Posts by Marissa E. Powers

There is an old industry saying that every renovation costs twice as much and takes twice as long as planned. It may get a laugh, but when you are the one funding the project, it quickly stops being funny. Whether you are flipping a single-family home, building a custom residence, or overseeing a large commercial…

Many construction projects end up running longer and costing more than originally planned. In an industry where margins are already tight, those overruns do more than reduce profit they put real pressure on the entire operation. Rising costs can strain cash flow, damage working relationships, and create long-term challenges for the business. This is why…

Real estate development is a high-risk, high-reward business. Projects often come down to tiny margins, where a small miscalculation can be the difference between a strong return and a costly mistake. In that climate, relying on instinct or quick, rough math is risky. Successful development needs a clear plan that’s built on reliable data, not…

When reviewing a construction budget, it’s easy to fixate on the initial price tag. But like an iceberg, the most dangerous costs are often hidden beneath the surface. For any commercial building, the upfront cost of construction is just the tip of the financial iceberg. The massive, submerged bulk represents the operational expenses energy, maintenance,…

The construction industry has now shifted. As we move into 2026, the margin for error has never been thinner. Rising material costs, persistent labor shortages, and highly strict regulatory environments are squeezing project managers from every angle. In such climate, a comprehensive preconstruction risk assessment isn’t just a safety measure; it is the first line…