Owner’s Representation in Texas: Navigating Design-Build vs. Design-Bid-Build

Across Texas, developers are under pressure to deliver projects faster, navigate stricter permitting reviews, and maintain transparency for lenders and investors. Choosing between Design-Build (DB) and Design-Bid-Build (DBB) can significantly influence a project’s cost, quality, and risk exposure. Moran Consultants’ Owner’s Representation team helps Texas developers evaluate delivery methods, align contracts with lender and municipal requirements, and safeguard their interests from preconstruction through closeout. Whether you’re breaking ground in Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, or Austin, Moran Consultants ensures your goals stay front and center.


Understanding Texas’s Two Primary Delivery Methods

Design-Bid-Build (DBB): Traditional Control, Modern Challenges

Design-Bid-Build remains the most common delivery model in Texas, particularly for public-sector and institutional projects. Under DBB, the owner first contracts with a design team, then bids the completed plans to contractors.

Advantages:

  • Strong owner control over design and scope definition.
  • Competitive bidding can lower initial construction pricing.

Challenges:

  • Communication breakdowns between designers and contractors.
  • Increased potential for change orders and schedule overruns.

In markets like Houston and Austin, where permitting and utility coordination can stretch early project phases, even small disconnects between design intent and construction documents can result in major delays. Moran Consultants’ Owner’s Representatives bridge that gap — verifying bid completeness, tracking design progress, and coordinating lender expectations before issues cascade into cost impacts.


Design-Build (DB): Faster Delivery, Higher Oversight Need

Design-Build is gaining traction across Texas’s private development sector, especially for multifamily, mixed-use, and industrial projects seeking accelerated delivery. DB consolidates design and construction under one entity — which streamlines communication but also shifts control away from the owner.

Advantages:

  • Faster project delivery and simplified procurement.
  • Early cost certainty through integrated design and construction input.

Challenges:

  • Reduced direct owner control over design decisions.
  • Greater reliance on contractor transparency and performance.

An Owner’s Representative protects the owner’s interests within this structure by ensuring that design standards, specifications, and budgets are not sacrificed for speed. Moran Consultants provides third-party review of design submittals, schedules, and change management processes — giving Texas developers both agility and accountability.


Risk and Cost Control for Texas Developers

The decision between DB and DBB is more than a project delivery choice — it’s a financial risk strategy. Texas developers, particularly those managing lender-backed projects, face complex challenges tied to subcontractor availability, escalating material costs, and regional permitting variations.

Moran Consultants’ Owner’s Representation services include:

  • Independent review of design deliverables, GMP contracts, and value-engineering proposals.
  • Construction schedule validation to confirm realistic milestone sequencing and avoid unrealistic durations.
  • Oversight of pay applications and contingency tracking to maintain cost discipline and audit readiness.

In Dallas–Fort Worth and Central Texas, where subcontractor shortages and market competition remain high, proactive Owner’s Representation helps mitigate escalation risk, manage procurement timelines, and preserve budget integrity throughout construction.


Maintaining Quality and Accountability

Even when projects move quickly under Design-Build, quality must remain verifiable. Owners who rely solely on internal reporting risk missing critical performance data that can affect warranties, financing, and long-term asset value.

Moran Consultants provides structure and transparency through:

  • OAC (Owner-Architect-Contractor) meeting facilitation and detailed reporting protocols.
  • Performance benchmarking to evaluate construction quality at every milestone.
  • Comprehensive documentation and audit trails to satisfy lender and investor review requirements.

With offices in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Moran’s Owner’s Representation team delivers localized oversight supported by national expertise — ensuring your Texas project maintains both speed and substance.


Texas Owner’s Representation with Moran Consultants

At Moran Consultants, we understand that no two projects are alike. Every development from an affordable housing community in Austin to a commercial build in Dallas, comes with its own challenges, stakeholders, and priorities. That’s why our Owner’s Representation services are fully customizable to fit the specific needs of your project.

Whether you need full-cycle management from concept to closeout or targeted support during preconstruction, procurement, or construction administration, our team tailors our approach to align with your objectives, team structure, and delivery method.

Our goal is simple: to act as an extension of your team, bringing clarity, accountability, and confidence to every stage of the construction process.

We’d be happy to learn more about your upcoming project and discuss how Moran Consultants can build a customized Owner’s Representation plan that fits your timeline, budget, and risk profile — ensuring your project is delivered to the highest standard of quality, transparency, and efficiency.

