Design solutions for hotel development

Developers | Build cheaper & faster with BASE4 Design!

Reading Time: 4 minutes As construction costs continue to soar, completing projects has become exceedingly challenging. At BASE4, we are committed to creating affordable and efficient projects. Our team specializes in devising innovative solutions that optimize project expenses through smarter design practices. It’s time to adopt a cost-effective building solution: Build Cheaper & Faster with BASE4! I Want to Build
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BASE4 | We do PIPs & Renovations too!

Reading Time: 3 minutes We understand the importance of creating a memorable and attractive space for your guests. Are you a hotel owner looking to renovate your property? Ready to transform your hotel? Read on. A PIP, or property improvement plan, is an action plan designed to bring a hotel property into compliance with the latest brand standards. We do
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2023 Insights | The Land Market is on Fire!

Reading Time: 3 minutes The U.S. multifamily market posted a solid performance in mid-2023. This market has showcased positive trends and growth in several areas. The U.S. multifamily market experienced a remarkable increase in demand, with 70,200 units of positive net absorption in Q2, marking the first significant quarterly demand since Q1 2022. Read on. With the U.S. population increasing
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Developers | Need Interior Design Services?!

Reading Time: 4 minutes First impressions matter; having an attractive interior can help make a project appealing. As a developer, have you ever wondered about the importance of having interior design professionals as part of your project team? Read on. Did you know? 3D interior rendering has unquestionably shaped decisions by developers. Need Interior Design Services?!   Benefits of Hiring an
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Market Insights | Considering Modular Construction?

Reading Time: 4 minutes Modular construction, which can cut down the cost and time of building, is gaining popularity in North America as developers look for more efficient and adaptable ways of construction. This method offers a more flexible option in construction as it reduces the need for on-site labor, materials, and equipment. Is it time to consider modular? I
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Developers | Multifamily is thriving!

Reading Time: 3 minutes The multifamily industry has demonstrated resilience against various challenges, such as rising construction costs and regulatory obstacles, but this sector continues to show no signs of slowing down! Read on! Let’s Talk about your Multifamily Development!   The multifamily market remains on solid footing, ready for continued growth in the years ahead. The latest report on
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Developers | Save on costly construction change orders!

Reading Time: 3 minutes Construction costs are high. Rework and change orders due to coordination issues and incorrect builds are making this number higher!  What can you do? I Have a Project to Discuss   By using construction technology, as a developer, you can build structures more efficiently and cost-effectively, resulting in faster and cheaper construction projects. Construction technology has revolutionized
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2023 Insights | Office To Multifamily Conversions

Reading Time: 3 minutes Over the past two years, there has been a significant surge in apartment conversions. This growing trend in the real estate industry has resulted in the creation of converting outdated office buildings into much-needed residences—an effective solution for transforming existing spaces into viable living options. Should you convert an office building into an apartment building? Read
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Market Insights | The New Housing Trend To Watch!

Reading Time: 4 minutes Last year Build-For-Rent (BFR) homes had a record-breaking year in the U.S. More than 14,500 houses were built for this purpose, which is a 47% increase from the previous year when fewer than 10,000 homes were completed. Is built-for-rent housing the next big thing in multifamily living? Read on. Let’s talk about your next project!  
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Developers | What Is Happening With Construction Materials

Reading Time: 3 minutes The latest Producer Price Index report shows that the cost of building materials excluding energy, did not change much in June 2023. Key construction materials are still costly, and some building material prices have increased slightly. How does this affect the construction industry? Read on to find out. I Have a Project I Want to Discuss!
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Developers | US Construction is Growing!

Reading Time: 3 minutes Despite the current news and economic state, many people are still constructing buildings. The construction industry has started the year on a positive note, which is a good sign for its future. The industry’s potential for expansion and resilience is evident from these figures. The ongoing investments in infrastructure and the strong housing market further
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Developers | Projects are still moving forward!

Reading Time: 3 minutes Despite the current economic issues, high construction costs, and challenges on the jobsite, we are delighted to see that many projects are still moving forward. Thank you to all the developers, builders, vendors, and clients for partnering with BASE4, your trusted design partner! I have a project to discuss   Regardless of the obstacles developers, constructors,
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Time-to-Consider-Prefab

Developers | Here’s how to get your projects built faster!

