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Protecting Your Building Exterior from Winter Elements
Winter is here.
Whether or not the North Carolina Blizzard of 2018 is a harbinger of snow storms throughout the country, you can never prepare your building enough for the season ahead. It starts with fully inspecting the building exteriors, including the roof, walls, and door and window frames, and paying special attention to other parts of the building, including:
Fortifying the Roof
Winter weather can wreak havoc on roofs, making building exteriors and interiors vulnerable to damage from leaks. Snow or ice accumulation, even as it melts, disrupts normal drainage paths, and blocked gutters can redirect it to parts of the building ill-equipped for drainage.
Blocked drains create further problems like concealing standing water which can cause a collapse if the water gets too deep. Adding slope to a roof can help drainage and prevent overload caused by the weight of snow and ice. Take precautionary measures by sealing the edges of high slope roofs to mitigate the risk of ice damming, and installing snow guards to prevent heavy snow layers from migrating to the gutters.
Keeping Lobby Entrances Clean
As the face of your building, it’s important to protect lobby entrances. The foot-traffic in lobbies creates wear and tear on its floors, especially when salt and sand used to treat pavement are tracked in. The answer is laying down safety mats and rugs with efficient spacing. Matting best practices advise 5 to 10 feet of coarse matting outside a building, 5 to 10 feet of matting directly inside the building and another 5 to 10 feet of matting directly behind it.
Protecting Your HVAC System
Your building’s HVAC system is pivotal to the comfort and safety of tenants and guests. In addition to maintaining temperature and air quality, an HVAC system serves as the first line of defense against inclement weather.
In an interview with Buildings, Kevin Miskewicz, Director of Commercial Product Planning at Mitsubishi Electric, notes that “Properly protecting your HVAC system from extreme weather conditions can improve its performance and lifespan. Investing in snow hoods, wind baffles and outdoor unit stands prevents snow and ice from getting inside the equipment and potentially causing damage.”
Thinking Through the Entire Process
Optimizing the conditions of roofs, lobby entrances, and HVAC systems are measures that will help protect exterior areas of buildings. More importantly, they will contribute to the safety of building occupants. To that end, here is a concluding safety tip:
Have a rock-solid snow removal plan. Leftover snow can freeze into ice, increasing the chances of slip-and-fall injuries. Snow drifts obstruct important signage and can conceal fire hydrants and handicap parking spaces.
How to Attract Tenants With Your Lobby Design
First impressions are everything.
When prospective tenants enter a residential or commercial building, they walk through the lobby first, formulating opinions quickly. A unit or office may be beautiful, but the lobby serves as the face of your property and should accurately depict your company’s brand and culture.
Follow these best practices to attract tenants with your lobby design:
Create an Inviting and Clean Space
Every lobby should have a welcoming vibe that is felt from outside and inside its doors. Appealing to the senses, especially sight and smell, seems like stating the obvious but is often overlooked. Hiring the right maintenance, cleaning, and landscaping companies is key to upholding the image of your property. It starts with the outside. Similar to the curb appeal of a house, maintaining the building’s exterior with improvements to the green areas, for example, can enhance the appearance of your property. Keep sidewalks, walkways, and steps swept of debris as well. Inside, floors, surfaces, and walls should be spotless. In addition, designing the interior with indoor plants and art can create a more aesthetically pleasing environment for tenants.
Make Your Lobby an Extension of the Community
Knowing your neighborhood goes a long way with tenants. When you adapt your lobby to your neighborhood, be it an urban or suburban environment, you foster community, according to Building Design + Construction. they write,
“Create a brand and a place that amplifies the unique qualities of your neighborhood.”
A property located in an urban environment with a wide variety of entertainment, dining and socializing opportunities should feature a lobby that complements those easily accessible amenities, while providing options that will benefit the larger community and bring visitors, commerce and new interest to your building.
Host Lobby Events
People are attracted to a crowd, and when they see others gathering in a space, it piques their curiosity. Whether for an office or condo building, lobby events provide an opportunity for face-to-face interactions with current and prospective tenants. Kirk Layton, President & Founder of the Canadian-based Eservus Online Concierge Services, says this personal touch is much stronger than a building newsletter or tweet. “You only have a few seconds to grab people’s attention in the building lobby…after all, tenants in the lobby are always on their way to somewhere else – to work, to lunch or to a meeting – which makes it difficult to capture their attention,” he writes. “Lobby events are an indispensable part of a property manager’s tenant engagement strategy.”
