Cleaning Windows In High Rise Buildings and Skyscrapers

There can be no doubt that washing windows is tiring and takes some time.

toronto high rise skyscrapers

However, regardless of its entertainment factor or lack thereof, it is a task that must be routinely completed.

Washing residential windows is usually fairly easy, but tackling window washing while suspended many meters off the ground is another matter entirely. This all begs the question of precisely how to clean skyscraper windows, given what an extremely hazardous the job is.

Equipment For Cleaning Windows

Because professional window cleaning technicians are required to operate at incredible heights, they need to employ a host of equipment that must be hauled along as they work. Generally speaking, a window cleaner will need to have a safety rope, rope protector, rope grabber, a descent tool, a lanyard as well as as suction cups. This group of items will prevent dangerous incidents and facilitate window cleaning that is fast as well as effective.

When cleaning windows on the side of a building, a worker will be linked to an anchor that is roof-mounted. The purpose of the anchor is to permit the cleaner to do necessary tasks while making a vertical descent. Perhaps you have observed that window washers do not descend in a fluid manner, but rather drop from floor to floor in a somewhat jarring fashion. The specifications of the building on which windows are being cleaned will determine how much of a drop to which a cleaner is subjected.

window cleaners using bosun's chairIn the past, cleaning professionals simply stood on ledges of windows while grasping the frames as a means of support. That is unthinkable today, given that such a technique is entirely unsuitable for skyscraper work. In time, sturdy leather belts came on the scene, which were fastened to anchor bolts that kept the workers safe. Subsequent to that, scaffolding began to be used as an extra layer of convenience and protection.

These days, multiple methods for window cleaning exist, and which one is chosen for a given job will depend on several factors. The most frequently used mechanisms for washing windows at present at the boom, carriage, Bosun’s chair and portable davit.

A Bosun’s chair is intended for a washer who is working alone. It provides ease of access in tight corners and other parts of tall structures, but makes sure the washer stays comfortable in a safe, seated posture. This option is great for situations in which the washer will be working for an extended period.

The boom has been around for many years and is quite common. It is comprised of scaffolding capable of holding several washers, something which can be useful when many hands are needed. It should be noted that a boom is affixed permanently to a building’s roof and is used whenever necessary.

Growing in popularity at present, however, is the carriage. This is something that is mounted onto a rail situated on the roof, facilitating left and right movements across the building’s facade. Much in the same manner of the boom, the carriage holds more than one washer at once, but it provides much better movement and mobility.

The least expensive option in terms of washing mechanisms is the portable davit. This is able to carry multiple washing personnel and also allows access to a large section of a building facade.

Unique Facets Of Cleaning High Rise Windows

Clearly, washing the windows of a skyscraper is vastly different than tackling the same job at home. Handling residential windows requires little more than some fabric or paper towel, some soap or cleaning solution and a bit of elbow grease. But, when attempting to clean windows 100 stories up from the ground, the scenario changes quite a bit.

The environmental challenges that emerge at significant heights can be much more daunting than would ever be observed at ground level. Wind is great on a warm day, but when you are hanging off of a tall building, wind can pose a serious danger if the proper equipment is not at the ready.

Not everyone realizes that there are a number of bugs that proliferate at altitude. These have the ability to create a dangerous nuisance for workers as they hang high above the ground working to keep windows clean.

It is beyond dispute that window cleaning is a difficult way to earn a living.

The job is among the riskiest and most challenging around.

Though there are many pieces of safety equipment available to lessen the hazards, the truth is that it is incumbent on window washing professionals to stay at the top of their game, keep an even keel and do what it takes to keep the world’s skyscrapers looking beautiful all year long.

Those who live or work in and around these buildings are certain to be grateful for their efforts.

Is Professional Commercial Cleaning A Good Income Opportunity For You?

Is Commercial Cleaning A Good Income Opportunity For You?

If your current job is not paying enough, or just does not have room for advancement and raises in the future, you might be considering going into other lines of work to make ends meet or just to make extra money. You are probably thinking that you have certain sets of skills that could meet the needs of clients, and cleaning things is certainly something most people know how to do, yet so many are unwilling. Does that mean that commercial cleaning is a good income opportunity for you?

It can be, if done right. The real trick to this is finding the right clients that need the services you can provide and whose schedules align with the hours you are available. When you are just first starting out doing commercial cleaning work, it is not a great idea to quit your day job, even if you think around the clock availability might help you drum up business. The truth is, it just might do that, but it is unlikely to immediately bring you so much work that you can make a full time living doing commercial cleaning.

