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Using BIM technology to plan your renovation

How BIM technology is essential to minimizing costs and visualization of your renovation

Renovations can be a daunting task, especially if you are doing the renovation yourself. Granted, there will be contractors and licensed professionals at stages along the way, but if you are doing the planning and the prepping (not to mention the budgeting) things can quickly turn sour making you question why on earth you decided to do the renovation in the first place. And where your planning may have included illustrations and floorplans, if the plan was not presented in 3D or in a photorealistic render, the final results may be a bit under the bar when all is said and done.

What is BIM and how can it help?

BIM is an abbreviation for Building Information modeling. It is a methodology of creating a 3D model of your building and transferring the data to other needed parts of the program, specifically to your floorplans. While you could just have a 3D model made of your renovation, if you are not using BIM technology you are not assured that the model is (1) to scale and that (2) it will actually look like the render.

BIM technology works on specifics, meaning that if I want to create a renovation for a 9 foot by 12 foot room, I can design a box of 9 by 12 feet. Additionally, I can add the wall thicknesses and materials which are to be used in that room, texture the wall with the selected paper or paint, input an actual model of an actual window or door, and then I can see the results in real time.

Managing Finances

It is one thing to look at the floor plans or to have a model and get an estimate, but it is quite another to have the actual cost of materials on hand. In many BIM technology programs, such as Revit, a material list can be made of all of the components of a renovation. For example: If you add that 2’ by 4’s at your local Home Depot cost 15 per 12 foot board, you can then add that to the material list and then input the total number of boards (which can be done automatically through the program so long as you use a object which is a 2’ by 4’ and not just a box) and get the exact cost for the room. The below example shows such a schedule.

BIM Technology allows for you to see the results as they will be

With many BIM programs, you are able to see the render as it will be lighted in your actual location. Depending upon the program that is used, you may be able to get as specific as adding in your street address and time into the program to simulate the lighting of the sun through the renders. This method of rendering is greatly beneficial for renovations, especially for renovations such as sun rooms or living rooms where the sun and the lighting of the room by the sun is critical to the layout (I mean you do not want to have a dark sun room or have a sun glare on the television in your living room would you?).

In addition to the static rendering, 3D programs allow you to have a number of options to see the renovation project. Walkthroughs, Augmented Reality, panoramas, can all be used as planning your project.

BIM Technologies allow you to change your mind cheaply

Hiring a drafter and designer can be a bit expensive. Generally, a contractor will charge you for the blueprints and you will then have to pay for any changes or revisions done to the renovation. If you are one of those individuals who hired an architect to draw the plans by hand then you may have to pay for a complete new set which can run you into thousands of dollars.

The great thing about BIM technology is that you can change your mind cheaply. If you want to have a window moved 4 inches to the right, then all that must be done is to move the 3D window. The program will update all of your sheets, measurements, and such to accommodate for the change, all without having to completely redo your renovation plans.

The main benefit of using BIM technology is that you get to see exactly what the outcome of your renovation will be before committing to the project. Yes, you could decide to get a few concepts from an artist, but what happens if you do not like any of the renderings? Do you hire another artist and hope for the best, or do you settle for an illustration that is not really your vision? BIM technology allows you to plan the renovation appropriately, find the materials and the cost of the entire project, and then budget and build with fewer surprises.

August 22, 2016
Reasons Behind Retaining Wall Construction
Making retaining wall part of outdoors sometimes becomes inevitable. Leaving the way how they seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings and the might with which they tolerate all weather conditions, retaining wall construction becomes necessary in the situation when homes are built on slopes. As their name suggest, these walls are meant for retaining. They retain the lateral pressure of soil. They are a frequent sight on shore lines of creeks and on hilly slopes. As a landscape feature, retaining walls have all those qualities that are needed to take curb appeal of homes many notches up. A major chunk of homeowners refuse to be any less fond of such kind of walls.

