors

Tanzania

- Construction Regulation Board (CRB)

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- Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors (ABCEC).

Jan/Feb 2021 | CR

5

COVER STORY

The Newest Marriot Hotel H

otel Yinchuan and Courtyard by Marriott Yinchuan in Northwest China, recognized as an oasis in China’s hinterland, a historical and distinctive destination surrounded by deserts and the Helan Mountains. Invested and established by Ningxia Genyuan Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., the dual-branded hotel is an architectural masterpiece depicting a grand sailing ship boasting a total of 513 rooms. The property will deliver purposeful and memorable service to guests, from the warm luxury experience signature to the JW Marriott brand to the innovative and passionate offerings from Courtyard by Marriott.

JW Marriott Hotel Yinchuan Located in the cultural center of Yinchuan, JW Marriott Hotel Yinchuan and Courtyard by Marriott Yinchuan are adjacent to Yinchuan International Convention and Exhibition Center, Ningxia Museum and Ningxia Grand Theater.

A 40-minute drive from Yinchuan Hedong International Airport, the area is home to local attractions including the Sand Lake, Shapotou Scenic Spot and Zhenbeibu Western Film City, an ideal choice for guests staying within and passing through the destination.

JW Kitchen - Private Dining 6

CR | Jan/Feb 2021

JW Kitchen

JW Marriott Hotel Yinchuan offers 247 guest rooms and 32 suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with dramatic views of Yinchuan skyline. All rooms are thoughtfully decorated, equipped with the latest in-room technology and modern amenities, including a 55-inch LCD TV and capsule coffee machine. Embracing a sense of modern luxury, JW Marriott Hotel Yinchuan promises a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in soul.

JW Marriott Hotel Yinchuan serves up a diverse range of artfully selected and locally-inspired culinary offerings. At the signature restaurant Ning Xin Ge, guests can enjoy gourmet dishes with fresh ingredients from a highly skilled chef specialized in Cantonese cuisine and local specialties, as well as an exhilarating live cooking experience that adds excitement to social and business gatherings.

All-day dining restaurant JW Kitchen delivers international specialties, connecting to an outdoor garden ideal for hosting beer festivals, barbecues and music showcases in the summer. The Executive Lounge is a perfect place to take in the spectacular Yinchuan skyline view over sumptuous snacks and drinks. Guests seeking to kickback in a soothing and luxurious setting can linger at The Lobby Bar www.constructionreviewonline.com

COVER STORY

while indulging in the unique and flavorsome treats and drinks.

The hotel features signature offerings centered on encouraging guests to celebrate being in the present, foster connections and revitalize the mind. JW Garden, a farm-to-table program, ensures sustainable sourcing of fresh herbs and vegetables for guests. Family by JW, a signature brand program, provides enriching experiences for children such as cooking classes and familyfriendly amenities. Guests who want to maintain their wellness routines during their stay will enjoy the 24-hour Fitness Center, flooded with natural sunlight and providing guests with stateof-the-art cardio and weight training equipment.

An indoor heated swimming pool allows guests to enjoy both a leisurely or aerobic swim all throughout the year.

VIP Room

Designed to meet the diverse needs of business events, conferences and banquets, JW Marriott Hotel Yinchuan is able to accommodate largescale event with the pillar-free JW Grand Ballroom. Covering a total area of 1,400 sqm and equipped with a 90 sqm LED screen, the ballroom can accommodate 1,300 guests and be divided into 4 independent areas. For more intimate events, the 500 sqm JW Ballroom is equipped with a 50 sqm LED screen, and can be repurposed as three independent multifunctional ballrooms. In addition, 10 multi-functional Meeting Rooms of varying sizes will meet the diverse needs of guests.

Courtyard by Marriott Yinchuan features 234 stylish and contemporary guestrooms that cater to passion-driven guests looking to pursue their personal and professional ambitions whilst on the road. Showcasing modern design and decor, as well as a vivacious and inspiring ambience, all guestrooms are equipped with flexible work areas, high-speed Internet, and high-definition televisions for discerning business travelers.

The hotel’s all-day-dining restaurant, The Pavilion, offers a wide variety of cuisine from an international buffet spread to an A-La-Carte menu. Lobby Lounge is a versatile venue for casual gatherings and business meetings, as well as a space to relax and unwind after a busy day. Marriott Bonvoy Elite member can enjoy the amenities at the Elite Club along with a 24-hour Gym featuring a variety of equipment including treadmills, cross-training machines and stationary cycles.

Ning Xin Ge - Private Dining www.constructionreviewonline.com

Jan/Feb 2021 | CR

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THE 2021 STEEL INDUSTRY KICKS OFF

2020 has come and gone. Another year with the pandemic raging on; new variants of the virus now spreading globally and making most people feel a little less optimistic. Domestically, we have seen a strong start in the local market of 2021, with a lot of construction related activities (postponed through 2020) restarting despite continued restrictive measures in place across Africa and the rest of the world.

The end of 2020 saw a huge increase in the raw material prices to levels that were unsustainable.

Billet prices, Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) prices, Iron Ore prices all reflected more than 30% surges in the last six months of the year. However, we have seen the top of the market with most of these prices softening by at least 5-10% at the start of 2021.

As mentioned in our last article, we continue to see various supply and demand factors affecting the local and global markets. We still see: • • •

A demand locally, although softer than was initially expected through a quieter January than has previously been seen.

A reduced supply, still driven largely by the fact that foreign suppliers are favouring supply to their own domestic and close neighbouring partners, leaving fewer vessels still severely delayed to supply materials to the local companies.

A continued container shortage, making imports consistently difficult to supply to local requirements.

