Before Minnesotas stay-at-home order was issued, Lori Schmidt and her husband had made up their minds to remodel their home in Blaine.

The couple recently signed a contract and put down a deposit with New Spaces, a Burnsville-based design build remodeling contractor.

COVID-19 safety was one factor in their choice of contractor, according to Schmidt.

They [New Spaces] are taking COVID seriously, she said, including an all-virtual-design process. I talked to other remodelers and they were fine wanting to come in our home, measuring, some even wanting to shake hands. No!

When the job requires workers to be in her home, theyll be wearing face masks, as will Schmidt and her husband. It will work well until everything is lifted, she said.

With construction designated an essential industry, home remodeling projects can and are going forward. But some Minnesota builders are dramatically changing the way they operate, staging Zoom meetings instead of in-person consultations, having homeowners take their own photos and ramping up job-site safety protocols, from sanitizing doorknobs to limiting the number of subcontractors allowed inside the home at one time.

Never in my 20-plus years in the industry did I imagine that we would be meeting with people virtually, said Bjorn Freudenthal, homeowner adviser and vice president of business development for New Spaces.

Homeowners have a wide array of new concerns about remodeling.

Theres fear and confusion, he said. Some want to move forward and view this [the coronavirus] as a speed bump. Some are saying, Lets pause. Life has been thrown upside down. Were trying to meet people where theyre at.

After the spring Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase were canceled due to the pandemic, New Spaces developed a virtual consultation process, including worksheets to help clients identify their needs, wants and wishes.

Its more collaborative, Freudenthal said of working with homeowners without entering their homes. Homeowners need to send pictures, walk around with their phone. We have to rely on technology.

JKath Design Build + Reinvent, St. Paul, also has dramatically changed the way it works with clients.

In-person client meetings have been replaced by Zoom meetings, and samples are delivered directly to homes, without personal interaction, said Katie Kath, co-owner and designer.

Theres increased communication about what clients need to feel safe, Kath said.

It feels like a lot more work, said Kath. I have a little bit of Zoom fatigue right now.

For New Spaces, job-site protocols have changed dramatically, including more temporary barrier walls to create separation, stringent tool cleaning and allowing only one trade in a home at a time.

Weve tried to create an environment of client safety and vendor safety, said Freudenthal. People ask, Is it even possible? The reality is, yes, if its planned properly.

Safety isnt a new challenge for builders, Kath noted.

Weve always been in the business of protecting ourselves and our clients from lead, from asbestos, she said. Thats not on the level of the coronavirus, but we always protect the job site.

Virtual home tours

Connecting with prospective clients also is more of a challenge in the coronavirus era.

Two years ago, when JKath had a home on the Remodelers Showcase tour, it led to 50 inquiries that resulted in 30 in-home consultations, said Kath.

After this years Remodelers Showcase was canceled, JKath had to look for another way to showcase the project it had planned to feature on the tour, a whole-house makeover in Edina.

It was going to be one of the Dream Homes, said Kath. Instead, the home was staged for a photo shoot.

New Spaces created virtual tours of the two homes it had planned to have open during the Remodelers Showcase, and invited people to take part in a Zoom happy hour during which they could ask questions. It plans to continue the series with other featured projects, a kitchen makeover on April 23, a lower-level makeover on April 30, and a kitchen/main level and master suite on May 7, all from 4 to 5 p.m. (Contact New Spaces, newspaces.com, to participate.)

For those who missed touring homes during the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase, several contractors produced virtual tours of their featured homes that can be viewed on the Builders Association of the Twin Cities website, paradeofhomes.org (select Has Virtual Tour).

Amy Haugen, Minnetonka, took part in one of New Spaces virtual tours before deciding to proceed with a remodeling of her main level and creating a master suite, a project shes been thinking about for 17 years.

While shes concerned about the coronavirus, she was reassured by the safety protocols that have been put in place. Everything is so uncertain, she said. But it took me so many years to decide, I need to just do it.

Here is the original post:
Home remodeling projects continue during the pandemic, with a few key differences - Minneapolis Star Tribune

During quarantine, Disney fans have been finding all sorts of creative ways to pass the time, from reimagining Disney World and Disneyland attractions at home to cooking up recipes inspired by their favorite Disney films.

Home renovations and decor updates are also on the rise. What better way to show your Disney side than with home decorations featuring your favorite animated Disney characters?

Wayfair is currently offering four different Elite Tile Disney glass mosaic tile options that are perfect for your next DIY project! Whether you want to update your bathroom with Disney style or install a new kitchen backsplash, you cant go wrong with these easy-to-install tiles.

The first two Disney tile options feature various Disney Princesses.

This Disney Princesses glitter tile costs $8.49 per square foot. These feature alternating mosaic tiles that either have pink and silver glitter squares or individually images of Snow White, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, and Aurora.

The second Disney Princess tile option is priced at $9.49 per square foot and features six of the Princesses in Disneys line-up. Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, and Rapunzel have individual portraits, while Aurora and Belle share a tile.

The alternating tile in this set features jeweled aqua squares amid iridescent white tiles. This Disney tile set would be stunning in a bathroom with lots of natural light that would reflect off of the iridescent tones!

The third Disney tile style is priced at $8.99 per square foot and features the precocious Marie from The Aristocats! There are five glass mosaic tiles featuring Marie, wearing her famous pink bows, in different poses. The alternating tile has small pink and white squares.

The final Disney glass tile version is priced at $7.99 per square foot and features characters from the Cars franchise! Featuring Lightning McQueen, Mater, and Lightnings famous number 95, this bathroom tile set is perfect for little boys bathrooms!

The alternating tiles resemble a racing checkered flag with black and white squares.

Will you be using Disney bathroom tile to create mosaic art for your next home remodeling job? Tell us about your Disney decor dreams in the comments!

Even if you cant live at Disneys Golden Oak private community, you can absolutely add some Disney magic to your house. This Disney office decor is sure to bring a smile to your face when you sit down at your desk, especially if youre unexpectedly working from home!

