Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Protocols enacted by hospital environmental services (EVS) staff and health care workers to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have also been effective against another infectious diseaseClostridium. difficile (C. diff).

A study in the American Journal of Infection Control found that the incidence of C. diff substantially decreased in 2020 compared to the previous three years due to steps taken to reduce COVID-19 infection, specifically a greater attention to hand hygiene, the use of masks, and the proper donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Researchers with SantAndrea University Hospital of Rome in Italy compared data on people discharged from the hospital from March 1 to June 30, 2020 to discharge data from 2017, 2018, and 2019. While the investigators found that there was no statistically significant difference inC. diffincidence in 2017, 2018, and 2019, the 2020 results proved to be quite different.

In 2017, among 422 discharged patients, 39 were found to have C. diff. In 2018, 25 patients from 348 discharged had C. diff and in 2019, 24 patients from 364 discharged had C. diff.

In comparison, only 11 patients among 333 discharged from wards without COVID-19 patients in 2020 had C. diff and seven patients from 150 patients discharged from COVID-19 wards had C. diff.

Investigators could not determine which of the pandemic protocols played the biggest role in slowingC. diffspread, but they noted that previous studies have shown that hand hygiene alone wasnt enough.

Interestingly, COVID-19 wards showed a higher incidence of C. diff, which suggests coronavirus infection as a possible risk factor for C. diff.

C. diff is the most common pathogen among healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). Learn cleaning best practices to prevent HAIs in health care facilities.

See the article here:
Earn Certification in Carpet Care as Part of the ISSA Show - CMM

To celebrate the season finale of the new seriesLOVECRAFT COUNTRY, HBO will close out theirLovecraft Country: SanctumSocial VR experience by transporting invited guests intoMusic of the Cosmos.

In this first-of-its-kind, groundbreaking social VR experience, 100 select influential voices have experienced a series of events consisting of immersive theater, escape rooms, art installations and puzzles via the Oculus Quest headset. The final event is a virtual reality concert given by Janelle Mone, eight-time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, leading film and TV actress and record producer, who will be giving fans an out of this world performance, and her first ever performance in virtual reality.

The LOVECRAFT COUNTRY season finale airs this Sunday at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, at which point the complete first season and will be available to stream on HBO Max. The first episode of LOVECRAFT COUNTRY has reached more than 9 million viewers across all platforms, and it has been the #1 series on HBO Max since its debut in August.

Im so excited to partner with HBO and The Mill to pioneer the future of concert experiences in Sanctum, saidJanelle Mone. I always strive for innovation, and this project gives me the special opportunity to celebrateLovecraft Country, a show Im a huge fan of, and connect with fans in a completely new way using virtual reality. This is the perfect platform to explore the impact of music and movement in a new dimension designed to celebrate Black art, stories and voices.

The musical experience re-imagines the future of performances and live events, featuring a virtual environment that is interactive and directly impacted by the artists physical performance. Ahead of Mones set, guests will be invited intoThe Reliquary,a mystery room hosted by LOVECRAFT COUNTRYS Michael Kenneth Williams, that will be littered with artifacts from throughout the show and virtual experience each with an accompanying audio snippet narrated by Williams.

Event #3: Music of the Cosmos

Monday, October 19

10:00 PM ET/ 7:00 PM PT

For more information please visitLovecraftsanctum.com

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Janelle Mone Closes The First Season Of HBO's LOVECRAFT COUNTRY With A Virtual Reality Concert Experience. #HBOMax - redcarpetreporttv.com

CHICOPEE The eagle weather vane has been returned to the top of City Hall as a two-year project to repair and modernize the nearly 150-year-old building is coming to a close.

Mayor John L. Vieau joined other city officials as the eagle was raised to the top of the tower by a crane in a short ceremony last week.

The eagle, an icon that has looked over the community since City Hall was opened in 1871, was removed about two years ago when construction crews began an about $14 million project to make structural repairs and weatherize and modernize the interior.

More than six years ago, plaster chunks started falling from the molding in the auditorium and stained glass windows loosened from their frames. Then a piece of the support frame that holds City Halls iconic rose-shaped stained glass window broke off and crashed to the stairs below. This prompted officials to commission a study to find out why the long-closed room on the second floor of the building was failing.

