Hotel Design and Engineering: BASE4’s Expertise and Projects

Design solutions for hotel development

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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BASE4 reveals Design Plus, a modern residential community with expansive amenities, highlighting innovative urban living

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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2022 Trend To Watch: Live/Work Apartments

Reading Time: 3 minutes The world is changing! Apartment complexes with community ground-floor work areas have been trending, especially since the onset of the pandemic. This booming multifamily trend is called the Live/Work Apartment!   Let’s Talk about Live/Work apartments!   A live/work unit is defined as a single unit (studio, loft, or one or two-bedroom) consisting of both a
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Construction Costs 101: Stay ahead of price changes

Reading Time: 3 minutes We’ve all seen lumber prices make major news, but what’s happening with other material prices might surprise you as well. Building materials costs are rising at a record pace this year. As lumber prices begin to decline, builders face some of the steepest materials price increases in history. Nonresidential construction input prices are up 23.4%
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BASE4 | Helping Developers Build Faster

Reading Time: 3 minutes We are architects & engineers rethinking the way buildings get built.   We at BASE4 believe in a PRODUCT mindset—bringing standardization and manufacturing principles. With the product-centered approach, we continually optimize the build process to be faster, cheaper, and more efficient. BASE4 | Helping Developers Build Faster I have a project I want to discuss!  
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Prefab Training | Become a future construction leader

Reading Time: 4 minutes Due to the pandemic, the construction sector lost more than 1 million workers, and almost all areas of the construction industry are experiencing project delays. According to the Labor Department, the industry is still down 238,000 workers from pre-pandemic levels as of June. Also, the Associated General Contractors of America have noted that many contractors
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Developers | Is it time to start building with wood again?

Reading Time: 4 minutes We have all seen the headlines! Lumber prices have dropped 50% in the last two months, reassuring everyone in the building sector. Does this mean the lumber packages for your next project will be 50% cheaper? The answer might surprise you; read on. Lumber dropped about 5% week-over-week in July, trading at $650 per thousand board feet. Following
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Let’s Talk About Three Hotels on One Site

Reading Time: 3 minutes Hotel developers are looking for a way to attract new customers while cutting costs. We have seen it before with dual-branded hotels, but is it possible with three hotels on one site? The answer is “Yes, it is!” The use of the multi-brand strategy has gradually grown in popularity in the U.S. over the past decade.
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FOB | A critical acronym every developer should know

Reading Time: 3 minutes One of the most significant details that many developers overlook when diving into offsite delivery is transportation liability. Read below and get to know a term that will help you save millions in damages. There are several key processes needed to get a modular unit from the factory to the finish line. The modular box is assembled in a
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Bathroom Pods 101 | A Developer’s Guide

Reading Time: 3 minutes When you think “prefab,” you often think of prefabricated parts like walls and trusses. Prefabricated bathrooms offer a more developed solution that can increase your speed-to-market. A bathroom pod is a factory-made bathroom unit that comes pre-installed with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Once manufactured, it is shipped to an end construction site, ready to use.
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Developers: Keep building through material shortages

Reading Time: 4 minutes The pandemic slowed sawmill production, supply chains, and factory operations, causing a shortage of construction materials in the United Stated. Now, with the reopening of the economy, builders have returned to the job site following months of lockdown to encounter an alarming materials shortage. What can be done about this? Shortages of materials are now more widespread
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LIHTC 101 | A tax incentive program for developers

Reading Time: 3 minutes The demand for new housing products right now is strong, but aside from traditional financing challenges, there’s a factor stopping developers—and that is rising construction costs. As a developer, you need to take advantage of every opportunity to make a project profitable—LIHTC might be that opportunity. Read on! LIHTC stands for Low Income Housing Tax Credits. It provides
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Developers | Is HUD Financing A Good Option?

Reading Time: 3 minutes You want to start a new project; however, the current economic situation is making you rethink which direction to go. Financing could be a solution, but which type? Today we talk about HUD financing. When you hear of a ‘HUD PROJECT,’ this typically means the HUD Section 221 (D4) Program is being used. HUD is an acronym
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Developers: How to Tackle The High Cost of Housing

Reading Time: 3 minutes We are currently facing an imbalance between supply and demand. Rising building materials costs and low inventory have caused the price of an average, new single-family home to increase by $62,300 since April of last year. Skyrocketing prices mean people cannot afford to buy homes, driving down the pace of recent home sales. Will this alarming trend continue? Read on? According
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Developers | Trending Amenities For Horizontal Apartments

Reading Time: 3 minutes If you are thinking of developing a Horizontal Apartment, you have probably thought about which community amenities to include for the overall project. It’s the era of change in multifamily housing design, and a few updates to the standard multifamily formula could drive up rent, increase occupancy, and lease-up, and ultimately get you the best return on investment (ROI). A
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Developers | 2020 Changes That Are Here to Stay

Reading Time: 3 minutes For the past year, developers have innovated to stay afloat during the economic standstill and pandemic-related production challenges. 2020 accelerated the need for the AEC sector to make better use of available technology. Now that we are coming out of crisis mode, which of these revenue-boosting Tech Trends should you keep in your toolbox? Two
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Developers: Rental Rates are on the rise!