You can also bring the magic home to your kitchen. Check out this Disney Princess dinnerware set or these Minnie Mouse dinner plates!

View post:
Add Disney Style to Your Next DIY Project With Glass Mosaic Tiles! - Inside the Magic

With more than 1,900 businesses in Fauquier County, there are likely 1,900 stories of how owners are attempting to survive the current coronavirus landscape. Entrepreneurs have built their companies by considering educated risks. Some small business owners say they are using those critical skills to carve out their futures.

Salon Lou is an upscale Warrenton hair salon owned and operated by Lori Nicholson.

Salon Lou

Salon Lou is an upscale Warrenton hair salon owned and operated by Lori Nicholson. It opened in 2015 and had been a success from her first cut, she said.

Today the shop is shuttered and all 15 employees have been laid off. Nicholson said, Its almost surreal for my team and me. We were all in shock for the first two weeks. In the third week, we said, 'OK, what are we going to do with ourselves?

Nicholson believes that maintaining esprit de corps is foremost, so conducting virtual cooking classes with her employees helped soften the blow of not being able to man scissors, dye and hair dryers. "It's been a lot of fun," Nicholson said.

The downtime has also been devoted to virtual online training classes to maintain and enhance hair treatment skills and support professional education. A major industry show was canceled, so a lot of my stylists are taking classes online, Nicholson said.

Her furloughed employees have applied for unemployment. The process is frustrating and time consuming because millions of unemployed are tackling the same problem. "I've had to help some of my employees get it, Nicholson said.

She has had a lot of clients call and ask if she could come and do their hair. Unfortunately, state licensing laws and insurance companies will not permit most hair styling to be performed off-premises.

More importantly, she does not want to take the chance of infecting the community or her employees by going off-site. When the economy does open up, she said, We will be bombarded. Clients want professional hair jobs. They do not want to cut and color at home.

Once the doors open again, she said, its also going to change how her employees will interact with customers. We cant do our job 6 feet away. Well probably end up wearing gloves and face masks. Everybody will be scared of going back into the work force.

Currently, I can sustain my business for two to three months. After that, it's going to be questionable, Nicholson said.

Tony Tedeschi, of Piedmont Press & Graphics.

Piedmont Press & Graphics

Tony and Holly Tedeschi own Piedmont Press & Graphics. The couple has more than 50 years of print and design experience backed by historical perspective on how to survive cyclical business swings.

Tony Tedeschi said, My company is still open because we were declared an essential service, because we produce mailings and signage, both important to the economy. But weve lost work on promotional materials for concerts, festivals and equine events.

Losing business like the Gold Cup was hard because its one of our bigger jobs of the year. I would estimate our business is down 60 percent. The drop in revenues occurred almost overnight, he said.

Even before COVID-19, Tedeschi was preparing for a recession, which he thought was overdue. He learned a lot by surviving the 2008 recession, so he was better prepared; he had been saving money, both corporate and personal. The Tedeschis first move as owners was to stop taking paychecks.

He also asked his employees to shift to a 32-hour work week, essentially taking a 20 percent reduction in pay. We have enough money to go a couple of months, keeping our 15 employees working. He has an unused line of credit and has applied for thePaycheck Protection Program, which is a loan for small businesses. Its a forgivable loan, as long as 75 percent of it goes to employee paychecks and health care benefits.

If he is approved for the loan, it will give him an additional 75 days of relief. With all his planning in place, he thinks he is a long way from bankruptcy. He also is in the process of creating some new products and is poised to spend money on marketing.

Where you make your money is when you come out of a downturn. We want to be ready when that day comes. Im not panicked about the situation. Its going to be bad and painful, but people are doing their best to pull together and survive.

Regetis Photography

Amy Regeti manages her familys Warrenton business that has, Pretty much been set on pause. We are solely devoted to photographing weddings, and all our clients are postponing their plans. That will have a domino effect going into the 2021 season.

Amy Regeti of Regeti's Photography

Postponing weddings to the following year means that valuable dates that would have otherwise gone to new business are being snagged by weddings that canceled this year. Regeti said, It limits what we can take on. We service about 25 weddings a year, all of that that has pretty much jumped to later in the year. That business will likely jump again, dependent on the timing of the economic recovery. I would be surprised if we shoot even one wedding this year.

A lot of our clients are shifting dates because they do not want to hold a wedding and a reception with everyone wearing masks. Its not how they want to remember their special occasion.

The family business is a full-time job, but her husband does some work for the federal government. He has been able to retain his security clearance and continues to work, providing much-needed family income.

Home Sweet Home Improvements

Tom and Dawn Wottons Bealeton company is a design, build and remodeling firm with four full-time employees. One of the first actions Tom Wotton took after social distancing was implemented was to reach out to past elderly clients and see how they were faring. Often that resulted in face masks being delivered to the individuals for their protection.

His business is still operating and has about a three-month backlog of work; only a few of his current clients projects slowed down. Nonetheless, fresh leads have stopped.

When on-site, his crew quarantines off a section of the home that is being remodeled and works with hand sanitizers, gloves, safety glasses and face masks. CDC guidance for home construction crews are included in the companys regular safety talks.

Some of his suppliers and subcontractors initially wanted to stop residential work, but Wotton told them his clients were OK with proceeding and gained the cooperation of the vendors.

Wotton said, Yes, we are feeling an impact of whats going on. There are two fronts in play here. First, there are health and safety issues, and we are managing that part of it. Secondly, there is the financial front. If we can produce, we need to continue to produce. Its that simple.

Claire Lamborne owns Claires at the Depot restaurant in Warrenton.

Claires at the Depot

Claire Lamborne owns her restaurant like Tiger Woods owns his swing. The eatery is part of her very core, and she will fight to make certain it endures. To that end, she will reopen for curbside service soon.

Claires service was offered for a short time when the economy was first placed in lockdown. But a crowded staff in a tight kitchen wasnt manageable, she said.

Now shes back. I think we solved some issues with the carryout and will offer it again.

