Commercial Construction After COVID-19: How Developers Can Adapt

Published on: 12 April 2021 Last Updated on: 27 December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the construction industry heavily. With people focusing on social distancing measures and businesses going online to cater to their customers, the commercial sector took a hit.

The pandemic fuelled a boom in e-commerce has increased the demand for retail spaces, while many office spaces were left vacant. Fortunately, some companies have been taking up strategies that can benefit the commercial construction sector greatly. Speaking of adapting, the commercial real estate sector can focus on strategies like adaptive reuse.

Apart from this, developers can also focus on creating spaces that are safe from COVID-19. When both these strategies are combined, the developers can repurpose vacant spaces into structures that are higher in demand and also ensure the indoor spaces are safe from the novel virus.

Over the last few months, plenty of safety measures and precautions have been provided by organizations like ASHRAE and the CDC. The IWBI created the WELL Health Safety standard by providing scientifically proven measures for fighting against infectious diseases including COVID-19.

Creating Safer Indoor Spaces:

After a lot of research on the transmission of the coronavirus, extremely important evidence came into the picture that COVID-19 transmission can be airborne, especially in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Therefore, creating safer than ever indoor spaces should be a top priority for developers.

ASHRAE released a detailed guide for building owners on measures for promoting a safe indoor environment. The recommendations can be summarized in 3 main areas:

Increasing outdoor air ventilation as much as possible, while minimizing indoor air recirculation.
Upgrading the air filters to MERV rating 13 or higher.
Installing Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) system for killing harmful airborne viruses and bacteria.

Depending on the building conditions, the applications of the above-mentioned measures may vary but the main principle of ventilation, filtering, and purification still holds.

Apart from new construction, they can also be implemented for existing buildings and in renovation projects as well for improving the indoor air quality. It is highly recommended to consult professionals that can identify the optimal measures for all building types.

The IWBI came up with a list of 22 effective measures against COVID-19, and building owners can obtain the WELL Health Safety Seal by implementing at least 15 measures that are subject to verification.

Mixed-Use Projects: A Viable Option

While many companies are struggling with low occupancy in commercial buildings, the demand for housing is on the rise. A mixed-use project can not only provide housing spaces but also offer spaces for commercial use as well at the same time.

Some of the interesting benefits observe are that in a mixed-use building, the occupied residential spaces will require services that can be easily accessible and provided from the commercial spaces in the same building. Also, business owners are drawn to such buildings as their potential customers are already there.

Professionals working from home are also attracted to mixed-use developments as it offers various services within walking distance.

Apart from this, mixed-use projects are highly beneficial for entrepreneurs planning to open a franchise, since they can have immediate access to a large number of potential customers.

Repurposing Vacant Buildings with Adaptive Reuse:

As mentioned earlier, some types of commercial buildings, like warehouses, are rising in demand, while some are seeing high vacancies. Adaptive reuse can be an excellent strategy for such building owners as the vacant buildings can be repurposed into structures like apartments, which are always in high demand.

Work from home, implemented as a social distancing measure to fight against the spread of COVID-19 transmission, is now becoming a permanent solution for many companies. This led to less use of office space, which resulted in vacant office spaces and buildings. Repurposing such buildings is a viable strategy for office building owners.

Conclusion:

The commercial real estate sector was highly disrupted in the pandemic as the demand for some buildings increased greatly, while the others are now facing imminent vacancy. For staying competitive, developers implement the strategies mentioned above.

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Planning Your Next Commercial or Residential Project? 6 Ways an Architect Can Help