So we ask our customers to focus on quality and continue their trust in us. We offer delivery services with all of our steel, and our Cut and Bend services on reinforcement steel has been performing consistently well in the market. All material supplied is accompanied by documentation proving testing results to affirm the quality of the product. The other benefits, listed below, explain why this really is the smarter choice.

• Execution of works being much faster, with a reduced construction time.

• Project cost saving through wastage reduction by 5-10%.

• Improved Quality Control due to the accuracy of each reinforcement bar produced.

• Benchmark of quality for reinforcement and concrete works.

• Ensures only the best products as it filters out manufacturers not able to meet correct standards.

We all wish that we can move back to normality. But we have to ask ourselves – the longer that the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are felt, what is normal? Will normal look like it did at the end of 2019? Or has 2020 truly changed the way we think and operate, becoming our new normal?

Accurate Steel Mills continues to remain at your service – we will continue to update you during the year on our progress with each product. Please give us all your inquiries and continue to follow us in Construction Review Magazine or on our social media platforms. All of our investments are ongoing, but we are confident that we will finish and reveal them to you as soon as possible. We thank you for all your support and most importantly, stay safe during this time!

PAINTS

7 Peaceful Paint Colors to Help You Relax

P

aint colors represent the thought process of the owner and also impact the behavioral pattern of the house owner. Calm colors are tending to make you more peaceful, whilst violent colors tend to make you frequently under aggression. Recent study reports convey that painting colors play a huge role in balancing the stress level.

If you are about to carry on drywall repair in San Diego, then consider opting for calm and cool colors for painting your home walls. Because of today’s hectic world, stress can sneak up on you at any time.

7 Cool Paint Colors For Reducing Your Stress Level

Here we have enlisted the 7 peaceful colors to help you feel calmer and relax.

7 Cool Paint Colors For Reducing Your Stress Level Green color: The green color is the color of nature, and also represents growth with high energy. Spiritually green color brings a

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CR | Jan/Feb 2021

new beginning, hope, peace, and better health. We see the green color in nature everywhere, which makes us stare at green nature for hours. This green color brings peace, and when you are lying on a couch staring at your green wall- it just will help you feel more relaxed.

Blue Color: Blue color helps in reducing the stress of your busy day and makes you relax.

The benefit of blue color is; it’s naturally beautiful, ideal color for large or big rooms, has a soft-neutral tone, and helps you in sleeping faster. As blue color helps in sleeping faster, it eventually will make you more relaxed. The ideal blue color is a choice for many people. The blue color is the color of the sky, so no one could ever have enough of it.

Pink Color: Pink color has many variations; the darker pink color is trending to be considered as a violent color whilst the lighter pink color brings harmony. The decent light pink color not only embraces your rooms

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Zedex Fabricators Ltd

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Email: info@zedfafric.com. Website: www.zedfafric.com

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Industrial roofing

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Welding and Steel Fabrication Interior Finishes Interior Decorations Accordion Pane

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Enterprise Road, Industrial Area, Nairobi - Kenya

(+254) 0207 903903 , 0725 903903 sales.ind@kensmetal.co.ke

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PAINTS

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CR | Jan/Feb 2021

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with decent looks but also keep your mind calm. A lighter version of pink is a calm and relaxing color.

The light pink color is generally the choice of every woman.

Purple/ Violet Color: Purple or Violet color is counted as the royal color because ancient royal people were using that color more vividly. The Violet color has a base of blue color so as same as the blue color, violet is considered as stress buster color. To free your mind from negativity and unstable emotions- Violet color is best as it brings wisdom to a healthy life. Violet color is counted as peace bringer color.

Peaceful Paint Colors Plain White color: Who does not know that the color white brings peace, freshness, and clarity? To have clarity in ambiguous thoughts, the white color can play its role to help you think clearly, so naturally, you will be less stressed.

White color can eliminate stress and leaves you with a positive, calm environment in which you can feel relaxed easily.

Grey color: Many people like to avoid the grey color; but most of them are those, who do not know the importance of grey color. Grey color when paired with other calm colors like- blue and green; brings a peaceful environment. Grey color is a mixture of black and white color so it is said to bring neutrality with balance. The neutrality in inner-outer thoughts, with grey color, can bring peace.

Yellow color: There is one scientific fact about the yellow color that is- The yellow color can be spotted quickly than any other color can. Let us say it is because of the positive impact color brings in our lives. The yellow color brings positive energy, freshness, optimism, joy, and intellect. As it brings positive energy and makes a joyful environment, it is a stress buster color, which leaves you in a positive-calm- relax environment.

Thus, be cautious about the paint colors you choose for your exterior house painting in San Diego. Also, before fixing the budget of the paint color with Interior painters in San Diego, count the impacts it brings into your house. The relaxing colors will give you a stress-free- peaceful full life.

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Jan/Feb 2021 | CR

13

PROJECTS

Mi Vida to Set Standards of Living at Garden City

G

arden City is one of the most coveted addresses for leisure, work and living. Situated off the Thika Highway just 15 minutes from Nairobi’s Central Business District, the development is Kenya's first integrated residential, retail and office (mixed-use) development, offering apartments, duplexes and family villas, a shopping mall and 60,000 square metres of office space among other facilities. And at its heart, a three acre central park, with a children's play area and generous lawns and gardens.

The mall itself opened in 2015 and is a popular

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destination for not only Garden City community but also residents of the greater Nairobi.

One of the residential attractions coming up at Garden City is Mi Vida. The housing project is a joint venture

by India’s conglomerate Shapoorji Real Estate (SPRE) and UK equity investor Actis. It involves construction of 628 apartments at Nairobi’s Garden City Mall Complex, targeting middle-income earners.

The development comprises beautifully designed and functional 1 and 2-bedroom standard apartments and

CR | Jan/Feb 2021

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PROJECTS

family oriented spacious 2 and 3-bedroom apartments with domestic staff quarters.