Contact Moran Consultants today to start the conversation and discover how we can support your next Texas development with tailored Owner’s Representation solutions.


FAQs

Which delivery method is best for my Texas project?

It depends on project complexity, financing, and jurisdictional requirements. An Owner’s Representative helps assess trade-offs and determine the most strategic approach.

Can Owner’s Representation support a Design-Build contract?

Absolutely. Moran Consultants acts as your independent advocate, ensuring transparency, verifying cost accuracy, and monitoring contractor performance.

When should I bring on an Owner’s Representative?

Ideally during predevelopment, before contract execution, when delivery methods, scopes, and terms can still be structured to protect your interests.

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How 2025 Tariffs Are Influencing Lumber Costs in Construction

As of October 17, 2025, the construction industry faces heightened cost uncertainty as newly adjusted lumber tariffs reshape material pricing dynamics. The U.S. Department of Commerce finalized higher anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing (CVD) duties on Canadian softwood lumber in mid-2025, with “all others” now facing a combined rate of about 35.19 % and major producers seeing combined rates up to 47.65 %. In addition, a new 10 % Section 232 tariff on softwood lumber (effective October 14, 2025) now overlays existing duties.

These overlapping layers of tariff pressure introduce more volatility, risk of pass-through, and stress on contract margins and contingency planning. This article outlines how those costs translate into construction economics and how Owner’s Representatives (and development teams) can effectively manage the exposure.

The Current Tariff Landscape

Tariffs on lumber are not new, but the current configuration represents a more aggressive stacking of trade tools.

Revised AD / CVD Duties

• In July 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its results in the sixth administrative review (AR6) for the anti-dumping order on Canadian softwood lumber. Final AD rates ranged from 9.65 % up to 35.53 %, and for the “non-selected” or “all others” category, the rate moved to 20.56 %.

• For countervailing duties, Commerce’s final AR6 CVD results (published August 2025) showed subsidy rates between 12.12 % and 16.82 %, effectively layering additional duty on top of AD rates.

• That means combined duty rates for some producers now approach 47.65 %, and for the “all others” pool are near 35.19 %.

New 10% Section 232 Tariff

• On September 29, 2025, the President issued a Proclamation under Section 232 imposing a 10 % tariff on imports of softwood timber and lumber, citing national security concerns.

• The Proclamation specifies that these tariffs stack on existing AD/CVD duties; they are not substitutes.

• The Proclamation also imposes tariffs on related wood products (kitchen cabinets, vanities, upholstered wood furniture) at 25%, with escalation scheduled for 2026.

Because many U.S. framing products rely on Canadian imports or components that cross thresholds, this tariff layering has turned what once was a manageable import risk into a higher baseline stress.

Translating Tariffs into Construction Economics

Tariff percentages tell part of the story. The real driver is how they affect delivered cost, bid behavior, and risk allocation.

Bid queues & volatility tighten: Suppliers and distributors are shrinking price-hold windows. Quotes valid 30 days earlier may now expire in 14–21 days or carry hold clauses. Some may reserve the right to reprice mid-order if duty or input indices move.

Contingency stress: Projects will need higher materials contingency or tariff-sensitivity buffers. Without them, cost overruns can cascade, affecting framing, sheathing, millwork, and cabinetry, all of which are interconnected.

Supplier divergence in duty exposure: Because AD/CVD rates are producer-specific, two Canadian mills may face materially different assessed duty burdens. Procurement teams may want to ask for supplier disclosure; a 5–8 % discrepancy between mills can shift competitiveness.

Downstream ripple effects: Incremental tariffs on cabinets, vanities, and wood furniture (initially 25 %, rising in 2026) will push finish budgets upward.

In sum, tariff math must feed into delivered unit cost forecasting, bid logic, contract structure, and contingency sizing.

Owner’s Representation Strategies for Mitigating Tariff Risk

Given this environment, the role of an Owner’s Representative becomes more strategic. The following approaches are particularly useful:

Early and Phased Procurement: Lock critical structural wood scopes (framing, sheathing, supply critical path) in earlier windows, ahead of tariff shifts. Release later packages in phases tied to structural milestones so exposure is contained and cash flow optimized.

Dual-Track Supplier Strategy: Always maintain a domestic-first sourcing path while qualifying import-exposed alternates. That flexibility allows switching if spreads tighten. Where possible, insist in RFQs that suppliers disclose their duty status and cash deposit obligations.

