CONSTRUCTION COMPANY JOBS IN MOMBASA KENYA

A well established company in the construction industry based in Mombasa, Kenya has the following vacancies. 

Applicants must be willing to work at the coast.
 

Site Administration

Job description

• Read and understand blue prints, details, specification, bills of quantity and works programme and accurately communicate the instruction to those in charge.
• Prepare and maintain site technical documentation and correspondence in accordance with conditions of contract, to include but not limited to RFI;s, AI’s, CVI’s, Site Instructions & weather reports, daily site reports, daily manpower log , daily equipment log  e.t.c.
• Preparation of bi-weekly and monthly progress reports, in accordance with agreed practice.
• Prepare two weeks look ahead schedule.
• Develop and maintain sound and co-operative working relationships with consultant and client.
• Ensure health, safety, environmental policies are adhered at all times
• Gain a sound understanding of the company and site organization, ensuring all reasonable steps are taken in order to achieve industrial harmony within the site organization at all times.

Qualification

• BSc Degree in Construction Management / Building Engineering / Min. 
• 3 years experience in construction project. 
• Literacy in AutoCAD and Microsoft Project software.

Field Engineer
 

Job Description

• Check Setting out (marking the position of structures) and levels prior to blinding.
• Preparation of Bar bending Schedule (BBS) and monitor installation of rebar for conformance to structural drawings and approval of QA forms
• Check formwork is installed correctly prior to concrete
• Calculate and submit material requirement. 
• To execute and to supervise the day to day entrusted works as per the approved plans complying with all quality requirements.
• Conversant with Auto cad software

Qualification

• BSc degree / Diploma in Structural Engineering with Minimum of 3 years of experience. 
• Must be able to prepare bar bending schedule in time.
• Literacy in AutoCAD software.

Site Quantity and Planning Administration
 

Job description

• Keep Take off calculations records; prepare monthly valuation of work complete, submission of valuation and certification of valuation.
• Management of variations and claims, assistance with site staff in the preparation of variation and claim documentation, submission of variation and claim documentation, approval of variations and claims, maintenance of variation and claim registers.
• Measure and Prepare subcontract (carpenter and steel fixer etc) interim payment application on weekly basis.
• Prepare material cost report.
• Prepare monthly programme and cash-flow using Microsoft project software and submit to head office.
• Prepare two weeks look ahead programme for foreman.
• Prepare monthly report.

Qualification
 

BSc Degree in construction Management and literacy in Microsoft project software with minimum of 3 years experience.

Civil Foreman
 

Job Description

• To study approved Architectural & Structural drawing before work begins.
• Execute and supervise of daily work according to the drawing, designs and specification.
• Supervise excavation, formwork, steel fixing and concrete works as per drawing, specification and client’s requirement.
• Able to prepare layouts as per drawing and check block walling, plaster and roof works.
• Lead a team of skilled workers and extracting work from them as required and to control wastage.
• Getting work done from sub-contractor & sub-ordinate within schedule & with safety & quality.

Qualification

• Experience or Certificate course with minimum of 5 years as qualified and competent trades person who is familiar with concrete, formwork, steel fixing, masonry and roof work.

Interior Finishing Foreman

• To study approved Architectural finishing schedule and detail drawing before work begins.
• Execute and supervise of daily work according to the drawing, designs and specification.
• Supervise internal and external wall / floor finishes as per drawing, specification and client’s requirement. (Experience of  tiles, plasterboard, doors, windows , external stone cladding, decorative painting, door,  e.t.c)
• Able to prepare layouts as per drawing and check setting, level and plumb.
• Lead a team of skilled workers and extracting work from them as required and to control wastage.
• Getting work done from sub-contractor & sub-ordinate within schedule & with safety & quality.
• Prepare daily report.

Qualification
 

Experience or Certificate course with minimum of 5 years of experience in similar position

Email your applications and attach your CV only to hracivil2013@gmail.com by Friday 31st May 2013.

The position applied for should be used as the subject of the email.

