2021 Trends in Construction

As we approach the end of another year, it’s a good time to reflect on trends we have observed with our projects in particular as well as the construction field in general.  The pandemic has certainly affected approaches to building design, from temporary stopgaps to permanent fixtures.  At the same time, some of these evolutions were already taking place, with COVID-19 merely accelerating their implementation.  Here are three significant trends worth noting: 

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Disaster Repair: From Recovery to Rebuild

When we hear the word “construction,” we may tend to think of new builds or planned renovation projects, but some of the most critical construction work happens in response to natural disasters.  In September, Hurricane Ida brought heavy rains and flooding to the greater Philadelphia area, presenting many business owners with unplanned cleanup and repair.  Over the years, Souder Brothers Construction has assisted in many of these restoration projects.  Here we’ll present some general considerations for dealing with the aftermath of uncontrollable events like hurricane storm surges, then discuss how our company in particular is uniquely suited to tackle disaster repair work.

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Thinking Outside the Building: Designing an Outdoor Classroom

Outdoor learning isn’t a new new concept: outdoor classrooms may have become increasingly trendy in recent years, but California has an “environmental education” movement dating back to the 1960s, while Waldkindergärten (“forest kindergartens”) started cropping up in Europe as early as the 1950s.  With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, historians and journalists pointed out that open-air schools helped curtail the transmission of tuberculosis and other contagious diseases in the early 1900s, and may prove useful in the present crisis.

Earlier this year, Manor College enlisted our help in creating a new outdoor classroom for the benefit of their students and faculty.  In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the design considerations that we encountered on this project.

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Scope of Work: What It Is and Why You Need One

When potential clients reach out to us for quotes, one of the first questions we ask them is if they have architectural drawings or a scope of work for their project. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. We always want to educate and explain why these items are not only nice to have, but actually a necessity for the construction bidding process and beyond.

The scope of work is a core component of the construction agreement. It stipulates all construction obligations and duties of all parties involved in a construction project. This includes project managers, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. 

Typically, the scope of work is a separate document attached to the construction agreement. But sometimes, it’s featured as a section in the contract. It’s a key document in project management that is used to track the progress of a construction project. It also ensures that every party to the project is always on the same page. 

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Creating Safe and Profitable Outdoor Entertainment Spaces

Inviting spaces for outdoor dining and entertainment aren’t just a fun way to improve your guests’ experience these days: during a pandemic, they may be your primary means of keeping your operation going.  Restaurants and other entertainment businesses with existing outdoor service spaces had a leg-up on the competition, and those who did not quickly pivoted to be able to serve guests in safe, open-air environments.

Whether you have an existing outdoor space you’re remodeling to better comply with social distancing regulations, or are designing an al fresco entertainment area for the first time, here are some tips for ensuring your commercial patio or deck accommodates your guests in a safe, comfortable, and appealing fashion.

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Experts Dish the Top Tips to Know Before Renovating Your Kitchen

It’s safe to say that most homeowners dream of renovating their kitchen. Whether it’s redoing the cabinetry, adding a new backsplash, or transforming the entire layout – a new kitchen will not only make the space more pleasant to be in, but it can also add functionality and increase your home’s value.

As exciting as the renovation process might be, it can also feel daunting. That’s why we reached out to remodeling and renovation experts for their best advice to help you get started. Be sure to check out these 12 tips before you begin renovating your kitchen.

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3 Reasons Why Floor Plans are Essential for a Successful Renovation Project

Thinking about renovating a space can be extremely overwhelming, especially if you are planning to move walls, relocate plumbing, or chang­­e the purpose of a room. You’ve likely saved tons of pictures of what you want your space to look like, but how do you know if everything you want to add will fit or if everything you want to move can be done in the space you have? How do you even know where to start with your renovation project? The answer is simple: floor plans.

Floor plans are 2-dimensional drawings of a space from a bird’s eye view. They are done to scale so you know exactly how much room you have to work with and if everything on your list of wants and needs will fit. Not convinced? Here are 3 reasons why floor plans are essential for a smooth and successful renovation project. 

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Souder Brothers Construction 2020 Year in Review

What a year it has been!  Last year was not the one we were expecting, but it was a year we will remember forever.  Although many industries began, and continue, to struggle, we also got to witness business owners digging deep to find new and creative ways to keep their business afloat under unprecedented circumstances.  From outdoor dining and zoom meetings to renovating offices for employee safety, 2020 was not short on creativity. 

We at Souder Brothers kept busy this year by improving the health and safety of our client’s businesses with general upgrades and renovations for their employees to come back to.  We would like to extend an enormous thank you to all of our clients who trusted us with this crucial task. We feel so fortunate that we are able to help businesses adjust to a new normal and bring their creative ideas to life. 

Two of our highlights from last year were our projects at Manor College and Fred Beans Newtown CARSTAR:

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Time is Money: 4 Tips for Completing Construction Projects on Time

When embarking on a construction project, each day that passes on an unfinished site is a day that the space could be open for business and potential revenue is being lost.  We understand that time is money and do our best to work efficiently with our clients to meet their deadlines.  Here are 4 tips for helping your general contractor stay on schedule and to ensure you’re completing construction projects on time.

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Commercial Renovations in the ‘New Normal’

We are all adjusting to the ‘new normal’ way of life amid this unprecedented pandemic. It may seem odd to some that construction is booming after the COVID-19 shutdowns. Let us tell you why this is actually the perfect time to begin renovations on your commercial space!

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