Whether you're interested in designing a new commercial building for your business, a new home to live in, or an addition for a home or business, the right help can be crucial. An architect is essential for these and related projects and can provide a number of benefits that will make a huge difference in the long run. Make Sure Everything is Practical Depending on what the plan is, there may be a need to check and make sure everything is actually practical. Is the land appropriately set up for the building or addition? Is there anything that doesn't make sense about the overall plan? An architect will look through to make sure everything looks good before getting into the details of the design. Cochran has more information if you'd like to learn more. Determine if There are Restrictions There may be a local, county, or state restrictions that can be applicable to the building or addition. These need to be discovered at the beginning of the design process so workarounds can be found. Restrictions may include zoning restrictions like how tall the building can be, how far the addition must be from the property line, or even whether the entire project is allowed. Add to Design for the Future Architects aren't just going to think of what's happening right now. They'll also consider the future for the business or home and help you come up with ideas that may future-proof the building or addition. This helps ensure the building is going to continue to be relevant and useful long into the future. Reduce Overall Costs Any construction is going to be expensive. While there are many ways to cut costs, some just aren't worth the savings. An architect can help find ways to save money without sacrificing anything that's needed or the overall quality of the project. If you're on a budget, hiring an architect can help reduce overall costs so the project stays on budget. Help Create a Green Building Energy efficiency can make a huge difference in energy bills and impact on the environment. If an energy-efficient building is needed or desired, an architect is a right person to ask for help. They can use various design elements to create a building or addition that's energy-efficient, or green, to help reduce the impact on the environment and help you save money. Visualize the Design What will the design actually look like when everything is done? Is it going to be what you're imagining? An architect can draft visual designs and stake out the property so it's easier to see exactly how big everything is, where everything will go, and what the project will look like when everything is done. That helps provide a better idea of what the final project looks like so you can ensure it will be exactly what's needed for your home or business. If you're planning any construction, whether it's commercial or residential, an architect can provide a lot of help and allow you to meet all of the goals. Take the time to speak with an architect today to learn more about what they can do to help with the project and what's going to be improved by having the right help from the beginning. You won't want to handle the project without them. Read Also: 3 Ways to Boost Employee Engagement in Your Business Important Things to Know Before Starting a Home Improvement Project

Understanding Conforming Loan Limits In California: Unlocking Home Financing Opportunities