Parking provisions include 2 parking bays per 3-bedroom units and 1 parking bay per 1 and 2-bedroom units. The apartments have high grade finishes and luxury fittings.

At the heart of Mi Vida are amenities developed to promote both healthy and sustainable lifestyles and designed for convenience and enjoyment of residents. The development features green open spaces and large colourful landscaped flower gardens that create a tranquil

oasis within a bustling and growing Garden City community.

Mi Vida means ‘My Life’ in Spanish so it’s not surprising that Mi Vida offers a range of health and sports facilities including: indoor gym with yoga and fitness studio, multi-purpose sports court, 300 metre outdoor jogging track and outdoor gym. Residents will also have access to special community and leisure amenities such as a barbeque deck, adult and children’s swimming pools, social events hall and kids play area among others.

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Jan/Feb 2021 | CR

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PROJECTS

PROJECT TEAM Architect: Innovative Planning and Design Consultants (IPDC) Quantity Surveyor: MaceYMR Structural Engineer: Widrups Elec/Mech Engineer: Gamma Delta Eastern Africa Main Contractor: Esteel Construction Ltd Electrical: Mehta Electricals Plumbing: Central Plumbing Ltd EHS Consultant: Ecohub Lifts: Ultra Lift and others

Proudly associated with Mi Vida Thika Road Limited

WE ARE PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE MI VIDA PROJECT AS MAIN CONTRACTOR Esteel Construction Ltd P.O. Box 3713-00506 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 2679822/231 6553 Email: info@esteelconstruction.com 16

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PROJECTS

Highlights of Mi Vida • Adults’ + Children’s Swimming Pool • Multi – Purpose Sports Court • 300 Meters Long Jogging Track • Indoor Gym with Yoga + Fitness Studio • Social Events Hall • Creche + Daycare; Kids’ Play Area • Barbeque Areas • For Each Apartment: Integrated Intercom System • Borehole Backup • Backup Generator: 2No. High Speed Lifts per block connected to 2 No. fit-for purpose back-up generators.

• Kitchen: High Grade kitchen finishes.

• Security: 24-hour manned security gate, CCTV, access control to all residential tower lobby points

of entry and exit.

• Bathroom: Designer and luxury fittings.

Mi Vida is an EDGE certified development. EDGE is a green building standard and a certification system for over 140 countries. It enables developers and builders to quickly identify the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy use, water use and embodied energy in materials.

More information on Mi Vida may be found on the development’s website.

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Jan/Feb 2021 | CR

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PROJECTS

Elina Residences Kileleshwa’s Next Residential Attraction

k

ileleshwa is one of Nairobi’s most sought-after residential neighborhoods by young, upwardly mobile first-time home owners or renters. The Kileleshwa community is a mix of local and expatriate individual and family city dwellers with a taste for fine living. The suburb has everything they need – good road infrastructure, proximity to shopping malls, healthcare facilities, international schools and social amenities including a bustling nightlife. The area is also one of the greenest, with a mix of indigenous and exotic trees dotting the entire suburb.

It is therefore not surprising that many developers have decided to invest in this area. In recent years, numerous apartment complexes have been completed and several others are in different stages of construction.

Clients are spoilt for choice and developers have had to be more creative in terms of designs and facilities in order to maintain an edge over the competition.

Elina Residences promises to be one of the most elegant developments

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PROJECTS

yet. Situated on Mandera Road, the project consists of 66 threebedroom apartments and four 4,200sqft duplex penthouses inspired by contemporary suburban lifestyle. The apartments are designed to offer a warm, family environment for residents. The development, which sits on 0.8 acres of land, is a great choice for homeowners looking for functional yet aesthetic apartment design. At the same time, the units are designed to deliver attractive returns to investors.

The property is functional yet aesthetic design is inspired by contemporary suburban lifestyle with a penchant for an elegant yet warm, family environment. The designers have kept in mind the need for customization to suit individual residents’ with tasteful finishes and bespoke interiors, qualities that saw the project emerge winner of the 2018 Real Estate Excellence Awards.

The project is one of the latest by fast-growing Nairobi real estate developer, Purple Dot International Limited. The company has www.constructionreviewonline.com

Jan/Feb 2021 | CR

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PROJECTS

already made huge strides in the sector and is the largest warehousing developer in Athi River with over 4,000,000 square feet of light industrial space including Graylands Phase 1 to 3. Other notable projects include Serene Park Villas on Mombasa Road and Marigold Residency townhouses in Langata.

For Elina Residences, Purple Dot International selected Sketch Studio, a respected architectural studio in the city that is behind some of the iconic developments in the country, to lead the project team. Sketch Studio’s portfolio cuts across residential and commercial architecture, interior design and project management.

It is associated with the proposed Pinnacle Tower (tallest building in Africa), Tune Hotel, Lakeview Estate and Imperial Court among others.

According to Purple Dot General Manager Jiten Kerai, the company’s choice of Kileleshwa as the location for Elina Residences was a strategic one. “Real Estate remains an attractive and vibrant sector and continues to be one of the growth drivers for our economy. For this project, we did our due diligence, spoke to our clients on what they would like in a house, and then incorporated their feedback in this design”, he says.

Features Apartment buyers at Elina Residences will experience 2,300 square feet of living space with good cross ventilation and natural lighting. Features include cloak room, open plan kitchen, pantry/laundry area and spacious en suite bedrooms, a passage designed for multifunctional personalized use including prayer area as well as a bar and a reading area. Others are large windows for maximum natural lighting and warm ambience with selected tile colors.

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PROJECTS

The living room features gypsum ceiling with timber fins, matt finished solid timber Finnish pine doors and vitrified wood look tiles. Modern clean-line warm bathrooms with wall mounted vanities, large wall-mounted mirror with shelving, concealed wall mounted systems with flush plates are other features that make the apartments a delight to live in.

