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If you are a store owner and have concerns about your sales, you can use lighting to boost them. Sales are known to rise when the lighting is better. The right lighting will help define the type of store you are operating, make certain products more visible, encourage more purchases, direct more consumer traffic, and provide a better atmosphere.

Lighting to Accent Products
Lighting for the purpose of accenting products is one of the essential aspects of doing good business. Illuminating products is important when trying to move a product or raise the demand for a new item. The term that is used in the business world for this type of lighting is “showcasing.” A specific item is placed in a spot in the store where there is special lighting installed. The item being showcased is then in the focus of the consumer traffic. Crowley Construction will be able to install specific lighting to help you showcase your products in order to drive up your sales.

Lighting for High Activity
Retail stores take advantage of the physiological effects of certain lighting. “High Activity” lighting is considered to be extremely important in general stores or stores that need to showcase more than one product. This lighting showcases multiple products in different areas in order to increase sales for the entire store. It is called High Activity due to the amount of showcasing done.

Lighting for Cases and Shelves
If you are tired of seeing your customers struggle to see inside your cases or on your shelves, then there is a huge chance you have missed out on a lot of sales. You will be surprised at how your sales increase just due to lighting. The professional workers from Crowley can help consult you on installing new lighting or repairing existing electrical setups.

Charming Atmosphere
Walking into a store with improper lighting can cause consumers to hurry with their purchases. Some consumers will not return to your store due to the atmosphere. Burned out bulbs, improper lighting, or extremely bright lights can cause negative feelings in your customers. When you replace the bulbs and the lighting system to give a soft illuminating glow, customers feel comfortable and ultimately take their time walking through your store. Crowley Construction can give you the tools to help you prosper. No matter what type of lighting your store needs, the professionals at Crowley will be able to provide you with quality workmanship. Call us today at 760-613-1722 to talk about your lighting and electrical needs!

When you hang drywall yourself, there are many common mistakes made during the process. Read on and see if you don’t agree that this is one job better left to the professionals!

One of the top mistakes is improper edge support. Unfortunately, it is often seen that the corners of the sheet have nothing to fasten to. This causes breaking, uneven seams, and bulges after using putty. It is important to provide support to all edges of the drywall. A professional will install the drywall without any mistakes or flaws in the surface of your walls. They will add 2×4 backing so that the drywall will have thorough support when being hung and secured to the wall frame.

If you play the guessing game, you will end up with holes all over your sheets of drywall. Having the attitude of just fixing it once it is hung is what causes walls to look messy. Anyone walking into the room will be able to see that the job was not done professionally. It will also be the cause of drywall crumbling long before it is due for replacement. This will cost you more money in the long run than just hiring a professional to provide quality work now.

Another response from individuals who are not professionals in this type of work is to force the sheet to fit. If the sheet does not fit, forcing it will crack the drywall. This will cause the same problems as unsupported edges. Ultimately, the drywall will buckle and crumble over short periods of time. This will require you to replace it, and this is not cost effective. This is another good reason to hire a professional from Crowley Construction. We will pre-measure, measure again, cut, and then piece it together before the piece is even installed. This careful attitude is what makes walls last a lifetime.

A common mistake that people run into when hanging their own drywall are the drywall sheets fitting together too tightly. When this happens, it cracks the ends of the drywall causing it to crumble, crack, and become useless. Professionals cut it right and size it properly before trying to place it on the wall permanently. They understand that they must deduct approximately 1/8 of an inch from the edges in order to ensure proper fitting. They will also know how to properly putty to keep the wall smooth and uniform. Experts at Crowley Construction are well experienced with this type of job and will ensure that you do not have to purchase more drywall due to mistakes.

Are you convinced? Sit back and let Crowley do the work for you. It is far less of a hassle to just hire Crowley Construction rather than to go through the time, effort, and money of trying to do it yourself. Call us today at 760-613-1722 to talk about your job!

Want to give your kitchen a new look? There are plenty of ways you can remodel your existing kitchen that will get you new style, comfort, and usability while still staying on a budget.

First, don’t increase the size of the kitchen, increase the efficiency. Increasing the functions can make the kitchen more livable, but it can be tricky. One way to include more storage space is to replace the original counters with cabinets that offer more drawer space. It will be a lot less expensive than expanding the walls of the kitchen. The approximate pricing for adding 200 square feet is between $48,000 and $95,000, whereas the approximate cost for space-efficient cabinets is around $35,000 for the entire kitchen.

You can add natural lighting without the cost of building windows inside your walls by adding light tubes. These are installed between your roof rafters and work by funneling the sunshine into your kitchen. It is far less expensive than adding windows. A light tube costs approximately $500, saving you around $1,000 per window.

