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Renovation vs. Remodel: What’s the Difference?

Originally published – 21/12/2020 // Remodelled – 17/02/2023

Renovation and remodelling are the two most common words in construction, real estate, interior design and contracting. However, there is a significant difference between them. To renovate means to “revive” or restore something to a previous state through upgrades – repainting, refacing, and restoring. Remodel, on the other hand, is to restructure the form of something, to “remake” essentially. 

What Does Renovation Mean?

In the broadest sense, renovation means to make new again. When you apply this definition to renovation or construction in general, it could mean anything from repairing to installing new fixtures to adding finishes and refacing cabinets.

No matter the kind of renovation work, the original design is never changed dramatically. An office remains an office, and a kitchen remains a kitchen. Instead, it is simply upgraded, repaired or just tweaked to complement the rest of the office or home design. Renovation is also done to match new or revised standards.

What About Remodeling?

A complete transformation of the design, layout, structure or style of a room is a remodel. Unlike renovation, which involves reviving or repairing the house, remodelling means altering a room’s layout, structure, or purpose. This entirely changes the structure of the room, kitchen, or whichever part is being remodelled.

Remodelling: A Better Solution To Poor Home Design

Having a poor home design or layout can affect you. Imagine having to walk through one bedroom to get to another. Or if the water supply lines to your kitchen are installed in the exterior wall, the water will freeze nearly every night. Simply renovating won’t help you solve these issues, and redesigning or remodelling is the solution. 

Renovation: Better Return On Investment (ROI)

Renovation costs are comparatively less than remodelling. Because renovation involves repairing and updating basic features, you will receive a better ROI than remodelling.

Yes, you can completely change a room or add a master bedroom to your home (remodelling), but it will fetch you a lower ROI than renovations. Why? Because upgrades tend to increase property value, even with a huge home or office building, if your roof leaks or the door is old and rusty, buyers or tenants may not be inclined to make it their own. 

If you have read “Remodeling Magazine,” then you may be aware of the annual cost vs. value analysis of home improvement projects. This analysis states that renovation projects, such as re-siding a home, bring approximately 98% net ROI. However, in the case of a major kitchen remodelling, it only yields about 60% ROI.

Renovation vs. Remodel: Which Costs More?

Remodelling projects almost always cost more than renovation projects. Remodelling involves complex design and layout changes. This requires more man-hours, materials, machinery, electric expenses, and much more.

To Summarize:

  • Renovation involves upgrading basic features, repairing, etc. While remodelling involves complex movement, construction, and or redesign.
  • Remodelling helps improve home design and layout, whereas renovation improves curb appeal.
  • Renovation tends to result in a better ROI.
  • Remodelling is often costlier than renovation.

Make your ideas a reality with Bilt

Here at Bilt, our construction and renovation experts have decades of combined experience planning, developing, and executing projects. Everything from completely new, large-scale builds to small office renovations in older buildings. No matter how large, small, simple, or complex your project is, we’d love to help you make it a reality.

Our experience as design-builders means we can help you with any stage of the project. Whether you’ve got a detailed plan already and are just looking for builders to make it happen or just an idea that we can help you plan and budget, we’re happy to help however we can.

Get started by requesting a quote today!

Why is Property Maintenance so Important?

We talk about the importance of good property maintenance a lot, but in this article, we wanted to elaborate on what makes it such a critical aspect of property maintenance for any residential property owner.

As an investor, it is important to ensure that your property is well-maintained and up-to-date with the latest safety standards. Maintenance involves everything from regular inspections to preventative repairs, as well as any necessary upkeep of various components in a rental home.

Preventative maintenance

This type of maintenance involves regularly inspecting the property for potential safety hazards and ensuring that all of the critical infrastructure is in good working condition (e.g. HVAC, plumbing, and electrical).

Consistent preventative maintenance can help you avoid costly disasters like flooding or structural failure. Think of it like an investment: the returns are a good reputation with your tenants and long-term savings. Although these returns may not be as tangible or quantifiable as resolving an existing problem, they are hugely important for maintaining a long-term leasing operation.

Reactive maintenance

Usually, reactive maintenance will be a more expensive option for dealing with a problem than preventing it in the first place. However, preventing every possible maintenance problem or failure simply isn’t a possibility.

A comprehensive maintenance plan and thorough maintenance practices can prevent most problems, but you’ll never be able to predict and or prevent everything. Unexpected weather conditions, destructive customer or client behaviour, or even honest but serious mistakes can result in urgent problems.

Ultimately, reactive maintenance is an inevitable part of owning residential property and is equally as important to maintain the reliability and safety of your rental home. Reactive maintenance refers to the repairs that need to be done immediately when a problem arises, such as troubleshooting, repairing leaks, and fixing broken appliances.

Some problems which require reactive maintenance are critical failures that need to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage. In these situations, every second that goes by before the problem is handled, the solution may even get more and more expensive (e.g. flooding through a multi-storey building).

Most problems will not be massive crises, but they can still cause serious business disruptions, annoy clients or customers, and/or worsen the longer they’re left unresolved. No matter how critical or menial a problem is, the faster your maintenance solution can respond, the better.

What are your options?

Property owners have several options when it comes to managing their maintenance needs, from hiring contractors or employees directly to outsourcing to a dedicated service provider.

Contractors offer a low-commitment solution, where you only need to pay for services when they’re needed. The downside, however, is that arranging for services can be a headache, and depending on the availability of contractors, or your preferred contractor’s availability, you may be stuck getting services when it fits their schedule, not yours.