The Bottom Line
The design of your lobby presents an ongoing opportunity to attract and retain tenants. In today’s ultra-competitive market, demonstrating that you care about tenant comfort and their needs through strategic design is a significant differentiator.
For more than 25 Years Mosaic Construction’s Design-Build Approach has Led to Innovative Construction and Management Services
Mosaic Construction’s Design-Build approach has led to Innovative Building and Management Services for over 25 years. Mosaic Construction has provided outstanding design-build services with a focus on renovation and remodeling for commercial and residential property owners dedicated to maximizing a property’s functionality, aesthetic value and overall appeal.
Mosaic Construction understands the entire process of consulting, constructing and transforming properties, exceeding each client’s expectations. Projects are delivered on time, within the client’s budget and with minimal disruption. Through a consultative approach, living and working environments are created that align with each client’s requirements; turning a vision into a reality.
“We bring it all together by creating the project that exactly meets our clients’ business needs. Our design-build approach resonates with our clients who appreciate our attention to detail and quality construction,” according to Mosaic Construction principals, Andy Poticha, Ira Singer and Mike Frazin.
The Mosaic approach starts with listening to a client’s needs to design the ideal plan and then install the products and options that will maximize a property’s functionality and overall aesthetic value. The end goal is to ensure that each project will be on time, on budget and exceeds expectations.
Mosaic Construction’s expertise is defined by three specific areas:
Commercial Design-Build
Mosaic Construction partners with commercial property owners to enhance and upgrade office, retail and investment properties, executing complete renovations of nearly every scope and size to enhance each project. The Mosaic design-build team provides budget forecasts, coordinates procurement of products and organizes trusted trade partners. Mosaic’s offerings include access to proprietary resources and processes to help clients resolve their design-build challenges. Mosaic is adept at creating commercial spaces that are neutral, impersonal and ready for tenant improvement once the lease or sales agreement is signed.
Multi-family Design-Build
Mosaic Construction has the expertise to complete commercial renovations of nearly every scope and size, including a focus on market rate apartment buildings, student housing, affordable housing and senior housing.
Multi-family owners and managers desire a high rate of return when they invest in their properties. Mosaic Construction provides multi-family owners and managers with expert advice to help increase their asset’s value through upgrading the functionality and overall aesthetic appeal of common areas, unit renovations and amenity spaces.
Mosaic Construction has been designated as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). This experience gives the company the ability to modify existing spaces by increasing accessibility and meeting the special needs of residents. As a designated CAPS consultant, Mosaic understands the senior remodeling market, technology, tools and resources available.
Property Managers Depend on Mosaic to Anticipate their Renovation Needs
When Mosaic Construction designs a renovation and bids on the project, this bid is backed by 25 years of renovation design-build experience that allows Mosaic to analyze the needs of property managers and create the ideal renovation solution, including build-outs and exterior and interior improvements. Property managers trust that when Mosaic wins the bid, they will assemble the most qualified team so that property managers can strengthen relationships with tenants, investors, boards and owners.
Paying it Forward
“Mosaic is a company that cares and understands the importance of helping others. By partnering with a multitude of organizations, our company achieves real success. Having a ‘Pay it Forward’ mindset provides us the opportunity to find ways to make a difference through the giving of our time, resources and financial contributions,” according to Singer.
The company understands that the rewards of giving might sometimes seem intangible, but they have a lasting impact on team members and the organizations Mosaic Construction supports.
“Our diverse relationships extend to local non-profit organizations, community groups and Midwest-based charities, as well as national and worldwide organizations. We make the world better when we lead by example,” notes Poticha.
For more than 25 Years Mosaic Construction’s Design-Build Approach has Led to Innovative Construction and Management Services
Mosaic Construction’s Design-Build approach has led to Innovative Building and Management Services for over 25 years. Mosaic Construction has provided outstanding design-build services with a focus on renovation and remodeling for commercial and residential property owners dedicated to maximizing a property’s functionality, aesthetic value and overall appeal.