Reading Time: 4 minutes One of the primary challenges affecting construction costs is the significant labor shortage resulting in extended project schedules and increased project costs. One solution to address this problem is moving to prefab. Is it time to consider it for your next project? What Can Be Done? The current labor shortage in the construction industry highlights the
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2023 Insights | Build cheaper with better design!

Reading Time: 3 minutes In today’s environment of higher construction costs, optimizing building efficiency is crucial. Unnecessary wasted space resulting in the loss of rentable square footage can significantly impede the financial return on investment. Meet the market demand while maximizing investment returns, read on! I have a project I’d like to discuss   Achieving higher efficiency directly translates
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Hotel Developers | Check out the new Hyatt brand!

Reading Time: 3 minutes We have been closely watching what is happening in the hospitality industry, and we are delighted to announce the upcoming launch of a new upper-midscale extended-stay brand: Hyatt Studios. Our incredible team is excited to join this new upper-midscale extended-stay brand release as we work on several new Hyatt Studios Hotels for our clients. The Hyatt Studios
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2023 Insights | An update on the Multifamily Market

Reading Time: 3 minutes The multifamily market continues to be one of the more appealing property developments in the real estate market. The national multifamily real estate market remains stable and exhibits strong fundamentals, even with the recent challenges of high inflation and increasing interest rates. Here is an update on the current market projections; read on. Let’s talk about
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2023 Insights | An update on the Hotel Market

Reading Time: 4 minutes Hotels are making a comeback! Investors and industry professionals have closely watched as the hotel industry witnessed an overall improvement in its fundamentals, showing a year-over-year increase of 15.5% in revenue per available room (RevPAR). Read on for more information on what’s happening with the current market metrics. There has been a rise in the percentages
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Developers | Should you go with a tankless system?

Reading Time: 5 minutes When it comes to construction projects, every detail matters. However, one often overlooked aspect is the water heater system. Traditional water heaters can take up valuable space and are prone to leaks and inefficiencies. That’s where tankless water heater systems come in. Want to know more? Read on! These innovative systems can provide hot water on
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2023 Insights | Increasing Construction Wages By State

Reading Time: 3 minutes Construction costs are at the forefront of every discussion we have these days. Here at BASE4, we have one goal: to help developers build cheaper and faster. One item that weighs heavily on construction costs is labor wages.  Average hourly rates have been rising nationwide, but you might be surprised to see the states that are increasing
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Why Developers Are Choosing BASE4

Reading Time: 3 minutes With the rising cost of construction, many projects are becoming increasingly difficult to complete. BASE4 believes in projects that are both affordable and fast to build. Our team excels in developing innovative solutions to minimize the cost of your project by incorporating smarter design practices. It’s time for a cost-effective building solution: Build Cheaper & Faster! I Want
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Developers | Multifamily Development Opportunities in Texas

Reading Time: 4 minutes As the saying goes, everything’s bigger in Texas, which is certainly true of the state’s latest census data. As a result, BASE4 is seeing a significant increase in requests for multifamily projects in Texas. Read on. According to the latest estimates from the Census Bureau, Texas grew by a staggering 470,708 persons between 2021 and 2022.,
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2023 Insights | The best HVAC System for your hotel project

Reading Time: 6 minutes HVAC systems for hotels can vary from property to property. If you are building a hotel project, you will typically want to use a system that provides optimal comfort for the hotel guest. HVAC systems are a big part of your hotel project; picking the right one can be challenging. Read on! The heating, ventilation, and
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Developers | The Latest On Construction Prices

Reading Time: 3 minutes The latest construction update has arrived, and it’s all about the rising prices of building materials in most categories. Let’s look at what this means for the construction industry. Read on. According to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report, building materials climbed 0.3% in March 2023. This comes after the index has increased for three
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2023 Insights | The best HVAC System for your multifamily project

Reading Time: 4 minutes If you are building a multifamily development, you might wonder which HVAC system you should use. The selection of an HVAC system is essential, not only because it can impact day-to-day climate comfort but also because it’s often one of the biggest items on a project’s budget. Read on if you need help deciding which HVAC
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Market Insights | The best wood framing method for 2023

Reading Time: 4 minutes As hotel and multifamily designers, we often get asked about the methods we see in construction that can reduce project costs and time or bring added value to a project. Unfortunately, framing direction is often overlooked when selecting between I-Joists and Trusses. Still, selecting either can affect the coordination of multiple disciplines, delivery dates, construction costs,
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I-Joists vs. Wood Trusses

Developers | I-Joists or Wood Trusses – What’s cheapest?

