Tag Archive for: renovation

Wire Mesh Vs. Rebar – a Comparison to Understand which is Better?

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Having even the slightest knowledge about concrete can help you make the right choice when confirming the support material to be used with concrete.

A search for Steel bar Brisbane in Google will return you with all the top dealers of Rebar materials near you. If you are seeking a solid driveway poured, your contractor will ask you to choose either wire mesh and rebar for support. If you have no clue why you are asked this question and what to answer here, this blog will give you a brief summary.

What Is Wire Mesh?

Wire mesh is made up of diminished disfigured steel in its coolest form. The wire mesh is utilised to add robustness and toughness to the concrete being used. When the concrete settles down, wire mesh plays an important role in providing the required support. It also helps in keeping a check against cracks and crevices. Mesh reinforcement Brisbane promotes the maintenance of the concrete’s uprightness against fracturing throughout its lifecycle.

What Is Rebar?

Rebar, abbreviated from reinforcing bar, is also manufactured making use of steel alike Wire Mesh. These are rounded bars with seams that are usually in sizes differing by 1/8th-inch of thickness. Rebar makes use of more space in comparison to wire mesh as it is laid in larger square sections. Rebar is a significant element when it comes to providing depth and has to sustain the structural design. Rebar is also a material of high strength which prevents cracks.

Wire Mesh Vs. Rebar – Factors when Deciding which one to Choose?

Now since you understand the major differences between the two, you might be wondering which one to choose. So, if this question is continuously popping into your mind, here are a few factors that you can consider when deciding on which out of the two:

·      Cost:

Wire mesh is comparatively affordable than rebar. They come in rolls and are made using thin steel bars. The cost of rebar is dependent upon the width of the bars and will eventually cost you more for labour.

·      Support:

Considering the support constraint, rebar is undoubtedly stronger than wire mesh. Several constructors consider rebar for domestic jobs. For thicker driveways and locations that involve greater traffic, rebar is always a good option to consider.

·      Strength:

Cracking is something that both wire mesh and rebar cannot prevent. But together they can serve to be useful in bonding the concrete in place when any sort of cracks occur. The Steel reinforcing mesh Brisbane behaves in a similar pattern on the basis of contraction and expansion properties that is experienced at different temperatures. Also, it is necessary to take extensive care while laying the wire meshes so that it can serve better functionality.

Final Thoughts:

Now that you have a basic idea about the difference between rebar and wire mesh, which one are you going to choose? Steel suppliers Brisbane offers the best products from their wide range. Both wire mesh and rebar have their own advantages of being used for construction. Your needs and requirements will serve as the main factor to decide which one to use.

Concrete Delivery for Your Major Home Improvement Project

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Are you thinking of carrying out a small renovation on your house? Or perhaps you are planning a major home improvement project. For such scenarios, the concrete might not be something you would want to handle. Getting it mixed at the correct proportions on time might be too much of a hassle for your team and you. Especially if you’re a DIY kind of person, concrete can be tricky. A much better option for you is to opt for concrete delivery Brisbane from a reputable and trustworthy concrete delivery company.

What Is Ready Mixed Concrete?

Concrete providers understand the volume and mix proportions of concrete. Providers also collect the date and time of delivery of the concrete. Accordingly, ready-mixed concrete is prepared in the truck mixer which is used for delivery. The estimated time to cover the distance is taken into account while calculating the consistency of the mix. In turn, this is determined by the quantity of water added. The mixer truck of the company providing premix concrete Brisbane has a mixer which rotates slowly throughout the journey. The rotation continues while waiting to pour the concrete so that the concrete doesn’t begin to set. Since concrete has a usable life of about 90 minutes, the concrete delivery Brisbane company advises the user to place and completely finish the concrete within an hour of being discharged from the mixer truck.