The news wasnt good. Engineers found City Hall was literally falling apart as then-Mayor Richard J. Kos put it. The brick facade was bowing out, sandstone columns were badly eroded, an interior brick arch had deteriorated and poor-quality brickwork in the tower was failing.

That sparked months of debate about what to do next. In 2017 the City Council agreed to borrow up to $16 million to make the repairs and upgrade the building. Officials also received some grant money, and user fees collected by Charter Cable were spent to convert the auditorium into a modern meeting room.

In the end, officials believe the project will be completed at a cost of about $2 million less than had been expected, Vieau said.

We are proud of the character and the symbolism of our eagle. It represents this citys strength and resilience and it is exciting to know the original will also be preserved for its residents to admire for many years to come, Vieau said.

The weather vane has always been a defining feature of the stone turret and tower. It has a special history, since the bronze bird was cast across the street at the Ames Manufacturing Co., known for its Civil War swords. The foundry was the first to become proficient in bronze casting, according to city historian Stephen Jendrysik.

But the eagle that was raised to the top of the tower last week is a doppelganger it is a lighter fiberglass copy finished in gold leaf. A lightning rod will run through the center of it, said Michael Pise, mayoral chief of staff.

The real one, which is also hollow but much heavier, will be cleaned and preserved and placed on display in the auditorium when it is reopened, Pise said.

Along with shoring up the building, other improvements were made including repairing the slate roof; installing a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; replacing aging windows with insulated ones; installing an elevator in the City Hall Annex; and updating restrooms and the outside ramp to meet handicap accessibility laws, he said.

Some aesthetic improvements, such as replacing old carpeting, are also planned, he said.

One of the biggest differences will be in the auditorium, which was in such poor condition it had been closed off for more than a decade. All 19 stained glass windows that ring the auditorium were removed and repaired. When they are replaced, they will be covered with a layer of plexiglass to make them more energy efficient and to protect them, Pise said.

The ceiling had to be replaced as well. During the renovations, construction crews found cut nails were used a century ago and the plaster had separated from the beams, Pise said.

The auditorium, which will have permanent cameras installed so all meetings can be broadcast live, will be used by the City Council, School Committee, Planning Board and others when it is finished around January. The room is large enough to allow for social distancing, which the School Committee found was crucial since some members had to participate remotely when meetings resumed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I think it is a great idea, School Committee member Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello said. It gives us more space and everyone can come if they want to come. I personally dont have a problem with making it our permanent home.

The School Committee, which usually meets at the school administration building on Broadway but recently moved to Chicopee Comprehensive High School for space reasons, voted last week to hold all meetings in the auditorium once construction is complete.

One of the last pieces of the work will be to replace the rose window.

Im excited to have the rose window back. It has defined the City Hall, Vieau said.

Link:
Chicopee City Hall construction nears completion as eagle weather vane returns to perch on tower - MassLive.com

AVON, CT When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. Together with Ring, we're working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Anne Watson who nominated Ellen Farrell of Avon.

If other, job: As well as education

Relationship to nominee: She is the school nurse at Thompson Brook School in Avon. I was the Principal at the time.

Reason for recognition: In my 25 years in education, she is the best school nurse I've ever seen. She goes out of her way to teach students life skills to take care of themselves. And she does it in a positive way, often teaching while classes. She gives fun, interactive class.

One thing to know: She gives fun, interactive classes on how to wash your hands. The adults learn just as much as the children as they use ultraviolet light to discover where they miss. She has organized unbelievable fundraisers for illnesses that our students have.

Read more from the original source:
The Best School Nurse Ive Ever Seen: Avon Local Hero - Avon, CT Patch

In the market for a new car but not sure if it should be an electric vehicle (EV)? Want to save on running and maintenance cost but unsure about highway escapes? Want a refined ride experience but range anxieties keeping you confused? All of these, combined with the price of an EV itself, are natural - and obvious - concerns for all who may be considering taking the plunge into the world of battery-powered mobility.

India is at the cusp of an electric revolution in terms of mobility with the central and several state governments determined to roll out the red carpet for EVs. But the red carpet isn't going to be a magic carpet which helps such vehicles replace vehicles as we have known and driven for years together.