Contractual Safeguards: Embed protective language into construction documents:

o Escalation provisions keyed to public indices or custom duty triggers, with thresholds, sharing formulas, and reconciliation windows.
o Material allowances + reconciliation (e.g. 30–45 days) so suppliers or subs can update pricing closer to delivery.
o Change-in-Law clauses that explicitly treat tariff shifts (AD, CVD, Section 232 or similar) as cost-adjustable events, not force majeure, thereby preserving schedule and cost transparency.

• Design Flexibility and Quantity Optimization: Small tweaks in structural design can yield board-foot savings without a full redesign:

o Minor adjustments in joist spacing, beam depth, or span layout
o Strategic substitution of engineered products (I-joists / LVLs)
o Panel optimization / factory cutting to reduce waste

Even a 3–7 % reduction in total board footage can provide meaningful buffer against tariff-driven escalations when applied across a large development.

Logistics, Sequencing, and Staging Controls: Tariff risk is magnified by delays and hidden holding costs. Strategies include:

o Monitoring port congestion, customs delays, and yard lead times
o Using “hold-and-release” yard strategies to avoid site storage costs
o Sequenced deliveries aligned with site capacity
o Shorter lead windows for import-exposed items where possible

Sensitivity Modeling & Contingency Strategy: Run multiple bid-day and delivery window stress scenarios (±8–12 % lumber cost swings) to test impacts on hard costs, fee, and financing structure. Use those models to justify a lumber-specific materials contingency or hedging approach.

Outlook & Key Watchpoints

Tariff regimes are rarely static; several variables now require ongoing attention.

Producer-specific AD/CVD rates: Suppliers’ individual assessed margins can diverge, meaning a supplier that appeared competitive at bid time may face reallocation risk later.

Possible reversal, carve-outs, or litigation: The 10 % Section 232 tariff was imposed via executive action, and trade policy could pivot if challenged, negotiated, or litigated.

Escalating import pressure in downstream categories: Tariffs on cabinetry, vanities, and other wood goods are set to escalate in 2026; those late-stage packages may drive finish cost risk.

Market behavior shifts: Reduced Canadian supply may push U.S. mills to expand, increasing domestic cost pressure. Meanwhile, downstream demand may crowd material categories.

Regulatory or trade agreement changes: Future amendments to USMCA/CUSMA, bilateral negotiations, or court rulings (e.g. via CUSMA Chapter 10 panels) could shift AD/CVD treatments.

As of late 2025, the layering of AD/CVD and Section 232 tariffs has introduced a more volatile and less predictable cost baseline for lumber in U.S. construction. For development and construction stakeholders, mere awareness is no longer enough. The differential between bidders, the structure of procurement, the rigor of contract language, and the size of contingency buffers now each have magnified impact.

Owner’s Representatives play a pivotal role in translating tariff dynamics into procurement logic, protecting cost exposure, and steering projects toward financial resilience. Moran Consultants continues to evaluate evolving trade policy, supplier assessments, and project-level sensitivities so that development teams can move forward grounded in data rather than speculation.

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Should I Hire an Owner’s Rep Before Breaking Ground?

The most successful projects don’t just happen; they’re the result of planning, clear communication, and a well-aligned team from the very start. That’s why more developers are bringing in an Owner’s Representative (Owner’s Rep) early in the process.

When an Owner’s Rep joins before construction begins, it creates momentum. Budgets reflect current market conditions. Schedules are realistic and achievable. The design team works in harmony toward shared goals. At Moran Consultants, we’ve seen how this early collaboration sets projects on a smooth, predictable path to completion.

What an Owner’s Rep Brings to Preconstruction

An Owner’s Rep is your dedicated advocate, someone focused solely on ensuring your vision, budget, and timeline stay on track. In the preconstruction phase, this means:

• Aligning the project scope with the budget from the start
• Confirming schedules are achievable based on real-world conditions
• Reviewing designs for constructability and cost efficiency
• Coordinating between design, estimating, and procurement teams to keep everything moving forward
Our role is about building confidence in the plan so when the first day on site arrives, everyone is ready and in sync.

The Payoff of Early Engagement

• Clarity from Day One: Starting with a clear plan ensures every stakeholder understands the vision, the constraints, and the roadmap to get there. This clarity makes it easier to make informed decisions and adapt when opportunities arise.
• Budgets That Work for You: By validating costs with current market data and shaping the design to meet those targets, we help you get the most value from every dollar without compromising on quality or functionality.
• A Coordinated Team: When everyone has defined roles, deadlines, and shared priorities, collaboration flows naturally. The result? Fewer delays, smoother handoffs, and an energized project team.

