[/fusion_text][fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] Fire Safety for Your Hotel: NFPA 13 vs. 13R The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has an elaborate code structure to regulate fire safety according to different categories of occupancies. The focus of today’s discussion is a code called NFPA 13, which mandates sprinkler regulations. The code requires commercial occupancies, such as hotels […]

  [fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] How Permit Expeditors Help Open Your Hotel Faster If you are building a new hotel… congratulations! Now it’s time to obtain your building permit from city authorities. Everyone in hotel construction is aware of the complications involved in the permitting process. Consuming both your time and money—permitting gets complex as project […]

  [fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] How New Tariffs May Impact Your Construction Costs As I noted in my last newsletter, tariffs on FF&E imports are affecting the hospitality industry. Additional taxes on the imports of raw materials may change the landscape of the construction industry. Below I describe a few potential challenges that may affect hoteliers […]

[fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] FF&E Tariffs  In my last newsletter, I explained the pros and cons of modular elevators. Today I want to address a rising concern in the industry—U.S. tariffs on furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) used in hotels. Why the Tariffs Recent trade tariffs on Chinese imports have become a concern for developers in all […]

[fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] Modular Elevators Last week, I introduced modular elevators and its features. Continuing with this subject today, I list the benefits and drawbacks below. Benefits Shorter Lead Time: It takes manufacturers about eight weeks to prepare the whole assembled elevator once project drawings are finalized. Better Quality: Every part of a modular elevator […]

[fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] Modular Elevators I often discuss modern hotel construction solutions, including my earlier series on modular hotel construction (Should you go modular with your next hotel? –  FAQ). Today I’d like to expand on this topic and discuss modular elevators. Whether it’s the faster turnaround time for your next hotel construction or a […]

[fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] What are the Code Allowances for Podium Construction? In my last newsletter, I explained the basics of podium design and the benefits it offers to developers and hoteliers. Today, I discuss what is allowed by the International Building Code (IBC) when utilizing podium construction. What Are the Code Allowances? The IBC limits the […]

[fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] Benefits of Podium Design for Your Hotel In my last newsletter, I reported on the declining cost of wood framing after reaching historic highs. Today I’ll explain how developers utilize wood in podium construction to increase both the area and density for new-build projects.  What is Podium Design?   Podium design consists of a 1- […]

[fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] Wood Framing Costs Decline Last November, I reported a price increase in the U.S. softwood lumber market. When costs historically crossed the $600/1000ft board price earlier this year, hoteliers and developers grew increasingly concerned. Since June, however, the market has experienced a decline (see the graph below). In the wake of these turning […]

[fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] Hotel Laundry: Common Issues & Major Expenses In my previous newsletter, I discussed the basics of designing a hotel laundry area. Today, I present some important considerations for creating a well-maintained laundry system. I also discuss approximate hotel laundry expenses according to various hotel laundry needs. LAUNDRY ROOM PLACEMENT: High extraction hard mount […]