Therefore, here are five key and honest points to seriously consider before deciding on whether your next vehicle ought to be an electric vehicle:

Cost: Let's face it, an EV doesn't come cheap. Not here in India anyway. Not yet. A Nexon from Tata Motors, for instance, starts at around 6.99 lakh (ex showroom) but when a Nexon EV starts at 13.99 lakh (ex showroom). The upfront cost of an EV is, therefore, significantly higher than a regular vehicle but if you plan on keeping the product for a decade or more, it makes a whole lot of sense to take the dive. That is because the running and maintenance cost of an EV is significantly less. With per litre petrol cost well and truly above 81 (in Delhi), EVs make a strong case as a viable option for an affordable drive experience. Because there are fewer parts, maintenance of an EV is also expected to be a whole lot cheaper - over a long period of time, of course.

(Also read: 'Localization key, provides tremendous opportunity in EV market)

Infrastructure: This is still where EVs lose out against conventional vehicles. While EV infrastructure is constantly being updated in major cities, it is still from ideal. And out on highways and smaller cities, a public-charging station is an absolute rarity. And while an EV can be charged using a regular wall socket, the charging time is significant which may mean an EV owner is held hostage by the passing hours.

At present, many recommend that an EV should ideally be the second or subsequent vehicle in a typical Indian household. With infrastructure constantly being developed, first-time car buyers could jump right in at a consequent time.

(Also read: Tesla may enter India in 2021 as Elon Musk drops biggest hint yet)

Range: The above point is also directly linked to the whole question of range. People have always asked 'how much' in terms of mileage of a petrol or diesel car. The question with EVs is 'how many'. How many miles can an EV do per full charge is actually a question people are increasingly asking globally when considering such a vehicle. Different options get different battery packs which means varying range.

The distance that an EV can cover is, therefore, a key consideration and a factor which also depends on whether one uses it as a daily commute vehicle or a regular highway hauler.

Options: Here is where things are looking the brightest. While makers of two-wheelers are rushing in new electric products, car makers are also looking to catch on and cash in.

Hyundai was one of the first off the block with its Kona e-SUV, followed by the likes of MG ZS EV and Tata Nexon EV. The price of an EV is coming down as electric versions of more affordable vehicles are being rolled out.

But if you want absolute luxury, there is Mercedes EQC as well. The launch of the first luxury EV in India from the German brand could possibly make its rivals in the luxury segment sit up and drive in their respective offerings.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, OEMs like Mahindra and Maruti have either confirmed plans or are contemplating products.

Support: OEMs with EV offerings already in the Indian market are going the extra mile to allay concerns over post-sales service. Battery packs come with warranty running over several years while the service networks have professionals who are specifically trained to welcome an EV and keep it running silent smooth.

Several manufacturers are also installing wall charging units at the customer's preferred location without any additional cost.

As such, the EV movement in India is on the right track. There are more options than there have ever been and with incentives being dished out - Delhi has done away with road tax on battery-powered vehicles, the outlook is extremely positive. The pace of infrastructure for supporting vehicles, say many, is still a tad slow but there is no denying that it will pick up pace.

See the rest here:
Electric cars in India: Five points to consider before buying an EV - Hindustan Times Auto News

(Continued from last week)

Atrip of 10 miles one way with horse and buggy was about the limit for aSunday visit with relatives and friends. The first buggies had only atop with a reel of black canvas to shield against the weather.Protection on all sides and front, when needed was provided by curtainsof similar material. In winter blankets were used as a shield againstthe bitter cold. Later the cab was introduced which by means of glassprovided protection in front, rear and both sides. A family needed a 2seated surrey. (Note: My mother had and old horsehide blanket whichwas used as a cover in the winter. This family treasure

is still in the possession of my sister, Beth Metzger. It is a horse-hide on top with black wool for the backing).

Thefirst cars entered upon the scene about 1916. Most of these were Model TFords, which sold new at about $650.00. These first cars protectedagainst the weather by means of a windshield of glass in the front and ablack canvas-like cloth over the top and down the rear. Floppy curtainswere carried in the trunk for use in case of rain or cold weather. Whenthe first cars appeared about 1920 with glass protection on all sides,some far-sighted people proudly predicted that eventually all cars wouldbe such sedans. They also said many would be killed because of allglass closed cars. The astonishing velocity of 60 MPH, was the ultimatespeed imaginable. The first cars were a terror of many road horses. Inmany cases the driver of the horse had to jump out and hold the horse bythe bridle; he usually cursed thosenew fangled machines.