Instead, you could hire in-house maintenance personnel as direct employees. This option gives you the most control over when and how your maintenance is handled but locks you into a permanent employment situation, adding to your HR costs and potentially costing you money even when there’s no work left to do.

One way to get the best of both of these options is to establish a dedicated property maintenance service solution with Bilt. With reliably quick response times and regular service, our maintenance specialists will get to know your building’s maintenance needs just as well as in-house staff without the commitment to full employment.

Get in touch with us today to learn more.

Top 4 Qualities of an Attractive Business Space

Are you a small business owner looking for the perfect business space? Finding an attractive, valuable business space can be tricky. But with the right features, your business will have all the ingredients to succeed. Here are the top 4 features that make up a great retail or commercial business space: Openness, Complementary design, Location and Reliability. With these elements in place, your business is sure to thrive!

Openness

Openness is an important feature to consider when designing or choosing a business space. It creates an environment that is inviting and comfortable for visitors. Open business spaces give customers a sense of freedom by allowing them to move around without feeling cramped. Additionally, open business spaces tend to feel more spacious, which can make customers feel more relaxed and comfortable while they peruse the business’ offerings.

It’s best to have at least 8 feet between the walls of the business space to maximize openness. This allows shoppers to walk around the business space with ease and browse items in comfort. The amount of open space should also take into account any furniture or fixtures that are incorporated into the business space’s design. Having too much furniture or fixtures can make a business feel confined rather than open and inviting.

Open business spaces also make it easier for customers to interact with staff members as well as other customers, which builds a sense of community among shoppers and enhances customer experience. Open spaces also help create better communication between staff members, allowing them to collaborate more effectively on different tasks or projects.

Overall, openness is essential for creating an attractive business space that makes customers feel welcome and comfortable inside your store or office. By carefully considering the open features of your business space, you can ensure that visitors have an enjoyable experience while shopping or interacting with your business in some other way.

That being said, too much open space can also be uncomfortable and, more importantly, a waste of space. If you’re building or choosing a space to fit a small business, odds are you’re not going to need 20ft ceilings or vast open areas, and you probably can’t afford to waste money on them either. Real estate isn’t cheap, and small businesses need to be even more careful about how they spend their money than larger companies that have more overhead to experiment with.

Complementary Design

When choosing a business space, it is important to pick an interior design that matches what you are offering. The design should not be too distracting or boring. It should help people focus on the business and its products or services.

While a vibrant and colourful interior design is likely to be memorable and engaging for customers, it shouldn’t distract them from the reason why they’re there in the first place. How much vibrancy and complexity your interior design can include without detracting from the business offerings will depend on your business model.

A service or experience-based business model, like a restaurant, a barbershop/salon, or a club, will have more freedom to be creative and exciting than a product/retail-based business. However, they’ll need to keep in mind the tone or type of experience they want to provide.

For example, some restaurants choose to feature large, attention-grabbing murals or quirky colour schemes to ensure that customers’ experiences are memorable. Others, who may be trying to provide a more formal or high-class experience, will have less room for creativity as they need to match cultural expectations for what counts as a “formal” or “fancy” dining experience.

A product/retail-based business also has some room for creativity in how it’s laid out, but the need to keep attention focused on the products themselves puts a tough restriction on complexity and uniqueness. The right colours and materials can direct attention to the products and exude an atmosphere or tone that fits the product and target demographic.

While a simple design doesn’t distract too much, a completely bland one will bore people. In fact, flat, undecorated white walls can be such an unnaturally bland environment that the lack of visual stimulation can also be distracting or unnerving.

Your building’s interior design is a part of your marketing, just as much as it is a part of the experience you’re offering to your customers. The next time you walk into a restaurant or retail store, take a second to ask yourself what message the interior design is trying to send you. What image is this company putting forward with its specific design?

Fancier, more formal business spaces will typically have smooth, aesthetically refined designs with a minimalist or avant-garde feel. The specific design will vary slightly from place to place, and greatly between cultures, but the message is always the same: this is a high-class, high-status dining experience.

Expensive materials, comfortable colours, and minimalist aesthetic all communicate refinement and

On the exact opposite end of the spectrum is a place like Five Guys Burgers & Fries, where a basic, bare-bones interior featuring concrete or tiled floors, industrial lights hanging from a ceiling of rafters or panels, an open kitchen, and an extremely simple colour scheme all tell you one thing: “we’re just here to make burgers, nothing fancy.”

More than being uninterested in portraying a classy or fancy atmosphere, Five Guys keeps their interiors deliberately basic, barer even than similar restaurants. In the first example, the aesthetic flourishes and expensive materials communicate status. In a Five Guys, their absence communicates confidence that their food is good enough that they don’t need to charm you with aesthetics.

Neither one of these approaches to design is inherently better or worse; they’re just aiming at different goals and different demographics. Each one is deliberately sending a different message.

In designing or choosing your business space, you need to keep in mind the practicalities as well as the message you’re trying to send your customers. What’s your ideal customer, and how do you want them to see you? What do you want them to believe about your company?

Location

The importance of having a highly visible, accessible, and functional business location cannot be underestimated. Having an excellent location is key to getting the necessary customer foot traffic for business growth and success.

First of all, a business should be located in an area with sufficient foot traffic. A retail business may need a spot on a major street or shopping center, while a business offering services may need to invest in prime real estate that attracts customers from the surrounding neighborhood. A good business location should also be easily visible and accessible – there’s no point in being located somewhere that potential customers can’t find or don’t feel comfortable entering.