Reading Time: 4 minutes Much has changed in the multifamily market due to COVID-19, including apartment sizes, amenities, and moving trends, but how do rental rates continue to change? Now four months into 2021, we notice the fluctuation of rental rates even within the same city. Apartments experienced an unprecedented bifurcation of rental rates over the past year, showing extreme differences among
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Developers: Increase ROI with Opportunity Zones

Reading Time: 4 minutes Keeping up with trends and updates of 2021, today I talk about a term used in development—Opportunity Zones. Not sure what it is and how you can benefit from it—read on! What is an Opportunity Zone? An Opportunity Zone is an economically-distressed community where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment.  Localities
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With Skyrocketing Lumber Prices—Consider Steel

Reading Time: 3 minutes Material shortages are a widespread concern for all U.S. industries—the multifamily building industry being one. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the rise in lumber prices in the past year has added $35,872 to the price of an average new single-family home and $12,966 to the market value of an average new multifamily home.
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Developers: Good signs for the hotel sector

Reading Time: 5 minutes Lately, we’ve talked a lot about multifamily products–this is where most of our work has been in the last year. We see an interesting trend popping up–over the last 4 weeks: a dramatic increase in the number of hotel projects moving again! It was certainly a rough 12 months for hotel development, but we see some great signs
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Developers: Robots can build your next project

Reading Time: 3 minutes As you already know, we are engaged in the 4th Industrial Revolution, and it’s hard to keep up with the many innovations in the construction industry. We know you can’t afford to fall behind on this—that is why this week, I give you a brief overview of robotics and how you can leverage automated modular methods to
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A Solution | The Modular Elevator

Reading Time: 4 minutes For the past two weeks, I have discussed elevators—if you need one and what type? Now for the fun part! Today I download everything you need to know about Modular Elevators. What is a Modular Elevator? Modular elevators are turn-key, commercial-grade elevators that are manufactured offsite for speed and quality. They arrive on-site with a prefabricated structural body containing a
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Developers: Make sure you pick the right elevator!

Reading Time: 4 minutes Last week we spoke about elevators—if they were needed or not! Since projects often require elevators, today we are going to describe the different types. Elevators are designed and fitted according to the building’s population capacity and code requirements. In the past, most elevators had to be controlled through a centralized machine room. Today, most elevators
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Developers: Do you really need an elevator?

Reading Time: 3 minutes Lately, I have discussed amenities for multifamily projects. Now it’s time to talk about elevators! Does your project need one?  If so, how do you select one? I am here to help. Do I Need an Elevator? Elevators are the most common way to provide inclusive access to multistory buildings. They are often the only way residents with
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2021 Multifamily Trend to Watch | Horizontal Apartments

Reading Time: 5 minutes Builders are struggling right now to put up entry-level homes at a reasonable price. The high costs of land, labor, materials, and regulation make building low-cost homes less lucrative for developers, shifting the market towards rental properties and apartment communities. With the current migration to the suburbs, renters are looking for additional space and a
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Developers: Here is where to build in 2021

Reading Time: 4 minutes As discussed in a previous week’s newsletter about trending amenities, many aspects of American life have been significantly impacted by the pandemic, changing the way we live and work. Due to the shifting economy, rise in remote work opportunities, and desire to relocate to less densely populated areas, people have decided to move. Where is everybody going? Around
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Developers: Amenities to include in your 2021 projects

Reading Time: 4 minutes The world of multifamily amenities has significantly changed in the past year and renters are willing to pay more if it means living in a unit that has premium amenities and upgrades that make their day-to-day lives easier and more enjoyable. In a Schlage and Wakefield Research survey of 1,000 U.S. multifamily renters, 86% of millennials say they
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Developers: Let the robots do the parking!