Whenthe first planes appeared in the sky about 1916, a pompous uncleproudly foretold: Some day air planes will become so common that thepeople wont even look up at them anymore. When the first milkingmachine in neighborhood was installed about 1915, the people flocked tosee the contraption actually at work and gave all kinds of reasons whyit would never succeed.

With the approach of the cool weather ofautumn farmers stored enough potatoes and fruit, some beets and cabbagein the basement or a cache in the garden for the long winter. (Note:Some farmers had an up-ground cellar for storage. This was usually a manmade hill and had a door.)

With the arrival of the cold weatherof winter, neighbors gathered to help one another slaughter enough hogsto last until the following spring. In addition to hams, shoulders andsides, nearly every part of the animal was used to make sausage, headcheese, blood pudding and similar delicacies. While the men were busyoutside slaughtering, bleeding, preparing the hot water for scalding anddressing the carcasses, the women inside, with the help of all grownchildren, were occupied with making sausages and puddings, with cuttingoff the fat to be rendered in a large kettle over and open fire outside,to make lard. Fat unfit for human consumption was rendered to be usedin the making of home-made soap. Hams, shoulders, sides and summersausage were smoked; the summer sausage was hung up in a dry cool place,the rest of the meat was stored in dry salt, and was salted down. Nowand then a steer was slaughtered for change of diet. (Note: Sausage wasoften friend down and preserved in lard, in a large crock and stored inthe basement. It was so good to come home from school and have asausage sandwich with homemade bread, covered with grape jam or jelly.Pon Hoss was a favorite of mine. It was made with head meat and oatmeal.Butchering was always a big time event).

In the 1920s ruralelectrification revolutionized farm life by permitting better readinglight in the home, illumination in the barns, electrically driven pumps,running cold and hot water in the home and refrigerators enabling thefamily to keep food for days. Later the freezing compartment was added.Some farmers didnt get electricity until 1946 (after World War II) sothey had to continue to use the ice box.

Dont forget the outhousebefore indoor plumbing and the Saturday night bath was taken in a washtub. Farm tractors came on the scent in the 1920s but many farmersdoubted that they could take the place or horses. Also during thedepression, which struck in 1929, most farmers couldnt afford atractor.

Father Mack continued: These people knew how tocelebrate and enjoy themselves. Relatives came from afar for eachwedding, which was always the occasion for great parties and leanded upwith a dance in the evening. During the winter months, there was atime in a home of the neighborhood nearly every week. The carpet wasrolled up from a room in the house, or a wooden floor of the barn wasswept clean; a violinist, a guitarist and a caller were recruited fromthe area and the people thoroughly enjoyed kicking up their heels. Kegsof beer flowed freely and at the proper time sandwiches were served. Asthe evening wore on most of the children fell asleep under theinfluence of the beer and music. Such a time was the tor of many a happyconversation for days before and after the event itself. Such was life on the farm back in the olden days.

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Farming 1910 to 1930 - Delphos Herald

The 43rd Denver Film Festival (DFF43) announced today three Red Carpet Drive-In experiences that have been added to this years programming, leading off with Searchlights NOMADLANDOpening Night, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. The Red Rocks Red Carpet Drive-In events will provide a one-of-a-kind experience for DFF43 patrons.Throughout this seasons Film On the Rocks Drive-In series, we have watched and shared the joy of audiences getting out of their homes and engaging in big-screen film entertainment, said Festival Director, Britta Erickson. While were excited to pivot to a virtual experience for the majority of this years Festival, and to reach new audiences through that opportunity, we are grateful to our film industry partners, the City of Denver, and of course, our amazing audiences to be able to deliver three unique film experiences Nomadland, Nine Days and Ammonite under the stars at beautiful Red Rocks Park. And the truth is, I cant think of a better, more appropriate way to experience all three of these films and Nomadland in particular than in your car, surrounded by beautiful Western vistas.