Perth limestone walls are regarded as a landscape accent which helps stabilizing structures by stopping erosion and the downward movement of the soil on a sloping ground. Hence, these walls are stronger and more attractive both at the same time. These walls can be adorned and complemented with decorative features which further bring character to a home or garden. In fact, there are loads of reasons why one should consider retaining wall construction, which are:
1. Holding back soil: The basic reason why a household would consider having a retaining wall in the landscape is that these walls are strong enough to hold back soil and prevent it from cascading on the hilly areas or sloping regions. The four common types of retaining walls are gravity, sheet piling, cantilevered and anchored retaining walls. All these types have one basic and common function to attend to, which is resist the lateral pressure exerted by the soil or water. These walls function better in case of hydrostatic pressure if an efficient drainage system is installed behind the wall. If it is intended for holding back water, then there is no need for any kind of adjunct to the walls.
The thing is that gravity retaining walls make use of their own weight to hold back earth in its position and lessen the hydrostatic pressure. Such wall types are made of concrete, stone and other materials that add to sturdiness. The cantilevered type is made of a thin steel-reinforced stem and a base consisting of heel and toe. The amount of concrete used in the construction of such retaining walls is much less. About the sheet piling types, they are a product of vinyl, steel and even wood planks. They are useful in tight spaces and soft soil condition. And the anchored versions are flexible and can take the form of any of the other three, except that they are reinforced by cables and other materials, which justify their name.
1. Create more usable space: By having retaining walls bordering your abode or defining a particular space in the yard, you look forward to creating a more usable space. May be you have had retaining walls because of their basic function, but you end up adding value to your home by addressing your landscaping needs. You can define a partition of a space in your outdoors with the aid of these walls and plan to use various parts of your exteriors distinctly. You can elaborate a specific space for children’s play, patio, etc., etc. In addition, with retaining walls surrounding your home, there would be no need for fencing as well. These walls take care of your safety and privacy in the way it should. You have these walls built in different styles and colours with different materials like metal so as to make them function the way you want.
1. Value for money: These walls are a better and cost-effective substitute to fences as they are made of limestone, so last longer than any fence type. They are a valuable investment that any homeowner should look forward to. In hilly areas, they not only protect the premises from any undesirable action caused by soil erosion, water pressure, etc. but also improve the appearance of the property in question. Hence, they are worthwhile from both decorative as well as practical purposes.
Good fences make good neighbours; the same can be applied to retaining walls. There are various reasons that make these walls so wished for. And it is a truth universally acknowledged that finely built retaining walls are attributed to the skills and experience of the constructor. Hence, it becomes really necessary to avail of as competent construction company as Swan Limestone in Perth.
August 20, 2016
Three Subtle Design Decisions to Bring Out the Best in Your Home
The process of redecorating is often associated with hard work; that is, lots of heavy lifting and money spent picking out the “perfect” pieces to transform your home.

However, much of the success behind a redecorating project comes through working smarter and not harder.

Sometimes the smallest touches can make the biggest differences when it comes to redecorating our living space. If you’re looking to give your home a new look without breaking the bank, consider these three subtle yet significant tips.

Contrasting and Accenting Colors

Incorporating contrasting and accenting color schemes into your interior design is perhaps one of the simplest ways to make any room pop. Adjusting the color schemes of your furniture and decorations room by room can completely brighten or mellow the mood of your home.

White wooden furniture is ideal for a contrasting or accenting color scheme, especially as the centerpiece of your room. For example, a white bed could serve as a mellow accent to beige sheets or curtains; however, coupling such a bed with black fabrics would give the room a more formal vibe.

Understanding analogous versus complimentary colors can help you visualize what sort of colors schemes pop versus those which are subtler. Likewise, make sure that you avoid a clashing color scheme such as neon green and yellow or violet and red.

Inventive Storage Solutions

Decluttering has become all the rage in recent years, especially in the wake of the tiny house movement. In short, the such design embraces a “less is more” mentality to minimize clutter.

Even if you’re not living in a tiny house, you can apply similar principles to clean up your home and make the most of your space. For example, consider:
- Stylish ottomans with lids, doubling as storage space
- If you have a two-story home, under-the-stair storage has become increasingly popular
- Maximizing storage in “hidden” or unutilized space, such as under a beneath end-tables with curtains
Obviously, removing clutter is ideal for any interior design project and should be one of your primary goals, regardless of the style you’re going for.

Lighting

Lighting represents yet another subtle yet hugely important aspect of altering the mood of any given room. How so?
- Light has the ability to make a room feel more expansive or claustrophobic; lighter colors emphasize the former while darker walls achieve the latter
- Overhead lighting can work to emphasize particular elements of the room, such as a centerpiece, paintings or an entryway
- Keep windows in mind as you decide the amount and types of light fixtures you need for any given room; don’t neglect the benefits of exposure to natural light
From wall fixtures and chandeliers to mounted lamps and natural light, you have plenty of options when it comes to achieving the perfect lighting for every room. Keep in mind that most of the design impact of lighting is difficult to visualize until you do it yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with lighting fixtures and lamps to find what works best for you.