A Preconstruction Roadmap for Success

While each project is unique, our typical preconstruction support often follows this path:

• Alignment: Define the program, confirm the budget, and establish communication channels and decision-making processes.
• Design-to-Budget: Review early design concepts for efficiency, coordinate with estimators, and track material availability.
• Launch Ready: Finalize budgets, schedules, and procurement strategies so the project is ready to mobilize without hesitation.
This framework keeps everyone focused and ready for a seamless transition into construction.

Positioning Projects for Long-Term Success

Bringing in an Owner’s Rep before breaking ground isn’t just about preventing issues, it’s about unlocking a project’s full potential. With early involvement, opportunities for value engineering, design innovation, and schedule optimization become clear well before construction starts.

We help you:
• Establish owner standards that guide quality from the outset
• Ensure each design choice supports long-term performance and value
• Identify ways to streamline schedules without cutting corners
• Maintain a central hub for project information so communication stays effortless

Why Developers Choose Moran Consultants

For more than 50 years, Moran Consultants has been guiding owners through complex projects with a proactive, solutions-focused approach. Our team blends national reach with in-house regional expertise, ensuring you get both market insight and local know-how.

We work alongside your team to create a plan that’s practical, efficient, and designed for success, not just on paper, but in the real world.

When’s the Right Time to Bring In An Owner’s Rep?

The best time is at the very start when you’re shaping the vision, setting budgets, or beginning schematic design. Early involvement means more opportunities to optimize costs, streamline schedules, and inspire the team to deliver their best work.

What is an Owner’s Representative?

What is an Owner’s Representative?

Hired by the owner, an owner’s representative is a construction professional who represents their interests throughout each stage of construction. With years of experience in project development from conception through design, construction, and closeout, an owner’s representative offers valuable, unbiased advice to ensure a project meets the owner’s goals and objectives.

What Does an Owner’s Representative Do?

Having extensive construction knowledge, an owner’s representative uses their background to ensure successful project completion and monitor for cost overruns and delays that can negatively impact a project’s timeline and budget. Below are some core services that an owner’s representative provides:

  • Property condition assessment
  • Scope development
  • Design team procurement: Architect, Engineers, and Consultants
  • Development of conceptual budget
  • Solicitation and procurement of general and sub-contractors
  • Development, maintenance, and adherence to the master budget
  • Facilitate terms and conditions of contracts as well as guaranteed maximum pricing
  • Facilitate permitting process and regulatory requirements
  • Facilitate, coordinate, and oversee all construction
  • Interfacing with the property manager
  • Punch list and closeout management

Why Do I Need an Owner’s Representative?

Whether you are an experienced project owner with several developments or tackling your first development, an owner’s representative can assist you in safeguarding your investment. Although a representative has expertise in all areas, knowledgeable professionals such as Moran Construction Consultants understand that, when it comes to an owner’s representative service, there is not a one size fits all approach. Established in 1968 as a general construction company, we evolved into a company specializing in construction consulting in the 1980s. From projects priced at hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars, we’ve diligently served clients across the United States for over 40 years. We pride ourselves in providing a personalized service that is tailored to fit an owner’s needs and recognize that those needs may vary from project to project. When you choose Moran Construction Consultants for your owner’s representation needs, you can feel confident knowing that your project is in capable hands.

Give us a call at 866-545-3350 or contact us online to learn more!

Adaptive Reuse Risks & the Role of an Owner’s Reps

Adaptive reuse is a growing trend in commercial real estate, especially in urban areas where developers are converting historic or underutilized buildings, such as warehouses, churches, or hotels, into modern residential, mixed-use, or commercial spaces. These projects offer sustainability benefits, access to tax incentives, and the opportunity to preserve architectural character.

But beneath the charm and opportunity lies a set of unique risks. Adaptive reuse projects are often more complex than ground-up construction, with hidden conditions, outdated systems, and regulatory hurdles that can quickly derail budgets and timelines. This is where an experienced Owner’s Representative (Owner’s Rep) plays a crucial role.

 

Understanding the Complexities of Adaptive Reuse

Historic Structures

Many adaptive reuse projects involve buildings that are decades, if not centuries old. These structures often suffer from hidden deterioration, undocumented modifications, and hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint. In many cases, preservation requirements add further complexity, especially if the building is listed on a historic register. Meeting these standards while ensuring code compliance can be a delicate balancing act.