Lamborne thinks she has found a way to work around the tight kitchen issues while keeping her staff safe. While she has 36 employees, only kitchen staff will be brought back at first. She said she believes curbside service will last longer than some people think.

Lamborne said, Before we were trying to do food hot and that became very difficult. This time well be doing curbside meals that are cooked and ready for reheating at home.The new approach allows for pre-planning menu selections and calming the previously busy kitchen scene.

While answers to many questions about the recovery process are yet to be answered, Lamborne said she will not wait until they are to revive an income stream. My accountant doesnt have answers to my questions, and I need to find a tax attorney, said Lamborne.

Will Lambornes new world mean a delay in her retirement plans? Oh, my gosh, yes! The value of my business has dropped, so now I plan to work till Im 80 years old. Im healthy, so hopefully, Ill be able to do that.

Lamborne believes that when she does reopen, she wont be able to accommodate as many diners as before. I think there will still be social distancing. Well need to get those patio chairs and tables painted," she said, laughing.

John Hochheimer is chairman of the board of the Great Meadow Foundation.

Great Meadow Foundation

John Hochheimer is chairman of the board of the Great Meadow Foundation. He said they have had to cancel or postpone several of their planned events. The largest one to date is Gold Cup. It has been rescheduled for June 20, assuming conditions permit.

Twilight Polo was supposed to start May 23, but the potential new start date is now June 13. Honestly, all of our plans depend on what the governor recommends and what the requirements will be once the stay-at-home policy is lifted, said Hochheimer. Our revenue is down some 20 to 25 percent.

He underscores that the foundation is hurting because the delayed events are the core of its revenue. Nonetheless, the staff of seven is still working, and the gates are open.

People are welcome to come out to Great Meadow and walk the grounds and exercise their dogs individually and in small groups. Its largely a wait and see situation. Fortunately, much of what was unfolding at the spacious outdoor venue was just ramping up. Rescheduling the more significant events later in the year will save many of the seasons activities.

Several smaller events, like the National Rocket Contest, will be rolled over to next years schedule. Hochheimer said that groups need to plan events weeks or months in advance, and the uncertainty about when people will be allowed to gather leads to the cancellations.

Well continue to update our website when things are rescheduled. And we do welcome visitors to come out and enjoy the grounds. But I ask that people clean up after themselves and their pets, said Hochheimer.

On the links at Fauquier Springs Country Club

Fauquier Springs Country Club

Shawn Rogers is the general manager of the venerable club that was established in 1957. It has about 325 members. The facility has a restaurant, pool, tennis courts and a golf course. While the restaurant is closed to diners, it is offering carryout service.

He explained, One of the major complications we have seen throughout this situation are the protocols weve had to put into place to keep our club going. The Virginia Department of Health has been fantastic as to what we needed to implement.

The governor has allowed us to keep the golf course open, and our number of rounds are up. Every cart is sterilized before it goes out, and only one golfer per cart is allowed. Weve removed the sand-divot containers from the carts and anything else a player might touch. Players are not allowed to touch or remove the flag pin during play, Rogers said.

The clubs most substantial revenue producers are its banquet and event operations. We have been severely hurt in those areas.A lot of weddings and special events have been rescheduled. In March and April, we lost $150,000 in revenue. Every day this goes on, we are at risk of losing even more.

Rogers thinks the country club will survive without difficulty for two to three months. After that, it will become more problematic. Right now, were OK. But not as OK as we should be.

Fauquier Chamber of Commerce

For more than a decade, Joe Martin has served as the president of the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce. He has successfully guided the organizations 530 members through robust economic growth. Today, hes a whirling dervish, working to keep his family safe from harm.

We have a weekly conference call with numerous regional leadership organizations strategizing on how to address the critical issues facing us. Im also on Zoom calls daily with local, state and federal agencies for the same purpose.

The communication outreach across these dozens of organizations has been phenomenal. One minor but important aspect of all of this is well be using these communication technologies from here on out, said Martin.

To focus on real-world concerns and seek advice from chamber members and their guests, a monthly virtual luncheon is hosted by Martin, where attendees go around the screen and share successes, struggles and challenges. Its an opportunity for one story to answer dozens of questions.

Martin finds it reassuring in such stressed times that most of the groups and individuals hes interacting with generally have a positive feeling about the future. But the pain experienced by small businesses is of particular concern to him. The downturn will end, and Martin, in concert with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, is working on a recovery plan to help make it happen.

Martin muses, The recovery is not going to spring back overnight. It will be a slow and methodical process of likely a year or more. Yes, there will be pent-up demand, but it will not be an explosive recovery. But it will happen. Staying focused and positive is key.

See the article here:
Fauquier County businesses tack into the wind | News - Fauquier Times

For manufacturing and distribution facilities, the introduction of 5G the next generation of cellular wireless could be a game-changer down the line.

Related Research Consider: 5G will hasten the rise of the smart factory/warehouse, where tracking and distribution will improve exponentially, thanks to industrial IOT sensors. Monitoring will happen continuously in real time as the 5G network takes a triple approach to improving mobility speed (ultra-fast data rates), interactivity (ultra-low lag with no buffering), and connectivity (more capacity, devices, and data).

But this panacea of improved efficiency and productivity can only happen once facility owners and operators begin evaluating their properties infrastructure and readiness. With that in mind, follow the five-step road map in this article to prepare for 5G.

The introduction of 5G the next generation of cellular wireless could be a game-changer down the line. Roadblocks to ConsiderBefore rolling out the 5G red carpet, its important to remember that there may still be a few roadblocks in the way. When these roadblocks exist, occupants will feel like theyre walking at a snails pace in the facility but teleporting the minute they step outside.

See original here:
Smart Facilities and Industrial IOT in the Era of 5G - Area Development Online

Commercial real estate company Cushman & Wakefield recently introduced the Six Feet Office concept to showcase some of the ideas it envisions companies will be adopting soon. These include desks spaced 6 ft. apart, along with bold color and visuals such as circles embedded in the carpet to remind people to distance themselves.