Many materials and types of flooring have mimics. You are able to purchase the same look in a different material that is also high quality. For example, lyptus wood and mahogany wood are both beautiful and durable, but the pricing is very different. Mahogany is double the price of lyptus — one hundred square feet of mahogany will cost approximately $800, while lyptus will cost around $400.

Getting a deal on the building materials that you need is definitely a good way to save money. Crowley Construction is able to give you the best price possible. Our contractors will be able to answer questions, give you estimates, follow your budget, and more. Crowley Construction will compare such materials and help you decide on the next step of your project. Get started today! Call us at 760-613-1722.

Earthquakes pose a danger to those inside buildings that do not have specific constructional installations. Crowley specializes in protecting you and the people inside your building during these types of natural disasters. We can reconstruct certain aspects of your building to get it ready for the next “big one.”

The Importance of Flexibility
The main physical trait of a building that is safe during an earthquake is the flexibility of the structure. Hard, inflexible structures will crumble and crack, leaving the people inside at grave risk. The taller the building, the more flexible it is during an earthquake. However, if the building is short, then it runs a higher risk of cracking, crumbling, and ultimately being destroyed. Extra reinforcements need to be set in place in order to protect a shorter structure during a disaster.

Materials are Important
Due to the construction, some buildings may stand during an earthquake while others will be destroyed. It has been found that steel and wood are more flexible than other materials used during construction. Stucco, unreinforced concrete, or masonry prove to be very dangerous and are at a higher damage risk.

Reinforcing a Building for an Earthquake
If you are constructing a commercial building from the ground up, then you need to speak with Crowley Construction about reinforcing your building during the process. Crowley Construction can provide consultation on what you should do to stay earthquake safe, like adding beams to your current structure or while constructing the new building.

Safe Foundations
There are foundations that are specifically constructed for buildings that are located in earthquake risk zones. These foundations will limit the effects of an earthquake and keep the property from being damaged. Earthquake-safe foundations are layered, so they are more flexible. When the structure shakes, it will move with the earthquake and not against it. This will keep the foundation from cracking and the building from becoming damaged.

Precautions Save Lives
The saying “Better to be safe than sorry” definitely applies in this situation. Crowley Construction will help you make sure to keep the people that you are responsible for safe during natural disasters. Constructing your building with safety features is a wise plan when you hold the lives of other people in your hands.

Knowing when you need to upgrade your electrical box can be tricky if you are not a trained electrician or construction worker. An electrical panel is important to any building or home. It delivers power to different circuits in different areas of the structure. Since each circuit serves a different area, when a breaker is flipped off only partial electricity is cut off. It is important to label what breaker goes to what part of the building.

If you find that you are not able to operate electrical items without problems, then it may be that the panel needs to be upgraded. Sometimes when the electrical panel is overloaded or experiences a short circuit, the breaker will be tripped or a fuse blown. The only quick fix for this is to replace the fuse or turn the breaker back on. It is imperative to remember that running extra extension cords due to not enough wall jacks is a danger. The lack of electrical boxes represents the lack of power the panel has to offer to your home or building. Once you call Crowley, you can ask that electrical wall units be placed where you need them the most.

If you find that this happens continuously, it may be a serious condition. If a short circuit is the problem, then the structure is at risk for catching fire. However, if a short circuit is not the issue, it may be due to an overload of power. Older homes have older panels that cannot handle the electrical needs of today. Cell phone chargers, microwaves, computers, refrigerators, DVRs, and so many daily appliances and equipment draw from your panel to operate. Electrical needs have increased dramatically, which causes issues if the panels are too old. Unfortunately, the appliances and other electrical devices will draw electrical currents from the panel even when they are not powered on. Unplugging equipment that is not in use will not only save you money on your power bill, but also help to decrease the tripping situation.

Due to the dangerous situations that an outdated panel can present, it is extremely important to call in professionals like Crowley Construction. Not only does an outdated panel create increased risk of fires, it is also dangerous to those who try to mask the situation instead of fixing it. The electrical box can send an electrical shock through any person trying to turn the breaker on or replace the fuse. Those who run electrical devices more than a typical home should upgrade to an even bigger box than is usually necessary for a home. The professionals at Crowley can be consulted on which box your structure will need. Call us today at 760-613-1722 to talk more about your electrical needs!

Hiring an outside person or company to perform a job can be tough. How do you know who you can trust? However, when armed with knowledge on what to expect, you can make sure to get what you are anticipating. Asking the right questions is important. There are four questions that can help you when deciding on the right company. Crowley Construction will be able to provide the answers and additional information that is crucial for the job at hand.

Question Number 1: Will you itemize your bid?
Most construction companies will offer a bottom line bid. The company will offer one price no matter what materials must be purchased or what services they must perform. This sounds like a great idea until you realize that they are able to provide services at a lower cost. Crowley Construction will explain what charges are listed and explain these fees. You will not be kept in the dark about the money you are spending.

