Technology Advances in Construction

Posted on | by Ann Krebs

As the world continues to evolve with technology, so too does the construction industry, albeit at a much slower rate. Looking back over the last 15 years, it is incredible to think about how much technology has changed in our daily lives. Smartphones weren’t very prevalent and the first generation of the iPhone had just been released. Businesses used fax machines instead of email to transmit information, very few people knew what the cloud was, and drones, as we know them today, didn’t exist.

As it relates to the construction industry, 15 years ago I can remember physically mailing sets of drawings out to people for them to bid jobs and waiting for their faxed bid to come through. People used an actual camera to take pictures, and submittals were wet stamped and mailed to the design team for their review.

All of the efficiencies gained through technology really are fascinating. To...

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How The Douglas Company’s proactive approach keeps projects on schedule

Posted on | by Ann Krebs

In today's construction world, more and more time and resources are spent on scheduling, and with good reason, too. With the high cost of construction loans and general conditions, contractors and developers alike can agree that the sooner we hand over a building the better for all those involved. Project milestones, proper sequencing, and task and crew logic are all scheduling terms that are thrown around on a weekly basis when discussing how we get the job done as soon as possible.

But what if I told you there was something else besides scheduling that can hold up progress on your project just as much as a missing drywall crew or bad schedule logic? Wouldn’t that be something we need to be cognizant of?

I am talking about inspections, of course. Inspections are a necessary step in the construction process to provide a third-party audit that the work meets all code requirements...

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Capital Investment Remains Strong in the Active Adult Space

Posted on | by Ann Krebs

Some developers and investors are unsure about committing to new senior living developments amid rising construction costs and interest rates, while others remain bullish on building new communities figuring that demand will be outpacing supply for the foreseeable future. I have even heard from some clients that they really push to get new developments going in this environment when other potential new projects may be holding off which gives them a leg up in a given market. 

One segment that continues to gain steam is active adult according to a recent article in Seniors Housing Business’ April Edition. Active adult communities target those 55 years old and older that are ready to rid themselves of all things associated with home ownership, but are young and healthy enough that they don’t require assistance with daily living activities. These communities are not as labor- or service-based as an assisted living community because they...

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Driving Rents With Amenities

Posted on | by Bob Ritter

The multi-family market has certainly evolved over the last several years. From the types of amenities renters demand, to an influx of new single family build to rent communities.  Not to mention the changing renter demographic.  While millennials make up one of the largest rental cohorts, the age 55+ Baby Boomers are selling their homes and opting for a more convenient lifestyle.

According to Forbes, in the last decade, the multifamily market has experienced hyper growth. Even during the pandemic, 2020 saw a 50% increase in multifamily units, compared to that of 2019. Rents in multifamily housing markets have continued to climb.  Yardi Matrix reported in February that year over year rent growth increased 15.4% and occupancy rates of 96.9%, surpassing the previous record of 96.5% in 2000. 

Today’s renters are demanding more and different amenities.  This includes everything from storage areas or lockers for packages, trash valet services, community dog parks...

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Design Build – We’ve Only Just Begun

Posted on | by Bob Ritter

"..white lace and promises, a kiss for luck, and we're on our way". Yes, that is the opening lyrics by Carpenters, but what a common association when most people hear the word DESIGN-BUILD. If done correctly, Design-Build can be all sunshine and rainbows; however, We've Only Just Begun!

DBIA forecasted that by 2025 design-build is anticipated to represent up to 47% of construction spending. The Douglas Company has found that our successful design-build projects have three common factors:

  • Early Involvement with The Douglas Company
  • Clear Definition of Expectations
  • Alignment between Owner and Design-Build Team

These factors are critical to a clean, fast-paced process. Our ability to influence the project's design is most appreciated and provides the best value to the owner prior to construction and issuance of subcontracts and purchase orders. The industry's increased project complexity and fast-paced schedule demands align best with the benefits provided by our design-build teams. Utilizing design-build also creates...

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Design Build, the Future?

Posted on | by jyoakam

The primary design method used in the construction industry is design-bid-build, which is where a Developer hires a design team to complete design documents and also hires a contractor, under a separate contract, to build off those documents. An alternative to this approach is a design-build contract which is where the Developer hires a single entity, often times a contractor, to take on the building and design responsibilities for their project. In a recent study performed by FMI, they are projecting by 2021 the design-build delivery method to reach nearly half (44%) of the construction put in place which would be an increase of 18% from today. That is a rather large increase in only a three-year span. Why the shift? Design-build promotes more of a collaborative/team approach, working together to meet the developer’s schedule and budget, whereas the more conventional design-bid-build, tends to be a little more contentious between the...

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