Mosaic Construction understands the entire process of consulting, constructing and transforming properties, exceeding each client’s expectations. Projects are delivered on time, within the client’s budget and with minimal disruption. Through a consultative approach, living and working environments are created that align with each client’s requirements; turning a vision into a reality.
“We bring it all together by creating the project that exactly meets our clients’ business needs. Our design-build approach resonates with our clients who appreciate our attention to detail and quality construction,” according to Mosaic Construction principals, Andy Poticha, Ira Singer and Mike Frazin.
The Mosaic approach starts with listening to a client’s needs to design the ideal plan and then install the products and options that will maximize a property’s functionality and overall aesthetic value. The end goal is to ensure that each project will be on time, on budget and exceeds expectations.
Mosaic Construction’s expertise is defined by three specific areas:
Commercial Design-Build
Mosaic Construction partners with commercial property owners to enhance and upgrade office, retail and investment properties, executing complete renovations of nearly every scope and size to enhance each project. The Mosaic design-build team provides budget forecasts, coordinates procurement of products and organizes trusted trade partners. Mosaic’s offerings include access to proprietary resources and processes to help clients resolve their design-build challenges. Mosaic is adept at creating commercial spaces that are neutral, impersonal and ready for tenant improvement once the lease or sales agreement is signed.
Multi-family Design-Build
Mosaic Construction has the expertise to complete commercial renovations of nearly every scope and size, including a focus on market rate apartment buildings, student housing, affordable housing and senior housing.
Multi-family owners and managers desire a high rate of return when they invest in their properties. Mosaic Construction provides multi-family owners and managers with expert advice to help increase their asset’s value through upgrading the functionality and overall aesthetic appeal of common areas, unit renovations and amenity spaces.
Mosaic Construction has been designated as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). This experience gives the company the ability to modify existing spaces by increasing accessibility and meeting the special needs of residents. As a designated CAPS consultant, Mosaic understands the senior remodeling market, technology, tools and resources available.
Property Managers Depend on Mosaic to Anticipate their Renovation Needs
When Mosaic Construction designs a renovation and bids on the project, this bid is backed by 25 years of renovation design-build experience that allows Mosaic to analyze the needs of property managers and create the ideal renovation solution, including build-outs and exterior and interior improvements. Property managers trust that when Mosaic wins the bid, they will assemble the most qualified team so that property managers can strengthen relationships with tenants, investors, boards and owners.
Paying it Forward
“Mosaic is a company that cares and understands the importance of helping others. By partnering with a multitude of organizations, our company achieves real success. Having a ‘Pay it Forward’ mindset provides us the opportunity to find ways to make a difference through the giving of our time, resources and financial contributions,” according to Singer.
The company understands that the rewards of giving might sometimes seem intangible, but they have a lasting impact on team members and the organizations Mosaic Construction supports.
“Our diverse relationships extend to local non-profit organizations, community groups and Midwest-based charities, as well as national and worldwide organizations. We make the world better when we lead by example,” notes Poticha.
For more information, contact Mosaic Construction at 847.504.0177.
Surfing the Wave of the Cannabis Boom
Four years ago, Mosaic Construction entered a new vertical in construction as we jumped feet first into the cannabis industry as a result of one of our loyal client asking for our help. Mosaic had previously built retail spaces and when we were approached to complete three design/build projects for their cannabis dispensaries in Illinois, we learned very quickly how fast the market was growing (pun intended!)
Cannabis Facility Construction was created to brand our efforts in the cannabis industry. We have grown to a nation-wide, industry leading design/build construction company. We have worked with design professionals to create unique spaces for our cannabis clients and have completed twelve Dispensary, Cultivation and/or Processing projects in six states totaling over 140,000 square feet. We have a loyal client base and have expanded our reach and talents within the cannabis industry to provide quality and highly functional facilities within this booming sector.
We are proud, sponsoring members of the National Cannabis Industry Association which represents nearly 2,000 member-businesses and tens-of-thousands of cannabis professionals. NCIA promotes the growth of a responsible and legitimate cannabis industry where they believe “Our industry is stronger, smarter, and more prosperous when we work together.” Recently, we attended the Midwest Quarterly Cannabis Caucus which is the premier B2B event series for making meaningful connections with the cannabis industry’s leading executives and policymakers while also getting the tools we need to advance the cannabis industry nationally. Recently, we spent a few days in Anaheim, CA at the California Cannabis Business Conference, the only industry association trade show preparing California cannabis businesses for success in the largest adult-use market in the world. The California Cannabis Business Conference unifies the Golden State and brought together seasoned industry leaders to convene on best business practices and operations.