Question Number 2: Is the bid a fixed price or just an estimate?
Again, the problem with a fixed price could be that you are spending more money than you should for the same job. On the other hand, an estimate will provide you with a number that you can use to plan a construction budget. It will give you a “ball park figure” in order to know what to expect. Keep in mind that it could cost more than the estimated amount. Crowley will explain what could cause a problem and where they are able to save you or your company money without compromising on quality.

Question Number 3: Do you offer emergency services?
This is an important question due to issues that can arise at inconvenient times. Crowley offers emergency services. They cover your needs 24 hours a day. For example, if natural disasters leave you rattled due to structural dangers, we can help. If the building is unsafe due to an earthquake, severe storm, or anything that would be a danger to you, your tenants, or your staff, we will fix the issue no matter what the time or day of the year. A team that does not include emergency services is only interested in your wallet.

Question Number 4: Can you meet the foreman?
Customer satisfaction is important when running a business. In all actuality, you as a consumer have a right to know who is running the project. It is your money, your decision. The foreman at Crowley will be happy to accommodate you by answering any questions that you have or listen to any concerns. Upon speaking with our foreman, you can explain the job that you need done. You are able to take them to the job site and talk about budget, expectations, and timing. This is a perfect time to talk to the foreman about what you desire and the types of materials that will be used. You can even ask about the quantity of people that it will take to complete the work.

Ready to get started? Give Crowley a call at 760-613-1722!

When spring rolls around you want to ensure that you complete asphalt and concrete repairs for your commercial property as quickly as possible. During the winter months, water can seep into your asphalt walkway or parking lot. Once there it will expand and contract as the temperatures change This is what causes the cracks in your asphalt and concrete. If you don’t take care of them this spring, then they will only get worse as the months go by.

When you are repairing your asphalt and concrete you want to start by cleaning out the area. Using an air pressure gun or a hose you can clean out the debris deep in the crack. Then make sure you remove any loose asphalt or concrete rubble around the area. Using filler and a caulking gun you can make small repairs and patch the affected area. You can find different asphalt and concrete fillers to fit your needs.

Patching the concrete or asphalt should be done in larger areas that cannot be repaired with quick filler. This is a bit more complex but the process remains the same. You can patch holes or dips in the surface to make for a better ride and remain compliant with regulations.

Once this is done, you can place a seal coat on the asphalt which will protect it from UV rays and oxidation as well as traffic from wheels and pedestrians. If you live in warmer climates, like we do here in San Diego, the reapplication times for the seal is more spread out than colder climates. You can protect your asphalt from vehicle damage. Asphalt is a petroleum product which means vehicle oil and gasoline will cause a reaction with it. The seal coat you apply will act as a barrier. Remember, this is not a filling agent and it has to be done only after you have made repairs and patches. When you apply a seal coat it can save you one hundred thousand dollars in terms of the lifespan of your asphalt pavement.

By making the necessary repairs and patching holes or cracks in your concrete or asphalt driveway, walkway, ramp, parking structure, or sidewalk, you can not only save money but you will ensure that your property remains ADA compliant. You may have to conduct such repairs or upgrades in order to meet new standards put forth by the ADA. Check with your local commercial ADA requirements to ensure that you are making the right repairs.

Don’t want to make these repairs yourself, or leave them to your property manager? Crowley Construction can help take care of all your asphalt repairs and upkeep. Contact us today!

With hints of spring in the air it is only fitting that you begin spring cleaning for your home or property. Since San Diego does not get a lot of rain, you need to get your roof and gutters cleaned regularly — Mother Nature isn’t helping us clean them out! You will also want to repair any cracks in your stucco or asphalt.

The reason you have rain gutters is to move rainwater from your roof and house. However, your rain gutters can become clogged with debris that falls from trees on your property or debris that the wind picks up — especially when we go a long time without getting rain. Then when some precipitation does fall, all that debris can clog your downspouts and gutters and push water under your home. This can compromise your foundation, costing you much more than it would to regularly maintain your rain gutters and roof. The frequency with which you clean your gutters should be based on the amount of debris in your home and the number of trees that are nearby. Spring is a great time to conduct an annual cleaning because it is right after the pollen from trees and their seedlings have dropped.

In addition to cleaning your gutters, you may need to tighten them. As they loosen they will pull away from your home and the water will fall behind your gutters instead of in them. A loose gutter can also fall under the weight of rainwater or heavy winds. As such, it is important to tighten your gutter nails while you are cleaning them.

As for the stucco walls you have, you can easily repair them this spring. Stucco walls contain a base material that can by concrete, stone, brick, or metal lath. There may be pigments embedded within your wall as opposed to paint or you may have a wall which is textured with gravel. In any case you want to purchase replacement items that are close to the original wall. Otherwise the area you repair will stick out. In the case of pigments you want to test a batch first by adding the pigments to white stucco mix and letting it dry. Then compare the dried test to the rest of your wall. You can adjust the colors as necessary until you find the right mixture.

