The general aims at this stage are as follows:

• Translation of sketch ideas into viable forms of construction.
• Selection of appropriate and economical forms of construction and materials.
• Preparation of essential detailed information needed for costing, measurement and construction.
• To control the development of detailed design work in accordance with agreed initial budgets and cost planning.
• To maintain communication between all the members of the design team co-ordinating detailed design development work.
• Incorporation of all mandatory statutory requirements.
• Work towards maintaining the design development programme.

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The significance of cost to the designer has been considered in terms of economy of design. The estimated cost of the scheme should broadly be in line with client’s available budget, and wherever possible, proposals should avoid or eliminate features which are unnecessarily wasteful. At the construction information stage the design team are engaged in producing information to enable contractors to tender for the work, or are part of the contracting team organising themselves to start building. The framework of the building is set, and it may be too late to fundamentally change the design to achieve better economy, but the selection of materials, components, assemblies and finishes is still open to examination and determination, influenced by practicalities, appearance and cost.Read more...

Has your tile and grout seen better days? Have you tried every possible cleaning product, only to be left with stained grout that reminds you of a seedy motel? The good news is if your tile is still in good shape, you don’t have to rip it out. You can simply replace the grout. It’s a bit messy and time-consuming, but doesn’t require special skills and costs almost nothing.Read more...

• Clean the grout first with water and allow it to dry. This will remove any loose surface debris.
• Never use bleach on colored grout, as it will discolor the grout.
• Use a stiff brush for scrubbing. Old toothbrushes will be too soft. Avoid using metal bristles, as they will wear away the grout.
• If you’re using commercial cleaners, bleach, or other chemicals, make sure the room you’re working in is well ventilated.
• Use gloves and protective eyewear when working with any chemical-based cleaners.
• Test your grout cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure that it won’t erode or damage your grout work. This is especially necessary if your tile grout is old or damaged.
• Never mix cleaners together! Chemical reactions can cause noxious fumes or burns if the mixture touches the skin.
• When your tile grout is completely clean, keep it looking fresh and new by applying a coat or two of grout sealer. There are various types of grout sealers available for different uses, such as floors or bathroom tile. Make sure you purchase the correct type. Reapply the grout sealer once a year or more often if necessary.

Our awareness of the characteristics of the natural or man-made environment and all the features within it depends on the information received by our senses; a combination of touch, smell, tastes, sound and vision. The degree to which different individuals are able to use their senses to collect information is not identical and can vary from a level of basic recognition to perception of extremely complex and subtle nuances, depending on their ability to recognise and understand the information available to them. Read more...