Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Time to Winterize Your Home

We have enjoyed warmer-than-average temperatures this Fall, but we know winter is coming. The experts at Prairie Construction recommend homeowners take advantage of the last few days of mild temps to get their home ready for the long, cold winter.

  • Drain Your Sprinkler System. If you have an underground sprinkler system, and you have not yet had it drained, it’s time to get that done. It’s also time to disconnect hoses from outdoor water faucets. Water left in pipes can freeze and thaw throughout the winter, causing them to crack or burst, and can potentially cause major damage in your home.
  • Empty Your Gutters. The winds and rain last week brought many of the leaves down from the trees, but chances are good several of them got caught in your home’s gutters before falling to the ground. Get your gutters cleaned out now before the leaves prevent rain and snow from properly draining, leading to freezing. The weight of frozen gutters can cause damage to your roof and siding.
  • Check for Cracks and Gaps. Looks for cracks in the siding and foundation, as well as around windows and doors. Either seal them up or consider looking for services such as Siding Installation in Raleigh, NC, or house repair in your home town, to prevent cold air from coming in and warm air from going out!
  • Weatherproof Doors and Windows. You can lose a lot of energy from door and window, particularly if you live in an older home. Weatherstripping doors and windows, installing
  • Service your Furnace. If you haven’t yet, have your furnace serviced and cleaned by hiring companies such as Hollenbach Home Comfort Services (hollenbachoil.com) to ensure it functions properly throughout the winter. As part of their normal operation, furnaces emit carbon monoxide. In order to ventilate the carbon monoxide outside of your house, it is important to install an exhaust pipe. Professionals from the likes of Air Makers or similar companies can check the exhaust pipe for leaks to make sure all carbon monoxide is leaving your home and your family is not being exposed to it. And if they see anything malfunctioning, they can repair it immediately. This will also give you a chance to see if you need to get anything else in your HVAC unit repaired, or if it might be time for a new furnace soon. And don’t forget about having the chimney cleaned – especially if you plan to use a fireplace this season.

Taking the time now to get your home ready for winter before the cold and snow arrive will go a long way in helping you stay warm, conserve energy and avoid damage to your home.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Westside Golf Project in the News!

It’s not every day your work is featured in a national publication, and we have to admit – it is pretty cool when it happens!

The Swede Center is an indoor golf practice facility located in Westside High School which was recently featured in Golfweek, part of USA Today.  Add to that, it was a really fun project for the Prairie Construction team!

The simulator sits in what was formerly an unusable space behind the gym. It includes putting, chipping and hitting bays, as well as a locker area and players’ lounge. It is used by District 66 students of all ages.

No other high school in the state – and possibly the country – can boast having a nicer, more state-of-the-art indoor golf practice facility like The Swede Canter. And it appears to be paying off as Westside is producing state champion golfers!

The facility was just one of several recent projects that Prairie Construction has collaborated on with Westside Schools, and we look forward to many more!

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Welcome Nighthawks to Elkhorn North Ridge Middle School

Elkhorn North Ridge Middle School welcomed students for the first time when the school year started a few weeks ago.

Prairie Construction has built many schools in the Omaha metro area, and each one is unique. North Ridge, located at 183rd & Ida St. in Elkhorn, was constructed with state-of-the-art safety features and design, and is proving to be fully functional for students.

Here is an inside look at some of our favorite spots in the school.

Have a great school year Nighthawks!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Skyrocketing Lumber Costs are Starting to Ease

We have good news for those of you planning a construction project……the cost of lumber is starting to fall!

Since the pandemic began, we’ve heard a lot about high demand and low supply for everything from toilet paper and Clorox wipes to groceries and vehicles. We saw a huge increase in the demand for things like lumber, and an even bigger increase in the costs for lumber and building supplies.

According to the Labor Department’s producer price index, lumber prices more than doubled from May 2020 to May 2021. The National Association of Home Builders says the price tripled in just 12 months.

Americans spent more time at home over the last year, contributing to an increase in home improvement and new construction projects. Adding to that, restrictions due to COVID-19 slowed production at sawmills. This increased demand and reduced supply resulted in skyrocketing prices for lumber.