If you have cracks in your asphalt driveway or walkway, you want to fix them immediately to protect the overall durability and appearance of the area. You can use a nice spring morning to fix this issue easily. The cause of most cracks in your asphalt is water which seeped below the surface. As this water then expands and contracts with the winter temperatures and causes cracks. You can patch and fill any cracks and then seal it to prevent this from happening next year. Before you do any of the patch work be sure to clean off the area. Using a rubberized crack filler that is asphalt-emulsion based you can apply the mixture to the affected area using a caulking gun. Then let it dry and you are done with your spring cleaning.

Don’t want to Do It Yourself? Call Crowley Construction — we can help you get your home or property in top shape for spring!

Plumbing problems are a nightmare for both residential and commercial properties. Leaky or broken pipes will cause a lot of damage and sometimes prove to be quite dangerous. Money can also be a very big issue when it comes to plumbing. It is important to take preventive measures when you purchase a new building or home. Luckily, Crowley Construction is always here to help you in the prevention of broken or leaky pipes.

One preventive measure is to replace the pipes. Copper or galvanized steel pipes are typically mixed. This is horrible due to the nature of the materials. Unfortunately, plumbers who have installed both types of pipes have caused issues for you in the short and long term. At times, once copper and galvanized steel have been connected, even just by the threading, the steel will begin to corrode when the connection is tightened. This will cause leaky pipes, and in the long run, corrosion of a pipe will cause dramatic damage leading to flooding. If replacing the entire piping system is out of the question, Crowley can help by installing separators on the pipes that are not yet corroded.

Problems with drainage can also give property owners headaches. Back flow happens when a sudden or severe drop in water pressure occurs. Back flow is when the water goes the opposite direction in a pipe than it should. For example, if your water drains in a certain pipe, back flow would mean that water is coming from instead of draining through the pipe. This creates flooding and can spread bacteria through the room or building. The damage from back flow can rise just like the water. Crowley can help eliminate the potential risk for back flow and fix the problem that caused it.

Gas lines are considered part of plumbing due to the fact that gas lines are pipes. Gas is not something to take lightly. It raises the risks of fire and health hazards from inhalation. If you have a new gas range or dryer, it should be connected by a professional to ensure the safety of the occupants. Installing a new appliance to an old piping system for gas is quite dangerous. Any spark near the pipe can cause an explosion. Knowing what piping is compatible with other types of piping is imperative. Some pipes are not compatible and may cause leaking or sparks. There are specific connectors to be used depending on the piping that is already in place.

Pipe dangers do not stop there. When renovating or remodeling a home or building, it is important to know where your studs are. However, there are numerous individuals who think that is enough. It is also important to know where your piping is run in the home or building. Puncturing one of these pipes can cause limitless damage and danger.

Need a plumbing update? Call us today at 760-613-1722! Crowley Construction will be able to ensure the safety of you and your property.

Crowley Construction not only can provide relief from natural disasters, we can help with preventive measures. Preparation is extremely important during building construction. However, if the building was not constructed with earthquake preventive aspects in mind, it is not too late. Crowley Construction is can help install beams and more to make sure the structure will be safe in case of an earthquake disaster.

If you are constructing a new building, then special foundations need to be set in place. The foundations are layered to withstand the movements and vibrations caused by earthquakes. Without such a foundation, structures may slide off of the foundation when an earthquake strikes.

There are two key points to consider when you prepare your building for an earthquake. The first main objective is to foresee the consequences that can arise during the natural disasters. The second is to design and maintain structures to be able to stand through earthquakes without problems.

You will need to make sure that your building meets the requirements of Seismic Performance. This is the ability to maintain structural integrity during an earthquake. A structure is determined to be secure if it does not pose risks to those inside during an earthquake. Crowley Construction is extremely educated and experienced on what a building needs to be considered safe for those individuals inside. We know the concepts of special engineering that need to be implemented for earthquake procedures and codes that need to be followed. Crowley will perform a seismic performance assessment that will begin with an inspection of the foundation.

The foundation of the structure is significant in keeping the building standing during seismic waves. When it is layered, the shaking of the tectonic plates allows the building to slide with the shaking. This will keep the building from cracking and crumbling due to its resistance to the movement. Many foundations also include rubber insulation. The rubber will act as a shock absorber so the building is cushioned from the vibrations. Another type of foundation that keeps buildings intact is called Spherical Sliding Bearing. This works by using a ball for the building to roll on during the shaking. The building will roll from side to side with the plates and does not resist the movement, rather mimicking it.

It is important to keep other structures that maybe nearby in mind. The building will move, meaning it could bump into surrounding items. Careful measurements done by Crowley Construction will prevent damage to the outside of the building and other surroundings.