Change of Use Challenges

Converting a building originally designed for one purpose to serve a new function requires significant upgrades. This includes reconfiguring layouts for proper egress, meeting modern fire and life safety codes, and ensuring accessibility in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Older mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems are often incompatible with current demands and must be replaced or heavily retrofitted, introducing cost and design implications early in the project. Adapting an existing footprint to meet modernized codes and regulatory requirements is a major challenge for the project team.

Hidden Conditions

One of the greatest risks in adaptive reuse is what lies behind the walls, beneath the floors, or above the ceilings. Original construction drawings may be incomplete or nonexistent. Unforeseen structural deficiencies, insufficient utility infrastructure, and outdated construction methods can all emerge mid-project, triggering costly delays and change orders. Without proactive planning, these unknowns can quickly overwhelm a project team.

 

How Owner’s Reps Help Control These Risks

Experienced Owner’s Representatives serve as strategic advisors, overseeing all aspects of a project on behalf of the owner. In adaptive reuse developments, their role becomes even more essential due to the number of variables involved. Here’s how they add value:

Early Due Diligence and Team Coordination

A qualified Owner’s Rep brings together the right consultants, architects, engineers, environmental specialists, and historic preservation experts at the earliest stages of the project. By initiating detailed condition assessments, feasibility studies, and scope reviews early, they help identify potential risks before design or demolition begins. This collaborative planning sets the stage for informed decisions and realistic expectations.

Budget and Timeline Protection

Adaptive reuse projects are notorious for scope creep. Owner’s Reps help define project parameters up front and maintain strict controls as conditions evolve. By working closely with contractors and consultants, they develop and track detailed budgets and construction schedules, ensuring that risks are accounted for and contingency funds are used appropriately. This discipline reduces surprises and keeps the project on track.

Permitting and Regulatory Navigation

Navigating permitting for adaptive reuses, especially when historic preservation is involved, requires skill and persistence. Owner’s Reps serve as the liaison between the development team and local authorities, helping secure necessary approvals, managing zoning challenges, and aligning the project with applicable codes. Their involvement minimizes bureaucratic delays and keeps the project moving forward.

Construction Oversight

Once construction begins, the Owner’s Rep monitors progress in the field, ensuring that adaptive reuse-specific risks are properly addressed. Whether it’s confirming the structural integrity of existing elements, reviewing MEP installations, or managing unforeseen site conditions, their oversight helps resolve issues before they escalate into major problems. They also review changing orders, track milestone completion, and safeguard the owner’s interests throughout the construction process.

 

Choose Moran Consultants As Your Owner’s Rep

Adaptive reuse projects offer immense potential, but they come with equally significant challenges. From historic preservation requirements to hidden infrastructure issues, these developments demand a higher level of planning, coordination, and oversight than typical new construction.

Owner’s Representatives are uniquely positioned to manage this complexity. Their ability to uncover risks early, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and maintain control over budgets and timelines can make the difference between a project that struggles and one that succeeds.

At Moran Consultants, our Owner’s Rep team brings decades of experience guiding adaptive reuse projects from concept through completion. We understand the nuances, anticipate the obstacles, and work proactively to protect our clients’ vision and investment. For developers pursuing transformative reuse projects, partnering with the right Owner’s Rep is essential.

What California’s Title 24 (2025 Updates) Means for Your Next Project

California’s Title 24 (2025 Update) Effective January 1, 2026

California continues to set the pace for energy codes nationwide. The latest revision of Title 24, Part 6, will officially take effect on January 1, 2026, but the impact on project planning, design, and construction is already being felt. Developers, architects, and lenders should begin aligning their teams with these requirements now to avoid surprises later in the process.

What’s Changing in Title 24 (2025 Update)?

According to the California Energy Commission, here are four major areas of change:

● HVAC System Performance – The new code strongly favors electric heat pump systems over gas-fired systems. Performance criteria have been tightened, including more rigorous standards for controls, sizing, and refrigerant verification.

● Interior and Exterior Lighting Control – non-residential projects must include light sensors, occupancy controls, and dimming systems in more areas (such as warehouses and parking lots).

● Solar + Storage Readiness – New requirements will expand PV system mandates and introduce battery storage readiness for more building types, including nonresidential and multifamily projects.

● Electrification of Appliances – The 2025 updates accelerate the shift away from natural gas by requiring electric options for space heating, water heating, cooking, and pool heating in most new construction projects.

Why This Impacts Projects Outside California

While Title 24 is a California-specific regulation, national developers are applying the same energy strategies across portfolios to maintain design consistency, simplify procurement, and future-proof their buildings. We’re already seeing these California-based standards influence projects in Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado, particularly for firms that prefer unified design criteria across multiple states.