If you do want to do commercial cleaning full time right away, then your best bet is to get employed with an established professional commercial cleaning company that already has a substantial client base. That way you can pick new skills or at least expand upon and build on your existing base of knowledge. You can also learn the business from the inside before striking out on your own.

Once you do choose to go solo, be it from working for a competitor or from your original day job, the first thing you need to do is simple yet hard: you have to score your first client. That can be rather difficult if you do not have existing business already who can give referrals and provide you good word of mouth.

It’s almost like something annoying everyone discovers in high school. If you don’t have a girlfriend or boyfriend, it’s hard to find one, but once you do have one, members of the opposite gender start paying attention to you all the time. Snagging your first customer is no different. Once you have your first contract and regular gig, you’ll have more confidence to get a second, and then a third, and they just keep rolling in after that.

 

Choosing a Commercial Cleaning Company for Post Construction Cleaning

Post Construction Cleaning

Choosing a Commercial Cleaning Company

After a long construction project, the most important part of the process is to clean up after yourself.

post-construction-cleaning

A lot of mess will be in place and that is something you will need to clear up as soon as possible. If not, you are going to see stagnant results that aren’t worth the work you have put in. For those who are setting up such construction projects, the best option is to go with a local commercial cleaning company.

What do you need to look at as you are making a new hire? Here are six tips.

1) Look At Previous Projects

You want to take a look at the work they have done in the past to see how it shapes up.

If you are not looking at previous projects, you might not be able to get a gist of how they pursue these projects. They might end up wasting time or producing results that are inferior to what is out there. Take your time looking at their portfolio to ensure you are safe.

This is a sizable investment and you want to get it right so money isn’t thrown down the drain as you wind up.

2) Analyze Speed

The speed at which you are working will always matter.

You want to think about how quickly they are going to get things done from the moment you speak to them. if they are going to delay the project or not bring the right resources into the mix, how are you going to be happy at the end of the day?

You are going to hate it and that is the last thing you want to feel as a client.

Make sure you are assessing their speed and only going with those who are firm with their timeline.

3) Meet In Person

Are you ready to speak to them in person to see how they are as human beings?

The first thing you want to do is set up a meeting in person and the reason has to do with getting a feel for the people. You don’t want to go with those who are looking at you as a way to make money and nothing else. Yes, you are the client but you deserve to go with those who are kind and caring.

This will matter because it will show they are honest with the job that is being done and will not wilt under pressure.

4) Speak With 2-3 Construction Clean up Companies

Speaking to multiple clean up companies in the region is the ideal way to go and is something all clients need to consider.

What is the reason for doing this when you could go with any random clean up company?

The goal is to make sure you are doing your due diligence and not hoping to hit the jackpot right off the bat. Sure, you might get lucky but is that the kind of risk you want to take after putting in a lot of work. This is something you want to stay patient with.

5) Highlight Budget For Cleaning

The budget is something you have to get down as soon as possible.

The reason is simple enough, if you don’t know how much is going to be spent on the project, you are not going to get the right people in place. It is a real waste to spend time finding a company only to realize they are too expensive for your needs.

As a busy client, you have to pinpoint those who are in your budget right away so you don’t have to waste too much time going through the motions of setting up meetings. Getting quick quotes is always suitable in such cases.

6) Go With Specialists

It is not ideal to go with those who might be able to clean for you but don’t work with construction clients.

The right option is always going to be one where specialists are kept in mind. This is how you are going to see better results and it will work out in your favor. Clients need to make sure the specialists are trained to handle these needs.

If not, they will not do a good job and that could be a real waste.

These are tips for finding a commercial cleaning company for post construction cleaning. You will need to factor in all variables when it comes to the process and how you are going to pursue it. The idea is to eliminate the stress that comes along with this portion of the project.

You are close to the finish line and skipping out here is the last thing you want to do.

Here’s a video from a few years ago to give you an idea of how they’ll price the contracts, this is only a guide.

You’re best to get a few prices and then make your best choice.

Be smart and take these tips into account as you are putting together a good solution for the post construction cleaning.

LEED Certification – How To Best Certify Your Building Is Environmentally Friendly

Considering building a new facility for your business?

Are you considering building a new facility for your business?  Are you also environmentally conscious and want your new building to be built with green building methods?