Tickets are now on sale for the Red Carpet Drive-In experiences and are priced per car at $75 for Denver Film Members and $85 for the general public. Films will be screened at Red Rocks Lower South Lot 2 parking area, which can accommodate up to 300 cars. Guests will view the films on a large screen, and can tune in to the audio through a designated FM station via their car radios. For safety reasons, guests are required to remain in their cars throughout the screening and are required to wear masks when visiting on-site amenities.

Despite the challenges that 2020 has thrown at us, and the belief that we would have to be 100% virtual for this years Festival, were thrilled to be able to present these three Red Carpet Drive-In experiences and provide our audiences with some select in-person screening opportunities at DFF43, said Director of Marketing and Partnerships, Kevin Smith. These very special screenings would not be possible without the partnership and support of the City of Denver, Arts & Venues, and event partners including Red Bull and Waterloo Sparkling Water.

NOMADLAND will receive DFF43s Rare Pearl Award which will be accepted by director, Chlo Zhao, in a video presentation before the film screening. The Rare Pearl Award highlights a film whose beauty and uniqueness stand out as finest of the year. Recent Rare Pearl Award winners include Portrait of a Lady on Fire (DFF42) and Roma (DFF41).

NOMADLANDOpening Night, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.Red Rocks Drive-In ExperienceWomen+FilmFollowing the economic collapse of a company town in rural Nevada, Fern (Frances McDormand) packs her van and sets off on the road exploring a life outside of conventional society as a modern-day nomad. The third feature film from director Chlo Zhao, NOMADLAND spotlights real nomads Linda May, Swankie and Bob Wells as Ferns mentors and comrades in her exploration through the vast landscape of the American West.

CHLO ZHAOChinese filmmaker Chlo Zhaos debut feature film, Songs My Brothers Taught Me (DFF38), premiered at Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim and earned a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. Her second feature film, The Rider (2017), was critically praised and received nominations for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Film and Best Director. Zhao garnered further success with NOMADLAND, which received widespread acclaim and won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the Peoples Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The Denver Film Festival will include two additional Red Rocks Red Carpet Drive-In experiences: Centerpiece title NINE DAYS from Sony Pictures Classics on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Big Night title AMMONITE from Neon on Thursday, Oct. 29, both at 7 p.m. NINE DAYS will receive three DFF Awards: Emerging Filmmaker Award for Edson Oda, and Excellence in Acting Awards for both Winston Duke and Zazie Beetz, as well as feature a virtual post-film conversation, hosted by Lisa Kennedy, featuring all three award winners and Producer, Jason Michael Berman.

NINE DAYSCenterpiece, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.Red Rocks Drive-In ExperienceWill (Winston Duke) spends his days in a remote outpost watching the live Point of View (POV) on TVs of people going about their lives, until one subject perishes, leaving a vacancy for a new life on earth. Soon, several candidates unborn souls arrive at Wills to undergo tests determining their fitness, facing oblivion when they are deemed unsuitable. But Will soon faces his own existential challenge in the form of free-spirited Emma (Zazie Beetz), a candidate who is not like the others, forcing him to turn within and reckon with his own tumultuous past. Fueled by unexpected power, he discovers a bold new path forward in his own life.

EDSON ODAMaking his feature-film debut after a series of highly acclaimed and award-winning short films and music videos, Brazilian-born writer-director Edson Oda delivers a heartfelt and meditative vision of human souls in limbo, aching to be born against unimaginable odds, yet hindered by forces beyond their will.

WINSTON DUKETrinbagonianAmerican actor, Winston Duke is best known for his role as MBaku in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He also starred in Jordan Peeles horror film Us.

ZAZIE BEETZGerman-American actress, Zazie Beetz stars in the FX comedy-drama series Atlanta (2016present), for which she received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Beetz has also appeared in the disaster film Geostorm (2017), and has played the Marvel Comics character Domino in the superhero film Deadpool 2 (2018) and Arthur Fleck/Jokers neighbor in the psychological thriller Joker (2019).