The developer went for a practical open plan kitchen with breakfast bar in modern matt laminate and high gloss finish. A hood and gas top are provided in all units with provision for appliances like double door fridge, microwave and washing machine.

The duplex penthouses have similar exquisite finishes but have 4 bedrooms and are much more spacious, occupying 4,200 square feet.

“In today’s world, technology has robbed the family of quality time together. People are constantly on gadgets and electronics and there is little time to interact as a family.

What we have done with the designs of these houses, is that we have purposely put an open plan kitchen and dining area to give families time together as long as they are in the house,” said Jaspal Singh, the project’s lead architect during the launch of the three-bedroom show house.

Facilities Al parking has been provided in the basement, freeing up space in the compound.

Each apartment has been allocated two parking slots and additional parking has been provided to visitors. The residences will be served by four high-speed lifts.

Residents will enjoy a fully equipped gym, an event hall and a panoramic view of the city from the duplex penthouses. www.constructionreviewonline.com

Jan/Feb 2021 | CR

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PROJECTS

Access Elina Residences is easily accessible from Waiyaki Way/ Westlands, Riverside, Uhuru Highway/CBD, Lavington, Kilimani and Upper Hill with social amenities within a few minutes of the development.

Construction Timeline and Buyer Options The Kes 1.3 billion project kicked off in April 2019 and is expected to be complete by July 2021. Already, 60 percent of the units have been sold off-plan. Flexible mortgage arrangements have been made with partner banks.

Challenges This year, the biggest challenge across the board has been the Covid-19 pandemic. The construction industry was also significantly affected with projects suffering delays due to movement restrictions and a slow-down in credit approval.

The restrictions imposed in Kenya between March and July affected the Elina Residences schedule but the developer is confident of making up for lost time and completing the project by next July.

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WHAT THE ELINA RESIDENCES OFFER AT A GLANCE 3 Bedroom Ensuite Apartments 2,300 square feet • Open plan layout in the living area • Full height sliding doors that create a seamless flow from inside to outside • Panoramic view of suburban Nairobi.

• 3 all ensuite bedrooms • 4 bathrooms • Parking for 2 4 Bedroom Duplex Penthouses 4,200 square feet • Open plan layout in the living area • Full height sliding doors that create a seamless flow from inside to outside • Panoramic view of suburban Nairobi.

• 4 all ensuite bedrooms • 5 bathrooms • Parking for 4

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Bapa Insurance Brokers Ltd. ALL RISKS

Consulting Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers

Getso Studio, 60 Muiri Lane, Opposite Galleria Mall, Karen, Nairobi.

Telephone: +254 20 388 2283 +254 720 696 500, +254 786 696 501 Email: info@getso.co.ke

BURGLARY CASH IN TRANSIT CONTRACTOR’S ALL RISKS CUSTOMS/PERFORMANCE BONDS DOMESTIC PACKAGE BUILDING AND CONTENTS ENGINEERING FIDELITY GUARANTEE FIRE, LOSS OF PROFIT AND TERRORISM GOLFER’S/SPORTS PERSONS MARINE & GOODS IN TRANSIT MEDICAL & LIFE MOTOR VEHICLE AND MOTOR CYCLE PERSONAL ACCIDENT

We are proud to be associated with Purple Dot International Ltd on the Elina Residences Project

PLATE GLASS PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY PUBLIC AND PRODUCT LIABILITY TRAVEL WIBA & EMPLOYER’S LIABILITY

EFFICIENCY INTEGRITY PROFESSIONALISM We provide specialized, personalized and efficient service at competitive rates.

P.O. Box 39321-00623, Nairobi. 33 Parklands Road, 6th Floor.

Cell: +254 722 348084, + 254 738 459077Email: dinesh@bapa.co.ke

We are proud to be associated with Purple Dot International Ltd on The Elina Residences as the Quantity Surveyor for the project

Project Team Client: Purple Dot International Ltd Architect: Sketch Studios Main Contractor: Shreerag Enterprises Ltd Quantity Surveyor: Getso Consultants Ltd Civil/Structural Engineers: Civil Engineering Design Electrical: Raicha Electro Services Ltd Plumber: Kerai Water Build Ltd Aluminium: Swastik Aluminium Ltd Joinery Works: Woodways Kenya Ltd Lift Supplier: Endeavour Wintech Eleavators Ltd Fabrication Work: Shreeji Darshan Enterprises Ltd Granite: Hi-Tech Granite Industries Ltd KITCHENS

WARDROBES

BATHROOMS

TILES

Insurance: Bapa Insurance Brokers Ltd Project Management: G A Realtors Ltd

+2547 07 222 999

www.kitchensandbeyond.co.ke The Promenade (General Mathenge Drive)

Sanitary Suppliers: Kitchen and Beyond Ltd Selling Agents: Pam Golding, Dunhill Consulting and others

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Jan/Feb 2021 | CR

23

3D RENDERING

Minimising mistakes: 3D Rendering and Architectural Visualization

3

D renderings can be referred to as a method of presenting images graphically, which appears real using various computer animations. In 3D dimensions, objects follow the same principle as in real life scenes, when they are moved or rotated, they appear real.

Visualization in simple terms means to envisage and have a mental picture about something. It is a very important aspect of architecture because architects always have various mental pictures of what they want, and it is expedient to bring that mental picture to life in a simple but yet detailed form.

Architectural visualization on the other hand enables architects presents the exterior and interior parts of their designs in a way that depicts reality, gives a feel of real life experience even when the building process has not started.