You may want to consider LEED certification.  LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a certification program that ensures a building is built with green building methods.

 


LEED is a rigorous program with several rating systems that evaluate the design, operation, construction, and maintenance of a building.  Certification can be obtained on commercial and residential buildings.  There is also LEED certification for entire neighborhoods. The program is international and provides building owners strategies to help ensure they use resources efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner.  During and after construction, verification by a third-party verifies that the building was designed and constructed using methods that help reduce water and energy use, improve quality of life and promote improved indoor air quality.

Considerations in obtaining a LEED rating…

The LEED program provides each building a rating, much like a car gas mileage rating.  A building will accumulate points for various things such as being accessible to mass transit, using energy-saving systems and appliances, and mitigating storm water runoff. The LEED certifier tallies all the points for a building and then gives it a rating (Silver, Gold, and Platinum). The higher the number of points, the better the LEED rating.

There are several considerations in a LEED rating.  Buildings that meet as many of the following as possible are more likely to be awarded LEED certification.

  • Resources and Materials should be sustainable and locally sourced.
  • How far is the building from available mass transit?
  • What does the building have that helps improve indoor air quality and energy performance?
  • Does the building reduce potable water use?
  • If there is a particular concern because of the area, has this been addressed?
  • Do the design and construction incorporate nearby ecosystems and natural resources, thus minimizing environmental pollution?
  • Were new or innovative strategies incorporated into the building construction?

The 5 Rating Systems

There are five rating systems for LEED certification. These are as follows:

  • Interior Design and Construction,
  • Building Design and Construction,
  • Neighborhood Development,
  • Building Operations and Maintenance, and
  • Homes Design and Construction.

The LEED rating system consists of credits and prerequisites. The prerequisites are green building strategies or elements which must be included for a building to be LEED certified. Credits are elements which are optional, but which can help gain points for LEED certification.  To earn LEED certification, all prerequisites must be met. This earns a minimum number of credits. To earn higher LEED certification, other optional credits must also be met.

Green space

LEED certification is considered the gold standard of the environmentally friendly construction industry.

How to Find New Trends in Building Construction

New Trends in Building Construction … How to Stay Current in the Business

If you are in the construction industry, it is vital that you remain abreast of the latest happenings in the business. This is necessary not only so that you can provide the best services possible for clients, but also because you need to remain in compliance with all federal, state and local codes and laws that impact the services you provide.  It can sometimes be a challenge to figure out the best way to go about getting this information.  Here are a few suggestions on how to stay up to date in the field for your construction business and more importantly for your clients!

 

Use the web

Using the web as a resource can help you out tremendously if you have the ability to use it well. For many who did not grow up using the internet, that can seem like a daunting task. While you might be comfortable using social media for checking in with family and friends, it is a whole new matter to use it for business.

One of the things that you should do is find online publications that are related to your company services. For instance, if you specialize in roofing services, you should subscribe to those websites that focus on the newest materials and methods in roofing. Similarly, plumbers have to know about the newest forms of hot water heaters and energy efficient appliances related to their profession.

You can also peruse websites that showcase the latest offerings from folks around the world in regards to building construction. The advantage to this is being able to come up with ideas and such for your clients that want a touch of exotic or foreign locations brought into their property or project.

Attend any local business and service meetings

Make sure that you attend any local business and service meetings that are relevant to your market. For instance, you might want to join trade groups or business associations with other construction professionals who are going to be able to help you with this kind of stuff.

Take a drive

There are also great ways to find out new trends just by driving around the neighborhoods that you find attractive. Understanding what others want and are doing will help you to emulate their style, but with your own flair.

The tried and true methods

While it is important to pay attention to the new trends in building construction, don’t forget about the tried and true methods that have already been successful for you in your construction company.  After all, these are the things that you have built your reputation on and some folks might want to know that you are comfortable and familiar with the types of construction design that you are working on for them.

Tips On How To Develop An Effective Construction Marketing Plan

Developing a marketing plan …

Developing a marketing plan does not guarantee the success of your construction business. However, it plays a vital role in helping you learn more about your business, and its competitive position in the market. Developing an effective marketing plan also helps you find ways to efficiently distribute resources for maximum gain, in line with your objectives.

Tips to develop an effective construction marketing plan…

Set Goals & Objectives

The first thing you need to do when it comes to developing an effective marketing plan is to set your goals. What do you wish to achieve by developing and implementing the marketing plan? You will be able to identify your objectives as you answer this question. It is important that you find out the most important, and quantifiable objectives. This will help you have a definitive/justifiable goal (or list of goals) that you want to work towards using the marketing plan being developed.