Key Risks and Considerations

The 2025 update is more than a change in code. It introduces complexity at every stage of development:

● Cost Estimation – More efficient envelopes and HVAC systems, along with solar and battery readiness, increase up-front construction costs. Early-stage cost modeling is critical to align expectations with reality.

● MEP Design Coordination – Integrating electric systems into the design adds layers of technical detail that must be carefully coordinated across disciplines. Heat pump requirements alone can drive redesigns of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

● Permitting Delays – Municipalities are preparing to enforce the new standards, which could lead to longer plan review times as jurisdictions adapt to the changes. Early engagement with permitting authorities is highly recommended.

How Moran Consultants Can Help

The 2025 update to Title 24 is a clear signpost of where construction codes are heading: more efficient, more electric, and more integrated. Starting now ensures that your project won’t be caught off guard when enforcement begins.

With 50 years of experience helping developers navigate evolving building codes, Moran Consultants is well-positioned to support your team in meeting the demands of Title 24 and understanding how it affects projects both in California and beyond.

Have questions about Title 24 or how it affects your upcoming project?
We’re here to help! Give us a call at 866-545-3350 or contact us online to learn more.

Urban Evolution: The Adaptive Reuse Boom in Eastern Cities

Why Adaptive Reuse is Gaining Momentum

Across bustling metropolitan hubs from Massachusetts to Florida, a powerful construction trend is quietly transforming skylines, neighborhoods, and local economies: adaptive reuse. What was once a niche strategy has become a mainstream solution for sustainable urban growth, breathing new life into old, dilapidated buildings. This trend has become especially prominent throughout the Eastern U.S., where dense urban cores and rich industrial histories provide fertile ground for these creative transformations.

The resurgence of adaptive reuse is not accidental; a convergence of sustainability goals, community revitalization efforts, and strong financial incentives drives it. A key advantage of adaptive reuse is its potential to reduce costs. By utilizing existing structures and materials, developers can lower spending on both materials and labor. Research shows that adaptive reuse projects can achieve construction cost savings of approximately 20–30% compared to building new structures.

Beyond cost savings, adaptive reuse often revitalizes entire neighborhoods, attracting new residents and businesses, increasing local tax revenues, and preserving the architectural character that makes historic districts so unique. Cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, Atlanta, and Richmond are leading the charge, supported by programs such as Historic Tax Credits (HTC), New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), and Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing.

Navigating the Challenges

Despite its clear advantages, adaptive reuse is not without hurdles. Developers and investors often face unique challenges not found in ground-up construction. Aging structural components, deteriorated masonry, hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint, and outdated mechanical systems can introduce unexpected costs and delays. Compliance with modern energy codes and accessibility standards can further complicate planning and execution.

Without proper oversight, these risks can threaten project budgets, timelines, and financing arrangements, turning a promising redevelopment into an expensive lesson in what can go wrong.

How Moran Consultants Supports Adaptive Reuse

This is where Moran Consultants plays a critical role. Whether you’re an owner needing owner’s representation, a lender seeking reliable construction monitoring, or a stakeholder requiring a PCA or an asbestos survey, we help ensure that adaptive reuse continues to be a practical, profitable, and powerful tool.

Interested in learning more about how we support adaptive reuse projects? Contact us today or give us a call at 866-545-3350 to discuss how Moran Consultants can help you navigate risk and deliver value on your next redevelopment venture.

West Coast Permits: Don’t Let Red Tape Kill Your Timeline

Securing Permits on the West Coast 

Securing permits has always been one of the most time-consuming aspects of real estate development, but on the West Coast, this step can pose a make-or-break challenge for investors, developers, and lenders alike. From California’s rigorous environmental laws to detailed design reviews in Portland and Seattle, developers can underestimate how local regulations, community input, and department backlogs can stretch a simple project timeline into years of waiting and costly delays.

Why Permitting Takes So Long

In California, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires detailed Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) for any project that may significantly affect the environment. According to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office, completing a full EIR typically takes two to three years, and that timeline can stretch even longer if legal challenges or public appeals arise.

In Seattle, developers also face extended review periods. A typical multifamily permit can take anywhere from eight weeks to several months, depending on project complexity and the number of design and community reviews required. Meanwhile, in Portland, permitting delays have become increasingly common. On average, it now takes about 200 days to issue a permit for a new commercial building; nearly triple the city’s stated goal of 71 days.