It’s also important to have a business location that is functional for the business model it serves. For example, if you’re running a restaurant business, you’ll want to find a place with enough room inside for seating as well as outside space for outdoor dining when weather permits. If you’re running an online store, you’ll need storage for products and warehouses for the shipment of your items. In short, any business should strive to find a suitable spot where everything needed for its operations fits into one convenient area.

The benefits of having an ideal business location go beyond just the practical; it can also affect how customers view your business credibility-wise as well as their sense of comfort when they visit your establishment.

If a business is located in an up-and-coming area or part of town known for its lively atmosphere, it can give off an air of modernity and sophistication that will attract more customers than one located in run-down parts of town or one surrounded by empty lots and shabby buildings. On the other hand, if customers feel unsafe entering your establishment due to its poorly lit surroundings or unfavourable reputation in the neighbourhood, they will most likely not spend money at your business – even if you offer high-quality service or products at low prices!

Ultimately, choosing the right location has many factors involved, such as foot traffic level and type (pedestrian/vehicular), visibility/accessibility from nearby streets and other businesses in the area, amount of space available both inside and outside (if applicable), related amenities nearby (parking spaces/public transportation) etc., so keep these considerations in mind when selecting your ideal business location!

Reliability

Having reliable infrastructure and equipment is vital for business success, as it helps to minimize business costs and prevent disruptions to business operations. Not only does having reliable systems and hardware offer cost savings, but it also ensures that a business can provide uninterrupted service to its customers.

First of all, business owners should ensure that their business space is well maintained and regularly serviced in order to avoid costly repairs or replacements. This includes checking lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, HVAC systems, elevators and escalators, electrical outlets, fire suppression systems etc., on a regular basis. Regular maintenance ensures that each system functions optimally, thus reducing the chances of malfunctioning or breakdowns which can cause business disruption. Additionally, business owners should consider investing in energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting or energy-saving appliances in order to reduce energy costs over time.

Another important factor for business continuity is having the right tools and equipment available at all times. This means making sure you have enough computers and office supplies on hand so employees can continue with their work without interruption if a product breaks down suddenly or needs repair. Businesses should also invest in quality machinery for manufacturing processes; this not only improves efficiency but also reduces downtime due to malfunctioning parts or lack of maintenance.

Overall, ensuring reliability in infrastructure and equipment is essential for business success; not only does it help reduce costs by preventing unnecessary repairs or replacements, but it also minimizes business disruption by providing continuity throughout any crisis situation. Investing in high-quality materials alongside regular maintenance checks will help ensure business continuity no matter what!

Conclusion

Conclusion

Having an attractive business space is essential to business success; it can help to create a positive first impression, boost business credibility and attract more customers. However, none of these benefits matter if the business space isn’t reliable. Without reliability, business operations are at risk of being disrupted due to sudden breakdowns or lack of maintenance. This can cause costly repairs as well as business losses due to customer dissatisfaction.

It is therefore important for business owners to invest in quality materials and tools that will last them for many years. Regular maintenance checks should also be carried out to prevent unexpected breakdowns or malfunctions in infrastructure and equipment which can harm business continuity. Additionally, investing in energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting or energy-saving appliances can further help reduce business costs while improving reliability.

In short, a reliable building should be the foundation of any successful business space.

Bilt is proud to offer reliable property maintenance services as one of the cornerstones of our business. Check out our property maintenance service packages guide, or contact us to learn more.

Also, check out our construction consulting and design-build services if you’re looking to build or renovate a new space for your business. Our experienced project managers would love to get in touch and see how they can help you with this exciting step forward.

Why Use Construction Consulting?

Construction consulting services are invaluable to any construction project, providing an outside perspective and expertise that can help you make the most of your project.

Construction consultants bring a wealth of experience in budgeting, feasibility assessment, design review, and audits that can help you save time and money on your project. Their fresh eyes can spot mistakes or problems before they happen, allowing you to adjust accordingly for a successful build.

Construction consulting is an essential part of any construction process – whether it’s just once during the initial planning stages or throughout the entire duration of the project.

Experienced Input

People typically turn to consultants when they feel out of their depth or recognize that they’re lacking the necessary expertise for a certain project.

To an extent, construction consultants are no different. Most construction consultants bring with them many years of experience in all aspects of construction management. They will be able to provide you with valuable insights and methods you may not have considered before.

They can also help you understand the process better, identify problems before they happen, and save time and money by avoiding unnecessary steps while keeping an eye on the budget.

Their years of experience usually make them excellent judges of feasibility. Having seen and been involved with so many projects in the past, a good construction consultant will be able to tell you what’s possible and for what price.

If you’re about to embark on one of your first construction projects, or a new kind of construction project, then getting some expert guidance is a great idea.

That being said, construction consultants can still be a valuable asset for those with lots of experience in construction, as they bring a fresh perspective and a confirming second opinion.

A Fresh Perspective

Anytime you’re working on something for a long stretch without a break, you start to become too familiar with it to notice problems or mistakes that you would’ve caught otherwise.

Whether you’re writing a long proposal or contract and start to miss spelling and grammar errors, making minor miscalculations in a pricing form, or forgetting steps in a complex process or order sheet, these kinds of mistakes are best avoided.

These kinds of familiarity-blindspots also happen with major construction projects too. Unexamined assumptions that turn out to be false, missed steps you thought you took; whatever it may be, these kinds of mistakes are most troublesome because they can be undetectable.

Familiarity-blindspots aren’t just dangerous because they’ll cause you to miss something once; if you don’t take an extended break from working on it, these mistakes can remain undetected through multiple rounds of review and re-examination, only coming to your attention when they cause a problem. Just ask any programmer who’s had to read and re-read the same lines of code to find a single fatal bug.