Flooring Options Available for Kenyan Contractors

When deciding on which covering to use for your floor, you may find yourself spoilt for option. It is therefore necessary to spend a bit of your time to familiarize with the different types major flooring options available for. Your choice of floor covering will be guided by different factors depending on your taste and preference. However, the three most important guiding factors are: function, style and cost.  By looking at these your choice will be made much easier.

1.      Engineered Wood-Planks

Description: Engineered planks are made up of laminated wood, as in plywood. The top layer has a prefinished surface of hardwood which gives it the natural beauty of real wood floor covering. The product comes in wide planks which are joined through tongue-and-groove joints. The floor does not require nailing or gluing. The planks basically float over a foam-rubber underlayment.

Another advantage of this flooring product is that it is available in a wide range of color and wood species.

Price: Depending on the hardwood species and the manufacturer, the price ranges from $4 to $8 per square foot.

2.      Laminate Flooring

Both laminates and Engineered wood are made up of thin veneers laminated together to produce wide planks which snap together through tongue and groove joints. The main difference is that, unlike engineered wood-planks, the top surface of the laminate floor covering is made of plastic laminate, not hardwood.   Laminate flooring also comes in slightly shorter planks (about 47 inches long).
Pros:  Laminates are extremely resistant to scratches, stains, fading, damage and wear. They last longer than any real wood floor with minimum maintenance.
Price and quality vary again depending on the manufacturer. However premium laminate flooring goes for something between $4 and $6 per square foot.

3.      Carpet Flooring

The most versatile flooring material is a carpet. Installing wall-to-wall carpets was quite a limitation to the use of this versatile floor covering. However, the stain protected carpet squares, produced nowadays, can be installed just about anywhere without worrying over damage or staining. There are varied patterns, styles and textures available than before. And, you can match a mixture of carpets squires of different color, texture and patterns to come up with a truly unique floor.

“Berber” was a very popular choice, in the past few years, due to its affordability and durability. Currently a variety of deep piles, shag carpets, and their combination are becoming popular again.

Price: The price of a carpet, range from about $5 to as high as $26 per square piece.

Ceramic Tile Flooring

The tiles used in ceramic flooring are much larger. The tiles are also available in more choices. Coupled with the varied styles and an evolving design, ceramics can also be matched to give that designer look.

Price per square foot: Ranges between $6 to $10

Cork Planks

In recent years, cork flooring has exponentially grown in popularity. The main reason for this growth is attributed to cork’s attractive nature, durability and relative affordability. It also has good sound proofing quality and is soft underfoot.

Prefinished cork floor coverings come in both planks and tiles. As with any tiled covering, cork tiles must be glued to the subfloor. However, the new generation engineered-cork-planks simply snap to form a floating floor. The cork planks require some underlayment for their installation, but some are prefixed with a cork underlayment, simplifying their installation.

Cork does not easily show stains on its surface and accepts topcoat finishes. They also come in a variety of colors and styles. Each plank measures 12 X 36 inches on the sides.

Price usually depends on the number ordered: the higher the number the lower the cost. Basically the price ranges between $7.50 psf for an order above 200 square feet and as high as $11 psf for an order below 50 square feet.