Reading Time: 4 minutes As an avid AEC futurist, I frequently address the need to move from archaic construction methods to embrace all forms of construction technology. Enter Robots—perhaps the coolest technology of them all!  But can they help you? A Robot That Parks My Car? With an automated parking system, it is possible! An automated parking system is a
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Construction Costs are up 40% | Here’s what to do

Reading Time: 3 minutes Due to the challenges of the pandemic, the prices of construction materials are skyrocketing, and developers are trying to find safer and better ways to build. Back in a 2019 newsletter, I reported that construction costs had increased OVER 40% since 2013. While last year saw a less dramatic increase, the cost of construction continues to rise. COVID-19 has
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Developers: Get More Apartments on Your Land

Reading Time: 3 minutes The demand for suburban multifamily dwellings, along with the rising costs of materials, have motivated developers to look for ways to build more units at a cheaper cost. It’s time to consider your building density! What is housing density? It’s the number of housing or dwelling units per acre of land. Different housing types require different densities,
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Developers’ Update – Multifamily Apartment Size Trends

Reading Time: 4 minutes The high demand for multifamily buildings right now coincides with rising construction costs. What are some ways developers can mitigate the high cost of building? The answer might be in smartly sizing your units! Developers want to build a great building with lots of amenities and large units, but at a certain point, all that extra space results in
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High Wood Prices = Opportunities In Steel

Reading Time: 4 minutes Back in my August newsletter, I stated that wood prices were up 140%. Since then, the numbers have gone up and down, and then back up again! Lumber prices that were around $600/tbf five months ago are now over $900/tbf. Commodity prices are three times higher than before the pandemic. The pandemic is upsetting global supply chains in
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Latest Changes to the Housing Market: Migration to The Suburbs

Reading Time: 3 minutes The pandemic shook up how we live and boosted migration from the cities to the suburbs. Therefore, the multifamily market is set to drastically improve in 2021. But how can you build apartments and mitigate rising construction costs? After several months of shelter-in-place orders, the desire to have more space and the potential for more people to work remotely
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Virtual Reality | A Gamechanger For Developers

Reading Time: 3 minutes Today we dive into one amazing technological advancement that can help rent out your apartments before they are built and keep everyone safe while doing it!   Virtual Reality Increases Pre-Leasing Speed.   Virtual Reality (VR) is a Game Changer! VR is not just for video games—this technology has huge potential for getting your apartments leased even before
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BASE4 | Helping Developers Build Cheaper

Reading Time: 4 minutes What does BASE4 Do? There are very few days that go by that I don’t get this question, so I guess this explanation is long overdue! Here’s the short answer: We are architects & engineers rethinking the way buildings get built.   Our team works with developers and general contractors to rethink traditional building methods
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2021 Forecast | Multifamily Outlook Looks Good!

Reading Time: 4 minutes 2020 was a tough year for the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) sector with Office, Retail, and Hotel capital markets getting hit especially hard. However, there is some good news—today I want to tell you about the opportunities for 2021! Yardi Improves Their Forecast for 2021 Supply Source: Yardi Matrix Several weeks ago, CBRE and Yardi Matrix
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Build faster like Chick-fil-A

Reading Time: 4 minutes In the past few months, I have talked about modular and offsite construction. Still, when people think about “modular” construction, they imagine one of two things: man-camp temporary structures or multi-story stacked apartment and hotel projects. The truth is that an offsite delivery method can be effective for nearly any type of building product depending on
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Jobsite Robots = Building Faster

Reading Time: 5 minutes It’s not just in the movies—robots are now a reality. Until recently, construction was one of the least digitized and automated industries in the world—but times may be changing. Robots, drones, autonomous vehicles, and 3D printing are some of the new technologies being lauded in the media. While exciting, many of these inventions are not
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Developers Decide: Podiums vs Wraps

Reading Time: 4 minutes The growing demand for mid-rise apartment buildings is creating both challenges and opportunities for developers. Land keeps getting more expensive which means maximizing densities is more important than ever! When multifamily developers evaluate a new potential apartment site, they must assess what type of building will be the most efficient based on density, parking, and unit count.
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Rising Housing Costs = Apartment Opportunities

Reading Time: 4 minutes Housing prices are skyrocketing right now, and developers have an opportunity to meet the need. But with high construction costs and fewer skilled workers, what’s your next move? In this article we discuss the potential in the multifamily market and how industrialized construction can get you building faster, cheaper, and better than ever before. Supply
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Get Your Online Masters in Modular

Reading Time: 3 minutes Industrialized Construction is the future. It is the only way to address the major problems in construction right now—the never-ending project cost increases, systematic labor crisis, consistent schedule overruns, and rampant inefficiency. Get My Masters in Prefab   Regardless of what people say, construction is not an easy sector to “jump into.” To be successful and
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Quieter Apartments = Higher Rents, Pt3