One way to fix a familiarity blind spot is to take an extended break, work on something else, or don’t work at all for a time, and come back to it with fresh eyes.

Unfortunately, however, this isn’t always an option. Sometimes you know a project so well that no practical amount of time can make it new to you again. Other times, you simply don’t have the time to take any kind of break. If a deadline is fast approaching, you might not have the luxury of an extended break to freshen up your eyes and see it in a new light.

In addition to bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to your project, consultants will be seeing your project for the first time, giving them a new, outsider perspective. This can help you to spot problems, mistakes, or inaccuracies you may have missed on the first pass, or the fifth. Construction consultants can also provide invaluable feedback if they see a problem that your team has overlooked.

Assurance

But what if you’re already very experienced in construction, and you’re confident that your project is good to go? There’s nothing a construction consultant can teach you because you already know it all, so why bother?

Even if you’re extremely confident in your project, trusting yourself not to miss any mistakes is generally unwise. If you’re confident, why not confirm that confidence with an outside, unbiased assessment? Construction consulting provides that second opinion, ensuring that you aren’t overlooking anything and allowing you to trust in your project even more.

Moreover, a consultant can assure any other stakeholders or investors involved in your project. Construction consulting ensures everyone involved that the project is being managed responsibly, minimizing risk and maximizing results.

Overall, construction consulting is an invaluable resource for any construction project, regardless of how much experience you have. Construction consultants bring a fresh perspective to the project and can help guarantee that it’s done right and on time. Construction consulting is a valuable resource that should be considered for any major construction project.

Doing so will provide you with assurance, peace of mind, and the confidence to trust in both yourself and your project. Construction consulting is a resource worth considering for any construction project.

Bilt’s project managers and consultants have many years of experience in a diverse array of backgrounds and industries. Having worked on numerous construction projects in the past, we’d love to use that experience to help you ensure your build or renovation goes smoothly.

Get in touch with us today to learn more or request a quote to get started.

So you’re thinking of renovating your rental property…

If you’re a landlord, the process of renovating your rental space to attract new tenants without breaking the bank can feel like a daunting task. Renovations need to be done quickly and cost-efficiently to minimize downtime between tenants while following building codes and safety regulations.

  1. Start by making a list of any repairs or improvements that need to be done before the next tenant moves in. Consider both safety regulations and any aesthetic upgrades you would like to make. Once you have your list, prioritize it by which repairs or upgrades need to be done first. This will help you focus on what needs to be done immediately and what can wait for later.
  2. Review local building codes in your area to make sure any renovations you do are compliant. Take time to familiarize yourself with safety regulations as well, such as ensuring handrails on stairs and smoke detectors throughout the rental space.
  3. When it comes to materials, opt for cost-effective solutions that don’t compromise quality or safety. Look for places where you can save money without sacrificing the end result. For example, purchasing standard paint and simple fixtures such as cabinet knobs may be more cost-effective than luxury finishes.
  4. Finally, keep communication with your tenants open and honest throughout the process. Renovations can be disruptive, so make sure to provide them with ample notice if you plan to access their rental space for repairs or upgrades.

For larger projects such as plumbing or electrical work, consider hiring a professional to ensure safety and accuracy. However, if you’re confident in your skills, there are plenty of DIY tutorials online that can help you do the job yourself.

Ultimately, however, your most important consideration should be longevity and durability. If you want this rental space to be a long-term investment, then the repairs or upgrades you want to make should be worthy of your time and the tenant’s rent.

Cheaper solutions or parts might save you some money in the short term, but they’ll break down and need to be replaced sooner, costing you more time and money in the long run. Better to install one high-quality, expensive replacement once than have to replace the same cheap part over and over. This is especially true of parts that you hire someone else to install for you, as installation and repair fees can start to add up quickly.

Not only are cheaper solutions likely to fail sooner, but it’s harder to predict when they’ll fail. Unexpected breaks or failures aren’t just a problem for you, they can also seriously inconvenience your tenants, damaging your reputation with them and potentially costing you stable renters.

By taking the time to plan renovations carefully, you can make sure your rental space is both safe and attractive for future tenants without breaking the bank. Renovating quickly and cost-efficiently is a great way to minimize downtime between tenants while still following building codes and safety regulations.

Renovation and refurbishment are some of the main services we’re proud to offer here at Bilt. We’ve worked with property owners to refurbish and renew commercial and residential spaces throughout Edmonton and beyond.

Whether you’re just getting started as a new landlord or property owner and don’t know where to begin or a seasoned property manager with a detailed plan already prepared, we’d love to help you bring new life into your space.

Get in touch with us today or request a quote to explore the possibilities with one of our experts. Or, check out some of our past projects to see what we can do.

A simple guide to Hotel Maintenance

Maintenance of a hotel property is an essential part of running a successful business. Ensuring that all systems and components, such as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), plumbing, electrical, and elevators, are functioning correctly can help create a pleasant environment for your guests while also avoiding potential disasters. By performing regular inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance on these systems, you can help extend the life of your property and ensure that it is operating at its best. Regular property maintenance also helps to protect your investment by reducing the need for costly emergency repairs.

At the same time, property maintenance should be viewed holistically to identify which areas are more critical than others and require more attention. HVAC systems, for example, typically require frequent maintenance to keep them running smoothly, while elevators may only need attention once or twice a year. Knowing which items are the most important can help you prioritize property maintenance tasks so that your property is always kept in peak condition.

