Return on Investment Projects

As an experienced General Contractor with over 20 years in construction, my professional recommendations encompass a range of home improvement projects that not only enhance your living space but also provide the best return on investment, as highlighted in the National Association of Realtors (NAR) report.

One of the most lucrative projects is a master bathroom remodel. Upgrading fixtures, adding modern amenities, and creating a spa-like atmosphere can significantly increase your home's value. Homebuyers often prioritize a luxurious master bathroom, making this a wise investment choice.

Another high-impact project is finishing the basement. Converting an underutilized space into a functional living area, such as a guest suite, entertainment room, or home office, appeals to buyers seeking additional square footage. A well-designed finished basement can add substantial value to your property.

Consider adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to your property. These self-contained units, like a guesthouse or in-law suite, provide extra living space and can be rented out for additional income. ADUs are increasingly popular with homeowners and investors alike, offering a promising return on investment.

Expanding your home's square footage through a room addition or popping the top and adding an additional story can also be advantageous. Extra living space, whether it's a new bedroom, living room, or office, contributes to the overall value and appeal of your home.

If your home has an attic that is currently unused, finishing the attic space can be an excellent investment. Converting it into a functional living area, like a bedroom or playroom, adds usable square footage and enhances the property's desirability for potential buyers.

Lastly, for those seeking a comprehensive transformation, a whole-house remodel can be a smart choice. Upgrading the kitchen and bathrooms, replacing outdated systems, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing overall aesthetics can give your home a fresh, modern appeal and increase its market value.

Before embarking on any home improvement project, it's essential to research local market trends and consult with a real estate agent to understand what potential buyers are seeking in your area. By aligning your home improvement choices with the preferences of prospective buyers and leveraging the NAR report's insights, you can make informed decisions that not only enhance your living space but also maximize the return on your investment when it's time to sell your home.

4 Trends To Attract and Retain New Renters

In this modern housing market, in order to become and remain competitive, multifamily communities, developers and property owners need to understand and implement the current housing trends that attract new renters and keep them happy enough to stay put.   From construction and renovation trends to smart home technology, renters have made it clear what they want. Now it's time to deliver.   

Open Layouts

Floor plans in newly constructed multifamily communities are now following the same trends we've been seeing in the residential single-family housing for years. Open layouts with fewer dividing walls between the main living spaces like dining, kitchens and living areas look and feel bigger than their counterparts with the same square footage. Open floor plans are here to stay, so it makes sense to invest in already constructed properties and renovate to attract new renters. If you're considering renovating existing units to new layouts with open floor plans, call Stonebridge Builders, a Denver based commercial construction firm that specializes in apartment and multifamily renovations. Stonebridge offers expert consultations in design and renovation.   

Modern Materials 

Granite Countertops used to be the "it" or "go to" kitchen upgrade.  But now, builders and developers are answering the call for a more modern apartment concept that appeals to a new generation of renters. Poured concrete countertops combined with rustic looking lighting and metallic accents all create a more modern look and feel that satisfies the new renters' desire for a more urban and industrial look and feel. While traditional lighting works, replacing standard outdated lighting with a trendy new product is a low cost upgrade that will turn heads and deliver signed leases.   

Smart Home Technology 

The newest generation of renter is tech-savvy and they want home technology that aligns with their lifestyle. While it may seem like a poor investment for multifamily properties to adopt new in-home technology given that technology changes so rapidly, there are certain tech upgrades that are universally accepted and desired and come with minimal cost upfront, but may save money in the long run. LED lighting, web connected sensors for turning lights on and off and digital thermostats controlled with a mobile device save residents money, but also decrease the property's energy costs for common areas.   

Amenities 

It used to be that a pool was all that was needed to create the feeling of luxury. But today's renters are looking for more. They want updated amenities that align with a more modern lifestyle. As more people are working remotely, renovating a common area to provide a business center or co-working space to accommodate residents that work from home can be a huge selling point to prospective residents.  Additionally, fenced in dog runs, on-site dog washes and package delivery rooms attract residents. 

If your community currently doesn't offer these amenities, Stonebridge Builders can design and build one at a low cost for a big return on investment. 

Keeping Critters Out During Construction

In older apartment buildings we almost expect to see the occasional bug or rodent. We might get startled but we’re not necessarily surprised when we come across one. We don’t like it, but we know it sort of comes with the territory. Over time, even properties without significant deferred maintenance can become safe havens for pests.

