MultifamilyExecutive: Cost-Saving Ideas

Five Ways to Save Money on Construction

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:34:36 EST

As developers begin to look at whether new construction pencils out again, architects, property managers, and general contractors are getting a lot of calls to do studies and help underwrite deals. Some of these proposals will turn into nothing, but others could eventually lead to starts. What separates a winner from a loser? Well, finding debt and equity is always the biggest driver.

American Professor in the Middle East Concocts a Way to "Grow" Bricks

Fri, 7 Jan 2011 04:58:07 EST

Her process, which mixes chemicals and bacteria, could supplement conventional bricks whose production causes a lot of pollution.

Four Creative Ways to Increase the Bottom Line

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:27:54 EST

Some multifamily firms have been able to creatively wrestle new dollars, while cutting expenses, by uncovering latent opportunities throughout the downturn.

Summer Showers: Multifamily Firms Conserve with High-Tech Irrigation System

Thu, 8 Jul 2010 03:21:32 EST

Many apartment communities around the country are well into their peak watering season (usually March to June). But turning that spigot on is getting more and more expensive.

Managing Expenses Will be Vital to Survival

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:20:36 EST

Multifamily owners need to know that when it comes to cutting costs, nothing is off the table.

Options for Cabinet Upgrades

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:21:31 EST

Some owners choose to reface or repaint outdated cabinets while others choose to replace them.

Creative Thinking can Prepare Your Company for Opportunities

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:19:36 EST

Being creative doesn't have to exist in a vacuum. It pays to be creative on the clock.

Apartment Owners Focus on What They Can Control

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:12:09 EST

There are a lot of things apartment owners can’t control—the unemployment situation, governmental policies, and the health of their debt and equity partners. But apartment executives aren't necessarily concerned with that. Instead, they are looking internally to see how they could better manage costs at their own firms.

Multifamily Firms Could Be Missing Cost-Effective Green Opportunities

Fri, 7 Jan 2011 10:48:38 EST

Every day, multifamily apartment communities boasting lush, green, grassy properties could be wasting away thousands of dollars in water, energy, and outsourced landscaping costs even as they strive to incorporate and install the latest environmentally sensitive products across their portfolio.

Innovative Building Products Save Time, Energy, and Money

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:18:53 EST

Today's building products are cost-effective and easy to use and install.

Multifamily Firms Rebid Contracts to Cut Costs

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:07:42 EST

Rebidding contracts and grieving property taxes are two ways the recession can work in a multifamily firm's favor.

Multifamily Industry Truncates Tech Costs in the Downturn

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 02:03:17 EST

For Don Phillips, managing director of Phillips Development in Tampa Bay, Fla., the look and feel of “luxury” has changed.

As Tighter Tech Budgets Prevail, Multifamily Tech Execs Get Creative

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:03:12 EST

A roundtable of top multifamily IT execs talks trends, opportunities, and challenges in these trying economic times.

Multifamily Owners and Managers Save With Water-Efficient Retrofits

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:24:48 EST

One area where money can be saved is in water and sewer expenses, which have increased by an average of 27 percent over the past five years.

Learning to Fly

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 09:53:13 EST

Top exec finds new private planes more cost-effective, better for the environment.

Toning Up

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 04:10:25 EST

Facing an economic slowdown, more companies are looking for ways to streamline their operations.

Green Projects Find Value in Long-Term Returns

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:25:46 EST

"A balance sheet won't tell you if a green project is worth the investment. Instead, you need to look at its long-term value," said David Borchardt, director of sustainable development at The Tower Cos. In his presentation, Borchardt asserted that the cost/value analysis of today's green buildings must include non-tangible returns such as fewer sick days, lower turnover rates, and better rent investment growth. In addition, "people who know they work in a safe, healthy building are less likely to leave," he said.

Speed the Turn

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:01:19 EST

It's lease renewal time, and if the departure of Brad the Broker in Unit 134 is taking your leasing agent and property manager by surprise, your company is already losing money.

House Call

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:58:11 EST

Andy Padian is a busy man. Padian, one of the country's most experienced multifamily energy auditors, runs the multifamily program for Steven Winter Associates, a nationally known architecture and engineering consulting firm. During 25 years in the business, Padian has seen interest in his services wax and wane, but with rising energy costs, his phone has been ringing a lot these days. "People have been screaming for help," he says.

Caught in the Crunch

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:57:19 EST

Cost fluctuation for raw materials is nothing new—it's a reality of our business," says Glenn Ferguson, president of Clark Realty Builders in Bethesda, Md. "Price increases simply make it more challenging to predict costs, particularly for longer-term projects. It seems like every year it's a different material's turn to shoot up in price."