By understanding property maintenance and how to maintain your property properly, you can ensure that your property is operating at its best and maximize the potential of your investment. With the right knowledge and tools, property maintenance doesn’t have to be a difficult or time-consuming task.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

The HVAC system of a hotel property is one of the most important aspects to consider when it comes to property maintenance. Not only does this system provide comfortable temperatures and air quality, but it also helps to control humidity levels and circulation of fresh air throughout the property. To ensure that the system is functioning correctly, inspection and maintenance should be completed regularly.

Inspection of the HVAC system should be done at least twice a year, while repairs or maintenance should be done as needed. During an inspection, technicians will check for any signs of wear or damage to the components and make sure that all parts are working properly. This includes checking the air filters, blowers, and evaporator coils for any obstructions or signs of damage.

In addition to inspection and repairs, regular preventative maintenance should also be done on the HVAC system to keep it operating at its best. This includes checking and cleaning the air ducts, adjusting the fan speed, replacing worn parts, and ensuring that the system is properly insulated.

By performing regular inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance on your property’s HVAC system, you can help ensure it is functioning correctly and provide a comfortable environment for your guests. This can help to extend the life of the system while also reducing the risk of costly emergency repairs in the future.

Plumbing

The plumbing system in a hotel property is one of the most complex and important aspects to consider when it comes to property maintenance. From toilets, faucets, and showers to drains, pipes, and septic systems, ensuring that all components are functioning correctly can help provide guests with a comfortable stay while also avoiding costly damage due to faulty plumbing.

Regular inspection and maintenance are essential for keeping the property’s plumbing system running smoothly. This includes checking for any signs of wear or damage to the components, as well as making sure that all parts are connected properly and functioning correctly. If a repair is needed, it should be done promptly to avoid further damage and potential emergencies.

In addition to inspection and repairs, the property’s plumbing system should also be maintained regularly. This includes checking for any clogs or blockages in the pipes, tightening connections, and replacing worn parts as needed.

By performing regular inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance on your property’s plumbing system, you can help ensure it is functioning correctly and provide a comfortable property for your guests. This can help to extend the life of the system while also minimizing the risk of costly emergency repairs in the future.

Electrical

The electrical system of a hotel property is one of the most important aspects to consider when it comes to property maintenance. Not only can faulty electrical systems be dangerous, but they can also lead to costly repairs in the future if not properly maintained.

Inspection and testing of the property’s electrical system should be done regularly to ensure that all components are functioning correctly and safely. This includes checking for any signs of wear or damage to the components, as well as making sure that all parts are connected properly and securely.

In addition to inspection and repairs, property personnel should also be sure to perform regular preventive maintenance on all electrical systems. This includes checking for any loose wires or damaged components, making sure that all outlets are properly grounded, and ensuring that the property’s wiring is up-to-date with current building codes.

By performing regular inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance on your property’s electrical system, you can help ensure it is functioning correctly and safely. This can go a long way in helping to extend the life of the system while also reducing the risk of costly emergency repairs in the future.

By paying attention to property maintenance items such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, hotel property owners can help extend the life of their property while also minimizing the risk of costly emergency repairs. Regular inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance are essential for ensuring that all components are functioning correctly and safely. By following this advice, property owners can help to ensure their property is comfortable and safe for guests while also avoiding any unexpected expenses down the road.

Elevators

Elevators are an important part of any hotel property and should be given special attention when it comes to property maintenance. Not only can faulty elevators be dangerous, but they can also lead to costly repairs in the future if not properly maintained or inspected regularly.

Inspection and testing of the property’s elevator systems should be done regularly to ensure that all components are functioning correctly and safely. This includes checking for any signs of wear or damage to the components, as well as making sure that all parts are connected properly and securely. If a repair is needed, it should be done promptly to avoid further damage and potential emergencies.

In addition to inspection and repairs, property personnel should also be sure to perform regular preventive maintenance on all elevator systems. This includes checking for any loose wires or damaged components, making sure that all parts are well lubricated and functioning correctly, and ensuring that the property’s wiring is up-to-date with current building codes.

Allocating your Maintenance Resources

No business has limitless resources. Scheduling as many inspections and repairs as possible, acquiring the best possible replacement parts for your assets, or buying the best possible equipment for your property, are all going to require a huge amount of money, money that will probably have to come from other parts of your budget where it might be put to better use.

Clearly, then, you can’t just throw money at the problem of good maintenance for your hotel, at least not without overspending with diminishing returns. Property owners and managers need to be able to allocate their limited maintenance resources as efficiently as possible. From one perspective, this is fairly simple:

  1. Figure out what the lifecycle of each of your assets is supposed to be, and compare it to how old the asset is to estimate how long it will last without further repairs.
  2. Get an inspection done, or review the notes from a recent inspection, and use that information to adjust your estimate of the life left in that asset. If the asset is doing unexpectedly well, extend the lifespan estimate; if it’s in surprisingly poor condition, decrease it proportionally.
  3. Schedule another inspection for the estimated end of the asset’s lifespan.
  4. Make plans and/or preparations for repair or replacement of the asset, depending on its condition.
  5. Set a portion of the budget aside for emergencies, should any arise.

This is probably the essential framework of most property managers’ maintenance plans (if in a less formalized form), regardless of what kind of property they run. In this model, owners and operators should allocate their maintenance resources based reactively based on what’s currently causing problems and proactively based on what is likely to cause problems in the near future. There’s nothing wrong with this model, but it could be better. If you don’t think that there’s much room for improvement on this model, then ask yourself this one question:

  • How much influence does each of your assets have on your overall profit margin?