Minimizing mistakes In a world where mistakes are unavoidable, 3D renderings reduce mistakes to its barest minimum if not completely eradicate it totally. This is possible because it is not done manually, but with software that are designed exclusively for this process. The software available have over time been trusted, and proved reliable.

The following are ways in which 3D renderings help reduces mistakes in Architectural visualization See and know: With 3D rendering, the client is fully involved from the scratch on what and how the features of the building would look like. The client sees and understands the blueprints from various angles. His mental picture about the building correlates with the help of 3D renderings.

Gives room for adjustments: 3D renderings designs can be reviewed from time to time.

The designs can always be reviewed to suit the client’s taste and preference. The client might decide to include or remove from what was planned initially without stress. Necessary adjustments would be 24

In a world where mistakes are unavoidable, 3D renderings reduce mistakes to its barest minimum made before the construction begins. With 3D renderings, innovations from both the clients and architects can be introduced conveniently.

Cost effective: With 3D renderings and architectural visualization, preparing a budget for the building is made simpler.

This is made possible because with 3D renderings, the client and architects can see what kind of quality and standard materials to be used in completing the project ahead.

The client can decide to choose lesser qualities depending on how buoyant he is at that point in time.

Environment sensitive: Architects with the use of other softwares such as Computeraided design (CAD) detects how the environment condition of the area to be built upon is. It detects how the environment will positively or negatively affect the building in the future. They design bearing this in mind, and they leverage on the positive attributes and convert the negative attributes to an advantage.

to life every picture of mighty and giant buildings. 3D rendering speed up designs of grand and large-scale projects. It makes it possible to execute several designs plans in their hundreds without delay and errors.

It is best known for its effectiveness, efficiency, and error free attributes in designing large-scale projects.

Wrapping up 3D rendering makes it possible to minimize mistakes for architectural rendering services as it completely eradicates errors in architectural visualization. What your clients wants is to have a building they envisioned without flaws and at the best environment where they can enjoy bliss and comfort. 3D rendering makes all of these available while helping to avoid the stress that comes with the job. Although 3D rendering architectural visualization is coming to the limelight, not all has embraced it. To have an edge over others, 3D rendering is the edge itself!

Suitable for grand projects: Using 3D renderings makes it very easy to bring

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CONCRETE

8 common types of cracks in concrete D

uring construction or even after completion, various types of cracks in concrete may appear on the building due to a number of factors.

Cracks in concrete usually develop cracks whenever the stress is more than the strength. Stress is normally caused by external loads and forces.

In reinforced concrete, cracks may occur due to the inadequate size of their section or reinforcing steel, and corrosion in reinforcement. Below are the main types of cracks in concrete; 1. Diagonal Cracks

beam-column junction. Horizontal columns also appear on the column face where tensile stress is large. Columns with insufficient reinforcements, inadequate moment of resistance capacity, and disposition of installed reinforcement are prone to horizontal cracking. This is largely due to the effect of uniaxial bending, direct load, and shear force.

Horizontal cracks may cause a substantial reduction in the column’s shear strength. This may lead to great risk and compromise the strength of the whole structure.

3. Splitting Cracks

Diagonal Cracks

Diagonal cracks may appear anywhere along the height of the reinforced concrete. These types of cracks always involve the entire face of the column. Diagonal cracks in concrete columns are mainly caused by insufficient cross-section, the inadequate load-carrying capacity of the columns, and inadequate reinforcement steel. Diagonal cracks need to be addressed urgently as they may compromise the strength of the entire structure within a short time.

Splitting Cracks Splitting cracks appear in form of short parallel vertical cracks in reinforced concrete columns. They have varying widths. These cracks are common in columns with low concrete quality and insufficient steel reinforcement. In reinforced concrete, splitting cracks mainly appear as a result of reaching its maximum load-carrying capacity.

The ultimate load-carrying capacity of a column is surpassed when the cross-section of the concrete is inadequate or reinforcement ratio is insufficient or a combination thereof.

2. Horizontal Cracks

4. Corrosion Cracks

Horizontal Cracks In reinforced concrete, horizontal concrete cracks mainly appear at the

Corrosion cracks Corrosion cracks mainly appear along the line of reinforcements of

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CONCRETE

the concrete column. Corrosion columns mainly have the same width and usually widen as the columns age. The inadequate bonds between concrete and steel bars and possible reinforcement corrosion are the main cause of corrosion reinforcement in concrete columns.

by the expansion.

7. Heating concrete cracks

5. Plastic shrinkage concrete cracks

Plastic shrinkage concrete cracks These types of cracks in concrete appear in concrete that is still in its plastic state (before hardening). Concrete in a plastic state has large amounts of water. When drying, this water escapes leaving airspaces.

These airspaces make the concrete weaker and prone to cracking. This type of cracking is called “plastic shrinkage cracking”.

Heating concrete cracks Due to changes in temperature, the ground may freeze and expand. During these movements, the concrete may lift several inches before thawing and settling back down. These movements may cause concrete to crack especially if the slab is not free to move with the ground. In addition, large tree roots may pierce through concrete and cause cracks.

8. Concrete cracks caused by overloading the slab

Although they can appear anywhere on the concrete slab, plastic shrinkage cracks are common happen at reentrant corners (corners that point into the slab). They are also common in round objects or around corners mainly due to the inability of concrete to bend.

6. Expansion concrete cracks

Concrete cracks caused by overloading the slab Although concrete is very strong, it also has limits. When exposed to excessive weight, concrete can crack. After a heavy rain or snowmelt when the ground below is soft and wet, excessive weight on the slab can press the concrete down and result in cracks.

Expansion concrete cracks When heated, concrete expands and pushes against anything that may be in its way. The force caused by the inability to bend or flex causes the concrete to crack. To reduce these types of cracks, expansion joints are always used as points of isolation between any other static objects.