AMMONITEBig Night, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.Red Rocks Drive-In ExperienceSheila K. OBrien Spotlight on UK/Ireland CinemaIn the 1840s, acclaimed self-taught paleontologist Mary Anning works alone on the wild and brutal Southern English coastline of Lyme Regis. The days of her famed discoveries behind her, she now hunts for common fossils to sell to rich tourists to support herself and her ailing widowed mother. When one such tourist, Roderick Murchison, arrives in Lyme on the first leg of a European tour, he entrusts Mary with the care of his young wife Charlotte, who is recuperating from a personal tragedy. Mary, whose life is a daily struggle on the poverty line, cannot afford to turn him down but, proud and relentlessly passionate about her work, she clashes with her unwanted guest. They are two women from utterly different worlds. Yet despite the chasm between their social spheres and personalities, Mary and Charlotte discover they can each offer what the other has been searching for: the realization that they are not alone. It is the beginning of a passionate and all-consuming love affair that will defy all social bounds and alter the course of both lives irrevocably.###Throughout the expanded 18-day Festival, DFF43 will present more than 100 titles including local, national and international cinema, panel discussions, tributes, and achievement awards. This years Festival will include popular showcase selections including: Italian, UK/Ireland, Women+Film, CinemaQ, CineLatinx, and Colorado Spotlight, as well as welcome new showcases: Colorado Dragon, Spotlight on Social Justice, and a new virtual High School Day for high school students and educators across the state.

Individual tickets are now on sale at: https://www.denverfilm.org/dff43/

Denver Film Festival AllAccess Virtual Passes are on sale:https://dff.eventive.org/passes/buy

Read more:
DENVER FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES NOMADLAND AS OPENING NIGHT DRIVE-IN EXPERIENCE AT RED ROCKS - North Denver Tribune

By Nicola Caul Shelley, Synergy Design & Construction

At Synergy Design & Construction, were big believers in giving homeowners insights into everything you need to know to make informed decisions about home remodeling.

As the pandemic wears on and were all spending so much more time at home, we know a lot of you are ready to make big changes. From kitchens to basements to bathrooms, interior remodeling services are in high demand especially as temperatures start to plummet and our attention turns to winter and the prospect of spending even more time indoors.

Other than kitchens, one of the most frequent home remodeling requests we get is bathroom remodeling. So, to help you on your remodeling journey, here are three dont tips you should know before you get started!

1. Dont Hire the Wrong Type of Contractor for the Job

Every day you see your powder room, your heart sinks a little and you make a mental note (again) its time to do something about it. If your powder room needs a little pep, its not a big remodeling project. But, just as you dont need a CPA to balance a checkbook, you dont need a full service design and build firm like Synergy if you just want to update a vanity and change a light fixture. Knowing who you need is the starting point. Doing your homework and aligning your needs with the type of service a particular contractor provides is a HUGE time (and money) saver. Read more in Best Remodelers in Reston and Where to Find Them.

2. Dont Assume You Need to Keep the Tub

We get this question a lot, Do I need a bathtub in my Master Bathroom?. The short answer is no. A soaking tub is aesthetically beautiful, but if you dont use it now you wont use it in the future. Weve completed a number of remodels for homeowners who chose to eliminate the tub altogether and create a larger shower that packs a design WOW! punch instead. If youre concerned about resale, most home buyers DO want a tub, but it doesnt necessarily need to be in the Master Bathroom. As long as theres one somewhere in the home for kids (and, yes, sometimes pets!) it isnt a deal breaker. Of course, keeping the tub and making a design feature out of it is always an option if you have plenty of room for one.

3. Dont Select Form Over Function

Its really easy to select finishes based on your HGTV vision of your space, not the real life version of how youll actually use it. Were all guilty of this one! For example, a pedestal sink can be a piece of artwork in itself, but it becomes a cluttered mess if you dont have a place to put everything. Spend your budget on storage-friendly vanities. Adding one might just reduce the stress you feel every time you walk into your bathroom and see cluttered countertops. Even the most modern floating vanities now come in all sorts of styles that include storage drawers, so if you have more contemporary taste, you dont have to sacrifice modern design.

Our featured remodel this month is a Reston townhome master bathroom remodel. This transitional bathroom is a great example of how removing the bathtub and creating room for a larger walk-in shower completely transforms the space. The result? A beautiful spa-like retreat.