Cushman & Wakefield

The battle between the states and the federal government is heating up about when to open the economy and start letting people go back to work due to the coronavirus. On Monday,Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottliebtold CNBC that employers need to have specific plans in place for how to safely return workers to the office or shopfloor.

"In an office, you could split your employees have half of them work at home, half of them come into the office on alternating days," Gottlieb said on "Squawk Box."

He added: "You should continue to encourage telework where you can."

Exactly when employees will be heading back to work is still an unknown, but what is certain is that when it does happen, things at the office will almost certainly be very different. Just as the pandemic is likely to have a lasting impact on our personal habits, it will also change the way we work. Among the key changes companies are already considering:more space, sanitation and flexibility, with more employees working from home on a semi-regular basis.

So how will all this be achieved? According to a number of office designers, companies will be installing more sensors to reduce touch points, such as on light and power switches and door handles, antimicrobial materials, more and better air filtration, temperature monitoring at entry points, desks that are spaced farther apart, plus subtle design features that remind people to keep their distance.

Over the past month, commercial real estate company Cushman & Wakefield has helped 10,000 organizations in China move nearly 1 million people back to work after the country reopened its economy after the pandemic. Cushman & Wakefield, which manages 800 million sq. ft. of office buildings in China, learned much from that experience.

According toDespina Katsikakis, who heads Cushman's occupier business performance, the company used its learnings along with World Health Organization data and the advice of medical specialists to develop a concept dubbed theSix Feet Office, which it has already applied inside its Amsterdam headquarters.

Through properly spaced desks and visual cues, such as bold colors and large circle designs in the carpet, the Six Feet Office concept will remind employees that 6 ft. must stay between people at all times.Katsikakis says the Six Feet Office concept is a prototype to showcase some of the ideas Cushman envisions companies around the globe will be adopting soon.

The bold circles in the carpet in Cushman & Wakefield's Six Feet Office concept is designed to remind people to social distance.

Cushman & Wakefield

Katsikakis believes many employees will welcome these new changes. In recent years the amount of square footage allotted per employee has gone down from 211.4 sq. ft. in 2009 to 17.6 square feet in 2017, according to Cushman & Wakefield. This has led to widespread complaints about loud office mates and lack of elbow space.

COVID-19 is likely to halt this trend. Other changes she sees happening in China: staggered schedules to lessen occupancy in buildings, desks being moved farther apart and more barriers between desks. Cushman & Wakefield also sees more emphasis on sequencing people into elevators so they aren't packed in like sardines.

Another feature the commercial real estate company says to expect is an increase in signs instructing employees to walk in one direction in hallways, or clockwise in a meeting room, to ensure an orderly flow to foot traffic.

Making changes to accommodate social distancing at the office is already top of mind for many companies as talk of reopening the economy has started to reverberate here in the U.S. Among those that have already announced major changes are Marriott and financial services firm Discover.

On Tuesday, Marriott announcedthe hotel chain will be using signage in its lobbies to remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols and will be removing or rearranging furniture to allow more space for distancing.The company is also considering adding partitions at front desks to provide an extra level of precaution for guests and associates and is installing more hand-sanitizing stations atthe entrances to its hotels, near the front desk, elevator banks and fitness and meeting spaces. In addition, guests will be able to use their phones to check in, access theirrooms, make special requests and order room service that will bespecially packaged and delivered right to the door without contact.

According toAndy Eichfeld, chief human resources and administrative officer at Discover, once they are given the all-clear, employees will return gradually and only if they are comfortable to allow for safe distancing. There will be temperature checks for all employees at the door, and every other workspace will be closed off. In addition, traffic throughout hallways and stairwells will be one way only, and elevator occupancy will be limited.

Shared workstations have long been a hotbed of disease transmission, and the current pandemic is likely to change this trend. Designers say they expect the disappearance of shared keyboards and for companies to introduce clean desk policies with nonessential items stored in cabinets and drawers rather than on the desk to ensure proper cleaning and sanitation.

Designers say they are hearing more inquiries about disinfecting UV lights, which can clean not only equipment like keyboards but entire rooms overnight. Nicole Keeler, director of sustainability at interior design and space-planning firm Nelson Worldwide, said she's also fielding questions from companies and building owners about easy-to-clean materials.

"There's surfaces that are antimicrobial, just like you would see in a health-care system or in a laboratory," which could become a new norm for workstation surfaces, she said.

Nelson Worldwide's Philadelphia office. The interior design and space-planning foresees antimicrobial surfaces, like in a health-care system or laboratory," could become a new norm for workstation surfaces.

Farm Kid Studios

Another feature that could come into more common use: negative pressure rooms. Now used mostly in medical facilities or airport smoking rooms, negative pressure rooms could help contain germs in, say, a conference room, which can then be cleaned using UV light.

Working from home has many perks, but one downside is that collaboration is difficult with limited face-to-face communication. A recent study from PwC showed that half of the businesses expect a dip in productivity during the pandemic because of a lack of remote-work capabilities.

In recent years, some companies have focused on making their spaces more comfortable in hopes of drawing people back. Companies "are literally trying to make their spaces more desirable to draw people back to the office because they do feel like there was a lot of that personal connection and collaboration," said Nelson Worldwide's Keeler.

Assuming more people will be working from home regularly in the future, "we will have more specialized spaces in the office," said Jeremy Reding, principal and global workplace leader at DLR Group, a firm devoted to sustainable design in areas including health care, hospitality, museums, schools and the workplace.

Reding envisions rooms geared toward specific tasks such as small group conversations, as well as larger spaces for events and maybe even some rooms dedicated to virtual reality.

DLR Group's Hines T3 West Midtown building in Atlanta

Creative Sources Photography/Rion Rizzo, courtesy of DLR Group

"It's really tuning the room to the desired behavior," Reding said. For training, if there is one speaker, the room should ideally have acoustics to amplify that speaker's voice so everyone can hear well. If it's meant to be more social, "you want to set up the sound in there such that maybe you're not getting a ton of reverberation because that creates headaches," he said.