Expansion joints are made from compressible material like asphalt, rubber, or lumber and act as shock absorbers to relieve the stress caused www.constructionreviewonline.com

Jan/Feb 2021 | CR

27

WINDOWS

The Best Window Options When Constructing a New House

S

electing the best windows is an important step in building a new house. Window design and quality can affect a lot — energy efficiency, appearance, natural light, and the ease of window operation.

Depending on your preferences, a certain style or material may be better suited for your home, but design quality is another important factor that should be considered. Some of the more streamlined, high-quality designs can make things easier when it’s time for homeowners to winterize windows each year.

Wondering which windows are best for your new house? Take a look at some of the top window options available to find your favorite.

Double and Single Hung Windows Double and single-hung windows are one of the most popular selections for residential buildings. Double and single-hung windows are designed to slide open easily, and various window sash layouts allow homeowners to select a style that they find the most attractive. One of the benefits of more intricate single and double-hung windows is that they can cast beautiful shadows throughout the day, which some homeowners find attractive. With that said, double and single hung windows often require maintenance over the years in order to keep the sash opening and closing smoothly and without too much friction.

Casement Windows Casement windows are one of The Best Window Options for homeowners who prefer a ‘swing-out’ style. Built with sturdy hinges on one side, 28

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casement windows are easy to open outwards, providing instant airflow and ventilation. Another great benefit of new construction vinyl casement windows is that they are often crafted with three continuous seals of weather-stripping along the edges, which makes them much better equipped to prevent drafts. Having this extra layer of defense is great for helping the windows last longer and for keeping the heating and cooling bills down, as drafty windows can dramatically reduce the home’s overall energy efficiency.

Slider Windows For those who still prefer the security of a sliding window but aren’t so thrilled about shoving the sash up and down, slider windows are an excellent solution. Rather than moving vertically, the sash slides horizontally, offering a unique alternative. Slider windows are made in a wide range of sizes, and they’re a great style to look into for rooms that have limited vertical space, like basements, attics, and other areas with low ceilings.

Bow and Bay Windows For a boost in natural light, bow and bay windows are an excellent option for including in designs for a new home. Bow and bay windows gently curve outwards from the main wall, creating a lovely rounded window space on the interior of the home. This unique window design is excellent for boosting natural light inside the home and increasing the views to the outside world. www.constructionreviewonline.com

WINDOWS

Window Trim and Shutters While window design is obviously important for functionality, another important aspect of selecting the right window design is to create the perfect aesthetic and style that homeowners will love. Thus, it’s always a good idea to create the whole picture when choosing the right windows for a new house. Including trim and shutter detailing can help homeowners get a better idea of how the finished product will appear. While some may prefer bare windows that can be dressed up with curtains from the inside, others may prefer custom exterior shutters and colorful trim designs that add an extra flair to the home’s exterior.

Selecting the right windows for a new home can be an exciting part of the design process! Be sure to consider all the options and visualize the finished product to get a good idea of your favorite window options.

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Jan/Feb20.10.2020 2021 | 15:21:46 CR 29

SOFTWARE

Role of CRM In The Construction Industry

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he construction industry like other departments faces similar customer relationship management challenges and CRM In the Construction Industry is becoming a critical component. This is because they equally need efficient means of collecting, analysing, and storing client-related data for improved customer satisfaction. CRM for construction offers the best solution for contractors to improve their services and achieve anticipated results within definite timelines. But what does CRM stand for in technology? It is a customer relationship management platform.

While on the construction site, CRM provides the right information just when you need it.

Managers, therefore, find it much easier to access and oversee key aspects of a construction site such as allocating resources, materials delivery, task delegation, and maintaining safety and quality. Cloud-based CRM from Creatio, therefore, helps the industry in several ways on-site and off-site for better employee management, workplace management, and customer relationship management.

In this article, we focus the discussion on the role of CRM in the construction industry.

Contact Identification And Management Construction is a tender-based marketplace.

However, each tender involves many contacts and sometimes liaison people. Some of these contacts may be designers, architects, planners, other contractors among many other key stakeholders in the construction industry. It is very crucial to wear a global lens when dealing with the various contacts and interactions to be in a position to win the construction tenders.

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Information Sharing A construction CRM centralizes all the related tender data. This data is then made available to all the teams involved or decision-makers that help improve the experience of clients with contractors. With the right information for instance on pricing, tender process, and construction site management, resources can be properly managed, time saved and accidents reduced at the workplace.

Monitor Tender Position Every contractor needs a platform to effectively monitor the position of tenders. This is crucial as it affects the decision-making process and is more likely to determine the likelihood of hiring more workers, the kind of skills needed, among many other planning needs. CRM for the construction industry, therefore, has a dedicated dashboard for continuous monitoring of tender positions from initiation to acceptance.

Access To Information CRM makes it easier for teams to gain access to information, whether on-site or remotely.

Besides, construction staff such as sales reps who are constantly traveling or attending meetings can access crucial information even from their smartphones without having to travel back to the site.

Cost Efficiency Construction companies want to cut costs too.

These may be costs of materials and the costs of labor. Therefore, site managers quickly adopt solutions that help them minimize operational costs. CRM helps in cost monitoring and the reports given on the dashboards can be accessed

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and used by the managers to make decisions on how to adjust costs and increase the overall cost-efficiency of the project.

All-Round Customer View CRM for construction integrates with other third-party software to provide a unified approach to customer analysis. Whether this client inquires, places an order, or makes a payment, CRM stores this information and gives you a rounded customer view especially for more personalized service.

Task Automation CRM for construction can automate management processes of both costs and time.

The result is reduced workers’ workloads and increased efficiency and productivity.

Besides, when paperwork is automated, little resources and time is spent completing tasks.