Later next month, the Cannabis Facility Construction team will attend the MJBiz convention in Las Vegas. This event is the preeminent conference to drive business deals and forge valuable connections with cannabis professionals in business today. There will be over 20,000+ cannabis professionals and 1,000+ exhibitors attending. It is the networking event for anyone serious about networking in the cannabis industry.
To learn more about Cannabis Facility Construction, check out www.cannabisfacility.net.
Window To Your World
“My favorite journey is looking out the window.”
-Edward Gorey
Window replacement is one of the smartest improvements one can make to their home, condo or apartment building. Today’s products are designed to be maintenance-free, highly efficient in terms of insulating your home from winter’s cold and summer’s heat, easy to operate and clean as well as a way to beautify your home’s exterior and interior. Whether you prefer vinyl, wood or fiberglass products, all will provide you with an exceptional value and easy operation.
Below are some of the top reasons that windows are replaced:
The existing windows are not operating properly. This may mean that the double hung sashes or storm window sashes don’t open (or stay open). Broken lift systems are dangerous and don’t allow windows to properly operate. Casement windows can also have operational issues if the lock mechanisms don’t properly grab the hasp or the if roto operator is stripped. These are reasons to consider replacement.
Older windows (anything older than 25 years old) are not energy efficient. At a minimum, new windows should be thermal-pane technology (two pieces of glass hermetically sealed with a non-conductive spacer system). Low emissivity glass (Low ‘E’) and argon gas should be added to boost the R-value (or lower the U-value) of the glass unit. Additionally, new windows have wool or vinyl weatherstripping where the sashes meet the main frames which cuts down on drafts.
New windows are virtually maintenance-free and easy to clean. Midwest weather and the extreme cold and heat seasons are particularly hard on the exterior of older windows. Windows that have wood exteriors are more prone to rot over the years. A new window replacement will provide no maintenance at the exterior as most replacement windows are either vinyl or aluminum clad exteriors. Also, double hung windows tilt in to clean and casement windows fully swing open to provide ease of cleaning even if the windows are on the 2nd or 3rd Floors.
If you are looking for a smart, relatively inexpensive way to enhance the beauty of your home, a window replacement project can really modernize and beautify your home’s exterior (and interior too). New windows have design elements like internal muntins (grids), designer glass, pre-finished paint or stain options (if wood interior) and many exterior colors that can transform the look of your home. Projection windows like bay windows, bow windows or garden windows create space on the interior and create a great focal point on the exterior.
Mosaic Construction believes first impressions really matter and the exterior finishes have the greatest impact on curb appeal. We understand that the definition of a successful renovation is unique to each property owner. At Mosaic Construction, we partner with commercial and residential property owners to enhance and upgrade their exteriors. We have the expertise to complete renovations of nearly every scope and size.
What to Expect
• Consult – we will provide counsel to clarify your needs to construct the ideal plan.
• Construct – we will assist in choosing building products and options that will maximize your
property’s functionality, structure and overall aesthetic value.
• Transform – our process will ensure that your project will be on-time, on-budget and exceed your
expectations.
Our Expertise Includes
• Window Replacement
• Door Replacement
• Composite & Vinyl Siding
• Gutters/Downspouts & Soffit/Fascia
• Deck & Porch Construction
• Masonry & Stone Construction
• Architectural Enhancements
It All Comes Together
Our Brand: We believe that everyone should enjoy the spaces where they work and live. We understand that the definition of beauty is unique to each owner. We create living and working environments that align with our clients’ wants and needs. Through our consultative approach, we focus on learning about our clients and their plans for their new spaces. Our goal is to make their vision into a reality. We promise that it will all come together to exceed client’s expectations and fulfill their vision!
What does “It All Comes Together” mean to some of the Mosaic team members?
“Every Mosaic Action must be implemented, executed, and working in unison for us to be successful and to be the company we want to be. It’s what makes us stand out from the crowd and establish ourselves.”