To control these factors, designers use various materials such as carpet, acoustic tiles or curtains. Many of these factors are common considerations in the hospitality industry but new to corporate office environments.

After the crisis, some workers will likely continue working from home on a regular basis. To accommodate a more flexible workforce, companies have more reason to demand adaptive energy systems. Right now offices are designed to accommodate a certain number of employees on any given day. That means if only half of the employees show up on any given day, the energy usage is unlikely to change much, and the room may end up being colder than usual.

Reding, who has been going into the DLR office in Seattle alone, said the office has been freezing. "Right now we're overcooling, and all downtown [Seattle] is probably overcooling because there's nobody in the buildings," he said. Current systems are not adaptive, but Reding sees the introduction of adaptive systems that can respond more effectively to changes in occupancy levels.

With more employees working remotely even after the crisis, companies will likely invest in more and better technology to connect more effectively with remote workers. A survey by Gartner found that 41% of employees are more likely to work remotely at least some of the time post-pandemic.

Eric Arnold, president of Arnold Contract, a New Jersey company that makes custom office furniture, said there's been growing emphasis on technology with some built right into the furniture. Conference tables today not only include electrical plugs for computers and other equipment but may also have built-in microphones.

"Having a culture of trust that supports remote working I don't see those going away," said Katsikakis, who sees more companies leveraging remote working regularly.

See more here:
How your company office could change in the post-coronavirus era - CNBC

By ADAM SHINDERStaff WriterEquipment in the Bert DeRose Theater at Amsterdam High School, including a piano and sound equipment, was damaged recently by flooding caused when two pumps designed to remove excess water did not function, officials said.The flooding was discovered by one of the high school custodians on April 14, Greater Amsterdam School District spokesman John Noetzel said in a phone interview Tuesday.AHS English teacher and Drama Club advisor Bill Nelson said Tuesday that he received pictures of the flooding from a hall monitor.The water had gotten nearly to the height of the stage, and that is 18 inches, Nelson said. The flood was significantly high, and it had been there for a little while. I can tell that from the fact that the damage I witnessed to the piano that was down in the pit shows a very clear water line mark and a whole lot of peeling of lamination that would not have happened if it was just there for a few hours. This was there for a while.Flooding had long been an issue in the AHS auditorium, but Nelson said the issue was addressed more than a decade ago with the installation of a perforated pipe that could collect water and two pumps that would remove any excess.The whole reason for the renovation was to try and mitigate the flooding problem, said Nelson, adding that in the 13 years since the renovation, there had been no floods in the space, where before it was an annual issue in the spring.This time, as water collected during recent rainstorms, Noetzel said one of the pumps burned out, for some reason, and the second pump failed. It didnt work for some reason. It couldve been electrical, Im not sure. Thats all we really know.Nelson said with the theater being unused as school is closed during the COVID-19 crisis, there likely wasnt a reason for anyone to check on the auditorium or the status of the pumps.If, for whatever reason, [the pump system] gets tripped or theres a power interruption and the pump isnt functioning, the little alarm that goes off isnt terribly loud, he said. You have to be vigilantly aware of whether or not theres been a trip.AHS Principal Tyrone OMeally was able to survey the damage and said that once it was spotted, district maintenance workers were quick to fix the issue.I took a look at it and went, Whoa, OMeally said. The good part is, by the time I got to look at it, the team was already outside taking a look [at the pumps] and trying to address the issue.Noetzel said the result was minor water damage in the orchestra pit area to the piano, two speakers and a microphone jack. Pictures have been sent to the districts insurance provider.Its covered, Noetzel said. We have flood insurance.Nelsons hope is that the damage isnt too extensive.There was carpeting on that floor, and it was completely submerged, he said. I imagine its possible to dry it all out, and it looks like they did a fairly good job of sucking water out of there, but is there mold underneath the carpet now? These kind of questions will always be there.I cant imagine the sound board wasnt affected by it. But, they may think that its probably OK, or good enough. I dont know. Its one of those moments where you can really begin to tell what matters. As is oftentimes the case, people in the community are very good at pointing out that there are certain kinds of activities that seem to matter more than others. These kind of episodes oftentimes expose those preferences.Nelson added that, should schools be able to reopen, its unknown how long it would take for the theater the largest performance venue in Montgomery County and one used by groups both in and out of the school community to become usable again.The impact on the communitys involvement with the school district would be curtailed significantly if the auditorium use had to be curtailed for any reason, he said, for any length of time.

Continued here:
Equipment damaged by flooding in AHS theater - The Recorder

Were spending more time indoors than ever before so Colin Timmins, director of member services at BEAMAoffers readers some top tips on ensuring clean indoor air during these unprecedented times.

With large parts of the population now working from home for the foreseeable future, it is an important time to remind yourself and others of the importance of maintaining healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) to maximise not only cognitive performance but also general health and wellbeing in your home.

In general, we spend around 90% of our time indoors1 and 16 hours a day on average at home2 for many people this will now be even higher, if not exclusively the case. The risk of exposure is therefore considerably greater than that of outdoor air pollution, particularly given that indoor air can contain up to 900 potentially dangerous chemicals, particles and biological materials.3

The problem the causes and impact of poor indoor air quality

One key reason why the problems associated with poor IAQ are growing so rapidly is due to the recent drive towards air tightness and energy efficiency in homes. Whilst this may reduce energy costs, it also leads to a deterioration in air quality and the exacerbation of pollutants inside UK homes.

Poor IAQ occurs when there is a build-up of pollutants in the home to the extent that it affects an occupants health and comfort. Poor IAQ is linked to a range of health conditions and is reported to have an annual cost to the UK of over 204,000 healthy life years,4 with 45% of those lost to cardiovascular diseases, 23% to asthma and allergy, and 15% to lung cancer. In 2012 the World Health Organization reported that indoor air pollutants were responsible for around 99,000 European deaths a year.5

The wider impact and cost of poor IAQ to the NHS and economy is also considerable, with the Royal College of Physicians warning that indoor air pollutants cause, at a minimum, thousands of deaths per year in the UK and are associated with healthcare costs in the order of tens of millions of pounds.6

Common symptoms of poor indoor air quality can include coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, wheezing, allergic reactions, and reduced cognitive function. Long term exposure to poor indoor air quality has been linked to serious health conditions such as allergic and asthma symptoms, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, airborne respiratory infections and cardiovascular disease.

