The Use Of Steel Building Components In Construction

More and more construction nowadays is being carried with the help of steel components all over the world. In this ezine we take a look at the essence of steel buildings parts, their advantages and disadvantages if there are any and touch upon the modern approach to construction - prefabricated steel buildings.

Steel building parts are the most solid and reliable type of all building materials that can stand the test of time. Should we take this statement for granted or is it necessary to compare them with PVC building components, silicate, fibreboard, lumber, wood, masonry and other building types that have always been principal building materials for any kind of buildings whether storages, commercial buildings, barns or detached houses?

The reason of metal and steel components' wide distribution is simple: they are firm, more or less cheap, aesthetic, non-combustible, do not require further treatment and are environmentally friendly. This is not the whole list of their advantages but even these qualities are enough to draw attention to metal and steel components. One issue needs even more elaboration: their elasticity and reliability. Time when hundreds of fibreboard-buildings and pvc-houses have been swept away by storms, tornados and other natural disasters has practically gone into non-existence - people do not want to be scared anymore. This especially applies to the states that always experience unfavorable weather conditions, like, for instance, Texas and Kansas. Reliable, solid and firm steel components enjoy high popularity there. At the same time metal structures are made of metal and can often corrode. Corrosion is one of the biggest disadvantages of metal parts used for construction though nowadays most of the manufacturers heat-treat metal parts in order they become stainless and stone-like. Heat conductivity is another problem of metal structures that is why houses are not equipped with them in full scale.

Somehow or other metal parts are indispensable in building and construction. For civil engineering and industrial engineering they help to build long bays without any kind of column or buttresses. Even outdoor construction is not deprived of using steel building components: fences, grilles, grates and sheds are made of steel as well.

No one denies the fact that lumber has been the only building material that could stand all kinds of damages except fire for centuries. Amsterdam, Venice and other European cities have most of the buildings that are situated on wood poling and will remain there for centuries. But we live in the 21st century that requires firmness, reliability and simplicity of construction. That is why prefabricated steel buildings are so popular nowadays.

Anyway, prefab buildings suborn by their universality: you do not need to be a builder or engineer - you just buy steel building parts and construction becomes the sphere you should not fear. With prefab-building components you can easily assemble a shed, a barn, a small warehouse and a lot of different things. Prefabricated steel components are widely used in industrial engineering as well as they save time, money and labor: warehouses, plants, ice palaces, riding-halls and hangars are usually made of separate prefabricated metal building components.

Finally what needs to be mentioned here is the fact that prefabricated elements can be dismantled easily and transported anywhere.

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The Cost of Building a House in Cyprus

Building a house nowadays, is a decision which entails heavy costs, problems relating to finance and construction, delays in delivery and quality problems, titles, delays on building permits etc. Building a house is an investment decision, which should be studied carefully, as most families built a house once in their lifetime and the final decision in most cases can be irreversible. Below are some general guidelines, which could help the owner to assess the cost of building a house, since small items, which could build up the cost of the house, are usually ignored.

Cost of building plot

Prior to the commencement of construction of your own home, at least the plot should be, or nearly be paid. This will certainly give you an advantage with the financing of the building cost for the house and it is a prerequisite for all financiers. For the transfer of ownership of the plot a Governmental transfer fee of 7%-8% (on average) is required on the market value (not necessarily what you paid for) of the plot.

Cost of the Mortgage & Finance

To register a mortgage, a fee will be paid to the Land Registry Office of about 1% on the Mortgage amount. Normally the mortgage amount is the actual loan %2B 20% on top. You will have to pay the stamp duties and other Bank expenses, which could take the form of once and for all Bank charge (say, on average CYP1000). If you borrow from a bank there is an additional charge of approximately 1.5%-2.0% p.a. on top of the legal base rate of 4.5%. There are now many alternative housing schemes including Life Insurance finance, Co-Op financing etc which extend for 25-40 years and own contribution approximately 20% (usually through term life insurance).

