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7ways an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) can save money for your next commercial building project.

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An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) can significantly reduce energy costs for a small commercial building in the southern United States by improving the efficiency of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. Here are several ways an ERV achieves this:   # 1 Heat Exchange Efficiency ERVs transfer heat between incoming and outgoing air streams. In warm climates, they can cool incoming fresh air by transferring the heat to the outgoing stale air, reducing the load on the air conditioning system. This process helps maintain indoor comfort without requiring as much energy for cooling.   #2 Humidity Control In humid southern climates, ERVs also transfer moisture. They can reduce the humidity of incoming air by transferring moisture to the outgoing air, which reduces the need for dehumidification. This leads to lower energy consumption as the HVAC system doesn't have to work as hard to remove excess humidity.   #3 Reduced HVAC Load By pre-conditioning the incoming air
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What are the different types of Estimates on Construction Projects?

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When you start a construction project, you should start an estimate for the construction work, There are several estimates that you need to be aware of as you continue with your project. Conceptual Stage At this conceptual stage, you should start with some schematic and preliminary drawings of your desired project. You may meet with your Architect or an experienced Design-build Firm that can provide these drawings to you. From there, you want to inquire about the first kind of estimates, For home builders and small commercial projects, you may want to look at a price per square foot. This square foot price would be from the General Contractor or Construction Manager's previous projects. Conceptual Price Estimate Another estimate would be the conceptual price method. A builder or Architect may have historical data that conceptually shows the project.  For Instance, I was involved in building a 25-million-gallon Water treatment plant that produced 25 million gallons of water da
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Is your masonry being installed correctly on your construction project? 26 items to review during your masonry construction. (Construction Checklist)

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  Did you read the specifications and study the drawings? Are the materials what is specified? Are the masonry units the right size, color, and texture? Check this against the approved sample/ Is the mortar as specified? Are certifications on the masonry available? Do you have the approved sample panel? Sample Panel At the start of the masonry work, inspect the proper layout and horizontal coursing. Layout procedure. Did they conform to the sample panel? Are the joints properly tooled? Joint Design  Is the mortar type correct? Check the specifications/ Type M- Below grade application in contact with earth. Type S-- general Use, severe exposures (1800 psi) Type N-- general use, severe exposures(750psi) Type O-- interior Use(350psi) Type PL & PM are masonry grouts (2500 psi) Has the good face of the masonry been designated? Masonry units must be cut with a masonry saw. Is the masonry cleaned without acid and with brushes? Verify mortar color is provided and approved if required. Conf
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56 items to check to ensure that your plumbing work is being installed correctly on your construction project. (Construction Checklist)

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1) Did you read the specifications and study the  approved shop drawings? 2) Did you inspect the materials and verify their suitability and size for the application? 3) Does the material conform to the specifications and approved shop drawings? 4) Did you verify the support and provisions for expansions? 5) Are beam clamps being used? 6) Are items hung from panel points of the joist or with the support bottom chord reinforced? 7) Did you verify the support of vertical runs? 8) Verify the testing of piping before backfilling or covering with finished materials or insulation. 9) Check the pipe insulation for complete coverage and covering requirements. 10) Verify pipe type and thickness. 11) Check the valves for type, size, and accessibility. 12) Check the backflow preventer for location, type, and proper direction of flow. 13) Check all buried pipes for required thrust blocks. 14) Verifying sanitizing. 15) Verify existing lines and conflict with other's work is coordinated to avoid
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How do you Mobilize on your Commerical Construction Project?

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  Start your project off right with a  Checklist for Mobilization of Commercial Project Field Engineering 1. Ensure that survey information is available and accurate. Verify that there are sufficient benchmarks, monuments, and stakes to identify key points.  Site Drawing - Commercial Project 2. Verify the requirements for field engineering for the layout of the construction project.  Verify your property corners are set. 3. Verify that all permits and approvals have been obtained from all jurisdictional agencies. 4. Obtain a geotechnical investigation including subsurface ground moisture, bearing capacity of the soils, geological features, chemical compositions, and other items about the sub-surface conditions.  Erosion Control & SWPPP 1. Silt Fence       A silt fence will be constructed on the perimeter of your lot or property to collect any soil runoff. If you have a sloped lot, then the silt fence would be at the low end of the property.  2. Construction Entrance   Your plan sho
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I saved the life of a construction worker on a Jobsite, Safety Tips

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  "You saved my life. This projectile flew off the roof and hit me square on top of my hard hat. If you didn't come along and tell me to put my hard hat on, I would have been killed."                       THE REST OF THE STORY Back in the 80's I was involved in building the Marriott at Bay Hotel and Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida. One day I was walking the construction site. We were setting forms on the top floor for a concrete pour.  On the first floor we began to install the Air Conditioning duct work. The tin knockers were outside the first floor assembling the duct work.  None of them had their hard hats on.  So, I stopped them and told them to put their hard hats on. The foreman protested saying it was too hot to wear a hard hat.  I counted and stated that there was work being performed above them and something may happen.  They reluctantly agreed and put their hard hats on.  I continued with my job site inspection and then returned to my office.  About 15
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