Reading Time: 5 minutes With low lumber prices, many developers are moving towards wood-framed construction, where you will come across two main floor framing systems: I-Joists & Wood Trusses. Each floor system has its unique differences. The system you choose will significantly impact your project’s overall design and pricing. Both framing systems offer benefits and drawbacks. Read on to find
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Market-Insights

2023 Insights | Apartments Are Getting Smaller

Reading Time: 3 minutes The apartment market has seen significant variations from one year to another. However, we’re experiencing a different reality with the size of newly built apartments shrinking. The average size of new apartments in 2022 was 887 sq. ft., 54 sq. ft. less than ten years ago. I Have a Project I Want to Discuss!   The drop
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Think-Apartment-Efficiency

Developers | Apartment Efficiency Increases your ROI

Reading Time: 3 minutes With today’s higher construction cost, maximizing building efficiency is more important than ever. The loss of rentable square footage due to unnecessary wasted space can greatly hinder the financial return of the investment. How can you meet the market need while maximizing the return on your investment? Read on! Higher efficiency equals higher ROI! The building
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2023 Insights | Hotels Are Making A Comeback!

Reading Time: 4 minutes The hotel sector is one of the most important industries worldwide. There’s no denying that the hospitality industry has been working through some rough waters in the past few years, but things started to change. Read on. The Hospitality Market Hotel real estate fundamentals improved across the board year-over-year in last year Q4. Demand increased by
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Developers | Should you consider a rooftop amenity?

Reading Time: 4 minutes Rooftops are a selling point on their own, but in 2022 the demand for both multifamily and hospitality rooftop areas increased, and this trend is only getting bigger. Read on! Spaces to relax, entertain, and retreat are becoming more popular. A rooftop area can add much value to your project. It can become a gathering spot,
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2023 Insights: Dual-Brand Hotels 101

Reading Time: 5 minutes A dual-brand offers developers the option of doubling up offerings at a single property. Hotel developers are looking for a way to attract new customers while cutting costs; a dual-brand hotel would be the right option for your next hotel project. Read on. Home2 Suites & Tru – Milwaukee, WI One of the most appealing parts
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Hunter Hotel Conference | We’ll be there!

Reading Time: 3 minutes This March 21-23, we are once again attending the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference, a meeting place for all key stakeholders involved in the industry. If you have time and want to chat, stop by our booth, and let’s discuss your next development! What an honor to be part of this incredible event, this time as a sponsor!
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Construction Materials | Largest Drop in Nearly 3 Years!

Reading Time: 3 minutes The December producer price index (PPI) report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that construction materials prices fell 0.3 percent in the month, seasonally adjusted, the fourth monthly decline in a row. This is the biggest construction input prices drop since April 2020. I have a project I want to discuss!   In
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Developers | Cannabis Grow Facilities 101 (part 2)

Reading Time: 4 minutes Last week we discussed the growing demand for Cannabis Grow Facilities and why you may want to consider one. Cannabis Grow Facilities are becoming an increasing trend in the industry. There are many reasons to build one, but mainly they provide companies with an opportunity to sell their product in various markets. So now you may be wondering,
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Developers | Cannabis Grow Facilities 101

Reading Time: 4 minutes Times are changing! Almost anything can be built today—thanks to the latest construction technology. A recent trend we see is building structures for cannabis production. That’s right! Buildings and factories efficiently designed to grow, cultivate, test, store, package, and ship this famous plant. Read on.   Cannabis! What To Know of This Market Cannabis might make you
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Developers | Order this Equipment early or expect project delays

Reading Time: 5 minutes A shortage of transformers and other electrical components like switchgear/switchboards and circuit breakers are increasing across the country, risking project delays. So, what’s happening with electrical equipment, and what can you do to avoid delays? Read on. Currently, this problem is critical in states like Arkansas and Florida due to the damage produced by Hurricane Ian.
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BASE4 | The Fastest and Cheapest Way to Build in 2023

Reading Time: 3 minutes Projects are becoming harder to build for one reason—cost. BASE4 believes in building projects that are both affordable and fast to build. Our expertise is in finding creative ways to reduce the cost of your project – through smarter design. We are architects & engineers rethinking how buildings get built to build faster and cheaper! I Want
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BASE4 | Here’s what we did in 2022!