Several factors commonly add friction to the permitting process. Complex state and municipal regulations demand extensive documentation, multiple agency signoffs, and a readiness to address public input. Community opposition can lead to appeals or litigation, pushing timelines back months or even years. Adding to this, many planning departments remain understaffed after COVID-19, stretching review times further and increasing the risk of errors that require costly resubmissions.

How to Mitigate Permitting Delays

While it’s impossible to remove every hurdle, early action can significantly reduce surprises. Developers and lenders should build conservative timelines into their budgets and loan structures to account for local bottlenecks and appeals.

Working with consultants familiar with municipal processes is equally crucial. Local insight helps anticipate community concerns, navigate exceptions, and maintain a realistic schedule. For example, Moran Consultants often advises clients to:

  • Conduct a thorough zoning and code review before land acquisition.
  • Plan for flexible draw schedules that align with likely approval timelines.
  • Maintain transparent communication between the owner, lender, and contractor throughout the review period.

How Moran Consultants Helps Keep West Coast Projects on Track

At Moran Consultants, we’ve seen firsthand how overlooked permitting can derail even the most promising projects. We understand the nuances of agencies from Los Angeles to Seattle and provide the reporting and oversight that lenders, owners, and developers need to make informed decisions at every stage.

Regional knowledge can be your biggest asset if your project is in the pipeline or stalled somewhere in the permitting maze. Moran Consultants brings decades of expertise to help keep construction timelines realistic and vested interests informed.

Give us a call at 866-545-3350 or contact us today to learn how we can support your next West Coast development.

Rising Temps, Rising Standards: How New Heat Regulations Impact Construction

Rising Temperatures Are Driving New Heat Safety Standards

As summer temperatures continue to climb, heat-related injuries on construction sites have become an increasing concern across the United States. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause serious health risks for workers and lead to costly project delays, lost productivity, and regulatory penalties for contractors. In response to these challenges, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is moving forward with new federal standards aimed at protecting workers from heat stress. These proposed guidelines are expected to include mandatory rest breaks, shaded recovery areas, accessible drinking water, and proper training to recognize and respond to heat illness. At the same time, states like Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia are developing or updating their own rules and enforcement strategies to address high heat working conditions more effectively.

How Heat Regulations Impact Construction Project Risk

The stakes are high for both workers and the bottom line. Studies show that when temperatures exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the likelihood of workplace injuries can increase by about 20%. Heat-related illnesses contribute to thousands of lost workdays every year, creating unexpected delays and potential liability for general contractors and developers. For lenders and investors, these factors can directly affect loan performance, draw schedules, and project returns, especially in regions where extended heat waves are becoming more frequent.

Moran Consultants’ Proactive Engagement and Local Insight

At Moran Consultants, we understand that shifting regulations, like these new heat stress standards, can affect every phase of a construction project. While we do not perform safety audits, our role as third-party construction risk advisors means we stay closely attuned to local and federal compliance requirements and how they may influence construction budgets, timelines, and feasibility.

From coast to coast, Moran Consultants brings national reach and local expertise to every project we touch. We believe that “taking it personally” means delivering care, clarity, and confidence—so our clients can move forward with certainty, even as new regulations emerge. Give us a call at 866-545-3350 or contact us online to learn more.

From Budgeting to Closeout: The Owner’s Representative Timeline Explained

 

The Importance of an Owner’s Representative

In today’s construction environment, projects face increasingly tight margins, supply chain volatility, and shifting regulatory requirements. For owners, staying on top of every moving part while making decisions that protect long-term ROI can be overwhelming.

That’s where an Owner’s Representative (Owner’s Rep) becomes indispensable. Acting as the owner’s advocate, an Owner’s Rep brings deep technical expertise, project oversight, and accountability from pre-development through final closeout. At Moran Consultants, our team has over 50 years of experience guiding owners through every phase of the construction lifecycle. Below, we break down how our team supports your project step by step.

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Phase 1: Pre-Development and Conceptual Budgeting

The decisions made during the pre-development phase will set the trajectory for the entire project. Inadequate site analysis, inaccurate budgets, or missed permitting considerations can lead to costly changes and delays once construction begins.

How Owner’s Representation from Moran Consultants supports this phase:

– Site Feasibility and Risk Analysis: We help owners evaluate potential sites with a due diligence lens, reviewing zoning, utility access, title encumbrances, and environmental risks. Early identification of site constraints ensures informed land acquisition decisions.
– Design Team Selection and Coordination: We guide the owner through assembling a qualified team of architects, engineers, and consultants—ensuring roles and expectations are clearly defined.