Oftentimes it feels like there are millions of variables when it comes to our interior design projects; however, sometimes the subtlest touches can make the most difference. During your next redesign, consider the small changes you can make first before investing too much time or money into your project.
August 19, 2016
Making a Bathroom Suite Work for You

Let’s be honest: your bathroom is an oft-visited place and one of the rooms in your home or business that you need to put extra effort into. Maintaining cleanliness and comfort should be your top priority, and it is with Bathroom City’s fine collection of complete bathroom suites and pieces. Check us out and improve the value and ambiance of your residential or commercial property.

Refining a Residential Property

When you think of a bathroom suite, you probably imagine a lovely hotel room or even a luxury office building. However, residential properties can also take advantage of beautiful bathrooms that invite guests and family members to take a quiet moment of solitude. At Bathroom City, we have galleries and showrooms of furnishings, accessories, and hardware that will elevate the look and feel of your home powder room or bathroom so that you can be more comfortable. The bathroom is one area of your home that people will always see at some point or another, which is why sprucing up the atmosphere and creating a relaxing ambiance is a wise move. It can also increase the market value of your property, should you choose to sell your residency in the future.

Make Amazing Accommodations

Of course, hotels and resort accommodations are extremely well-suited to bathroom suites from Bathroom City. We specialize in offering pristine and distinct furnishings that will create the ultimate luxury in your hotel rooms. Clients and visitors are always curious about the restrooms at lodging accommodations, and it can even be a make or break point for some hoteliers. Choose Bathroom City to outfit your bathroom suite with the accessories, appliances, and hardware that you need to round out a private or public bath and have it match the excellence in other areas of your hotel or resort. Cleanliness, precision, and modernity are three elements that make us stand out from the competition.

Clean up Your Corporate Environment

Finally, businesses and corporate environments can most definitely benefit from a luxurious bathroom or powder room suite from our distinguished collection. Choose from flooring and tiling, clean and concise appliances, an intriguing layout, and so much more. We are always ready and willing to work with you to meet your budgeting and resource needs. That is why we come with the partnership of several industry-leading design and building professionals. Click here to learn more about the suite sets we offer, as well as the deals and promotions that we can get for you.

August 18, 2016
Step by Step Guide to Vertical Garden Design
Are you a gardener who doesn’t have adequate horizontal space, wish to cover an unattractive section of a wall or simply want to deviate from the norm? A living wall or vertical garden – a recent innovative development in the landscape design industry – is a perfect option for you.

Follow this step by step guide and before you know it you’ll have a living wall.
1. Choose a wall
Start by identifying the wall that you would consider ugly. However, any wall is ideal for the vertical garden, unless you want to grow trees! The weight of the plants should not be an issue in choice of the wall. Suppose you want to grow particular plants then you may select the wall based on how much light and other requirements of the plants.
1. Build a frame
You have to build a robust frame with fabric and a sheet of plastic, which you hang on the wall. This makes it easy to take it down when need arises. Avoid using metal (it’s expensive) and wood (is prone to rotting)
1. Attach A Sheet of Plastic
This plastic sheet backs the fabric layer up and keeps the water off the wall. Expanded PVC sheets are ideal for this task. Should you want to try this on a wooden wall then remember to ventilate behind.
1. Attach the Fabric
Your plants will live in this fabric and you will also hold the water for your plants in the same. Consider using basic felt carpet padding or anything that can hold the water without rotting. You will need at least two layers of fabric directly joined to the frame with zinc coated screws and rust proof staples, just like a canvas stretched on a frame. Secure the fabric, ensuring that it’s free of wrinkles and buckling.
1. Set up the Irrigation
You need a reliable irrigation system that can supply water to the fabric layer. You can use Perma-Loc irrigation fittings or any other poly tubing with fittings that lock. These you can get from irrigation suppliers.

To avoid rusting, the frame must be fixed to the wall using rust proof hooks and brackets fastened by screws. This makes it easier to remove the frame from the wall anytime later.
1. Fix a Fertilizer Dispenser and Connect an Irrigation System to the Water Source.
Inject your wall with fertilizer by attaching a dispenser that sends liquid fertilizer into the system via a simple valve. Hook the irrigation system up and connect the water source. You can acquire a cheap irrigation water filter from a local hardware store for filtering the water.
1. Choose Your Plants
Sun, humidity, shade, wind, and cold are among the considerations you will make while selecting the plants you’ll leave outside all year. It is better to choose plants for a colder zone than the zone you reside in.
1. Insert the Plants
Plants should be inserted in the outside layer of the fabric. Using a razor blade, cut horizontally into the material, ensure that the plant’s roots don’t contain any bits of soil, then plug it into the opening. Create a secure envelope by attaching the cloth to the plastic backing using firm staples.
1. Plant Design
This is the fun part of the entire process. Identify plants that can grow 2 to 3 feet from the wall. Plant them at the top to enable them to create shade underneath. Grow shade tolerant species below them. It gives a great waterfall effect. Growing a plant that’s normally found on the ground, up on the vertical garden would drop the beholders’ jaws.
August 9, 2016
The Ultimate Guide to Bring Nature Indoors with Plant Walls