Automated business processes also reduce the losses attributed to human error. As a result, the efficiency of workflows increases.

Improves Customer Retention CRM benefits the construction industry by collecting information on inquiries from clients and prospects. The inquiries are then picked by customer representatives who then respond with personalized phone calls or even emails.

The direct and long-term advantage of this is the referrals construction managers get for offering good customer relations. All these are better management by cloud-based CRM for the construction industry.

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SAFETY

The Most Common Work-Related Injuries

I

n construction safety is a major concern given the heavy use of machinery as well as working at heights however in many instances in Africa even the most basic provision of work helmets is not adhered to.

The following are common work-related injuries and some of the steps that employees need to take when filing workers’ compensation claims.

Back and Soft-tissue Injuries Muscle, disk, and tendon strains, sprains, and tears are by far the most common types of injuries that employees sustain on the job, accounting for millions of dollars in compensation every year.

There are multiple types of soft-tissue injuries, some of which require only a few days of rest to recover from, while others result in permanent disability.

Some of the specific back and soft-tissue injuries that workers may suffer include: Repetitive Motion Injuries Also known as repetitive stress injuries, repetitive motion injuries are either permanent or temporary injuries to nerves, muscles, tendons, or ligaments resulting from performing the same motion repeatedly. These actions can include typing, hammering, lifting, or even examining items.

Repetitive motion can cause pain all over the body including the arms, wrists, shoulders, and neck. The most common condition that results from repetitive motion in the workplace is carpal tunnel syndrome. Vision problems can also frequently arise if the eyes are strained.

Overextension Overextension is another common type of injury that results from motions such as pushing, pulling, gripping, lifting, throwing, or carrying.

Injuries sustained from overextension can include torn and sprained muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and they are the most common cause of severe back injuries on the job.

Trips, Slips, and Falls Slips, trips, and falls are among the most 32

Falls from heights as the most fatal type of construction accident. common causes of disability among workers in America. As much as 20 to 30 percent of slip and fall accidents result in injuries that are moderate to severe. These injuries can include concussions and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.

Slip and fall injuries frequently occur when certain hazards are present on the floor of a facility, including debris, fluids, beverages, or lubricants for machinery. Slip and falls often lead to serious injuries, but in most cases result in scrapes, bruises, torn ligaments, or muscle sprains.

Employees in occupations that entail a lot of movement on their feet such as waiting and nursing are particularly vulnerable to slip and falls, with many accidents resulting in ankle and knee injuries.

In many other workers’ comp cases, falls from heights are involved. Workers may fall from scaffoldings, roofs, lifts, inventory stations, down stairways, or off of ladders.

Falls from heights as the most fatal type of construction accident.

Work-Related Vehicular Accidents A large number of traffic accidents that occur every day are work-related. We all know of course that traffic accidents are the most fatal work-related accidents.

Most workers are unable to file a workers’ comp claim if they’re involved in a crash while

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commuting to or from the workplace. However, workers who drive to fulfill their job duties, such as accidents involving delivery truck drivers or employees performing off-site duties such as picking up or dropping off packages to or from another location, may be covered by workers’ comp.

If an employee has sustained injuries resulting from work-related traffic accidents that weren’t the employee’s fault, he or she may be able to pursue damages against the offending driver in addition to filing a workers’ comp claim. Keep in mind that workers’ comp won’t cover vehicle damage, even if the driver was performing job duties at the time of the accident.

Even if the accident was the employee’s fault, he or she may still be able to recover workers’ comp if injured and no longer able to work.

Employee liability insurance providers can also defend the employee against damage claims that the occupants of the other vehicle may make.

Violence in the Workplace A majority of employees don’t think about putting their lives at risk for a job. Workers expect their employers to maintain a work environment that’s consistently safe, but workplace violence can take place, resulting in injury, disability, or even death in many cases.

The fact is that violence crimes can occur anywhere at any time, even in a workplace where this kind of violence is extremely rare, such as an office space. Theft, burglary, and armed robberies are all possible incidents that may leave employees traumatized, either

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SAFETY

physically or emotionally.

Disgruntled workers or customers can also commit violent acts, whether targeted or random, in an effort to cause harm to others.

Employees who have suffered from emotional or physical damages resulting from violence in the workplace may also be eligible for compensation.

Equipment Accidents and Falling Objects Many of the worst injuries on the job result from machinery accidents, which potentially lead to amputations or death in extreme cases.

Malfunctions can also cause explosions that expose workers to different types of burns of varying degrees.

Another hazard that may injure workers is that of falling objects, which could fall from various platforms including shelves, pallets, inventory stations, ladders, forklifts, and other areas, potentially causing injuries to the face, head, neck, and feet.

seek employment with companies that actively promote safe work environments When it comes to employees on disability, it may be illegal to deny employment based on disability, but employees will need to determine if a disabled worker is capable of safely performing his or her duties. Otherwise, disabled workers may put other workers at risk.

Shards and particles can also cause injury whether from fallen objects or malfunctioning There are always safety guidelines provided equipment. These fragments are responsible by regulatory authorities. These guidelines for hundreds of thousands of eye injuries every may include requiring employees working in year. certain areas to wear safety goggles, protective clothing, safety shoes, respirators, or other How to Reduce Work-Related Injuries attire, and delegating specific types of workers If employees want to avoid injuries in the to certain duties. workplace, this will require some strategizing.

One way employees can avoid the risk of injury Providing Clear Work Restrictions is to seek employment with companies that Employers also need to make sure that clear actively promote safe work environments. restrictions are in place for employees who are required to perform duties such as lifting Carefully Hiring Employees machinery, heavy inventory, and other objects.