Intelligent allocation of maintenance resources is about more than just ensuring that all of your property is in good condition. It’s about prioritizing those repairs and maintenance items which are most likely to affect your property’s bottom line so that you can maximize the return on each of your investments.

In other words, property managers should always be asking themselves: what items need attention right now? To do this, property owners and managers should have a good understanding of what their property’s most profitable assets are and how likely those assets are to fail before the end of their lifespans. With this in mind, property owners and managers can allocate their maintenance resources efficiently and effectively.

By maintaining an effective property maintenance plan that focuses on the property’s most profitable assets, property owners and managers can ensure that their property remains in good condition and generate a healthy return on investment. With the right maintenance plan in place, property owners and managers can rest assured that their properties will remain profitable for many years to come.

Property owners and managers should always remember that good property maintenance is an investment, not just an expense. When property owners and managers can prioritize their property’s most profitable assets while still paying attention to all of the property’s other maintenance needs, they will be able to get the most out of their property and maximize its value.  Investing in property maintenance is key to ensuring that your property remains a profitable business for years to come.

Bilt’s Asset Management consulting program equips property managers in many industries, not just hospitality, with the knowledge and expertise needed to develop and adapt top-tier maintenance plans and practices. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free meeting to see if our program is right for you and your property. 

Don’t Neglect a Property Just Because it’s New

Property maintenance is just as important for new buildings as it is for older ones. Just because a building is new doesn’t mean you can neglect regular maintenance tasks – in fact, you should have a plan in place for routine care of your building’s systems and components. This will help ensure that your new construction stays looking good and functioning well for years to come!

When you first have a property built, it’s important to establish a regular routine for property maintenance. Just because a building is new doesn’t mean you can neglect regular maintenance tasks-in fact, you should have a plan in place for routine care of your building’s systems and components. This will help ensure that your new construction stays looking and functioning well for years to come!

There are many benefits to performing regular maintenance on your property. First and foremost, it helps ensure the safety of everyone who lives or works there. Property maintenance also helps protect your investment, by keeping your property in good condition and preventing costly repairs down the road. Additionally, regular maintenance can help increase the lifespan of your property’s systems and components.

So what exactly do you need to do for proper property maintenance? Here are six key steps:

1. Keep all areas clean and free of clutter. This includes sidewalks, parking lots, and landscaping areas.

The first step in any maintenance task is to organize and clean your surroundings. This is also true of regular maintenance and maintenance schedules. If an area is clean and tidy, it will be easier to do the required task. If you always keep everything clean and tidy, then it will always be easier and more efficient to do maintenance.

It’s not just about having a property that looks nice – regular property maintenance can also save you money in the long run. For one, it helps keep everything organized and clean, which makes it easier and less time-consuming to do tasks like repairs or inspections. Additionally, when everything is clean and in its place, it’s easier to notice any potential problems or issues. This means that you can address them sooner before they have a chance to become bigger and more costly problems.

So make sure to keep your property clean and organized, not just for aesthetic reasons, but also for practical reasons. It will save you time and money in the long run!

2. Inspect all components of the property on a regular basis. This includes roofs, windows, doors, HVAC systems, wiring, etc.

It’s important to perform comprehensive property inspections on a regular basis, in order to identify any potential problems or issues. This includes inspecting all components of the property, from the roof to the wiring. If you neglect any part of your property, you could end up with costly repairs down the road.

That’s why it’s important to have a well-rounded inspection schedule and to make sure that you don’t miss any components of your property. By inspecting all parts of your property regularly, you can catch any potential problems before they become too big or expensive to fix.

3. Make repairs as needed, using only qualified contractors.

When it comes to property maintenance, it’s important to use only qualified professionals. This is because improper or inexperienced repairs can lead to even more damage and more costly repairs in the future. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to only hire qualified contractors who have experience with property maintenance.

Cutting corners on property maintenance can be risky business. Not only could you end up with bigger and more costly repairs down the road, but you could also put yourself, your property, and your tenants at risk. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to use qualified professionals when it comes to property maintenance.

4. Develop a plan for routine preventive property maintenance tasks (e.g., changing air filters, checking caulking/sealing around doors/windows).

One of the most important aspects of property maintenance is routine preventative maintenance. This means taking measures to prevent problems from happening in the first place, rather than waiting for them to occur and then trying to fix them. Routine preventative maintenance is often much cheaper and more responsible than cutting corners or waiting for things to go wrong. For example, one of the best ways to prevent roof damage is to regularly check the condition of your roof and make repairs as needed.

This may seem like a lot of work, but it’s actually much cheaper and easier than fixing a roof that’s already damaged. Additionally, regular preventive maintenance can help increase the lifespan of your property’s systems and components. So make sure to develop a plan for routine preventive maintenance tasks. This will help keep your property in good condition and prevent costly repairs down the road.

5. Maintain accurate records of all property repairs and property maintenance tasks performed.

It’s also important to keep accurate records of property repairs and maintenance tasks. Not only does this help you keep track of the work that needs to be done, but it can also serve as a reference for future property managers or property owners. Keeping detailed records ensures that all property maintenance tasks are documented and accounted for, which makes it easier to identify any potential problems or issues in the future.

By keeping accurate records of property maintenance tasks, you can ensure that your property stays in good condition year after year. This will help reduce the costs associated with repairs and maintenance, as well as ensure that your property remains a safe and comfortable place to live.