Roofing With Asphalt Shingles

Roof shingles are roof coverings made flat rectangular elements. These elements are usually laid in rows from the foot edge of the roof up, with each consecutive higher row overlapping the joints in the lower row.
In the past, roof shingles have been made from a variety of materials such as asbestos-cement, wood, slate, asphalt shingle (bitumen-soaked paper covered with aggregate or fiberglass-based shingles), ceramic or composite. However because of the increased fire hazard associated with paper and wood, wood shingles and paper-based shingles are nowadays less common. Moreover, the perceived carcinogenic property of asbestos also limits the use of asbestos-cement shingles. As a result, fiberglass-based asphalt shingles are nowadays the most widely used roofing material for residential roofing applications in the United States and the world at large.However its use in Kenya is yet to pick, may be due to little information on this versatile roofing material.
Shingles are never to be confused with tiles as tiles ceramic products which are therefore hard and brittle. So whereas tiles last longer than asphalt or paper-based shingles (these two will rot after some time), shingles' preference is because they do not break easily when stepped on or even when a tree branch accidentally fall on your roof.
Asphalt shingles' popularity in U.S can be attributed to number reasons. They are relatively cheap; starting from as low as $0.80 per square foot and go up from there. Asphalt shingles' installation, repair and maintenance are easy and the homeowner can just do the work themselves. The shingles come in a range of styles and colors, to suit the user's choice. Better still, asphalt shingles are reasonably durable (some achieved a class IV hail rating - which is the highest rating for roofing materials available).
The durability of asphalt shingle, however, depends on the geographic location, roof pitch, type of roof underlayment, how cool and moisture free is the attic space, and definitely, asphalt shingle type used. On average a thirty year shingle may last up to 15 years.
The different asphalt shingle types: The two main asphalt shingles are; architectural (dimensional shingles) and three-tab shingles. Three-tab shingles are manufactured from a sole layer of asphalt-saturated fiberglass having a tiny stone layer glued over the shingle. On the other hand, Architectural shingles have solid shingle underneath and another layer glued on the lower half, to present it with an architectural outlook.
In general, architectural shingles last a little longer than three-tabs, but should never be used on roof-slope less than 4. For roof-slopes of 3-4, it's always advisable to use a three-tab shingles, since they provide better protection from wind-driven rain.

Replacement Window Materials

The process involved when replacing windows can be long and laborious. It consumes time, require so much planning, and can as well become a very costly undertaking. As a result, it is imperative to research properly before purchasing replacement or even new windows. One of the most critical decisions to formulate when selecting the right replacement windows may also turn out to be the easiest decision to ignore: deciding the right replacement windows materials. This usually refers to the materials used hold together the window glass, the window frame.

Factors to consider when deciding the material to use for your replacement windows

When opting on particular replacement window materials, it is essential to know what your choice will depend on. When you can determine exactly what you desire out of your new windows, choosing the window materials becomes much easier. Before choosing your new replacement windows you will have to consider the following:

Cost: This is about getting the right quality material at a reasonable price. Choose a replacement window material which can do the job adequately and within your budget.

Energy Efficiency: You may want to have the best energy efficient window available. However, it is good to remember that energy efficiency also determines the cost – the higher the energy efficiency the higher the cost. In addition, energy efficiency may not be the most critical factor to consider especially in small homes with few windows.

Maintenance: Some replacement windows are more durable and will require minimal maintenance when compared to others. Consider the required maintenance like painting, waxing and even duration before it requires another replacement. This may seem an easy choice but it is sometimes complicated if you consider it together with cost and aesthetics. For instance, wood is aesthetically pleasant but is less durable. While Vinyl may not look that nice but lasts longer with minimum maintenance.

Curb Appeal: Some window frame materials are not as appealing like others to the neighbors. Choose a material which is nice looking, but still provide satisfactory service to the home and its people.

Available materials for replacement windows

Window frames are made from a range of materials including wood, vinyl, fiberglass, steel and aluminum. The frames may be principally made of one material, or from a combination of various materials such as vinyl and wood. Each material for replacement windows has its benefits and drawbacks. It is, therefore, necessary to have some knowledge about each frame material before coming up with the best one for your home.