Types of indoor air pollution include moisture and mould, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), allergens (such as house dust mites) and CO2.

The solution top tips

Fortunately, interventions can be made to rectify poor indoor air quality and ensure your home is the healthiest possible environment to live and work in. To achieve this, it is important that you know how your house is ventilated, ensure it is ventilated properly and keep up a good maintenance and cleaning regime.

Below we have included some simple top tips to help with this process:

One of the most effective ways to reduce indoor air pollution and your exposure to harmful particles is to make sure your home is properly and continuously ventilated. Consider having a ventilation system installed and, if you have one, make sure it is switched on and properly maintained.

Swap your aerosols for roll-on and choose eco-friendly household products. Many people are not aware that consumer products like spray-on deodorant and air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be harmful to your health. In fact, products like these can contribute as much as 10-20% of VOCs indoors, similar to the levels that transport emits to outdoor air.3

Did you know carpets contain around 200,000 bacteria per square inch on average, making them 4,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat? Carpets harbour dirt, pet hair, fungus and other harmful particles that can cause and exacerbate allergic reactions and health conditions such as asthma. Clean your carpets regularly to ensure they are not making your indoor air quality worse.

Going for a walk every day to get some fresh air and make use of the limited availability to get outdoors? Make sure you remove your shoes when you go indoors to stop pollutants from spreading. Shoes can collect unwanted chemicals, dirt and dust from outside and bring them into the home; 96% of shoes contain over 420,000 units of bacteria.8

Dry your clothes outside or in a room that has a ventilation system (e.g. your bathroom). 65% of Europeans dry their clothes indoors9 but this creates damp and mould which is responsible for 2.2 million asthma cases and the deterioration of your building fabric, which itself can release harmful toxins into your home. The reality is that many people with an asthma condition, including children, will now be in their home for the vast majority of their day, making the risk even greater, and the need for action all the more important.

Thinking about using your time at home to give your room a new paintjob? Paints release VOCs which can be harmful to your health, so make sure the paint has properly dried before using a newly painted room.

Cooking on a gas hob gives off nitrogen dioxide, acrolein, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, which have all been linked to respiratory symptoms and cancer. If it is not practical to replace your gas hob with an electric alternative ensure your extractor fan is kept on!

Particle pollution in smoke can damage lung tissue and lead to serious respiratory problems when breathed in high concentrations. If you can, avoid using a wood burner, or consider an electric alternative instead to maintain a cosy atmosphere.

About My Health My Home

The My Health My Home campaign aims to raise awareness of the impacts of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) on health and ensure that good IAQ is a serious consideration in public health and buildings. The My Healthy My Home campaign is supported by public health professionals, academics, Parliamentarians and industry representatives and is funded by the industry trade body BEAMA.

Read more:
Keeping indoor quality in check during the lockdown - AirQualityNews

Last week, the Property Brothers' new show Celebrity IOU premiered with Brad Pitt joining Drew and Jonathan Scott to surprise his makeup artist with a stunning new guest house. In the latest episode, the brothers head to Chicago, where they meet actress Melissa McCarthy and help her with a special renovation project for her heroes.

"They're like two of the kindest people and they just don't put themselves first," McCarthy says of her aunt and uncle, Connie and Jim Perusich, both career police officers. McCarthyalong with her cousin Jenna Perusich (Connie and Jim's daughter)wanted to give the couple a more up-to-date space. Not only that, but a space that's safe for Jim, who was paralyzed from the waist down on the job, but has since regained his ability to walk. To get them out of the house, the cousins convinced Jim and Connie to go away on a three week vacation to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary.

For this project, McCarthy wanted to focus on the first floor of the home. The old-school grass green carpet, outdated furniture, and closed-off kitchen were no longer ideal for a couple who loves to entertain. The first floor barely offered any natural light and Connie loved to cook, but her small, detached kitchen always separated her from her guests. Not only that, but Jim had a den where he'd watch his sports game from his favorite recliner chaira chair he often slept in due to his injury. The chair was worn out from use and didn't serve him as best as it could. The brothers were tasked with replacing the chair and creating the ultimate "man cave."

During the episode, McCarthy shows off her impressive sledgehammer skills. "I compulsively knock down houses," she says, proving that she's no stranger to demolition. Nor was JennaDrew even jokingly pegs them as the "construction cousins." After saying goodbye to the kitchen wall and opening up the space, the brothers take the lead on the project. They install all new windows and doors, including a sliding glass door in order to bring more light into the home. They also add hardwood floors to help Jim navigate more effortlessly. Finally, the brothers test out several recliner chairs until they find one equally as stylish as comfortable for the "man cave."

When Connie and Jim see their new digs, they're immediately emotional. "Are you kidding?" Connie says, almost tearing up sight of her new space. "Are we in the wrong house?" Jim asks. The couple marvels at their refurbished home, growing even more ecstatic when the brothers walk in. The show ends in Jim's new "man cave" as Jonathan puts a doo-wop tune on the new turn table station which he created for Jim and Jim asks his wife to dance. In the background, pictures from when the couple first met hang the wallleave it to the Property Brothers to always add a personal touch.

Catch Celebrity IOU on HGTV on Mondays at 9 pm. Other celebrities to be featured this season include Viola Davis, Rebel Wilson, and Michael Bubl.

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

Excerpt from:
Melissa McCarthy Gives Back to Her Aunt and Uncle on "Celebrity IOU" - HouseBeautiful.com

Are you passionate about preserving historic homes? Perhaps you are planning your own restoration on a listed building? Read on to hear about the Hadleighs' loving and sensitive restoration of a 17th-century thatched cottage that once faced demolition and the discoveries they made along the way...