We are finally starting to see an easing of high lumber prices. Americans are going back to work and things are slowly returning to “normal”. While we may not see a return to pre-pandemic pricing for some time, we are seeing improvements in lumber and building supplies pricing.

If you put off your construction project because of the increased pricing, now might be a good time to put the plans back on the books. The team at Prairie Construction is ready to help!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Welcome to Omaha, CWS fans!

We are big baseball fans at Prairie Construction – This is one of our favorite times of year in Omaha, and we are so happy to see the series back in full swing this year!

If you are new to Omaha, or you haven’t been back for a few years, things might look a little different to you. There has been a construction boom in Omaha in recent years and Prairie Construction has played a big role in development near the stadium.

If you take a stroll just west of TD America on Cuming St., you’ll see Prairie Construction’s mark throughout Creighton University’s campus, notably the new Facilities Management Building on 18th & Burt St. We’ve also been busy with work in the Medical School and Health Sciences Library on campus as well.

If you head southeast from the stadium, take a trip over the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to Council Bluffs, IA. It’s a beautiful bridge with a spectacular view of the Missouri River, and it’s fun to be able to say you were in 2 states at the same time – you’ll see the state line marking about halfway across the bridge.

For a little extra fun, make a stop under the pedestrian bridge – yes, that is a giant blue troll! Helping the city transport and install the troll to his new home under the bridge was a fun project for the Prairie Construction team, definitely different from our typical projects.

Enjoy your stay in Omaha, or just your visit downtown, good luck to all the teams, and we hope to see you back in Omaha soon – you never know what will be new by the next time you visit!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Take Time to Appreciate

The Prairie Construction team is looking ahead to a busy spring and summer, we paused recently to share our appreciation for our customers, vendors, partners, subcontractors, and most importantly, our team! Our annual Fish Fry Friday brought everyone together for great food and good conversation.

We are proud that throughout the fall and winter, the Prairie Construction team stayed busy and completed projects on deadline. Our team is skilled and dedicated to bringing excellent, quality craftsmanship to every project.

We are geared up for the busy spring and summer season  – warmer temperatures and longer days are the perfect recipe for productivity.

We didn’t want to miss the opportunity to recognize and thank our amazing team and partners for their dedication to Prairie Construction!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Should You Build or Renovate?

You’ve made the decision – your office or company needs a new space. Maybe you have outgrown the office, or it no longer fits your needs. Or you’re due – maybe overdue? – for an updated, more modern look and feel.

But now the question – should you renovate your existing space, or build a brand-new structure?

The answer is – that depends. It depends on your unique situation, and the reasons for wanting, or needing, the new space.

Let’s take a look at some considerations for both renovating and building new.

Consideration for Renovation:

  • Does the location of your current structure still work for you?
  • If you need more space, can your renovation plans accommodate the new growth that you need?
  • Will your budget accommodate the plans necessary to meet your goals? Will your budget accommodate a new build?
  • Can you maintain day-to-day operations while the space undergoes a renovation?
  • Can your existing space accommodate electrical or plumbing updates necessary to comply with codes?

There are many benefits to building new, beyond just a brand-new space.

Benefits of Building New:

  • Starting from scratch opens the door to design, spacing and floor plan options that might by limited in a renovation project.
  • With a new build, you can incorporate energy and environmental efficient plans and materials that might not be an option with a renovation.
  • As you design your new build, you can be assured your plans will be compliant with all current codes.
  • A new build may be more cost-efficient when you factor that all costs will be upfront, and there will be fewer unforeseen costs that can happen with demolition begins.
  • More sustainable options for an office building, such as modular shipping containers (visit the website to see more), can be considered provided all requirements are met and the space is sufficient.
  • Consider the value. New construction tends to hold its value very well and, and it may have a stronger resale value down the road.

Weigh your options between renovation and new construction. Always consider what is best for your company now and in the future. The Prairie Construction team is ready to help you with your project, give us a call today – we are ready to help!