Learn about the steps we take to ensure a safe home remodeling experience here. If youre ready for a design thoughtful home remodel, our consultations are FREE and we even offer virtual meeting options. If youre ready to chat, give us a call!

Read more:
Reno of the Month: Three Things Not To Do In Your Bathroom Remodel - Reston Now

Though both have been around for a while, construction professionals in the region said they are seeing them trend upward.

Old buildings for new purposes

Construction Engineers recently finished a project for Essentia Health that involved converting an old retail building into a state-of-the-art ambulatory care clinic.

The 23,000-square-foot building in Park Rapids, Minn., now includes 18 exam rooms, space for physical and occupational therapy, a speech therapy department, and a cutting-edge radiology department, among a number of other features.

Essentia moved into the space when Construction Engineers, headquartered in Grand Forks, N.D., was just finishing some final touches with the building in early September.

Mike Dunn, the construction companys business development manager, said this is not the first time the company has refitted a building for a new occupant. Dunn said vacant retail stores are prime real estate to convert to health clinics, in part because of the open spaces of vacant buildings.

We did a job very similar for Altru in Grand Forks where we repurposed a Scheels store, there on Columbia Road, into its PT and Performance Center, he said. These health care providers want to utilize these locations and save a little bit of money by remodeling into those buildings.

Dunn said there are some varying challenges repurposing old buildings, but the benefits surpass the hiccups. A couple of benefits is that the main structure is already built, and retrofitting an existing building instead of building a new one may save the new owners money.

I think there are definitely challenges with repurposing, but it can also help owners open faster because theyre not undertaking a totally new construction project, he said. I think that's why some of the owners like doing this. As an example, the Park Rapids project was a nice open floor plan to begin with and so it just involved adapting their layout for the flow of patient care and traffic patterns. It was totally transformed.

While businesses other than medical might find their own purpose for repurposing an existing building, it seems to especially be trending with healthcare providers.

They typically are in good locations and so the health care folks are seeing there's opportunity to put some of their specialty needs clinics in more retail locations and repurpose those buildings, Dunn said. We've seen a number of them do that. We see it all around the area, actually.

Dunn said he is unsure if the coronavirus pandemic has quickened the trend, because many remodeling projects started before the pandemic was declared. And from what hes seen, it is a trend not only locally but nationally.

A lot of these jobs have been in the works for three years or so, he said. I think it's more of a trend nationally with available buildings and, again, trying to fill up space instead of always doing new construction on the outskirts of town, that kind of thing.

Prefab and modular manufacturing

Modular construction and prefabricated buildings also are becoming more popular among medical facilities and the hospitality industry.

Something that makes these options appealing, according to Tim Torpey, general manager of B&T Manufacturing in Black Hawk, S.D., is that they are a cost-effective option, especially during economically challenging times.

There's no shortage of us having opportunities for projects, Torpey said. We continue to grow, and that includes our employees over the next couple of years.

The company is growing so remarkably, in fact, that it plans to open a new 60,000-square-foot facility this fall in Rapid City.

The Prefabrication and Modular Construction 2020 SmartMarket Report, published by Dodg Data & Analytics, echoed similar sentiments, explaining that prefabrication and modular construction are experiencing significant growth as the construction industry seeks to improve safety, productivity, project quality and cost-cutting measures.

Clearly the future is bright for continued growth in use of both prefabrication and modular construction for a number of reasons, according to the report. One of those reasons, Torpey said, has to do with the number of diminishing trade professionals.

Construction folks will tell you that with the shortage of qualified personnel when you think about the carpenters and plumbers there are not a lot of folks going into those trades these days, he said. So they're looking for solutions to still get their job done, and this provides possibly more job opportunities in this market where people are not going into those other fields as much. This helps to kind of balance that out.

A view of a finished, factory-built bathroom by Black Hawk, S.D.-based B&T Manufacturing. Image: Courtesy of B&T Manufacturing

B&T specializes in prefabricated and modular bathrooms for hospitals, hotels and restaurants, among other industries. The bathrooms are manufactured at B&Ts facility and then delivered to the project site for installation.

They're actually complete turnkey bathrooms with tile, mirrors, shower doors, vanities, Torpey said. They just slide into the envelope of the building. Once on site, we do about two hours worth of connections and you have a fully functioning bathroom.