Are you planning for a quick and budget-friendly makeover of your home? If so, a wall can undoubtedly be a versatile space when it comes to decoration. A wall décor can be anything that adds life to your home and when we think of life, the few things that strike in our mind are greenery, fresh air and garden.

The concept of green walls has become extremely fashionable these days. Be it a building part or simply free standing, plant wall is a sustainable innovation that is not only healthy but appealing to look at. So, why not bring the outside in by introducing some beautiful plant walls to your living room. Also referred to as living green walls, it’s genuinely a promising way to boost positivity and off course beauty in your home.

You may have heard of them and thought it to be a messy concept to apply indoor but it’s actually the opposite because the indoor artificial plant walls are specifically designed in such a way that they are easy to maintain. There are varieties of plant choices available in the market so that you get the one that you like.

Benefits of Artificial Green Walls

Decorating your home doesn’t always have to be patterned the usual way with texture paints, wooden walls, stylish shelves and designer glasses. It’s time now when the combination of health, beauty and freshness can now be availed all-in-one package. Let us now take a close look at some of the many pros of green walls:

Improved Air Quality

The rainforest in Amazon is referred to as the lungs of the world. Do you know why? Because it’s all about greenery, and greenery is all about quality air which further promotes good health. Therefore, it has been proven by science that greenery around you can improve the quality of air so whatever you inhale is pure and fresh air. Having a set of artificial plant wall in your office environment and home will purify the polluted air while releasing clean oxygen which will further lead to employee productivity at workplace and overall health whereas on the other hand, people at home will be able to lead a healthy life with fewer sick days.

Inviting and Appealing Environment

Adding wall plants is not only a stylish way to spruce up your living room but you’ll be glad to know that it’s an excellent aesthetics. A green wall can turn any dull room into a great and attractive ambience. This is not only great for creating good impression on the clients and customers when visiting your office but also a wonderful concept to add nice colourful and attractive touch to your wall and home interior. You may not believe the effectiveness of such an exciting idea without trying it out.

Reduction in Energy Costs

We all are so addicted to air conditioning during summers. Isn’t that true? Did you know that installing these artificial living walls act as an air conditioner, whilst balancing humidity levels to keep people comfortable? Installing them will eventually reduce the need for expensive air conditioners that load up the electricity bills.

What more can we ask for from such an innovative yet elegant way of adding life to our beautiful home.

The Need for Indoor Plant Walls

To be true to our inner self at least, we all must agree that we are running out of green space in cities. Our busy and hectic lifestyle is taking us away from the natural beauty and fresh air that our body requires to stay healthy. Installation of bunch of plants can help you reduce the noise levels to a great extent, by reducing noise in the background, at the same time reduction in noise pollution arising from traffic on busy roads can also be noticed. The need of such incredible and useful décor items is much more than any other expensive furnishings and electronics that we purchase for our home and office. In other words, the need for general sense of calmness, peace, relaxation and well-being is greatly required for every being on this earth which is ultimately going to be achieved from greenery around.

Suggestion

Make sure to select disease-resistant plant varieties in order to maintain good health in your indoor garden.

“Make a Difference and Go Green!”

July 27, 2016
The Essential Farm Shed for Your Sustainable Farm

The pursuit of sustainable farming practices is the future of livestock and food production. With organic farming techniques, permaculture design methods and humane livestock management, sustainable farming can be adapted to small or large sites. Sustainable farming is also easily adapted to hobby farms, with environmentally conscious homeowners nurturing their own fresh bounties. The type of farm shed you choose for your sustainable farm will provide a long-term foundation for all your crop and livestock needs.

A Wide Variety of Sustainable Farm Shed Uses

A high-quality farm shed will provide shelter for animals, storage for tools and dry space for livestock feed, such as hay and grain. Based on the individual needs of your farm, you can choose from a variety of farm shed sizes and materials types that are environmentally friendly and durable for many years of practical use. Open bays or enclosed rooms provide a variety of organizational options for your farm shed.