When it comes to purchasing a home, access to affordable financing plays a crucial role in making the dream of homeownership a reality. In California, conforming loan limits serve as a key factor in determining the maximum loan amount that lenders can offer while still qualifying for favorable terms and conditions. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of conforming loan limits in California, exploring their definition, significance, factors influencing their determination, and the impact they have on homebuyers and the real estate market. I. Defining Conforming Loan Limits: In order to understand what these loan limits are all about, there are some factors that you might need to know first. A. Definition: Conforming loan limits refer to the maximum loan amounts established by government-sponsored entities (GSEs) such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These limits delineate the boundary between conforming loans and jumbo loans, which have higher loan amounts and typically carry different terms and requirements. B. Purpose: Conforming loan limits ensure liquidity in the mortgage market by establishing a standardized framework for mortgage lending. They aim to strike a balance between affordable financing for homebuyers and risk management for lenders. Ii. Determination Of Loan Limits In California: Have you ever wondered how to determine conforming loan limits? If yes, here is a checklist for your assistance: A. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA): The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is responsible for setting these loan limits annually based on guidelines established by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008. The FHFA considers various factors, including home price indices, to determine appropriate loan limits for different areas. B. County-Level Variation: Conforming loan limits can vary by county within California. The FHFA assesses each county's median home prices to determine county-specific loan limits, taking into account local housing market dynamics. C. VA Loan Limits: For those who are opting for VA-conforming loans in California, there is good news! These loans are no longer having any county loan limit for the year 2023. In “VA Circular 26-19-30,” the VA declared that Trump, the then president, had signed a pledge that eliminates all county loan limits. Veterans can make maximum use of it. Iii. Significance Of Conforming Loan Limits: Without discovering the importance of conforming to loan limits, you cannot opt for one. Go through the significances below: A. Accessibility To Affordable Financing: Conforming loan limits play a vital role in ensuring that a significant portion of homebuyers can access affordable financing options. By setting loan limits that align with local median home prices, these limits promote homeownership opportunities for a broader range of individuals and families. B. Favorable Terms And Conditions: Loans that fall within such loan limits generally enjoy more favorable terms, interest rates, and down payment requirements compared to jumbo loans. This affordability factor enhances borrowers' purchasing power and reduces barriers to entry into the housing market. C. Mortgage Market Stability: Conforming loan limits contribute to the stability of the mortgage market by facilitating the securitization and sale of mortgage-backed securities to investors. Thus, this process helps lenders manage risk and maintain a steady supply of mortgage funds for borrowers. D. Fewer Hassles Of Form Completion: Conventional conforming loans are usually not backed by any government entity. As a result, there is less red tape by the government to interfere with the approval. You will still be eligible for closing disclosure as well as a loan estimate form that will review your closing prices and fees. The frequency might be at the start and end of the mortgage procedure. Iv. Impact On Homebuyers And The Real Estate Market: Did you know that such loan limits usually have a big impact on the realty market as well as homebuyers? Conforming loan limits might have the following impacts on the purchasing decision of a homebuyer. A. Homebuyer Flexibility: A Conforming loan limit provides homebuyers with a wider range of financing options, enabling them to choose loans that align with their financial capabilities and homeownership goals. Hence, this flexibility promotes market activity and supports a sustainable real estate ecosystem. B. Housing Affordability: Conforming loan limits play a crucial role in preserving housing affordability. By capping loan amounts, they help prevent excessive price inflation and contribute to a more balanced as well as accessible housing market. C. Local Market Dynamics: Loan limits that consider county-specific median home prices reflect the unique dynamics of each local housing market within California. Moreover, this approach ensures that loan limits remain relevant and responsive to the economic realities of specific regions. V. Future Considerations: While opting for loan limits, there are certain considerations that should be made. If you are new to the market, here is what you need to discover: A. Changing Market Conditions: Conforming loan limits may evolve over time in response to changing economic conditions, shifts in home prices, and housing market trends. Homebuyers, as well as industry professionals, should stay informed about updates to these loan limits to make informed decisions. B. Legislative And Regulatory Changes: Furthermore, policy changes at the federal level may influence conforming loan limits in California. Monitoring legislative and regulatory developments can provide insights into potential modifications to loan limits and their implications for the housing market. C. Possibilities Of Loan Limit Increase: According to HERA or the Housing and Economic Recovery Act, there might be an increase in the conforming loan limits by 2023. This reflects the changes in the percentage of average U.S. residential pricing. The time period is somewhere from 12 months to four quarters, and it will end before the annual adjustment determination. Conclusion: Conforming loan limits serve as a critical framework for home financing in California. Consequently, striking a balance between affordable access to credit for homebuyers and prudent risk management for lenders. By setting maximum loan amounts that reflect local housing market dynamics, such loan limits promote homeownership opportunities, housing affordability, and market stability. As the real estate landscape evolves, understanding and navigating these loan limits is essential for individuals and professionals seeking to participate in California's vibrant housing market. We hope this article made it easier for you to understand the various aspects of a conforming loan limit. Is there anything you would like to share? Let us know in the comment box below. Happy reading! Read Also: Choosing a Mortgage Broker for Your Home Loan Application Get Fast Access to Car Title Loan during Bad Times How Do Construction Loans Work?

Why do modern people prefer Coliving to other housing options?