Reading Time: 4 minutes From ranking in the Top 110 Architecture/Engineering Firms of 2022 to helping developers build some incredible projects—BASE4 is excited about a great year. Thank you to all the developers, builders, vendors, and clients for partnering with BASE4, your trusted design partner! We at BASE4 believe in a PRODUCT mindset—bringing standardization and manufacturing principles to an outdated system. We have a
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2023 Insights | More than 40% of Multifamily Costs Go To This

Reading Time: 4 minutes Building codes have evolved significantly and become more rigid in recent years. These regulations shape our building designs and shift professional decision-making. But are these codes making your project more expensive? Read on. Regulation accounts for a large portion of apartment development costs, nearly 41% of total expenses. The National Association of Home Builders and the
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Developers | Here’s why a high-rise increases costs

Reading Time: 4 minutes Construction costs are high, and developers want to do everything they can to both save costs and maximize land use. Going higher to increase density seems like a smart move! However, adding additional floors can add considerable costs if a building gets classified as a “high-rise” by code. Read on to find out more. So, what constitutes a
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Developers | Building Material Prices Continue to Fall!

Reading Time: 3 minutes The data is coming in! Most materials prices have leveled off. Some are consistently falling. However, there are a few outliers. According to a report on material pricing and supply chain volatility, cement and concrete prices have continued to climb recently, reflecting higher production costs, which were up about 14% year-over-year in the third quarter
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Developers | Gas or Electric Heating?

Reading Time: 5 minutes Colder weather is moving in! Let’s talk about the heating on your multifamily developments. Heating is one of the most energy-consuming aspects of any project. As a developer, you know that there are different options, gas or electric. However, when it comes to choosing which option, it’s always ideal to select the most efficient and
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Developers | Build faster and cheaper with BASE4!

Reading Time: 4 minutes It’s no wonder that BASE4 continues to rank high on the list of Best Architecture & Engineering Firms for hospitality- and multifamily-focused projects! Here at BASE4, we believe in a PRODUCT mindset—bringing standardization and manufacturing principles to an outdated system. We get the job done faster, cheaper, and better! We are architects & engineers rethinking the way
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Developers | Modular and Offsite Construction Update

Reading Time: 3 minutes Modular and offsite construction are considered great options for their numerous benefits, like reducing waste, cost-effectiveness, faster construction, higher quality control, and flexibility. These types of construction offer many advantages in various areas of the building process. As a result, more developers and builders are adopting these cost- and labor-saving methods. In addition, modular projects can
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Developers | Are Architects the Problem?

Reading Time: 3 minutes Are architects the reason for high prices in the construction sector today? Architects charge big, but who can blame them? They are in a service industry, incentivized to design uniquely beautiful projects. The more time spent on a project, the more creative and unexpected—the better, right? With high architectural prices and designs that do not consider current construction prices,
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Questions to Ask a General Contractor

Reading Time: 5 minutes As a developer, many things come to mind when coordinating a project, from the construction type to who will manage the project. With the current labor shortage and delays in construction, other critical items need to be considered. One prominent question is who will be the General Contractor (GC) on my project? Developers and builders are always looking
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Developers | Stop Noise in Your Project with The Right HVAC System

Reading Time: 4 minutes One of the most prominent complaints tenants and hotel guests make is about noise in their rooms. Outdoor noise transfers into rooms by traveling through exterior building walls via any areas vulnerable to sound penetration. HVAC systems create noise, so choosing the right system can help reduce noise in your rooms, whether a hotel or an apartment building. Read
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2022 Insights | Quieter Units = Better Rental Rates

Reading Time: 4 minutes Every tenant and guest deserves a quiet space. But it’s not just the outside noise you need to be aware of—flanking noise does exist! The most common sources of flanking noise are electrical outlets and ductwork. In this article, you’ll learn more about each and how to stop that hidden noise. Read on! What is Flanking
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Developers | A Better Way to Block Noise in Your Project

Reading Time: 5 minutes Tenants and guests often complain about noise! There might be noise from the outside coming in or noise moving in from adjacent units. The good news! There are practical and economical ways to block noise from the start! Read on! The right combination of building materials, system designs, and construction methods to provide the most
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Floor Systems | When It Comes to Cost—Which to Choose?

Reading Time: 5 minutes With the soaring cost of building materials, developers, builders, and contractors want the best floor system to build faster/cheaper for their projects. Luckily, you have options! Read on! Moxy Hotel – Omaha, NE. Picture courtesy of Hawkeye Hotels and New Generation Construction (NGC) A floor framing system is a set of structural elements that supports a
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Developers | We help you build cheaper!