Reading Time: 4 minutes Your apartment has great STC wall ratings, so why are you still getting lots of noise complaints from tenants? The STC of a wall is only as good as its weakest link. Today in our 3-part series on Keeping Apartments Quiet, we’ll highlight a few of the most common causes of hidden noise pollution and what you can
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Stop Noise Pollution in Apartments, Pt2

Reading Time: 4 minutes Don’t we all want to learn how to keep tenant noise complaints to a minimum? Today’s Part 2 of Keeping Apartments Quiet will show you how! Wall Composition to Reduce Noise Pollution Sound waves travel through walls, infiltrating the adjacent rooms. Wall composition is critical to absorb sound and dampen the volume heard on the
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Quieter Apartments = Higher Rents

Reading Time: 4 minutes Keeping The Noise Out When you live in an apartment, noise is everywhere. Noise reflects from hard surfaces, like walls, floors, and ceilings—adding to the overall noise level inside a room. With all the turmoil in our world, a safe and quiet apartment home is vital. Follow me in this 3-part series of How to
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BASE4 CEO’s Tell-All Memoir – Launches Today!

Reading Time: 3 minutes 12 Children. Four Countries. Two Capitalists. One Story. Discounted for You only this Week on Other booksellers and more information can be found at our website. Get Money Do Good explores capitalism at its finest while confronting the issues of orphan advocacy, autism, human trafficking, and conventional methods of “doing good.” Spanning the past decade
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Cold-Formed Steel vs Structural Steel

Reading Time: 5 minutes We’ve recently discussed cold-formed steel and how it can be utilized with Industrialized Construction. With lumber prices soaring, developers are looking for steel solutions. The term “Steel” is one of those broad terms that gets thrown around a lot. Today we are going to take a deep dive into what we mean when we say
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Rising Lumber Prices = Time To Consider Steel

Reading Time: 4 minutes Cold-formed steel framing is outperforming wood framing in the construction industry right now. With a rising demand for improved standards in quality, security, and performance in construction—cold-formed steel framing can be considered one of the best construction methods. Lumber prices are too high—what can I do? Lumber prices increased rapidly in 2020 due to significant
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Covid is Changing Apartment Design

Reading Time: 3 minutes New apartment designs for a new era We’re living in a whole new world, and your next multifamily project must follow the new rules of living. People are living, working, and schooling in their homes with the need to keep spaces sanitized, separate, and convenient for living healthy and well. Multifamily designs for the new
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Spacious Modular Apartments

Reading Time: 2 minutes Thanks to technology today, developers are finding new ways to build using prefabricated, offsite, and modular solutions. Unfortunately, a lot of developers hesitate to go modular due to fears of room-size limitations or a “boxy” design, but volumetric modular design does way more than micro-apartments! Here’s the great news: Multi-bedroom units are still an option
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Double Time Your Build: Podium + Modular

Reading Time: 3 minutes Offsite construction is considered the future of the construction industry. Still, you might be wondering if it fits your next project. One very popular offsite delivery method for urban apartment projects is modular over podium. This is a great option for many locations. Find out more below! Podium Design in Brief Podium buildings are comprised
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Wood Prices Are Up 140%

Reading Time: 4 minutes The pandemic is upsetting global supply chains in every industry—especially the construction industry. This alarming trend is most obvious when looking at the cost of lumber.   Lumber prices are now 140% higher than they were in August of last year. It’s never been more expensive to build with wood.   This drastic price shift
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Let’s Bend Some Metal

Reading Time: 4 minutes Staying on the cutting-edge of the building market is hard, especially with the rapid onset of industrialized construction (IC). Of the five cornerstones of IC shown below, one very overlooked pillar is Vendors and Products—and keeping up to speed with all new ones on the market. That’s why we’ll be taking the opportunity over the next couple of months to
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Pandemic Proof Your HVAC System

Reading Time: 3 minutes The pandemic has shifted people’s thinking about the future, especially in building design. 2020 has shown us the importance of designing for healthier spaces. People want their homes, offices, and hotels to be sanitized and free from hidden germs that get recirculated in HVAC systems. Does this mean it is time to rethink your HVAC
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Elevators Installed and Ready in 1 Week

Reading Time: 4 minutes We have spent the last month digging into prefabrication, offsite, and modular solutions, including volumetric modular, bathroom pods, and panelization. Still, you might be thinking that you want to use offsite construction to solve some very specific problems. No problem! Sub-assemblies and components can be designed to fit your needs, manufactured offsite, and delivered to your next multi-family
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