6. Have a plan in place for maintenance emergencies.

No matter how well you maintain your property, emergencies can always happen unexpectedly. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place for dealing with emergencies. This includes having a list of reliable contractors who can help with repairs, having an emergency fund set aside for unexpected expenses, and being prepared for worst-case scenarios.

Having a plan in place for property maintenance emergencies can help ensure that any issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently. This will also help reduce the costs associated with property repairs and maintenance, allowing you to keep your property looking and functioning well for years to come.

Overall, property maintenance is just as important for new buildings as it is for older ones. Regular property maintenance tasks such as changing air filters, checking caulking/sealing around doors/windows, and keeping accurate records of repairs and maintenance help keep your property in good condition. Additionally, having a plan in place for emergencies can help reduce the costs associated with property repairs and maintenance. By taking these proactive steps, you can ensure that your property remains a safe and comfortable place to live for years to come.

Property Maintenance: 7 Key Considerations

As a responsible property owner, it’s important to engage in regular, scheduled property maintenance in order to prevent problems before they occur. This not only saves money and stress in the long run but also helps to keep your property in top condition. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the key aspects of preventative property maintenance, including why it’s important and how to go about it.

Have your HVAC system serviced and inspected every year

Fall is the best time to schedule a routine inspection of your HVAC system. This is because you want to make sure that your system is running efficiently before the cold winter months. During the inspection, a technician will clean the unit and check for any wear and tear. They will also check the electrical connections to make sure that there are no loose wires. By having your HVAC system serviced every year, you can prevent problems from arising and save money on your energy bill.

Check your roof for leaks and damage, and have them repaired as needed

Seasonal changes can take their toll on your roof, so it’s essential to inspect it regularly for leaks and other damage. If you notice any problems, have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Leaks can lead to water damage, which can weaken the structure of your roof and lead to costly repairs. Inspect your roof at least once a year and more often if you live in an area with severe weather conditions. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a professional to do it for you. They will be able to identify any potential problem areas and make the necessary repairs. By taking these steps, you can help extend the life of your roof and avoid expensive repairs down the road.

Keep your gutters clean and clear of debris to avoid damage.

As any property owner knows, water damage can be a severe issue. Not only can it lead to costly repairs, but it can also create serious health hazards. Mould and mildew can thrive in damp environments, and excess moisture can also lead to the growth of harmful bacteria. One way to help prevent water damage is to keep your gutters clean and clear of debris. Gutters play an important role in channelling water away from your property, and the risk of water damage increases significantly when they become clogged. In addition, regular cleaning will help to prevent the buildup of mould and mildew, keeping your property healthy and safe. So don’t neglect your gutters – a little maintenance can go a long way in protecting your property from water damage.

Trim trees and bushes around the house, so they don’t damage the roof or windows

Commercial property owners have a responsibility to keep their buildings well-maintained. This includes trimming trees and bushes around the house, so they don’t damage the roof or windows. Overgrown branches can scratch paint, break windows, and even cause structural damage to the roof. In addition, fallen leaves can clog gutters and downspouts, leading to flooding and water damage. By regularly trimming trees and bushes, commercial property owners can help keep their buildings in good condition and prevent costly repairs.

Inspect the foundation of your property for cracks or other signs of damage

Concrete is a versatile and durable material that is commonly used for foundations, driveways, and sidewalks. However, concrete can crack over time due to settling, ground movement, or changes in temperature. Cracks in concrete can create trip hazards and allow water to seep into the foundation, leading to further damage. For this reason, it is essential to inspect the concrete on your property regularly for signs of cracking. cracks. If you notice any cracks, be sure to have them repaired as soon as possible by a qualified contractor. By taking proactive measures to maintain your concrete, you can help ensure the long-term stability of your foundation.

Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

One of the most important things you can do to protect your property from fire damage is regularly check and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors are required by law in most jurisdictions, but even if they’re not, they’re an essential safety measure that every property should have. Carbon monoxide detectors are also a good idea, particularly if you have gas-powered appliances or a fireplace. Both types of detectors should be replaced every six months to ensure they’re working properly. You should also test them monthly by pressing the test button. If the detector doesn’t make any sound, it’s time to replace the battery. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your business safe from fire damage.

Consider contracting property maintenance services if you feel overwhelmed

Property maintenance is a big job with any property, no matter its size, or the size of your operation. If you or your team are trying to manage it all on your own, it can be a struggle. Beyond just being difficult or stressful, not every team has the time or the expertise to keep up with maintenance and their business at the same time. When you consider that proper maintenance is key to ensuring your business can run smoothly, any time you have to choose between working on your core business or your property maintenance, the end result is always detrimental to your business. Sometimes, the most responsible choice is to let someone else take the problem off your hands so that you can focus on what really matters.

Taking a few simple steps each year can help you avoid costly and potentially dangerous repairs down the road. Please feel free to contact us for a free quote and inspection to make sure your property is ready for the winter weather. We’ll make sure your HVAC system is in good shape, your roof is leak-free, your gutters are clear and more. Keep your business safe and warm this winter by preparing your property now. Or, if you’re interested in our property maintenance services, we’d love to get together and explore the possibilities for a partnership. Get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE on-site consultation.

Construction Project Management: An Overview from Our Experts

The construction project management team is the most important part of any build, as they are responsible for coordinating every moving piece, including organizing the labourers, hiring specialist contractors that are right for the job, securing the materials needed for the construction, and maintaining the logistics network that keeps it all going.

Jeff Gould and Muhammad Ali Hassan are Bilt’s project management experts, with extensive experience both in managing construction and in related fields, giving them perspective both on the specific details of the role, and the wider industry context.