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Phase 2: Design and Pre-Construction

This phase translates project vision into buildable documents—and it’s where the risk of scope creep and budget misalignment is highest. A proactive Owner’s Rep plays a critical role in maintaining discipline and strategic oversight.

Moran Consultants’ contributions include:

– Design Oversight and Cost Monitoring: We track how design evolution impacts budget and constructability. This includes confirming that selected materials, systems, and layouts remain aligned with project objectives.
– Permitting and Entitlement Coordination: Our team works closely with local jurisdictions to monitor entitlement processes, building permit timelines, and public hearing requirements. We help the owner avoid missed deadlines that can delay the construction start.
– Contractor Selection and Bid Management: We lead the RFP and bid evaluation process, vetting general contractors or construction managers, comparing proposals, and advising on scope alignment and contract negotiation.
– Schedule Validation: Before construction begins, we work with the contractor to validate the construction schedule and identify long-lead procurement items or schedule risks.
– Value Engineering & Scope Management: We work with design and construction teams to identify cost-saving opportunities that don’t compromise function or quality.

A thorough and detailed pre-construction process is key to the success of any project. Pre-construction is the foundation of all successful projects and is essential to limit the Owner’s risk for scope gaps, implementation of the key team members, and ensuring the budget is adequate for the proposed development.

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Phase 3: Construction Oversight

Once construction begins, daily activity accelerates—and with it, the potential for cost overruns, schedule delays, and quality issues. Having an Owner’s Rep on-site and engaged throughout this phase ensures the owner’s interests are consistently represented.

Key areas where Moran Consultants add value:

– Progress Monitoring and Site Inspections: Our consultants make regular site visits, reporting on schedule adherence, workmanship, safety, and compliance. These objective reports keep owners informed in real time.
– Change Order Review: We analyze all change order requests, evaluating necessity, cost impact, and potential schedule disruption before making recommendations to the owner.
– Pay Application Oversight: We review contractor pay applications to confirm work is completed as billed and in line with the contract’s payment terms. This helps avoid overpayment and cash flow issues.
– RFI/Submittal Coordination: Our team tracks Requests for Information (RFIs) and submittals to identify bottlenecks and ensure timely responses that won’t stall the project.
– Navigating the Unknown: Our team consists of experts in the art of problem solving and have key industry resources to assist the project team in finding a timely solution to even the most complex construction issues.
– Schedule Management: Moran Consultants analyzes construction project schedules by reviewing timelines, identifying potential delays, and coordinating with contractors to implement corrective actions, helping the team drive to achieve key scheduling critical path items and project milestones.

Moran bridges the gap between the owner and the contractor, ensuring transparency, quality control, and financial discipline while reducing the owner’s time burden.

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Phase 4: Project Closeout and Turnover

Project closeout is more than just finishing construction—it involves an organized transition into operations, occupancy, or sale. Without structured oversight, this phase often suffers from rushed decisions, incomplete documentation, and warranty issues.

Moran Consultants ensures a smooth closeout by:

– Punch List Management: We coordinate final walkthroughs and ensure all deficiencies are tracked, addressed, and resolved in a timely manner.
– Regulatory Closeout: We track and confirm all final inspections, occupancy certificates, and code compliance signoffs.
– Closeout Documentation: Our team compiles and delivers final as-builts, warranty information, O&M manuals, and turnover documents in an organized package that’s ready for facilities management or resale.
– Training and Transition Support: For owner-occupied buildings, we facilitate training sessions for property managers, maintenance teams, and operational staff on key building systems.

A poor closeout can delay leasing, result in missed warranty deadlines, or leave owners scrambling to find documentation after turnover. Moran ensures the handoff is seamless and fully supported.

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Why Choose Moran Consultants for Owner’s Representation?

Our approach is built on five decades of experience, a diverse national project portfolio, and a commitment to protecting our clients’ long-term interests. We have helped developers, lenders, and institutions navigate complex project timelines with greater confidence and reduced risk.

What sets Moran Consultants apart:

– Proven expertise across multifamily, mixed-use, commercial, and institutional developments
– In-house regional experts with deep knowledge of permitting authorities and construction practices
– A centralized database of 600+ projects that informs benchmarking and best practices
– Transparent communication, tailored reporting, and integrated collaboration from start to finish

If you’re planning a project, give us a call or contact us online to learn how our Owner’s Rep services can support every phase of your development.