Inspired to tackle your own project? We have masses of ideas and helpful advice on what to do and where to start in our feature on house renovation. For more real home transformations, head to our hub page.

We have plenty of information on listed buildings in our guide if you fancy learning more about them, plus in every issue of Period Living magazine we include expert advice on the restoration, care and maintenance of period properties.

Once obscured from view by the overgrown garden, the picture-perfect exterior of the 16th-century thatch is the result of the couples re-landscaping work. This began by installing new drainage around the front, which flows into a restored well. They created a new lawn and four new flower beds, replaced modern slab paths with reclaimed bricks and lined them with new borders. We love the cottage look so we have planted the paths with daffodils for spring followed by lavender, says Denise. The chimneys were extended to meet fire regulations for thatched properties

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

Owners Brian and Denise Hadleigh live here with cocker spaniel RosieProperty A Grade II-listed two-bedroom thatched cottage dating back to the 17th century with later additions, set in the New ForestWhat they did Brian and Denise hired skilled craftspeople to restore original brickwork including walls, fireplaces, chimneys and the original well in the garden. They redecorated throughout to preserve and complement the period of the cottage and installed authentic fixtures and fittings. They also re-landscaped the garden, installing extra drainage and creating a kitchen garden

With its picture-perfect faade, daffodil-lined path and manicured lawns, its hard to imagine that until recently this adorable chocolate-box cottage could barely be seen behind the tangled undergrowth of a neglected garden.

Time had taken its toll on the house, too; at one point it was in such a poor state of repair that it was in danger of being demolished before the issue of a Grade II listing saved its fate. Luckily, it later caught the eye of heritage enthusiasts Denise and Brian Hadleigh and couldnt have fallen into better hands.

The inglenook fireplace makes a show-stopping focal point in the living room and has been fitted with a Charnwood Island I multi-fuel stove. The brickwork was restored by Neal Cooper and his team, who uncovered the original bread oven in the process.

Walls are painted in Edward Bulmers Buff shade, which lets the period features and prized antiques really shine, while the alcove is painted in Farrow & Balls Red Earth. Ceilings are in Farrow & Balls Clunch and the woodwork in Earthborns Donkey Ride. The chairs and grandfather clock are from Martin & Pole Auction House and the curtain fabric is a 1930s Sanderson design that the couple had specially reprinted

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

While some looking to downsize prefer low-maintenance, modern properties, seasoned period property owners and renovators Brian and Denise were fully prepared for the challenges involved with owning an old home. Besides a project, they were looking for three important things: a pantry, wood-burners and a garden large enough to grow our flowers, fruit and veg, says Denise.

Stairs lead off the living room to the bedroom's upstairs

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

The couple spotted the 16th-century cottage online and decided to take a look. We thought the ceilings would be too low for Brian and that it would just be a day trip out. But as luck would have it they completely fell in love with the property and bought it after their first viewing.

Cinder Rose by Farrow & Ball beautifully sets off the Hadleighs collectibles. The dresser is original to the cottage and the taxidermy is from Martin & Pole Auction House

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

The previous owner had done some renovations, which included replacing a lean-to with a new kitchen, pantry and bathroom extension, so the property was livable, with a layout that suited the Hadleighs requirements.

In the kitchen freestanding furniture helps to createa quintessential cottage look. The couple upgraded the cooker to an Everhot 110i. The carpet is the stair runner from the Hadleighs previous home, which is pictured in the paintings on the wall. The vintage-style tulip prismatic glass pendant lamp is from The French House and the spot lights are from Jim Lawrence

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

While no structural work was needed, they soon discovered problems that required urgent attention. Wed lived in enough period properties to know that theres always more that needs doing than meets the eye, says Denise.

Denise had always dreamt of having a walk-in pantryso it was prerequisite in the house search. She createda curtain from vintage fabric and is always on the look out for usable vintage tins to add to her collection. Modern light switches were replaced by Bakelite designs from Bromleighs, right of shot

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

Indeed, during their first winter the garden became heavily waterlogged, so land drains needed to be installed across the front of the property, bringing prized period features back to life in the process. To our delight we uncovered the old well so we had it restored, says Brian. The drains and water butts now flow into it and we use it to water the garden.

Shelves in the kitchen display china, taxidermy and collectibles

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

Inside, the couple discovered damp problems, which they suspected could be rising. Luckily a survey confirmed the cause to be hygroscopic salts, which was not as bad as feared. In order to control it plasterboard added in the past had to be carefully removed from the original walls.

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

The couple left the task in the safe hands of master brick layer Neal Cooper of Trowel Craft, who had worked on the likes of Hampton Court and Kensington Palace and lived locally. He did such a magnificent job, says Denise.

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

Its so important to use experts for specialist renovation work. As he was working on repairing the original lime mortar he made the unusual discovery of a mummified rat. From its position it had to have been placed there; expert opinion is that it may have been by superstitious people during the Great Plague, says Brian. We returned it with a note for future generations.

In the Morning Room Neal Cooper removed plasterboard from the internal walls to reveal a beautiful old beam and brick structure, and painstakingly repaired the original lime mortar. Experts who have examined the beams as part of a historical survey commissioned by Brian and Denise suggest they are ships timbers, probably from Bucklers Hard around the mid-17th century.The sofa is from Martin & Pole Auction House, as is the painted table top repurposed as pretty wall art. The cushions were made by Denise from embroideries

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

Neals team also set to work restoring the bricks in the inglenook fireplace. They were covered in bitumen and many had been rendered over with concrete so required replacing. As they worked they found what Denise recognised as a bread oven and this now forms a prized feature. Keen to protect it, the pair contacted English Heritage to update the listing with the find.

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

Throughout the house the couple have striven to preserve the unique character by uncovering and reinstating period features wherever possible, all the way down to the light switches. White paint was stripped from the floorboards to reveal beautiful pine, authentic radiators and light fittings were restored and replaced, and modern white plastic switches were replaced with traditional Bakelite ones.