We have often been told that more of us will live in cities and that cities will be bigger. But what we have not seen is how this will happen. While there is a growing awareness among the public, politicians, developers, and architects about the need to improve living conditions in cities, little is being done. Coliving is still a new concept, but the fast-growing Coliving industry aims to redefine the way we live. Coliving offers shared living spaces, sharing kitchen facilities, sharing laundry, and cleaning services. The potential cost savings are significant, although the initial start-up costs are high. Living in smaller spaces is a cultural norm in the affluent West. But until recently, people in most developing countries had few options beyond informal settlements or slums. Now, thanks to urbanization, millions of people are leaving rural areas and moving into cities. Urbanization is speeding up in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, but the trend has been visible in developed countries, too. In 1960, 70 percent of the world lived in cities; by 2050, it will be 75 percent. Read this blog content about coliving from sharedeasy.club. History of coliving In the 1950s, we began to think of space as a commodity. At first, we thought of it as a commodity to be bought and sold, like a plot of land or a building. Then, we came to think of it as a utility, like electricity or water. Then, as the idea of sustainability grew, people began to think of space as a vital resource. Finally, in the 21st century, we came to think of space as a service. That is, a space is a service, like a utility, that provides shelter, privacy, and community. Co-living also falls under a relatively new concept of Housing as a service. It is disrupting the way we screen, monitor, and select housing. Co-living is seen as a promising potential from industry experts from different market leaders as the real estate developers, hospitality companies, and investment community. Big names in the retail- and automotive industry are adding co-living to their portfolios. Related Reads: Smaller Apartment Downsizing Hacks Coliving benefits SharedEasy launches its new spaces which is an innovation lab based in New York. Here are some main benefits of coliving: Co-living spaces are breaking free of traditional housing models. They provide living spaces with shared amenities, such as gyms, cafeterias, and common areas. Co-living spaces are often in buildings with 100 to 400 rooms. Co-living is not a new trend, but a new business model, with unprecedented demand. Co-living spaces offer more than just a place to sleep. They provide shared amenities like gyms and cafeterias. Co-living spaces are viewed as an alternative to conventional housing, either because of cost or lifestyle issues. Co-living spaces are growing in popularity. An increasing number of millennials are choosing these spaces over conventional homes. Urbanization brings with it many benefits. But rapid urbanization also brings with it many new problems. Often, people are priced out of the housing market. They are forced to live in informal settlements or slums. They lack adequate access to infrastructures such as water and sanitation. And because of the strain on city infrastructure, cities are left vulnerable during natural disasters. “Build it and they will come” is a noble sentiment. But it doesn’t work in practice. Related Reads: Property Investment Worths Coliving in practice Housing is a basic human right. For most of us, our housing is the biggest single expense we have every month. But building housing is expensive. Many cities are at or very near their historic peak population levels. The East Coast already has more housing than it can reasonably absorb, with the result being that half the population cannot reasonably afford a home. And California, which has experienced a spectacular population boom in recent decades, has a serious housing shortage. Insufficient housing is one reason why young people, especially, are leaving cities for the suburbs. By some estimates, 30% of young people between the ages of 18 and 34 live with their parents, compared to 7% of older people. Co-living is a response to this problem. It’s a way of living that takes advantage of the economies of scale in housing. Instead of people having to buy or rent their own house, they live together. In a normal house, people generally have private rooms, but in co-living arrangements, they share a bathroom and a kitchen. Co-living has many advantages. Now people can live near their best neighbors, and they can also share costs. And they do not have to be locked into a long-term contract with a landlord. But it also has some disadvantages. First, co-living is not for everybody. Some people want privacy. For these people, co-living is probably not a good idea. Second, the co-living companies need to manage a large number of people, and this requires a lot of staff. This is a considerable expense. But most importantly, co-living does not solve the fundamental problem. We need to build a lot more housing. Why is coliving preferred by millennials? Co-living, in this sense, is an evolution of what millennials have come to think of as normal: a communal living arrangement that mirrors the way social media functions. It’s both social and intimate, it’s both private and communal. And it’s a community where members do not compete with one another for space; instead, they collaborate, sharing common spaces and amenities, from kitchens and living rooms to bedrooms and bathrooms. Conclusion Co-living in particular is the logical consequence of sharing everything online. The idea of shared living spaces has been around for quite a while. The Victorian fascination with communal living and with communal service — the belief that community was the key to happiness — was reflected in the rise of the boarding house and the shared house. Read Also: Federal Government and the Subprime Mortgage Crisis They Created How Much Will You Pay To See Landmarks During Lockdown?

Commercial Construction After COVID-19: How Developers Can Adapt

Creating Safer Indoor Spaces:

Mixed-Use Projects: A Viable Option

Repurposing Vacant Buildings with Adaptive Reuse:

Conclusion:

Read Also:

New To Real Estate? Here Is How You Can Improve Your Lead Generation

Bridging Loans Explained

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Planning Your Next Commercial or Residential Project? 6 Ways an Architect Can Help

Understanding Conforming Loan Limits In California: Unlocking Home Financing Opportunities

Why do modern people prefer Coliving to other housing options?

Commercial Construction After COVID-19: How Developers Can Adapt

Creating Safer Indoor Spaces:

Mixed-Use Projects: A Viable Option

Repurposing Vacant Buildings with Adaptive Reuse:

Conclusion:

Read Also:

Share this Article

New To Real Estate? Here Is How You Can Improve Your Lead Generation

Bridging Loans Explained

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

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