What about pests in multifamily new construction, or after renovations or remodels?

Not only do we have zero tolerance but it’s probably an indication of a much larger problem that started during the construction process. Stonebridge Builders, a local commercial builder specializing in multifamily renovation and apartment remodeling, takes special precautions during the demolition phase to ensure the environment is unappealing and uninhabitable for insects and rodents. 

Chris Tolar, Stonebridge Owner and CEO, says, “During a renovation or remodel, rodents generally aren't an issue, even if they had been prior to the start of the demo. They don’t like to be around people. So, with so many people on site, they’re not attracted to the area and any places that were previously home to mice and rats are destroyed in that process.”

The demo process also gets rid of infestations of bugs like ants and roaches. Removing old materials generally kills anything living there and a thorough cleaning process prevents future infestations. Tolar says, “When we pull everything out and strip the unit down to the bones, we clean thoroughly before starting any new construction. The cleaning process prior to the rehab and more importantly the cleanliness of the job site, is critical to preventing future infestations. We’re very conscious to remove all debris and/or food that could attract ants and insects.”

Once construction gets underway, Tolar says Stonebridge has guidelines committed to design, planning and the best construction practices for pest prevention. Because bugs love water, in planning a multifamily rehab, Stonebridge suggests several simple design strategies:

Select materials that are highly resistant to moisture and decay like certain pressure treated lumber and plastic or composite materials when applicable. Simplify plumbing by making sure it’s easy to inspect, maintain and repair if needed. Insulate pipes to prevent condensation and eliminate damp spaces that attract bugs. Replace carpet that routinely gets wet and never install it in bathrooms, laundry rooms, entryways and kitchens.

Once construction is complete, moving forward property managers should routinely and thoroughly inspect individual units adopting the EPA’s strategy of Integrated Pest Management, while also consistently making sure that residents are up to speed and educated aboutpest prevention.

If you’re considering a remodel or renovation to an existing property, regardless of it’s condition, confirm that you’re using a contractor like Stonebridge Builders, one that is committed to the best practices and guidelines for pest prevention for the long term.

The Benefit of Unit-by-Unit Renovations vs. Major Overhauls of Apartment Complexes and Multifamily Communities

Regardless of the size of the property, whether it is luxury or affordable, urban or rural, property owners are concerned about the same things, property value and profitability. Maximizing rental income and keeping expenses low are the top priorities. When the Net Operating Income (NOI = Income minus Expenses) on a Multi-Family property increases, so does the overall property value.

Metro Denver has one of the most competitive rental markets in the country. Demand is high and supply is low. Last year inventory added by new construction was absorbed without increasing vacancy rates, in fact, vacancy rates decreased by over 1%. At the same time, apartment rents grew by 2.9%, which is slightly faster than the overall inflation rate.

To keep up with the competition and capitalize on current market opportunities, property owners need to justify rent bumps while keeping expenses and vacancy rates low. Individual unit renovations and rehabilitation of the property are the main factors in generating and justifying rent increases.

For most property owners, a complete rehab of the entire property is cost prohibitive and not feasible. However, opting for unit-by-unit renovations as apartments become vacant softens the financial burden of a complete overhaul while keeping occupancy and rental income stable.

Stonebridge Builders, a Colorado-owned and operated commercial construction company, has perfected unit-by-unit apartment rehabilitation and has made this a top priority in their business model. For all projects, the scope of work and timeframe for completion is determined by allocated budgets and projected lease turnover.

Stonebridge understands local market conditions and works diligently with property owners to ensure that unit availability and quick turnaround are maximized while costs and income loss remain low. Currently, on a larger scale, Stonebridge is renovating 600 units over a 2-year period for a large multifamily community in Superior, CO and completing 55 units over 12 months for a smaller Denver metro apartment complex. When Stonebridge recently completed turn key renovations for an apartment complex in Littleton, each unit was completed in 10 days or less, maximizing unit availability and minimizing rent loss.

Successful unit-by-unit apartment renovations and value-add projects require planning, preparation and careful oversight and management of the project. When tenant occupancy is high, exterior improvements like new siding, stamped concrete, designer patio finishes, parking lot re-paving and landscaping can supplement a lower volume of interior renovations of kitchens, baths, plumbing and lighting, new paint and flooring.  

