27 February 2019

Top 4 construction industry Trends that you should keep up with in 2019

The construction industry always witness changes, it is a sector that never plateau. If you want your company to be ahead in the game, you should keep up with the latest trends, from technology advancement to sustainability. Here are the top 4 trends for 2019:

  • Technology advancement
We live in an era, where technology is moving very quickly, and altering constant change to our lives. Therefore technology has not spared the construction sector. From one hand, technology in the construction sector is not only limited to the use of softwares, now we can get pictures with drones of the building site and the whole landscape. From another hand, technologies that allows to facilitate the communication between different participants of a construction project, like BIM (Building Information Modelling),  it makes resource management easier and it enables enhanced collaboration.
  • Green technology and sustainability
Nowadays, more and more projects are including “greener” plans and seeking to offer an eco-friendly technology in buildings. Green construction is not very different from normal construction, the only difference is the economy, utility and efficiency of resources. When it comes to building materials, some companies started to make durable materials such as , the bricks who are made of cigarette butts, or thermally driven air conditioners and asphalt that heal itself.
  • Modular and prefabricated construction projects
Prefabrication and modular construction have both become more popular over the last year or so, and it isn’t hard to see why. Both trends are energy efficient and cost-effective, which is ideal at a time when most material prices are rising, or high already! This popularity is likely to increase even more over the next few months, especially for construction companies looking to cut overall costs.
  • Project management solutions
Many industries are now embracing project management software, and this includes the construction industry. Project management software has been improved significantly over the last few years, and now there are lots of specialized programs to suit different jobs; from designing a building to running a construction site. The software provides construction companies with three major advantages; transparency, accountability, and efficiency. As many people will be using the same software, it is easier for people to understand their role, which could also help to make construction sites safer. The overall output is positive, the construction industry is an essential part of any beautiful city in the worlds. Keeping in mind the trends, will open up doors to new opportunities and horizons Source and inspiration: https://esub.com/10-construction-industry-trends/
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7 November 2017

Poland: A leader in posting employees abroad

For many years, Poland is at the forefront of countries that benefit from the freedom to provide services and promote the posting of workers abroad and for the development of companies.

    Delegation Directions   Polish companies most often delegate their employees to France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany. This form of service provision is particularly popular in construction, but also in industry and agriculture. The conditions that a company must meet to delegate employees are not complicated - they should conduct a significant part of their activity in Poland and document at least a 1-month employment relationship with a posted employee paid to ZUS.

“Prior to the implementation of a foreign contract, the company should also complete the formalities in the receiving country. In this direction, however, he can count on the help of specialists from KomFort Poland, who for years has represented construction companies on the European market”

Posting-is not unilateral   Poland is a leader in the provision of cross-border services.In 2009, the phenomenon of posting was minimally accommodated by the deteriorating economic situation caused by the crisis. Recent data indicate that there are approximately 1 million posted workers in the European Union, of which over 20% are Polish. French and German are just behind them. The increasing number of posted individuals, works in two directions. There are many foreigners working in Poland, delegated, among others from Belarus, Ukraine and China. They are present mainly in the construction industry and industry.       Although delegation is undoubtedly an alternative to the difficult situation of the construction industry in Poland, it should not be considered only as an emergency exit. The phenomenon of posting is important for the Polish economy and determines the competitiveness of Polish companies. But as well, benefits for employees who can count on higher earnings abroad, but also raise their qualifications and gain experience.
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23 June 2016

NATO headquarters: Big construction projects needs experienced subcontractors

The construction of the NATO Headquarters began on October 18, 2010. The important investment is estimated at 750 million euros, will enable the introduction of appropriate security measures resulting from the political and military character of NATO and will create a place that will be able to develop with the changes taking place in the world.     The building itself is ecological and functional. It will consist of eight wings converging in the lobby covered with glass. 20,000 sq m of office space, conference rooms, press center, restaurants and car parks are designed to improve the work of nearly 5,000. diplomats, officials and military. Moreover, modern insulation solutions and advanced lighting systems will help reduce energy consumption. The construction company from Krakow has been working as a subcontractor since November 2012. The contract includes the performance of thermal and waterproofing works on 65,000 sq m of flat roofs, using foam glass and bituminous roofing. The project is implemented by dozens of qualified and experienced employees. KomFort's help consisted of:
  • Presentation of an experienced and reliable subcontractor
  • Assistance on the preparation of a mutually beneficial valuation
  • Preparation of formalities necessary to provide services in Belgium (including A1 certificate, registration in the Limosa system)
  • Preparation of documentation needed so that the subcontractor's workers can enter the construction site
Your company also has a chance to work on such interesting and big projects. Contact a KomFort representative from your region and find out what we can offer you.
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26 February 2016