Do a SWOT Analysis

After you have set a given goal (or list of goals) you should then analyze your business, and the market it operates in. This analysis is meant to help you learn more about how you can achieve your goals.  Begin by listing the strengths of your business, followed by its weaknesses, available opportunities in the market, as well as any threats to continued operation. As you conduct your analysis, you will be able to clearly see just how your business is performing, and identify what you need to improve upon to meet your objectives.  Remember to factor in the set goals developed in the first step into the analysis. At this point, you need to find out whether your objectives are valid, and what you need to do to achieve them in light of what you have learned.

Set A Marketing Budget

Now that you have an idea of what you want to do, and how you can actually get it done, using an effective marketing plan, it’s time to create a marketing budget. This step is quite challenging, and bears a lot of influence on the effectiveness of the entire marketing plan in achieving the set objectives.The marketing budget you set should be in line with your revenues, as well as the cost of the marketing channels you wish to use. For instance, radio and TV ads will cost a lot more than other channels that give you access to a smaller part of the market.  Remember to also set budget estimates to meet any increases in sales.

Decide On An Implementation Strategy

You will have to develop a marketing plan implementation strategy depending on the objectives set, results of the SWOT analysis and available budget. This step involves finding out the means by which you will reach out to the targeted market. Here, you should develop a suitable marketing mix of various marketing channels including online, community outreach programs, radio and TV.

Monitor Results

Last but not least, to develop an effective construction marketing plan, you will need to monitor the results of the implementation process. Compare sales results before and after implementing the plan to get an idea of how effective it has been. You should adjust your construction marketing plan accordingly to boost its effectiveness.

With these tips, you will have an easier time developing an effective construction marketing plan.

Marketing Commercial Properties In The 21st Century

Top Tips To Marketing Commercial Properties In The 21st Century

Real estate is one of the most profitable industries or professions. If you are a successful real estate agent or are able to rent a property for a fair amount, the chances are you will enjoy a decent monthly income. Gaining this lifestyle, however, is not as simple as you may think and there are certain considerations to take into account. The main focus to realty is marketing.  This article will provide some of the top tips on marketing commercial properties in the 21st century.

Marketing Top Tips …

• Inspect The Property Carefully

As a real estate agent, it is important that you understand your properties will act as a brand and will represent your skills. To ensure you work with positive assets, it is recommended that you inspect the commercial property carefully before agreeing to market. In this way, you will avoid any challenges or obstacles that may frustrate the transaction later on.

• Review Listed Properties In The Area

Similar to residential realtors, it is important that a commercial real estate agent have a thorough knowledge of the area and all the properties in the location. By identifying the listed properties in the area, you will be able to directly compare the property in question and market the unit at a reasonable price. Understand that the listed price will influence the promotion of the property, and if it is overpriced, the property may be viewed as “not worth the time” in comparison to other options.

• Review Property Improvements

It is important that you understand property improvements as a real estate agent, particularly in commercial areas, by looking at improvements of services with amenities in the area. All properties focus on a specific target market and by meeting the needs of the unique target market the property has a greater chance of sale or rental. Learn to tap into these skills, and you will become a popular, successful realtor.

• Choose The Correct Marketing Media

Due to the growth of online channels, marketing of properties can now be performed using various types of media including online and on-paper. When operating with commercial properties, it is recommended that you first offer more than one marketing solution tapping into different advertising routes. Next, choose the type of advertisement strategy most suited to reach the target audience within the commercial area. If the target audience is not met, there is little chance the property will be marketed effectively.

• Use The Multiple Listing Database

To create inquiry for a commercial property in the real estate industry nowadays, a great deal of marketing is completed using the realtor’s database. This multiple listing databases is shared by various realty companies and is beneficial to the client as they can choose the agent most relevant to their needs. Once they view the information, they will have access to your contact details for queries regarding the commercial properties.

• The Timing

There is a best time and place to sell any property, and the suitable timing needs to be considered in each case. In the majority of cases, the ideal timing for sales would be the first month of marketing because this period is when the property is most accessible by potential clients.

 

Clean-Up For Construction Site Safety And Efficiency

The Importance Of Managing Clean-Up …

One of the greatest problems associated with construction sites is that these sites generate vast amounts of debris and waste. Fortunately, not all construction sites present with hazardous waste material generation as certain sites do not have hazardous construction activities. Regardless of the site size or type, however, the debris generated is great and clean-up services or management is required.