Cost of Architectural Drawings

It is imperative to use a qualified Architectural Office which will have the responsibility for the work done. You should not compromise on this, since the Architect is the most important person in the whole process of building your house. Yes, go to different offices and do discuss fee levels and then make your decision, but always use a qualified architect. Rates are normally around 5% on the total cost of the building and includes the design and supervision. Some architects go up to around 6%-8%.

You will also need to employ a Civil Engineer to carry out the structural design. This cost, with supervision is approximately 1% on the cost of the building.

The cost of the building referred to, includes all items, but not the fees paid to the Authorities and decorative items. So please clear the matter with the Architect, Engineer, etc., what is included is the total building cost.

Cost of Building Licence

The Town Planning Department charges for the issue of the licence will cost you around £300 and for the building licence an added amount of £150-£200.

Cost of the Quantity Surveyor & M/E Engineer

If you wish to engage a Quantity Surveyor for the building, a fee of 1% of the total building cost is required. The cost for a mechanical engineer (for large buildings) is approximately 3%-5% on the cost of the Electrical and Mechanical Budget. Although the use of the above is optional, it is recommended for large and complicated buildings.

Cost of the building

Below you will find a guide of the building costs:

Normal quality house

CYP500 per sq. meter for the covered area

CYP150 per sq. meter for the uncovered veranda

CYP250 per sq. meter for the basement

Good quality house

CYP550-CYP650 per sq. meter for covered area (depending on quality/facilities)

CYP180 per sq. meter for uncovered area

Plus the cost of a garage (£3000), water borehole (£1500), fencing and garden (£3500-£4500) for normal plots sizes.

Costs to other Authorities

Extra costs have to be paid for connection to the Water Board, Electricity, Telephone and Land registry Office (demarcation, issue of title etc) estimated at about £1000 in total.

-Total cost/sq.m. for a (250 sq.m.) house
-House 250 sq.m. @ £550/sq.m. £138.500
-Fees and Licences £9.000
-Interest on Loan (say) £6.000
-Other Authorities £1.500
-Garden etc. £3.000
-Sundry other expenses £4.000
-Total cost £162.000 or (£745/sq.m.)
-on top add 15% V.A.T.

The purchase of equipment and installation cost of central heating is an addition and costs approximately £20/sq.m. and for the airconditioning system, an additional amount of approximately £40/sq.m.

A large number of people act as their own contractors for the building and subcontract all the various jobs and supplies of the work. Where the owner is able and with sufficient knowledge and has the time to carry out the supply and coordinating function, there could be a possible saving of 8-10% on total cost. Going further, if "weekend housing" is put into effect (whereby all the family and friends offer themselves as labourers, skilled and unskilled) then the cost can be reduced by 12%-15%. Obviously, in both cases there is the strong danger that the quality will suffer and the time of completion extended.

In recent years, with the introduction of VAT and the increase in labour costs, we have experienced an increase of 7-10% per year, in building cost, a level which is higher than inflation. This has made the building of a house that much more difficult. A house can take approximately 18 months to be completed.

A last item that can cost between 5%-8% in addition, is the right of the Contractor to ask for increase in labour costs and materials prices during the period of construction. Therefore a certain amount for unforeseen costs should be included in the final costing.

Unfortunately in Cyprus we have not reached any stage of prefabrication, whereby sections of the house, windows, doors, kitchens, etc., are prefabricated so that there is a reduction in costs. Also the shortage of skilled labour has created a certain indifference to the quality produced and should always be watched.

The problems related to the building of a house and the related delays have caused the market to direct its interest towards ready houses (a circumstance which did not exist 7-9 years ago). We expect this trend to continue with a positive effect on the value of ready homes.

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Five Respect Building Secrets For Women Civil Engineering Managers

Women Civil engineering managers stand out from the crowd. Respect is so hard to gain, but so easily lost. We all want respect, especially in our professional career, let alone women civil engineering managers in a male dominated industry. These five respect building tips for women can give them the edge.