Reading Time: 4 minutes We at BASE4 believe in a PRODUCT mindset—bringing standardization and manufacturing principles to an outdated system. Lox Apartments – Midwest, USA We are architects & engineers rethinking the way buildings get built. Our team works with developers and general contractors to rethink traditional building methods by infusing innovative technology, forward-thinking design, and offsite manufacturing principles to build projects
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Developers | A cost saving method for your electrical system

Reading Time: 4 minutes As a developer, you must make difficult decisions in order to keep costs low, especially now with inflation rates, materials shortages, and delays. From the design process to the construction of your project, you must decide which direction to go when it comes to the materials to use in your development. So today, we dive
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2022 Insights | America needs more housing, fast

Reading Time: 5 minutes The U.S. has a severe housing shortage due to home prices and rents soaring nationwide. Home prices have increased more than 30% over the past couple of years, making homeownership impossible for millions of Americans. So why is this happening, and what can developers do about it? Why is this happening? According to the Freddie Mac
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Developers | Why Are Projects Taking Longer to Build?

Reading Time: 3 minutes The National Multifamily Housing Council noted that the apartment market had recorded its sixth consecutive quarter of tightening conditions. Labor shortages, rising interest rates, and supply chain issues are currently affecting construction timelines. How have these challenges impacted the timeline to complete your Multifamily Project?  Read on! A project built in 12 months in 2013 now
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2022 Insights: Construction Materials with long lead times

Reading Time: 4 minutes Demand for building materials remains robust while the world continues to push through the pandemic. However, the lasting effects of the pandemic and the associated mitigation efforts, have impacted the production of materials and equipment through factory slowdowns, factory shutdowns, and quarantines. As a result, equipment and material lead times and cost increases have impacted the
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Developers | Are Code Updates driving up project costs?

Reading Time: 4 minutes Apartment developers are subject to a variety of regulations at all levels of government. According to research by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), the regulation imposed by all levels of government accounts for an average of 40.6% of multifamily development costs. The highest average cost is
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Construction Update | A Robot that can hang drywall!

Reading Time: 4 minutes Using robots on the jobsite is technologically savvy, but more importantly, speaks to a commitment to safety and productivity. Robots can perform those repetitive and dangerous tasks increasingly unappealing to skilled laborers. Indeed, automation via robotic technology might be a solution to the labor crisis and a draw for young people to rejoin the construction
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Multifamily Amenities to Consider—The Pool

Reading Time: 4 minutes You keep hearing about how important good amenities are for a successful multifamily development. As a result, developers are putting more thought into outdoor areas, whether a roof, a terrace, or a courtyard. Adding an indoor or outdoor pool is an expensive investment, but is it still one you should consider? Swimming is the fourth most
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Developers | Are Transportation Costs Affecting Material Cost?

Reading Time: 4 minutes What are transportation costs? Transportation costs are all the expenses related to the transportation of raw materials, finished products, and employees. Have these affected building materials costs? Read on! The price of truck transportation of freight increased 2.9% in May and has climbed 25.8%, year-over-year. Long-distance and local motor carrying prices are up 28.2% and 18.4%, respectively,
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2022 Insights | Construction Material Price Updates

Reading Time: 4 minutes Building materials costs have soared in the past few months, and so have equipment prices! Due to shortages prompted by pandemic-related supply chain issues, increased global demand, labor disruptions, and extreme weather, we continue to see an increase in construction costs. Here’s an updated look at building materials prices. According to the latest Producer Price Index
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Apartment Demand—Nearly 98% Occupancy

Reading Time: 3 minutes Demand remains strong in most regional markets across the U.S. As a result, the need for housing keeps rising. First-quarter data from RealPage shows historically unprecedented demand, occupancy, and rents in the multifamily market. What is the forecast for the Housing Market? Read on! Renters leased 700,000 additional apartments last year, more than doubling the five-year
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Developers: Hotels are Making a Comeback!

Reading Time: 5 minutes The hospitality industry has undergone a seismic transformation since 2020. This period of change is set to continue through 2022 and 2023, with shifts in demographics and technology. Developers: Read on for good news updates in the hotel sector! According to CBRE’s latest 2022 Hotel Horizons forecasts, US major market revenue per available room will increase
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Developers | Cheaper construction costs ahead!?