Rainwater Harvesting from a Metal Farm Shed Roof

Water is an especially critical need and finite resource during the summer or in areas experiencing drought conditions. With a metal farm shed and a pitched roof, you can create a rainwater harvesting system that will provide water for livestock and crops during the dry season. A series of storage tanks or cisterns will allow you to harvest rainwater all year long, and you can save the water for use as needed during the dry season. With an efficient, well-designed system in place, the process of rainwater harvesting is both simple and effective.

Large Equipment Storage or Flexible Use

Large farm sheds are available for housing harvest machinery for commercial farming operations, or you can choose a smaller shed for your small acreage or hobby farm. Creating a space that offers cavernous storage and a tall roof for large equipment means you can provide these expensive tools with shelter from the weather to improve their useful life. Creating shelving, hanging hooks or adding lofts for the storage of smaller items gives you the flexibility to adapt your farm shed to your particular needs. Workbenches can be added to create a convenient workspace and storage for small hand tools.

Overwintering Plants and All-Season Food Storage

A flexible farm shed can also be used to overwinter bulbs, corms or tender plants, and adding a root cellar or canning kitchen for preparation and storage will provide you with a multitude of storage options. The farm bounty that is harvested in the fall can be overwhelming, and the space to store root crops, canned goods and dehydrated foods is often at a premium. The challenge of storage space is easily overcome with a farm shed, and creating rodent-proof storage or a root cellar for your harvest will provide you with many sustainable options.

Flexible Livestock Shelter and Safety

Livestock stalls and shelter can also be a part of your farm shed. Space for storing bedding materials such as straw or sawdust along with dry, comfortable shelter for horses, cattle, goats or chickens can add additional functionality to your farm shed. Open bays give pastured animals choice about the option of shelter, and enclosed stalls provide safe night-time shelter for animals who need protection from the weather and predators. Flooring can be added to the farm shed to make it comfortable for the types of animals who will take shelter there.

Durable Materials with Flexible Reuse Options

Although a high-quality farm shed will last for many years, as an environmentally conscious farmer, you may be thinking forward to the future when the success of your farm requires a shed upgrade to a larger size. The beauty of a steel farm shed is the durability of the metal siding; should you upgrade your shed, the old shed can be dismantled. The materials can be used to create a wide variety of structures, including raised garden beds, cold frames or other types of small, practical items. The ability to recycle and reclaim these valuable materials makes a metal farm shed an excellent choice for your sustainable farm.

A sustainable farm’s success is dependent upon the infrastructure that forms the foundation of the farm’s processes. The addition of a practical farm shed will give every sustainable farmer the tools to pursue success with managing sustainable crops and livestock. Essential storage, shelter and workspace provides many flexible options to enhance the operation of the sustainable farm.

July 27, 2016
How to Find the Right Blind Supplier In Your Area

Making a home feel more like a relaxing place rather than a museum is the main objective of most people. There are a number of things that a homeowner can do to make their home more appealing. Among the best ways to do this is by finding the right blinds and window dressings.

Whether getting blinds or other window treatments edmonton, adding them to a home can be very beneficial. A vital part of getting the right blinds for a home is getting the right supplier chosen. The following are some of the things that a homeowner needs to look for when trying to choose this type of supplier.

They Have to Know Their Product

One of the first things that a person will need to look for in a blind supplier is the amount of knowledge they have regarding their products. Finding a professional who is able to give you some advice on what would be the best blinds for your home can be very beneficial. Taking the time to visit a few different suppliers will make it easy to figure out which one is the best fit.

Is Installation Offered?

When trying to find the right blinds supplier a homeowner will also have to think about what is being offered. One of the best services that a person can take advantage of is having the blinds they purchase installed. Many of the larger blinds retailers out there will be able to install the products you purchase from them for a small fee. The stress and aggravation that this can save a homeowner is well worth the money that is being paid. Taking the time to figure out what each blind supplier in the area is offering can make the decision on which one to use so much easier.

Are You Getting a Fair Price?

Another vital thing that a homeowner will need to figure out when trying to get the right blind supplier chosen is what they are charging. The homeowner will need to take the time to research the market to find out what the going price is on the blinds that they want. By getting this type of information, a person will be able to get an idea of what a fair price is. Finding a supplier with fair prices is well worth the work that the homeowner puts it.

Having a great looking set of blinds for a home’s windows is a great way to increase appeal. A homeowner will have to take the time to find a great supplier in order to get the look that they want.

July 27, 2016