4 things to expect from a foreign subcontractor

For over 10 years, KomFort has been operating on the European construction market and supporting Polish companies in the cross-border provision of services. Our long experience allow us to determine what aspects and issues, a foreign company should pay attention to, when working with a subcontractors from Poland.   Polish construction teams operating on foreign markets are competitive in relation to local companies. They work efficiently and with professionalism. Foreign clients appreciate the multitasking skills of the Polish teams. Here are some issues that are decisive for clients from Belgium, Germany or Luxembourg when making decisions about cooperating with a Polish construction company. Currently, foreign contractors put first of all the legality of services provided by subcontractors. Checks on construction sites and high fines for illegal employment of foreign companies mean that the consequences of breaking the law are simply not worth taking risks.  
„Legal cooperation should also be a priority for Polish companies that would like to export their construction services in the long term. [...]”
Companies that work "black" can become victims of fraud. When the principal does not pay their due money, they usually stay on the ice. Actually, there are no legal means to enforce the payment.

Second, a high standard of services

Employers employing subcontractors expect a high standard of services. Fortunately, Polish companies enjoy a good reputation. This issue is verified already at the stage of preliminary negotiations. Foreign principals appreciate companies with experience in the market, and ideally if the construction team previously worked abroad.  
  • Productivity at work is another feature
  • Builders from Poland work efficiently
  • Flexible and adjust quickly to different projects
Polish companies often specialize in more than one sector. For example, employees specialize in general construction works, and at the same time have a lot of experience in interior finishes.
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26 November 2015

Major costs to consider while working with a subcontractor

When preparing for a trip to a foreign contract and making an initial valuation, it is worth taking into account the estimated costs related to the secondment of employees and the implementation of works.  

The estimation of costs to be taken into account when planning the execution of an order abroad will first of all allow to prepare a more accurate valuation of construction services. A good plan will also allow you to minimize the number of unforeseen expenses, in order to maximize the final profit.

"KomFort supports subcontractors exporting services abroad in the estimation of costs, as well as in organizing trips (including accommodation, transport, equipment operation, etc.)"

 

Costs related to the posting of employees

  • Salary for employees
Zgodnie z Union Directive 96/71 / EC for the duration of work abroad, the employer must provide employees with remuneration in the amount corresponding to the rates applicable in a given country. Minimum rates binding in most countries depend, among others from qualifications, the construction sector, the region, etc. During these calculations, the costs related to employing employees (ZUS, taxes) should also be taken into account. Subcontractors cooperating with KomFort have, therefore, the support of our Administrative Department, which helps in estimating costs remuneration in accordance with the law of the country of posting.
  • Transport costs
When planning a budget, you should consider both travel costs, as well as moving around on the spot. It is worth choosing the most a convenient and economical form of commuting, having regard to the type of transport - public or private - and the price of fuel or tickets.
  • Accommodation costs
Rental costs they may vary depending on the country of the region, the size of the rented flat, the length of the lease period, and the standard of the flat. In this case, KomFort makes every effort to find subcontractors like the best prices for accommodation.Because in countries such as Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Germany we have been operating for many years, we are able to offer really good housing options in a convenient location.
  • Social insurance
The employer is obliged to pay insurance premiums the social dimension of its employees from the basis of the assessment, which when posted abroad can not be lower than the average monthly remuneration applicable in a given calendar year.

"Comfort deals with the preparation of construction offers for Subcontractors, and assists them in completing all organizational and formal issues related to the export of services. "

Costs related to the construction

In connection with the execution of construction projects abroad, there may be additional costs, eg related to the equipment operation. It is also worth thinking about unforeseen situations, such as expenses for equipment repairs or downtimes caused by, for example, weather. All kinds of construction services should be completed with various administrative and accounting formalities, both at home and abroad. In this case too we provide comprehensive support Subcontractors cooperating with us. KomFort maintains contact with local accounting offices in order to provide the fullest service and facilitate the organization of a formal trip page, while limiting expenses.
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25 August 2015

KFE Holding: The expansion of our activities

KomFort Polska name changed to KFE Holding Sp. z o.o. The changes are related to the successive expansion of activities in various industries and countries.     Despite the changes in the name, previous offer addressed to construction companies as well as comprehensive service of international contracts are still realised within the same scope. KomFort operates independently on European construction market, simultaneously belonging to the KFE Holding group. KFE Holding Sp. z o.o. is a link connecting few companies operating on the same principles of partnership in different countries and trades.   Currently, we have the pleasure to cooperate with partners in France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg. Subcontractors from Poland, as well as Spain or Portugal, through cooperation with the KomFort company have the chance to carry out legal construction contracts abroad. Our specialists provide them with comprehensive legal, administrative, language and organizational support.   Changing the name of the company does not affect the existing activities of KomFort, cooperation with partners or obligations to contractors. All contact details (mailing addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc.) remain unchanged.  
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