Reading Time: 4 minutes Rapidly rising interest rates and increasing construction costs have decreased builder confidence. With construction costs at an all-time high, you may be thinking it’s not the right time to move forward with new development deals, but that may be a mistake! Great opportunities may lay ahead for developers who are ready. Read on to find out why.
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Apartment Developers: Higher Efficiency = Higher ROI

Reading Time: 3 minutes For several years, apartments have been shrinking in size, partly because smaller units are more profitable for property owners. However, as the number of US renters increases, so does the demand for larger units. How can you meet the market need while remaining profitable? Read on!  The building efficiency ratio represents the share of net
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Developers: Here’s where to build in 2022

Reading Time: 4 minutes The rise of remote work has substantially affected where and how people live, as seen in the changing relationship between housing and commute times. Homebuyers have placed greater importance on affordability and space than proximity to work. Where’s everyone going? Read on. Suburban housing markets are seeing high demand and rapidly rising prices, forcing some buyers
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Multifamily Amenities | Increase Your Rental Rates!

Reading Time: 4 minutes The amenities found in a multifamily development have become the YES factor for tenants. Amenities such as a pool, fitness center, business center, indoor court, game room, dog park, and outdoor grilling and dining areas are just some of those great add-ons that can boost your project. It’s time to amp up your multifamily development with some
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Multifamily Trends | Amenities that Boost Rental Rates

Reading Time: 3 minutes With the rise in popularity of multifamily developments, new market trends have disrupted the industry. Pools, playgrounds, and dog parks remain the overall top amenities in communities. But how are renter preferences changing as it relates to in-unit amenities?  Read on! Shifting the population away from urban areas is still a significant trend in multifamily product development
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Developers | Is 2022 the year for modular?

Reading Time: 3 minutes Modular construction in the U.S. has grown significantly in the past few years. The increased productivity and lower costs are the driving factors to embrace modular construction. Builders have found ways to construct faster, safer, and reduced labor costs—modular construction is the key! Our team partners with developers and general contractors to rethink traditional building
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Solar Power | Is It Worth It?

Reading Time: 4 minutes Multifamily building developers and owners are looking for cost-saving design solutions that can boost the value of their properties. One strategy to consider is integrating or adding solar photovoltaics (PV). Should you add this feature to your next project? For real estate developers, now is the best time to install a solar energy system in their
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Construction Cost Insights: Construction Delays

Reading Time: 3 minutes Nearly 90% of GCs are experiencing project delays! Supply chain problems, labor shortages, and permitting delays make it nearly impossible to build. In addition, building materials prices continue to soar. Photo created by bearfotos – www.freepik.com Many construction materials and commodities are seeing double digit year-over-year cost increases with steel and diesel experiencing some of the
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Developers: Multifamily rent growth increases 27%!

Reading Time: 3 minutes Market confident for multifamily housing improved during 2021’s fourth quarter and exceeded normal seasonal patterns.1 Average asking rents rose $10 in February, reaching another record of $1628. At the end of 2020, significant rent decreases occurred in large metro suburban areas, small metro suburbs, and non-metro/ non-micro counties (rural areas). One year later, there has
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Developers | The next MUST HAVE Apartment Amenity?

Reading Time: 4 minutes Electric vehicles (EV) are becoming increasingly popular across the U.S. Clean-powered, environmentally-friendly EVs are here to stay. Electric cars are gaining momentum with growing concerns over climate change and living more sustainable lives. Do you need this amenity in your project? Read on. EVs require specialized charging stations, which must be planned early in your design.
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Developers: Don’t waste $100,000 on this overdesign

Reading Time: 3 minutes With materials costs soaring at a record pace, developers must get creative to meet proforma budgets. Fire Dampers are regularly included during the design process and can be more expensive than you think. Do you really need them? What is a Fire Damper (and is it required)? Fire dampers are passive fire protection products used in HVAC
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Developers: Introducing Design PLUS by BASE4

Reading Time: 3 minutes We know we are in volatile times, where supply chain issues and labor shortages are frustrating. Building materials costs have soared at a record pace, and rates keep increasing. Still, the market needs you to build! Demand for apartments remains strong, and the national occupancy rate has been at or near record highs. With these
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Developers: Townhome Development = A growing trend?

