Mixed reality” headsets to make life easier on site

Letting fee ban: a round-up

Unfair letting fees have long been a problematic issue and it wasn’t until the the late 2016 Autumn Statement produced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, that the problem was tackled head-on at last.

The statement was given on the 23rd of November 2016 last year in the Parliament (the full version can be found here, on the official government’s website) and the news spread rapidly like wildfire and raised numerous questions among tenants, landlords, letting agents and property portfolio managers alike all across the country.

Will tenants really save hundreds?

In recent years, fees had become so out of control that when the Autumn Statement was publicly released, it resulted in a 13pc share prices drop for Foxtons, one of the most high-market estate agencies in London. On average, tenants pay around £337 so savings could indeed be quite substantial.

What the ban means for letting agents

Some experts believe the fee ban might drive landlords to self-manage their property, potentially signifying great financial loss for letting agents. Are landlords really ready to take the plunge and go solo?

Will renting cost go up?

The ban was probably intended to shift the costs from tenants to landlords. Many people firmly believe that the unintentional consequence of this letting ban might be rising rent costs, as landlords will be looking to make up for the financial loss. Admin fees and commissions might go up but landlords shouldn’t be charged for it without trying to re-negotiate. According to conservative party member Mike Freer, this is exactly what happened in Scotland in 2012 when the ban was implemented. There is another side to the story though, as an independent research commissioned by Shelter actually found that the rise was small and short-lived. Another recent survey conducted by online letting agent Upad (and published on their blog) showed that around forty percent of landlords intend to rise up prices if extra fees are passed onto them to pay. But those numbers don’t reveal facts, only intentions: tenants and landlords will have to wait and see.

In recent years, fees had become so out of control that when the Autumn Statement was publicly released, it resulted in a 13pc share prices drop for Foxtons, one of the most high-market estate agencies in London.

When is the letting fee ban going to be implemented?

A few months after the Autumn Statement, tenants are now growing worried that the government will drop the ban as consultation for the projects has not began yet. It is however due to be held in the Spring, so everything suggest that the ban is indeed going forward even if it might take a little while to be implemented.

The post Letting fee ban: a round-up appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

4 Keys to Quality Commercial Parking Lot Paving

Commercial parking lot paving isn't a job you want to entrust to just anyone. Your parking lot is one of the first points of contact customers have with your business and how it looks and functions can impact your bottom line.

A well maintained, clean and evenly paved lot with quality asphalt tells your customers that you value their entire customer experienace and appreciate their patronage, from door to door.

If you're in need of a parking lot expansion or upgrade and you're wondering what features  define a quality commercial parking lot paving job, familiarize yourself with these important technical principles.

Four Key Features of Good Commercial Parking Lot Paving

In simple terms, the features that define a quality paving job can be broken down into four categories:

#1 Smooth integration of existing pavement.

If you want to expand an existing parking lot, or integrate existing pavement into a refurbished, precision saw-cutting is an essential first step. The smooth transition form old pavement to new, is important for the consturction of any high-quality pavement project. Learn more about this process with these helpful case studies:

• Commercial Asphalt Parking Lot Removal, Installation

• The Hunger Task Force Re-surfacing and Repaving Project

#2 A good gravel base.

Did you know? The most important part of your new asphalt parking lot is the sub-base. Without a proper gravel foundation, the parking lot will buckle  under the weight of vehicle traffic. Installation of sub-base takes experience and percision. Take a look at these additional resources to learn more:

• 4 Best Practices in Asphalt Installation
• Base Stabilization at Glen Mills School

#3 Proper drainage.

Water needs to have somewhere to go. Carefully designed drainage systems prevent buildups of standing water and long-term damage to the parking lot. Learn more:

• The Complete 7-Step Process For Asphalt Pavement Installation

• Porous Pavement and Your Commercial Asphalt Parking Lot Installation Project

#4 Attention to detail

While the asphalt is hot and fresh, skilled workers use hand rollers and plate compactors to ensure an even surface and sharp edging. This attentiont o detail means that the final product, a new driveway, parking lot or roadway, looks great and it built to last. Take a look at some of our completed projects in our photo gallery.

At Wolf Paving, we take great pride in building some of the longest-lasting and best-looking asphalt parking lots in the Madison and Milwaukee area. Our professionals use advanced equipment and precision techniques to integrate existing pavement, lay gravel foundations, create proper drainage channels, and add detail to parking lot asphalt.

CLICK HERE: Request A Free Estimate Now for Your Next Paving Project

If you'd like to see examples of some of our finest work and hear from satisfied past customers, visit our gallery or read our testimonials. You can also contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation about your commercial paving project.

With more than 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to commercial driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.

For more information on Wolf Paving or torequest a free estimate for your next paving project contact one of our two offices. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

The post 4 Keys to Quality Commercial Parking Lot Paving appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

100m Wear bridge pylon to be lifted into place

https://t.co/D48dixZLI8 thanks for following us! Have a great day :) #pavingcontractor

https://t.co/D48dixZLI8 thanks for following us! Have a great day :) #driveways #pavingcontractor

— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) January 30, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

January 30, 2017 at 02:23PM

Liverpool council building to become luxury hotel

https://t.co/T7vbuMEqXR thanks for following us! Have a great day :) #pavingcontractor

https://t.co/T7vbuMEqXR thanks for following us! Have a great day :) #driveways #pavingcontractor

— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) January 26, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

January 26, 2017 at 02:12PM