Precautions While Using concrete Delivery Brisbane

  • Work with the concrete delivery company to check if the access provided to the site is acceptable. If not, then clear access must be provided.
  • You only have a time period of one hour, therefore, adequate manpower and tools must be on hand when the concrete is delivered.
  • The reinforcement lattice for the element to be concreted must be ready on time by ensuring that every steel bar Brisbane is in place.

 

What makes a successful renovation

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There’s more to successful renovations than  pretty ‘before and after’ photos for your Facebook page. Planning, budgeting, and being flexible are key elements, as well as the ones below.

 

 

  • You have goals

There are clear reasons why you’re renovating. The house or office is old and is due for an update, you want to extend your square meters, or you want add value to the property before you sell.

Other goals to include are financial (budgeting/resale value), aesthetic, and timeline. For example, your project has a $50,000 budget and you want it to look like a house straight out of the Hamptons in six months. Or you want a Tadao Ando-style concrete structure with all the trimmings done in nine months with a budget of $100,000.

 

 

  • You’ve done your homework

For commercial renovations, the company may assign a team to research the particulars of the building and what roadblocks a builder might come up against. This includes:

  • The year the property was built
  • The condition of the infrastructure
  • A list of the most recent visits from plumbers, electricians and pest control
  • Site evaluations

This helps the builder and their contractors immensely. Those unexpected roadblocks will turn into minor speedbumps. The head builder can organise the right quantity of materials to be delivered like concrete, steel, and timber.  

 

 

  • You have a breakdown of costs and a budget

It’s common to spend more money in one area than another. In a home renovation, these finances are usually directed towards the kitchen and bathroom areas because they are the selling points.

This is where the first point comes back into play. You have clear financial goals on this project. You’ll also have some extra cash on hand in case the renovation goes over budget.

 

 

  • Clear communication on all fronts

Good communication, transparency, and honesty are key to a successful renovation. Especially when it comes to money and schedule. It’s important to have these conversations, however uncomfortable, and lay your expectations on the table. The head builder will do their best to be on time and on budget. As a client, it’s important for you to have some flexibility and have a clear vision on what you want the end result to look like.

 

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5 factors affecting your overall concrete price

Planning a renovation? 5 ways to prevent budget blowout

Planning a renovation? 5 ways to prevent budget blowout

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We’re experienced in construction and have poured a few slabs around new home builds. The apprehension and excitement that comes with renovation can overshadow money matters until it’s too late. You’ll have a lovely home, but can end up with some excess debt you don’t need.

 

 

Organise your quotes

The builder, the concrete delivery and trades, the painter…everyone working on the home. You’ll have an initial budget planned already. Having those quotes laid out in front of you will help you allocate what needs to be spent where.

 

 

Reduce, reuse

Recycle! New isn’t always better. It certainly doesn’t equal a better bank balance. When you renovate you can save more money by going to a charity shop or some other reseller.

Remember this old saving trick?

 

Only the essentials

Essential expenses like concrete slabs and plumbing are what you need to ‘splurge’ on. Plumbing, carpentry, concrete delivery and laying, electrical wiring; these come first. Decoration is fun but it needs to take a backseat sometimes. Having proper drainage and running water is more important than a few designer throw cushions.

 

 

I’ll pay you in…

Family loves you, so they’ll naturally help out, right? Well…

Organising a ‘working bee’ or a ‘please help us move back in’ event post-renovation will help you get the little jobs out of the way. Even some of the bigger ones, like painting and general maintenance jobs, can be done for ‘mates rates’. Mates rates can include a barbecue with the works: burgers, sausage sizzles, and good times with friends.

It’s important, though, to give people advance notice that you need help. Tough, sweaty work isn’t everyone’s idea of weekend fun and they mightn’t help out if you just spring it on them. Put up a Facebook event and promise a barbecue at the end to thank everyone for their effort.

 

 

Have extra ‘just in case’

Unforeseen circumstances happen; extra expenses due to complications. There’s a problem with the wiring, plumbing, etc.

These mightn’t happen to you, but the general amount to set aside ‘just in case’ is 20 – 30% of your total budget.