1. Wood: If your major concern is aesthetics, you may want to consider using wood – it is classic. Wood has been used as replacement windows material for ages, yet contractors just continue to improve on it. Recent developments have seen today’s wood frames become much stronger and more durable compared to its predecessors and wood has one of the greatest aesthetic appeals when done properly. Wood frames are also incredibly adaptable, as it can be easily painted to match with the rest of the house. Unfortunately, wood requires high maintenance and pure high quality wood frame is very expensive. Consequently, wood may only be a good choice for those willing to pay extra for the aesthetics and are able to keep maintaining it. Despite these drawbacks, wooden replacement windows are still a popular material choice. This is because most of the wood windows in the market are basically clad windows. That is, the exterior of the window frames have been covered with either vinyl or aluminum. This helps reduce the amount of maintenance required to keep the frame exterior looking new, while providing you with the traditional wooden frame.
2. Aluminum: Growing concern over energy efficiency in homes has led to the decline in the use of Aluminum replacement windows. Aluminum is really a good material; it is considerably strong, resistant to scratches and dents, and can be painted to match any color. However; aluminum being an excellent energy conductor, it easily transfers the outside environmental temperatures into the house. The house becomes very hot during summer and very cold during winter. All these said, some people still choose aluminum replacement windows because of their reasonable cost and durability; particularly if their house is smaller and thus not so worried about energy efficiency.
3. Steel: Steel’s use for replacement windows has also declined, though not completely faced out. Steel still finds its use in commercial buildings, but has the similar limitations as aluminum in that it is also not very energy efficient. Conversely, concerning durability it is simply the best option. Some home owners also prefer steel for security reasons.
4. Fiberglass: Fiberglass is an excellent material in nearly all areas. Fiberglass replacement windows have a very attractive combination of durability, adaptability and energy efficiency. It may not be as stylish as wood, but definitely needs minimum maintenance and can still be painted to match any color. In addition, fiberglass is nearly as long-lasting as vinyl and looks nicer. The major limitation of fiberglass is absolutely its cost. It is a new material in the replacement Windows’ market and the therefore prices are still sky-high. However, if your pocket is well loaded, fiberglass may just be the best option.
5. Vinyl: Vinyl replacement windows have the largest share of the replacement window market today. Vinyl can be extruded; hence capable of producing frames with many hollow areas. This is very important property as it helps reduce the weight, cost and also the insulating properties of vinyl windows. Vinyl is also one of the most long-lasting and lowest maintenance materials on today’s market. It usually just has it all and gives you nothing much to complain about, as far as performance is concerned. However, vinyl critics point out to its cheap look and low curb appeal. They may be right; vinyl windows are not as flashy as wooden or even aluminum ones. That is the reason why producers nowadays manufacture wood-clad vinyl, with the advantage of nicer look.

Make an Informed Choice

There are a variety of replacement windows in the market to choose from. The choices may just mean there is something perfect for each situation and for everyone, which is good news. However, it may require time and extensive research to know what is best for you or your particular situation. Spend some time before venture into the market and make sure you do it right. Definitely you do not want to be remorseful over expensive things like replacing windows.

Choosing the Best Epoxy Floor Coating

Epoxy coating has been used as the standard for a tough, beautiful floor surface for many years. However, many people still confuse epoxy with paint. It is not surprising to hear someone make reference to “epoxy point”. In reality, epoxy and paint are totally different products with different chemical composition. Even if you could differentiate the two, choosing the best epoxy resin for your floor coating may still be hard. For this reason, below is some insight to help you choose the best epoxy coating for your garage floor.

For a tough, durable garage floor, two part epoxy coating that do not contain solvent (100 percent solids) are the best choice. This type of epoxy coating hardens through a chemical process leaving behind a thick, hard and appealing surface. It may be a little more expensive and a little more demanding to install than the options below, but 100 percent epoxy coating is certainly a DIY- friendly project. An example of this product is epoxy master.

The two-part solvent based epoxy resins are good but not utterly great. They are water based and are therefore easier to apply and clean up when compared to 100 percent solids epoxy coatings. The major draw-back is that these products provide a thinner coating which is not likely to last as long.  Quikrete, Rust-Oleum and Behr are the most popular epoxy coatings of this kind readily available at your home improvement store.

One-part Solvent-based epoxy coating is not a true epoxy coating.  A true epoxy coating comes in two parts: the resin and the hardener. However, one-part epoxy coating is pre-mixed. This may be convenient, but the product doesn’t perform much better than paint. You can only choose this if you are not going to use the garage frequently and/or is ready to do the floor