That’s why we decided to sit down with both of them to learn more about the position; what it’s like to fill, the tools involved, and how people get into it in the first place.

1 – What does construction project management entail?

Jeff Gould:

Typically, the project manager comes into the picture after the architect and the engineers have given the owner a complete design, and their job is to execute that design.

However, I should mention that Bilt also does design builds, which means we contribute to the design process. This can help keep the design grounded to meet the customer’s design and budget by involving the perspective of experienced, hands-on construction professionals.

Muhammad Ali Hassan:

Generally, the difference between construction management and project management is the scope. A project goes through five phases/steps: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closeout. Construction management entails the work on-site, which includes some of the planning, but primarily the execution and monitoring.

It’s the project manager’s responsibility to provide the construction manager and everyone else on the project with the support, tools, and materials that they need to get the job done. The construction manager’s job is more limited to on-site concerns, but they serve an important role for the project manager by providing on-the-ground feedback to inform decision-making.

2 – Which aspects of project management are consistently the most difficult or the most unexpectedly difficult?

Jeff Gould:

There’s a wide range of regulations and legislation that need to be followed in construction, and people unfamiliar with the field often underestimate how tricky it can be to navigate them all and remain compliant.

Muhammad Ali Hassan:

Construction projects tend to snowball quickly, so it’s important to plan everything out in detail ahead of time. Clearly defining the scope of the project, and your contingency plans for when things don’t go according to plan, are very important. Without clearly defined plans, managers and contractors can be left having to improvise solutions to unexpected problems on the fly, or the scope of the project can slowly start to creep up, making the plan more expensive while it’s being executed.

Good communication between the managers and the stakeholders is also critical, as it prevents potentially disastrous misunderstandings about risk mitigation and planning.

3 – How do the concerns of a project manager vary between smaller and larger projects?

Jeff Gould:

Larger projects always have more money on the line, more people involved, and more steps and supply lines; so, risk management and logistics get more challenging to manage the larger a project gets. Also, part of a project manager’s role is to choose the right contractors for the job, considering things like their reliability, reputation, and capacity; these also get more difficult to estimate the larger a project becomes.

One thing that’s always a hassle, though, is the weather. Poor weather conditions can put any project on hold, no matter how big or small.

Muhammad Ali Hassan:

There’s a misconception that smaller projects are easier and more comfortable, and that difficulty scales up with the size of the project. In reality, the complexity of the project is what determines the scale of difficulty. Larger projects have more variables involved, which means more risk, but poor decisions made in the early stages of any project can cause problems that balloon rapidly if left unmitigated. No matter how big or small your project is, the only thing that will stop your build from becoming unnecessarily complex is good management.

4 – How can you get into construction project management as a career?

Jeff Gould:

Construction project managers can come from any part of the industry, from engineering to entry-level site labourers. However, some project management credentials are necessary before you can fill that role, and some backgrounds are better suited to project management than others. Most often, managers come from engineering backgrounds or dedicated management programs.

Muhammad Ali Hassan:

There are essentially two pathways available, each with its pros and cons.

The first pathway is to go through engineering/construction management education programs at post-secondary institutions. This allows you to enter the industry as a project assistant or project coordinator, and get you fast-tracked to a leadership position. You’ll learn how to manage budgets, risks, and constraints, and how to use technology to effectively deliver for the client.

The second pathway is to climb up the ladder with on-site experience from a regular tradesman position. While you’ll come to the job with a lot of hands-on experience and a practical sense of what is possible on site, you’ll be lacking training in the administrative side of management. Things like charters, budgets, risks, and cashflows will all have to be learned on the job, and projects might suffer until you master them.

5 – What is the role of software in project management?

Jeff Gould:

Given the complexity of the logistics and regulations, software tools provide streamlined organization and coordination. Consolidating all the relevant information into one platform also helps keep people in every role accountable to their responsibilities.

Managing a construction project can be done without the software, of course, but the software helps make the whole process easier, more reliable, and makes costly mistakes less likely. Bilt is an early adopter of this kind of management software, but we expect it to be industry-standard soon enough. A few different platforms are available, but they all roughly do the same things.

Muhammad Ali Hassan:

Before software was available for construction management, bundles of paper were used to organize and coordinate information. It was inefficient, and information would be missed or get lost all the time.

Now, with the various software tools available to construction managers, all that information is stored and organized in one place. You can use software for everything from communications, to budget management, job scheduling, project accounting, document management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement.

By consolidating all that information in one place, management software improves efficiency and makes the project more profitable, while also making costly mistakes or miscalculations less likely.

6 – Are construction managers always on-site? Does it depend on the project’s size and scope?

Jeff Gould:

Project management is usually done by a team of people, including site supervisors, who are always on-site. The project manager themselves doesn’t necessarily have to be on-site, but it’s best if they’re on-site fairly often.

Muhammad Ali Hassan:

The scale and complexity of the project usually dictate the attendance of the project manager on-site. There’s a delicate balance you have to figure out between the amount of time you spend on or off-site to make sure you’re using your time as effectively as possible. For most projects, however, between all of a project manager’s responsibilities, I think they should be on-site at least once every other day, if not daily.

ABOUT US

Bilt by Jaffer focuses on delivering the best value in construction management, property maintenance, and consulting. Our specialties include hotels, retail spaces, offices, and residential complexes. We provide exceptional and reliable work for our clients through dedication, collaboration, and efficiency.

 

 

 

 

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  • 10335 95 St. NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 2B6
  • (587) 855-0979
  • info@bilt.ca
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