Reading Time: 4 minutes The forecast for townhouse constructions remains strong, especially given the growing numbers of homebuyers looking for medium-density residential neighborhoods. One popular option is the urban village, offering walkable environments as well as other attractive perks and amenities. Should your next multifamily project be a Townhouse design? Read on! Townhouses present a potential solution to the high-density living
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2022 Garden Style Apartment Outlook

Reading Time: 4 minutes The construction market is struggling to meet the demand for apartment properties, experiencing some of the lowest vacancy rates in their history. As America’s suburban areas grow due to increased migration from major cities into secondary markets, garden-style apartments have exploded in popularity. What is a Garden-Style Apartment? A garden-style apartment community, sometimes called a low-rise apartment complex, consists
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Developers | Lumber Prices Are Soaring—What Can I Do?

Reading Time: 4 minutes With building materials costs soaring at a record pace, builders, contractors, and developers are exploring alternative framing methods. Softwood lumber has an especially high price tag, and many are switching to cold-formed steel (CFS). Is it time to convert your project from wood to steel? Residence Inn Hotel-Clayton, MO Lumber Prices are Soaring—What Can I Do? The Producer
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Podiums vs. Wraps | Which to choose?

Reading Time: 3 minutes Supply chain issues and labor shortages are frustrating many developers right now. Still, there is a high demand for mid-rise apartment buildings. Have you considered alternative designs to meet the current challenges while saving on your budget? When it comes to mid-rise developments, both the podium and wrap designs offer some good solutions. Read on! What
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Developers: 2022 Construction Costs Update

Reading Time: 4 minutes Building materials costs soared at a record pace last year due to pandemic-related troubles that overwhelmed global production and supply chains. According to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report, costs of materials are still sky-high. Here’s an updated look at building materials prices. Building materials prices increased 20.3%, year-over-year, and have risen 28.7% since January
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2022 Insights: Interior Design Trends that Sell!

Reading Time: 4 minutes Designing multifamily properties requires a gentle balancing act. Developers who play it too safe might not make the right move they need to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Those who go too far risk turning away from potential renters. Creating an atmosphere of comfort, charm, and functionality within the project’s budget is the goal. Read
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Demand for Apartments Remains Strong! It’s Time to Get in!

Reading Time: 3 minutes Demand for apartments remains strong, and the national occupancy rate has been at or near record highs for the last six months. The apartment market experienced robust growth in 2021. Last week we talked about how the demand for market-rate apartments in 2021 soared far above the highest levels on record. Now, the multifamily market continues to
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Apartment Demands Hits a Record High!

Reading Time: 3 minutes Multifamily remains one of the more attractive property developments within the real estate market. Despite the complex economic conditions that 2021 left us with and the demographic shifts caused by migration patterns, multifamily housing has become the strongest market in real estate for investors seeking stable and attractive returns. This has pushed the multifamily market to record-breaking
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Multifamily Development | 2022 Amenities

Reading Time: 4 minutes Apartment developers are finding ways to adjust existing common spaces and amenities to make residents feel comfortable. In addition, with work-from-home and remote work models being the new norm, multifamily developers are looking to adapt. So, as the end of the year approaches, here’s what to include in your next multifamily project! Apartment amenities are non-essential
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Developers: These two sectors are looking good for 2022!

Reading Time: 3 minutes The hotel sector is coming back! Another quarter has gone by, and the sector is showing a strong Q3 (third-quarter) compared to a year ago. The multifamily market is staying strong! We are seeing several trends for this market moving into the new year. Multifamily is experiencing record-breaking rent growth and occupancy rates. How Did
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2022 Insights: No Labor = Higher Cost To Build

Reading Time: 4 minutes The significant labor shortage currently happening is the major pain point affecting home costs and production in construction. The construction sector has lost more than 1 million workers, and almost all areas of the construction industry are experiencing project delays due to skilled labor shortages. Labor shortage equals longer project schedules and higher project costs. Here
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2021 | BASE4’s Projects Recap

Reading Time: 4 minutes The BASE4 team has worked around the globe, providing us with a wide range of expertise in quality standards, specifications, and international best practices for design. We at BASE4 believe in a PRODUCT mindset—bringing standardization and manufacturing principles to an outdated system. With this approach, we continually optimize the process to build faster, cheaper, and
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Developers: Build Faster | Build Cheaper

Reading Time: 3 minutes The construction industry—despite technological advancements—is still largely fragmented and struggles with a shortage in skilled labor and productivity. The industry is having a hard time building at a price point that makes sense for developers who want to meet the demand for equitable and accessible construction development. Cost is arguably the strongest factor of the construction
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Upskill Your Teams Now with STONEPILE

Reading Time: 3 minutes The 1.3 trillion-dollar construction field currently lacks a strong team of leaders to innovate and build for tomorrow. The shortage of skilled leaders in this industry is a national crisis. Yet, the field cannot attract enough bright leaders because today’s students want to go to college, leaving many of the typically technical trades lacking new
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Developers: It’s time to increase apartment unit sizes!