1. Analyse your own strengths and weaknesses. When you are 'put on public display' as a manager, your every action will be scrutinised and judged. If you do not know what your strengths are, then you need to find them quickly. Women in particular can be labeled as 'floating around' or 'floundering' while they find a man to come in and do the job, which, whilst completely untrue, it is very real throughout the feelings of your staff. Recognise your problems, and head them off before they grow out of hand. For example, if you are good with directing and influencing people but poor on the follow-up and monitoring, then the ongoing results will show a problem. Work on the areas that you are not confident in, or that you may have poor results in. Realise there is nothing wrong with having weaknesses, your strongest point should be the ability to admit this fact, in other words, get additional help (from your staff) on those weak points. If you don't work on strengthening or managing your weaker skills, then ultimately they will be used against you when times get tough. Like all environments, 'get a few runs on the board' and prove yourself will certainly go a long way to secure your position.

2. Recognise the skills and strengths and weaknesses of your staff. Extracting this information might be difficult, but constant talks and getting to know your staff will reveal their traits very quickly. If you want a great cross section and honest opinions about people, then ask their colleagues what they think. You are not after the 'gossip', but rather the descriptive quality observations about the staff. By finding your staff strength and weaknesses, you can shape the whole team to perform better. As a woman you will have a different point of view of staff from your male counterparts. This should be used in the best way possible, that is, you may see something that others don't see. Respect is gained when you fit the team together that works well, or rectify or change a team with improved productivity.

3. Knowing when to be 'one of the boys' and when to stop the party. This is probably one the hardest things to master. Everyone likes to be 'accepted' both on a professional and personal level. In the civil engineering field the 'boys' and conversation can get a little rough and 'risque', especially towards women. Trying to fit in will often lead to trouble, and disrespect in the future. You gain most respect from being yourself, and having a laugh with everyone in a relaxed atmosphere until they perhaps start belittling each other or you. It is then time to excuse yourself and announce that you must get back to work as you have something urgent that you need to do. It is never good to partake of office gossip unless you are there to quench the fuel and disqualify the rumours. Sticking with this guideline early in the piece establishes you are a respectful person both for yourself and others. Cross this line early and you may have a hard time regaining credibility and respect.

4. Moderating dress sense. Regardless of your impression of the general office, the office will have a general impression on you based on your dress sense. You need to be recognised for your engineering and management abilities, not your designers clothes and fashion dress sense. This is always a difficult topic, as you will be judged no matter which way you look at it. Dress to skimpy or revealing and you will be judged with a less palatable reputation, however too conservative and you will be considered to strict and an absolute academic and a bore with no heart. It must be a fine balance, especially when surrounded by over zealous excitable professionals in the civil industry. Now I am not suggesting that the civil engineering world is all brawn and full of testosterone, but you have to be careful in a male dominated industry based on a construction background. Your dress standard is a tricky issue that needs careful attention.

5. Stating your authority should be related back to the overall management board. In difficult or precarious conversation it may be beneficial to restate the backing of the overall management board with this decision. The reason for this 'superficial statement' is that you are seen to be supported by the overall board, which may seem unnecessary at the time, it reaffirms in your staff's mind that the board is happy with your decision, especially as a women in the predominantly male industry. This helps avoid or reduce the descriptive adjectives that may be flung your way upon your meeting departures. Without offense, it is simply a respect building exercise as some men feel threatened or intimidated by females in positions of power. Respect is a two way street, show respect to your team and office staff, and they will invariably reciprocate that level of respect, especially if you are 'endorsed and backed' by the management board.

Your role as a civil engineering manager can be very rewarding and noticed when you have a team that respects you and works with you. In fact, you will probably stand out as a force to be reckoned with as a female in the male dominated industry. People will be happy to deal with a woman engineer that both listens, and delivers the engineering results on time to budget in a professional manner.

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