“It All Comes Together’ means combining all facets of the project into one efficient working machine. From design to construction to finish day, we work through every detail to make sure the project is completed flawlessly.”
“When we are focused on the Mosaic Actions, the result is ‘It All Comes Together’. We have happy team members, clients and trade partners.”
“Mosaic. Where we have many talents and much experience over many facets of construction; all integrated under once process driven enterprise.”
“The customer is more pleased with the work we did for them than they could have imagined.”
“At the completion of project, everyone is happy and satisfied with the journey.”
“It means everything from start to finish was completed on the job. We communicated who we are and what our company is capable of. We listened to the customer’s needs, we built a relationship with our client and understand exactly what they are looking for. We followed through on our commitments and ensured the work met their expectations. We followed up after the job was completed and made sure they still love the dream we created.”
Contributing to a Positive Environment
When you walk into work for the day, the environment should be better by having you there. Treat your peers as your internal clients; this will result in a better work environment and an improved customer experience. Leave outside issues at the door and bring a positive attitude.
What does “Contribute to a Positive Environment” mean to some of the Mosaic team members?
” ‘Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.’ When you come to work and interact with a team member or a client, have a clear vision of the day ahead and avoid distractions, you will have a great day.”
“A positive environment is a place where people enjoy working and living. Contributing to a Positive Environment is doing your part to bring enthusiasm and charisma to all atmospheres of life.”
“Contribute to a Positive Environment means that we take interest in the lives of our team, clients and trade partners. We ask questions, we check in with them, we think of others and how we can be supportive and help them with their work.”
“Contributing to a Positive Environment means make the experience positive for the client. Construction is dirty, noisy and disruptive and we cannot change that. We can set realistic expectations for positive, achievable outcomes and do it with a smile!”
“Use language that is upbeat. Challenges, not problems, for example.”
“Respect everyone. Have fun.”
“Contribute to a Positive Environment means bringing a happy energy to the work place, leaving your problems at the door being a positive person and helping hand your team.”
Close the Loop
It All Comes Together when we Close the Loop on all action items and communications. Follow through on what is promised internally and externally. Be accountable and complete tasks in their entirety.
What does “Close the Loop” mean to some of the Mosaic team members?
“Our timeline with clients is not a straight line. There can always be more opportunities to strengthen the relationship through outreach, communication, and interaction.”
“Closing the Loop means finishing out the project strong. We don’t just begin with a good start, yet we are there for every step of the project and will be there after the project is finished to help with anything they need.”
“Close the Loop means we are focused on open ended items that require our energies and commitments. Closing the Loop improves our client experience and is important to maintaining a great reputation.”
“Closing the Loop means we finish what we start. We set and meet the expectations and we walk the talk.”
“Make sure we finish the project with the same enthusiasm that we started with. Closing the Loop means keeping the client abreast of what we are doing after their project is completed.”
“Follow up. Make the phone call. Send the email.”
“Follow up! Completing a job from start to finish. Ensuring each step is done and nothing is missed. Following up with the client after the job is complete to make sure they are happy.
Build Relationships
In order to have It All Come Together, we must understand who the customer is and what is important to them. Building relationships creates loyalty, trust and a shared vision; it also creates a strong culture and work environment. Strong relationships with our office team, trade partners, and clients lead to a successful and focused company.
What does “Build Relationships” mean to some of the Mosaic team members?
“We are a relationship based company, not transactional. Our clients work with us again and make referrals because of the quality of our work we provide as well as the trust they feel and respect we show. Clients know that when they hire our team, we treat their project as if it were our own.”
“At Mosaic we build relationships with our clients, our trade partners and within our team. Building relationships requires trust. We want all of our clients to feel that trust and know they can rely on us 100%.”
“Building Relationships means we understand our prospect/client needs and what is important to them. We focus on the person and not on the project. We value transparent communication and loyalty. We work hard to create valuable relationships with our clients and trade partners.”
“The foundation of our business. We are not a transaction but an experience that is relatable and replicable through the course of many projects over many years. Building Relationships also means that our clients can count on us as a resource and consultant long after the projects have been completed.”
“Always be cognizant of what each relationship can bring to each participant. Communication is the key to building relationships.”
“Building Relationships means we are respectful to our clients and trade partners. We remember personal tidbits about our clients lives and ask about them when we speak again.”