One element of a safe workplace that will help If objects are particularly heavy, workers should prevent potential accidents or crime is hiring wear harnesses and belts to provide support, a team of good employees. Employers should and weight-to-worker ratios are also ideal to carefully choose employees by conducting implement, which will allow a company to background checks, checking for references, identify objects that are too heavy for a single and screening for drugs. worker to carry.

Implementing Safety Checklists Another way to mitigate the risk of workplace accidents is to create and post safety checklists for operations, which employees should review prior to operating equipment or performing other tasks that could be hazardous if improperly performed.

Making Sure Workers Are Properly Trained Certain jobs also demand formal training, without which employees may be at risk of human error and subsequent accidents. Workers should receive training to properly operate machinery, tools, vehicles, and handle toxic substances.

Determining if Disabled Workers Pose a Steps to Take Following a Work-Related Risk Injury www.constructionreviewonline.com

If an employee is injured on the job, employers in every state are required by law to provide workers’ comp insurance. Most injuries are covered by partial wage and workers’ comp medical benefits.

The first step that an employee should take after sustaining an injury is to seek medical attention.

This may involve asking for on-site first aid or requesting emergency services. Once an employee has received any form of emergency services, he or she should seek evaluation and treatment by professionals that the insurance provider approves.

It’s important to file a workers’ comp claim quickly to avoid missing the state’s deadline, after which employees will no longer be able to recover compensation. Also, it’s important to remember that insurance providers are not on the employee’s side. Insurance companies determine the results of the claim and will work hard to avoid having to make large payments to injured employees.

When to Hire a Workers’ Comp Attorney Although minor claims for less severe injuries may not require the help of an attorney, employees should ensure that they don’t need one before proceeding without legal counsel. In many cases, it may be best to contact an attorney if the worker isn’t satisfied with how the claim is going. A qualified workers’ comp lawyer will be able to provide representation to help avoid the loss the employee might otherwise suffer when facing the insurance carrier alone.

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MANAGEMENT

The 5 Phases in Construction Project Management

W

hen it comes to any construction project that you might undertake as a project manager, there are 5 important phases that you will need to deal with. Whilst a good project manager course will undoubtedly cover these, as any project manager will tell you there really is no substitute for experience that you gain whilst on the job, and with the construction industry in demand there is certainly plenty of room for project managers.

The five phases that you will encounter in construction project management are: initiation, planning, implementation, performance and monitoring, and closing. Read on as we take a good look at exactly what takes place in the construction life cycle.

with the main project objectives. This will help you determine if the project is in fact worth undertaking. Make sure that you consider the definition of the project and make a list of as many possible solutions as you can thing of for the specific needs of the project.

This is not a decision that you should make alone, talk to the members of your team and make sure that you identify a final solution that you can recommend.

Once you are ready to get started on the project you should write a Project Initiation Document (PID). Think of this like a blueprint it will highlight all of the main points of your construction project.

Initiation Planning If you are not sure where to begin as a project manager then it can be a good idea to start by making an evaluation of the work that you will need to do. This should be followed by a feasibility test which will examine if any of the solutions that have been proposed will align 34

The key to any successful project management, whether it relates to multiple locations or just the one single location is planning. When you reach this point in the life cycle of your construction project your project team will recognise the

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scope of the work ahead of them and be able to create a road map. You will also be able to identify any resources that you might require and come up with a strategy for producing them.

Every goal that you set will need to be SMART – this is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. They will also need to be CLEAR – Collaborative, Limited in scope, Emotional, Appreciable and Refinable. Any plan that you create should outline any tasks, timeframes and dependencies. You should also create a budget that looks at the approximate costs of labour, materials and equipment.

Implementation This is the phase which will require most of your time. You will need to put your project plan into practise. During the implementation and execution phase you will need to be very effective with your communication, this is where your project management skills will really need to come into their own. You will need to make sure that any budget that has been set out during the planning phase is being followed. As

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MANAGEMENT

the time that you spend working on the project progresses ensure than any variations to your original plan are recorded.

created. KPI’s or Key Performance Indicators are the best tools that you can use during this phase. Here are a few KPI examples:

The characteristics of a successful implementation phase are: • Having a team that is well developed • Proper allocation of any resources • Task assignments • The implementation of project management plans • Relevant status meetings • Updated project schedule where necessary • Having the right tracking systems in place • Modification of project plans when appropriate

Effort and Cost Tracking – this will help determine if the budget is still on track Project Performance – this will monitor any changes and also unforeseen challenges Quality Deliverables – this will determine if some task deliverables have been fulfilled Project Objectives – this will determine if the project goals and schedule have been met

Performance and monitoring This phase of your project management for a construction project should occur simultaneously with the implementation process. Performance and monitoring are in place to make sure that every part of your project is in line with the project schedule that you have created. This is considered to be a regular phase and you should make sure that you come back to it at regular intervals during the execution of the project. When it comes to a commercial construction process every activity that you carry out, from the start to the end, should be in line with the plan that you have

Closing The last step is very important as it is this one that gives the deliverables to your client. Check your plan to make sure that any of the potential weak areas that you identified previously have been accomplished successfully. This is the moment when you can give your project team the good news that you have reached a successful outcome with your project and hand over any documentation to your stakeholders.

lessons that you might have learnt. Consider what went as you had planned and what aspects of your project did not go to plan. Analysing your project in this way can be very helpful when you start your next project as it will help you to improve how you manage things.

If you have encountered any problems during your project, possibly with the organisation of your tasks and keeping track of where you are up to then you may find it helpful to look at some of the software options that are out there.

With the right software in place, you will be able to keep track of everything in one place, communicate easily with your team members and improve your organisation.

Before you end any of your contracts with your suppliers make sure that you take a careful look at any termination provisions that might be in place then give written notice. The final thing you should think about doing is conducting a study into the work you have completed on the project; this will allow you to look at any

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