📉 Lumber Prices Spiked This Year — and Volatility is Back Are You Ready for Next Year? Softwood lumber prices surged early last year before dropping through the summer. Even with prices lower today, the market remains unstable — and developers are still dealing with unpredictable swings. At the same time, imports from Canada fell 6.1%, tightening supply […]
Author Archive: Blair
Insurance Costs Are Climbing Fast
Insurance premiums jumped again this year, and developers are feeling it. But the most significant savings still come from one move: choosing a lower-risk building system. Let’s Review Your Insurance Savings Why Insurance Costs Are Spiking Most developers expect higher premiums in wildfire or hurricane-prone regions. But recent reports show something unexpected: The Midwest has […]
Developers | I-Joists or Wood Trusses – What’s cheapest?
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 […]
2023 Insights | Apartments Are Getting Smaller
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 […]
Developers | Apartment Efficiency Increases your ROI
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 […]
2023 Insights | Hotels Are Making A Comeback!
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 […]
Developers | Should you consider a rooftop amenity?
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, […]
2023 Insights: Dual-Brand Hotels 101
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 […]
Construction Materials | Largest Drop in Nearly 3 Years!
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 […]
Developers | Cannabis Grow Facilities 101 (part 2)
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, […]