The original beams make a spectacular feature in the dining room, which is decorated in Edward Bulmers Buff. The table, chairs, chaise, carpet and table lustre candelabras are all from Martin & Pole Auction House

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

Brian and Denise knew that they had to take care when choosing paint, as many of the modern formulas are not suitable for use on lime plaster. After sampling numerous brands they settled on Edward Bulmers Natural Paint as it was breathable but also came in an array of subtle shades, which suited the house as well as the numerous collectibles.

The couple made a beautiful statement bath by covering the cast-iron roll-top with floral fabric from John Lewis & Partners. The walls are painted in Farrow & Balls Cinder Rose and Denise made the curtains from fabric found in a charity shop

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

Were not minimalists, says Denise. We do like our embroideries and artworks, and these paints made the perfect backdrop. For years the pair have been picking up pieces from auctions, antiques centres and fleamarkets. We love their history and the subtle colours.

Bespoke fitted storage makes the most of awkward alcoves in the master bedroom. The antique bed is from Victorian Dreams. Denise handmade the cushions and the vintage-style eiderdown is from Belinda Davies Eiderdowns

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

If not antique, then items are more than likely to be bespoke made, including all the soft furnishings, which Denise made by hand. I dont like using a sewing machine, she says. I find hand stitching much more relaxing. That said, its not often Brian and Denise relax, as theres always a project on the go. Our children say we make them tired! Brian laughs. His latest project is converting the roof space of the garage into a craft room for Denise.

The greenhouse was tailored to their needs by Swallow and features an antique plant pot theatre from Martin & Pole Auction House

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

We dont go in with a specific vision, reflects Denise. We work with the building; everything has been done slowly as and when we have time and money. This is us now, were happy here.

When theyre not busy on the upkeep of the property Denise loves to cook, spending time in her favourite room, the kitchen, making homemade preserves and even her own butter, while Brian likes nothing better than reading a good book by the fire.

The Hadleighs' prized Morris Minor, Molly

(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)

Get the best period home inspiration, ideas and advice straight to your door every month with a subscription toPeriod Livingmagazine

Read the rest here:
Real home: explore a quirky thatched cottage brimming with vintage finds - Real Homes

The LED Secondary Optic report provides independent information about the LED Secondary Optic industry supported by extensive research on factors such as industry segments size & trends, inhibitors, dynamics, drivers, opportunities & challenges, environment & policy, cost overview, porters five force analysis, and key companies profiles including business overview and recent development.

LED Secondary Optic MarketLatest Research Report 2020:

Download Premium Sample Copy Of This Report: Download FREE Sample PDF!

In this report, our team offers a thorough investigation of LED Secondary Optic Market, SWOT examination of the most prominent players right now. Alongside an industrial chain, market measurements regarding revenue, sales, value, capacity, regional market examination, section insightful information, and market forecast are offered in the full investigation, and so forth.

Scope of LED Secondary Optic Market: Products in the LED Secondary Optic classification furnish clients with assets to get ready for tests, tests, and evaluations.

Major Company Profiles Covered in This Report

Ledlink Optics, Carclo Optics, Auer Lighting, LEDIL Oy, FRAEN Corporation, GAGGIONE (Lednlight), Bicom Optics, Darkoo Optics, Aether systems Inc, B&M Optics Co., Ltd, ShenZhen Likeda Optical, HENGLI Optical, Brightlx Limited, Kunrui optical, FORTECH, Chun Kuang Optics, Wuxi Kinglux Glass Lens

LED Secondary Optic Market Report Covers the Following Segments:

Segment by Type:

Reflector, LED Secondary Lens, Others

Segment by Application:

Street Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Architectural Lighting, Indoor Lighting, Automotive Lighting, Others

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

South America

Center East and Africa

United States, Canada and Mexico

Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy

China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia

Brazil, Argentina, Colombia

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa

Market Overview:The report begins with this section where product overview and highlights of product and application segments of the global LED Secondary Optic Market are provided. Highlights of the segmentation study include price, revenue, sales, sales growth rate, and market share by product.

Competition by Company:Here, the competition in the Worldwide LED Secondary Optic Market is analyzed, By price, revenue, sales, and market share by company, market rate, competitive situations Landscape, and latest trends, merger, expansion, acquisition, and market shares of top companies.

Company Profiles and Sales Data:As the name suggests, this section gives the sales data of key players of the global LED Secondary Optic Market as well as some useful information on their business. It talks about the gross margin, price, revenue, products, and their specifications, type, applications, competitors, manufacturing base, and the main business of key players operating in the global LED Secondary Optic Market.

Market Status and Outlook by Region:In this section, the report discusses about gross margin, sales, revenue, production, market share, CAGR, and market size by region. Here, the global LED Secondary Optic Market is deeply analyzed on the basis of regions and countries such as North America, Europe, China, India, Japan, and the MEA.

Application or End User:This section of the research study shows how different end-user/application segments contribute to the global LED Secondary Optic Market.

Market Forecast:Here, the report offers a complete forecast of the global LED Secondary Optic Market by product, application, and region. It also offers global sales and revenue forecast for all years of the forecast period.

Research Findings and Conclusion:This is one of the last sections of the report where the findings of the analysts and the conclusion of the research study are provided.

About Us:

We publish market research reports & business insights produced by highly qualified and experienced industry analysts. Our research reports are available in a wide range of industry verticals including aviation, food & beverage, healthcare, ICT, Construction, Chemicals and lot more. Brand Essence Market Research report will be best fit for senior executives, business development managers, marketing managers, consultants, CEOs, CIOs, COOs, and Directors, governments, agencies, organizations and Ph.D. Students.

Top Trending Reports:

https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/antimicrobial-gel-marketeurope-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-20202025-2020-04-19

See the original post here:
Coronavirus Outbreak: LED Secondary Optic Market 2025 Report: Industry Growth, Opportunities, Vendors, Shares, Competitive Strategies And Forecasts ...