Reading Time: 4 minutes The real estate market has changed during this past year, and the current trend in the Multifamily Market is the demand for larger units. For several years, apartments were shrinking in size, partly because smaller units are more profitable for property owners; we wrote about this in our Sizing your Apartments article. Now, developers around the U.S. are
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Multifamily Trends | Here’s What Is Coming for 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes The multifamily industry is experiencing record-breaking rent growth and occupancy rates. We’ve noticed increasing building activity in the multifamily sector. Here is what is coming for 2022. According to new data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau, multifamily housing construction helped push overall housing starts up 3.9% in
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Developers: Apartment Fresh Air 101

Reading Time: 5 minutes Providing proper ventilation is a crucial component of multifamily building design due to its effects on occupant health and comfort. Ventilation ties the whole HVAC system together. Without ventilation, there is no way for the indoor air to refresh and re-oxygenate itself. What’s the right set of “lungs” to put in your building? A Breath of
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Developers: 2022 HVAC System Options

Reading Time: 4 minutes Today we expand on the previous article about HVAC systems and discuss the pros and cons of the three most common ones for multifamily developments. Knowing which system to install can be confusing, so let’s answer some of your questions. It is important to choose the right HVAC system for your project. Picking the wrong HVAC system for
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HVAC 101 for Multifamily Developers

Reading Time: 4 minutes People are spending more time indoors, so it’s important to provide good quality ventilation and air conditioning systems for them. With the development of a multifamily project, you need to decide on the type of HVAC system to install before the project starts. Knowing that this decision will have long-term effects, it’s important you know
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Multifamily Development | GAS vs. ELECTRIC HEAT

Reading Time: 3 minutes The residential industry accounts for one-fifth of America’s energy consumption with the largest part of that consumption going toward the project’s heating. Most buildings run on multiple fuels such as natural gas or propane to power furnaces, boilers, and water heaters. What if the project’s heating could be done with a more efficient and economical option
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Developers—Do I need sprinklers everywhere?

Reading Time: 3 minutes The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has a complex code structure to regulate fire safety according to different categories of occupancies. As you know, multifamily projects are trending, and developers need to know how these complex codes affect the project. When it comes to fire safety codes, there’s one thing that all developers ask, “Do I
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Developers: Multifamily Construction on The Move!

Reading Time: 4 minutes Homebuyer migration patterns continue to change. We are aware that affordability and job opportunities have always been important factors of migration. Now, according to the latest Home Building Geography Index (HBGI) released by NAHB, Residential construction continues to shift toward the suburbs and lower-cost markets, especially in the multifamily sector. Multifamily residential construction grew by
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2022: The year offsite construction goes mainstream?

Reading Time: 3 minutes The pandemic has shifted builders’ views toward offsite construction, but there’s more to the story! The increase in builder interest in offsite construction methods has also been driven by supply chain challenges and the shortages and rising costs of skilled labor. Offsite construction is here to stay, so don’t miss the chance to jump in on
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Developers: Get your permits faster!

Reading Time: 3 minutes “My architect is too slow to respond!” “My design schedule just got extended!” “Three more months to permit!” Developers, constructors, and builders hear about delays every day, and we understand your pain. After all, time is money, and in today’s high cost environment, unnecessary delays are not an option! Conventional thinking only increases costs, schedules,
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Developers: A new extended stay hotel brand is coming!

Reading Time: 3 minutes With the increase of hotel projects in the last few months, we kept a close eye on what is happening in the hospitality industry. Today, we discuss the latest talk for hotel developers—the apartment-style hotel brand, stayAPT Suites. stayAPT Suites: Redefining Long-Term Lodging This brand was launched in 2020, and it has already opened five hotels
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Multifamily Is Booming — Is Modular The Answer?

Reading Time: 4 minutes The housing crisis is not slowing down, and developers continue to focus on the multifamily market! Multifamily investment volume increased by 34% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 to reach $52.7 billion, according to CBRE. Apartments accounted for 36.6% of commercial real estate transactions in the first half, making it the top performer. To accommodate for the demand, developers are choosing
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