 

 

Construction sites generating hazardous waste will typically present materials including lead, asbestos, and plasterboard. The non-hazardous waste sites present materials ranging from bricks and rubble to wood and insulation. While construction site clean-up services are completed meticulously, the hazardous materials will be broken down in landfills and these landfills are filly up quickly because of the growing amount of toxic waste. It is important for companies to consider issues of toxic impact and the waste’s long-term affect on the environment.

Non-hazardous site debris may not pose the toxic waste issues, but it does also pose a problem for construction site clean-up management with site efficiency. It is seen that there is a lack of space for disposal of non-hazardous waste because landfills are filling up fast. Furthermore, the filling up of landfills has also resulted in closure of waste control companies; therefore, causing waste to ‘pile up’ in the area of generation. Fortunately, there are various ways of dealing with this problem including recycling and reusing.

Recycling and Reusing

Recycling construction site waste or debris can be highly beneficial as a means of construction site clean-up management. By recycling the items, it is possible to reduce landfill waste. Cleaning up can take place at the project site and is done by separating the waste according to specific categories, such as concrete, metal or wood. It is important that the waste is sorted to allow for the items to be sent to the correct recycling facility.

Another important way to manage construction clean-up is by reusing the debris, particularly materials left over from demolition projects. Examples of items that can be reused include doors, window frames, door frames, and housing fixtures. To reuse a construction item, it is necessary to identify the materials you wish to reuse and remove before clean-up to ensure they are not disposed of by mistake.

Sort the Debris

It is crucial that one understands there are various protocols for cleaning up debris or waste on a construction site. The debris must be sorted into different categories according to the company or recycling facility. The categories can be either specific or broad and employees must be aware of these to ensure an effective waste management approach is used onsite. Examples of broad categories include solid wastes, hazardous wastes, petroleum products, or detergents.

Site Safety

Construction site clean-up can be associated with site security because containers need to be inspected for leaks, spills, and other malfunctions. These inspections need to be completed to ensure secure storage of products. Furthermore workers need to be trained adequately in handling and disposal which will remove the chance of injury when cleaning the construction site.

 

Managing Employees In The Construction Industry

Managing Employees On The Job Site …

Managing employees can be one of the biggest challenges in any company no matter their size or the industry.  Some industries also have the added challenge of adhering to strict safety procedures.  One such industry would be the construction industry where safety rules and regulations must be strictly observed and implemented at all costs. There is little room for error or negligence, as many work accidents in constructions can end up in severe injuries and even death.  A good manager operating in the industry has to make sure all employees know the work routine well. They also have to be well aware of all safety rules and regulations and encourage their workers to follow them closely.

construction-workers

Managing Without Offending …

Team leaders and managers have the difficult task of ensuring the safety in the workplace, without offending or demotivating their employees.  This can be tough business depending on the personalities of your workers. People can be short-tempered, and do things they may later regret. It’s the duty of direct managers to moderate any conflicts that might arise in order to prevent any incidents. This means these managers need to have excellent people skills. They have to be strong leaders and psychologists at the same time!  Keeping a team of workers motivated when they need to perform in sometimes extreme conditions is something only very good managers can do successfully.

Coping with The Pressure of Tight Deadlines …

The constructions industry also deals with tight deadlines.  Delays aren’t always possible, as interruptions could throw off the completion of an entire project.  This means workers have to be aware of the fact that they can’t afford mistakes that may cause delays. This kind of pressure can create animosities and other problems, as some people aren’t well equipped to cope with stress resulting from the pressure of deadlines. Good managers know how to keep their crew on task and minimize delays. Working quickly and meeting deadlines without compromising safety is key.

Good Managers are Good Listeners …

Managers who prove to be very good listeners are usually the ones who manage to make themselves loved by their teams.  They can ask these people to put up with harsh working conditions, but they also know how to reward a job well done when they see it. Even verbal appreciation and positive feedback can sometimes make a huge difference. People want to hear they’ve done a great job as this can keep them going despite all the challenges they may have to face.

construction-workers

All these being said, being a manager in the construction industry means you need to enhance your abilities to communicate with people, to understand their needs and objections, and to find solutions to keep them motivated and happy, even in very harsh working conditions.

When attention is given to all of these areas, managing your crew can be a smooth process.