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Impact of an Office Renovation

After repeated snowfalls, and frigid cold, sunshine and above-freezing temperatures always feel refreshing and reenergizing.

The Prairie Construction team has felt that way walking into our office every day since we completed our office renovation in early summer, 2020. We look forward to the day when we can invite you to see it for yourself, but in the meantime, we want to share the impact the newly updated space has had on our team.

After 30 years of helping countless clients with their own renovation projects, it was time for us to do the same for ourselves. We like to think of our office remodel project as a rebrand from within. Our team did a complete remodel of our office space, and with the help of several local partners, we completed a renovation that brings us a renewed enthusiasm, and a great deal of pride. This was something that was key for us as we did not have the same feelings of pride attached to our old offices. Whilst the renovation was being completed, some of our employees worked from home and due to most of them having a good work from home internet speed this was not an issue for our company. However, it is nice to have everyone back in the office.

The new space showcases our ability to create functional spaces that are not only efficient and attractive but also gives the strong first impression that any company wants to portray. If an office space has been closed for months now, it might be possible that there are mold formations in certain places. This might require the intervention of Mold Remediation Experts who can help you restore the property back to its former glory. Following this, all renovation procedures can be continued. It might be important to keep in mind that office spaces should always be welcoming and positive to maintain a healthy and friendly environment for employees, as well as visitors. In order to achieve this, choosing every office component, including equipment, supplies, and furniture carefully (visit https://www.officemonster.co.uk/ to select furnishings for your office) might be essential. The right choice of these elements and items, if made carefully, can elevate the aesthetics of a workspace. Additionally, it is important for the old and unused furniture to be gotten rid of – especially in a way that does not in any way harm the environment. To this end, roll off dumpster rentals could be utilized by construction companies to get rid of material waste.

Coming back, our team members feel a sense of pride and renewed enthusiasm when they walk into the bright, updated, and professional space.

The project gave us an opportunity to showcase our creativity and innovative ideas. We collaborated with local artist Jan Milam from Art on Location, to create unique, custom prints featuring some of our recent construction projects that hang in our conference room. We love the strong statement they make to our guests, clients and team members.

Our only regret is that we didn’t do this project earlier! Have you considered an office renovation or upgrade? Give the Prairie Construction team a call – we are ready to help!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News, Industry News

Looking Ahead to 2021!

As we look back on 2020, I think everyone can agree the year didn’t necessarily go the way we planned it!

No one could have predicted a pandemic that would close businesses and put many aspects of our lives on hold the way they were in 2020.

But it’s a new year, and as we look ahead we can revisit plans that were put on hold in the last year. If your plans to remodel, or build a new home or office, stalled in 2020, the Prairie Construction team may be able to help with your plans.

If you are ready to move ahead with your construction needs, the Prairie Construction has some tips to keep in mind to ensure your 2021 project, big or small, is successful:

  • Don’t be afraid to ask a contractor for referrals. Or ask your friends and family for a recommendation.
  • Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure the company has a solid reputation.
  • Choose a company that has experience with projects similar to yours.
  • Work with a company that has a good understanding of architectural design.
  • Choose a contractor or construction company that will manage your project from start to finish so you don’t need to find subcontractors.

More than anything, trust your instincts. Choosing the right company for your project will make the process successful and enjoyable. Contact the Prairie Construction team to discuss your projects for 2021!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News, Uncategorized

Happy Holidays from the Prairie Construction Team

As we close out what has been a most unusual year, we look back with appreciation for our amazing team of dedicated professionals. You make Prairie Construction who we are, and we appreciate your dedication, loyalty, and commitment to serving our clients with professionalism and excellence every day.

Thank you to all of our subcontractors and partners. We appreciate your shared commitment to quality craftsmanship and excellent service on every project.

And to each of our clients – thank you for trusting the Prairie Construction team with your construction needs. It has been our pleasure to work with you and we are grateful for the confidence you have in our team.

As we welcome 2021, we look forward to working with each of you on exciting new projects!

We wish you the very best of the holiday season, and a very happy New Year!