All Facilities & Grounds Articles
  • Why US school districts require more facility management support

    Scott E. Rupp Facilities & Grounds

    The career of a facility manager is no cakewalk, and the overwhelming burden placed on these professionals is far greater amidst COVID-19 than before the novel coronavirus' infiltration of the U.S. population. Private and corporate facilities may possess more considerable resources to manage the new burden, and public entities, especially school districts, are in a bind. With summer in full swing after most U.S. schools shuttered in March, district leaders may realize they are woefully underprepared for the facility management tasks ahead.

  • 6 ways to adapt to the new virtual world in real estate

    Sam Radbil Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    There are few businesses that lend themselves to the virtual world as well as real estate. Before the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were in place, many people in the real estate business were beginning to introduce virtual and 3D tours to their markets. Read on to find out about six ways to adapt your real estate business to the virtual world.

  • Infographic: 11 smart devices to reduce home strain

    Sarah Hollenbeck Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

    When the pandemic hit, many consumers weren’t accustomed to spending all their time in their homes. And it turns out, some of their homes weren’t ready for it either. Home strain has become a big issue in the past few months, as many appliances and devices are getting used more than ever before. But in between repair appointments, there are things homeowners can install throughout their homes to prevent minor issues from turning major.

  • Infographic: The top 10 construction technology trends impacting the industry…

    Krystal Spicer Construction & Building Materials

    The construction sector has spent decades trying to catch up with other industries when it comes to implementing and utilizing new technologies. Due to the standards required within construction, there is no room for error when it comes to modern construction technology. However, these technologies have finally been fine-tuned and problems have eliminated. 2020 is now proving to be the year that the construction industry can finally catch up with others and take full advantage of modern machinery and robotics.

  • The new study on COVID-19 transmission that can help convince every patient…

    Lisa Mulcahy Medical & Allied Healthcare

    As a healthcare professional, you know the critical importance of face masks for stopping the spread of COVID-19. You no doubt also know that some of your patient population is not in compliance with doing so, which is a very worrisome issue. However, a brand-new study from researchers Renyi Zhang, Yixin Li, Annie L. Zhang, Yuan Wang, and Mario J. Molina, "Identifying airborne transmission as the dominant route for the spread of COVID-19," can offer you the informational support your physicians and staff need to communicate the importance of mask-wearing to these patients.

  • Tracking how we view interior design

    Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

    Walk into a room and the mind immediately begins to note its characteristics. As the eyes scan the objects before them, they register the quality of light, color, texture, contrast, arrangement, what is familiar and what is unfamiliar. In a matter of seconds, the brain processes all that information and generates an emotional reaction to the space. What happens in those few seconds, where do the eyes go, and how might our understanding of that process help improve the way spaces are designed in the future?

  • How COVID-19 is affecting landlords and renters

    Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    COVID-19 is having a negative impact on almost every industry and segment of society. However, its effects on landlords and renters present particularly tough challenges. A new report by Avail, which provides online tools, education, and support for landlords, reveals just how much of an impact the coronavirus has had on these two groups.

  • How to fend off bugs — naturally

    Dave G. Houser Recreation & Leisure

    Summer has returned — and for most of us that means two things for certain: we'll be outdoors a whole lot more, and we'll be joined by a variety of biting or otherwise irritating bugs. Since it was developed by the U.S. military in the 1940s, a synthetic repellent — DEET — has served as the primary ingredient for keeping bugs at bay. Some people, however, can't use DEET at its most effective and longest lasting strength without negative consequences. Fortunately, there’s an array of reasonably effective alternates, mostly natural oils and plant extracts that are nontoxic.

  • Homebound homeowners pursue remodeling projects

    Michael J. Berens Construction & Building Materials

    Like other sectors of the housing industry, remodeling services have experienced a substantial drop in demand as a result of health and safety concerns arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, being confined to home has given homeowners plenty of time to think about improvements they’d like to make. Now with parts of the country beginning to open up, remodelers in some areas are seeing an increase in inquiries and project scheduling, suggesting activity may resume fairly quickly once conditions allow.

  • 5 great boondocking spots

    Cindy Belt Recreation & Leisure

    As national and state parks slowly open, their campgrounds are slower to open. Many RVers are ready to start traveling again. Boondocking is an ideal option to stay safe while seeing the country. This article features five sites that are among forests or beaches or are in the mountains. I'm listing coordinates since they don't necessarily have street addresses. These are some great spots to consider that appear to be open. Check the latest information online or with a phone call for any updates.