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Construction Material - Cement

Cement is one of the oldest building materials. The word “cement” is based on the Latin word “caementum”. It is a fine, soft, powdery-type substance. The powder is so fine it can pass through a sieve capable of holding water. It is made from a mixture of elements that are found in natural materials such as limestone, clay, sand and/or shale. When cement is mixed with water, it can bind sand and gravel individually or together and get harden even in water. Cement mixed with water, sand and gravel/stone chips – Concrete. Cement mixed with water and sand – Mortar/Plaster. Cement mixed with water – Paste/Grout Cement can be purchased from most building supply stores in 50 kilograms bags. Cement is usually gray also white cement can also be found. How Is Cement Made? Cement is manufactured through a closely controlled chemical combination of calcium, silicon, aluminum, iron and other ingredients present in natural materials such as limestone, clay, sand and/or shal...

Kitchen Design Tips

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When you start with your kitchen design you first have to consider the clients needs. Based on discussions with your client you can establish a brief for the design of the kitchen. The kind of questions you need to be asking the client include the following (this is not an exhaustive list): Is the kitchen to be just a food preparation area, or more of a living eating space? Will the area be used as an entertaining space? Are you keen cooks, or do you do more microwave cooking? Do you need a lot of preparation space? Do you have a well stocked larder, and plenty of ingredients? Who cooks in the kitchen? Is it just one person or does the whole family get involved? Will there be a lot of foot fall in your kitchen – i.e., does it lead to another space so a lot of people will be passing through? What electrical appliances do you have or want? (i.e., what worktop items will you have) What built in appliances do you want or have? (i.e., fridges, freezers, oven, hob, dishwasher, ...

Different Stages Of Construction

 Different Stages Of Construction Pre-contructions Site Survey  Architecture  Septic Design Permits Insurance ( building risk , liability ) Power Land  Other  Site work Excavation Loam and Seed Tree removal Septic tank / Sewer hook - up Drilled well / Water hook-up Drive way base Finished drive way Landscaping Other  Concrete/Stone/Brock work Footing ICF Block/ Standard Foundations  Slab / Flat work  Patio Fire place  Other  Subcontractors Wood flooring Tile  HVAC Electrical Plumbing  Masonry Insulations  Dry wall Painting  Roofing  Framing Interior finish / Stairs other  ..........

What is a Site Survey?

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What is a Site Survey?                   Land and builing surveyors play an essential part in the building industry. Without them, architects and builders wouldn't know everything they need to know about their plans and constructions. On a larger scale, surveyors are the ones who make our cities navigable and orderly. Their role is so important, a site survey is required by law for a wide variety of building projects, both large and small. What is a Site Survey?   A thorough site survey covers all aspects of a building site, including: Establishing and marking boundaries Calculating a land parcel's size and shape Taking note of the natural landscape within and surrounding a property Measuring and marking land contours When the survey is complete, the site surveyor draws the site plan or map. The site plan is submitted to council along with the drafter's plan. Together, these plans help council decide if a pr...

Welcome to Build Up

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Welcome to Build Up Buildup is the brainchild of two passionate Civil Engineer's . As enthusiastic amateurs they believed in paving their own way. As a design firm which value lifelong learning, we at Buildup share a common mission of providing affordable architectural solutions and exceptional service in order to provide our clients with the best possible facilities, that will serve them well into the future. Our work reflects an enduring commitment to sustainability, and thus we strive to leave a greener signature in all our endeavours.