Of course, thats a simplistic explanation. Torpey said there is a lot of pre-planning, measurements, and coordination that happen along the way and long before the bathroom is installed. It never fails him when the job is complete; he is always excited to see a project come together like a finished puzzle.

B&T also is doing something else with bathrooms, something Torpey said he believes will be a game changer on the job site. Say goodbye to portable potties on the construction scene, he said. Say hello to the wellness hub.

The Wellness Hub for Hygiene & Health fits into a variety of environments to connect to sanitation, fresh water, and electrical utilities. It includes natural lighting and porcelain fixtures. Basically, Torpey said, it is a smart bathroom that scans the faces of users to take their temperature, provides a hand-sanitizing basin, and once the occupant leaves the hub it locks the door and automatically sanitizes the room for the next visitor. The hub is on wheels so it can easily be moved to new locations of a job site.

The hub is just another way that Torpey said B&T is following trends and making new ones. In the larger picture, he said some general contractors still have a tough time with prefabricated and modular projects, but he understands why that may be the case.

The general contractors out here, the hotel builders and such, they've been doing their stuff for years and years, the way they've always done it, he said.

But he believes prefab and modular will continue to take hold and grow, and those who have come on board with it realize the benefits.

They see the potential, but it is still that leap of faith, he said. Basically what were doing, we're just bringing construction into a manufacturing process.

Andrew Weeks may be reached at 701-780-1276 or aweeks@prairiebusinessmagazine.com

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A couple of construction trends to keep an eye on - Grand Forks Herald

Fall calls for more than just a reset on our clocks. We need to prepare for a new season. Here are some ways to do so and save money at the same time.

At the grocery store

Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. Overripe fruits and vegetables go bad faster, so choose the freshest produce available. When it comes to leafy greens, opt for those that are richly colored, with few to no limp or yellow leaves. When youre picking out root vegetables like potatoes and onions, weight is a good indicator of freshness: The heavier they are, the better.

In your clothes closet

The cheapest place to go shopping is right in your home. With cooler months approaching, its time to go through your closet and swap out your favorite shorts for your favorite sweatpants.

Take a day to go through everything you own, and create piles for things you no longer want, things you want to keep, and seasonal items. For clothing you wont need until next summer, properly pack it in airtight containers to avoid issues like moths.

Once your clothing is separated, youll probably have some items that are showing signs of wear. Dont toss them. Its surprisingly easy to re-dye clothing that has started to fade. If you have stained items, try soaking items in OxiClean. If you noticed that your workout gear is not looking as spry as it used to (or that its retaining a funky smell even after washing), bring it back to life with Purex Fels-Naptha.

If the idea of going through your wardrobe doesnt fill you with joy, get some friends together over Zoom for a virtual clothing swap. You might be able to nab a couple of new pieces from pals and rid yourself of stuff you dont love anymore.

Around the house

If youre itching to do some remodeling, try something that doesnt cost anything at all: rearranging your furniture.

First, decide what you want the focal point of the room to be and concentrate on that. If its the bay windows in your living room, figure out how to arrange the furniture so it doesnt impede the view. Position the largest pieces of furniture (such as the bed or sofa) first, and work outward from there. Try different layouts.

Once you have an arrangement you like, step out of the room and walk back in. A vibe check will allow you to see how the room feels.

After rearranging, you may find yourself in need of a new piece of furniture or two. But before you go shopping, take a look around your house to see whether theres anything you can repurpose. Could that old bookshelf be transformed into your new standing desk?

Clean and organize

Now that youve rearranged, why not take the extra step of making the furniture look new? To tackle lighter stains, a little warm water and dish detergent can usually do the trick (depending on the fabric).

If you need something stronger, or you need more than just a spot treatment, it may be worth getting an upholstery cleaner. A good upholstery cleaner may seem expensive, but its cheaper and more convenient than hiring a professional cleaner.

Want to give your bathroom an inexpensive face-lift? Organize anything you have stored in exposed shelving. Tidying up (and hiding things out of sight) is especially rewarding if you have a smaller bathroom. A clean space creates the illusion of a larger space. Or perhaps you can craft a new shower curtain.

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It's fall. Time to refresh, reset and save - Minneapolis Star Tribune