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 […]
Author Archive: Blair
Solar Power | Is It Worth It?
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 […]
Construction Cost Insights: Construction Delays
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 […]
Developers: Multifamily rent growth increases 27%!
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 […]
Developers | The next MUST HAVE Apartment Amenity?
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. […]
Developers: Don’t waste $100,000 on this overdesign
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 […]
Developers: Townhome Development = A growing trend?
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 […]
2022 Garden Style Apartment Outlook
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 […]
Developers | Lumber Prices Are Soaring—What Can I Do?
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 […]
Podiums vs. Wraps | Which to choose?
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 […]