To create a strategic plan and partnership to renovate an Apartment Complex or Multi-Family Community, call us. 20 years of experience in the industry, a portfolio of successful outcomes and our commitment to providing the absolute best customer service will ensure an outstanding experience from start to finish.

Why choose Integrated Project Delivery on your next project?

A quick Google search for construction industry trends for 2017 yields a dozen articles about what we can expect in the coming year. From labor shortages to rising costs to increased use in technology, and uncertainty with the new administration, the number one trend could shape how we do business indefinitely.

Construction projects are notorious for getting derailed at numerous different stages in the process whether it’s new construction, a remodel, rehab or renovation. Construction companies are always looking for ways to streamline processes for smoother, better outcomes. Collaborative project delivery methods are taking hold as companies are recognizing the potential for lowering costs, increasing the flow of information between all stakeholders at every stage of the process and decreasing the stress and resources wasted as a result of miscommunication and lack of alignment.

Design-Build and Integrated Project Delivery are replacing the more traditional Design-Bid-Build method as it has become clear that a more collaborative effort from start to finish saves time and money and increases accountability and engagement between everyone involved.

Design-Build and IPD create collaborative, highly functioning teams from the start of a project and encourage alignment of all stakeholders, owners, architects, contractors and subs. These methods provide smarter use of resources and tend to reduce re-work that results from miscommunication and misinterpretation of plans and strategy that can result from the standard Design-Bid-Build process. For example, considering the Contractor a collaborative partner in the design phase can ensure the appropriate materials are chosen, timelines are accurate and budgets are met.

Stonebridge Builders is your collaborative partner from day one on your multi-family construction project, apartment remodel or apartment renovation. To learn more about how we bring value to each and every project we undertake, call us at 303-425-9999.

Listening: The Secret to Great Selling and Client Retention

Regardless of the industry, the same principles apply to ensure successful sales and a winning client experience.

We’ve all had a nightmare sales experience in one form or another. How about the one when the sales rep starts talking, and doesn’t stop? They give every detail about the product and service without taking a breath. It’s even worse when what they’re explaining in every last detail has no relevance to your wants or needs.  We know when we’re simply being “pitched” and it doesn’t feel good.

On the flip side, every one of us that has ever held a sales position has inadvertently done the very same thing that feels so bad to be on the receiving end of. And unfortunately, it’s the very thing that most likely prevented us from getting the sale. We know the product so well that we overload our prospect by explaining every detail, but we don’t take the time or make the effort to get connected to their needs. We talk too much, don’t ask enough questions and we don’t listen.

If we’re savvy enough, we might actually catch ourselves talking too much and then shift to ask a question or two. But so often, even if we do manage to catch ourselves, we just continue our pitch where we left off. 

We talk too much because we know our products and services inside and out and we don’t want to leave anything out that could end up being important to the prospect. We don’t have to share every detail. Instead, we should tune in to what’s important to our client and speak directly to that.

So, how do we know what to share and what to leave out? Ask questions that get your client talking. Shift into genuine inquiry and discovery mode to uncover what their true needs are and which pain points you can address and solve.

Start with the question that will align you with their most critical issues. For example,  “If I were able to meet your most pressing needs, what would they be?”

Once you have identified your prospects needs, you can tailor the conversation to speak directly to solving them. However, when you think you’re clear and ready to move on with your presentation, before you start talking again, pause and ask clarifying questions. It’s your responsibility to make sure that you have not only listened, but have also truly heard, understood and integrated what they said. Ask, “I understand your most pressing issues are X and X. Did I get that right?” 

If they answer yes, then you know which direction to go in and the specific information you need to share with them. If their answer is “no” or “not exactly,” then seize the opportunity to get clear by asking more questions.

A successful sale starts with listening, listening with a great desire to learn. It takes awareness, attention, intention and tremendous effort, but the pay off is well worth it in the end. If you truly listen to your clients, they will be clients for life!

The Time is Right for Multifamily Renovations and Apartment Remodeling

 In 2015, Denver ranked 6th in the country for Top 10 cities adding jobs. This trend has continued into 2016 with growth rates of 3 to 4 percent per year. With more jobs available, Denver became one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. Last year, Denver’s population grew by 102,000, however according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the state added only 25,143 new homes, condos and apartments to accommodate those newcomers, adding 15,000 units to a shortfall that has been mounting since 2012. Colorado is currently at 55,000 homes short of where it needs to be to support the recent population growth.

With increased demand for housing, and a decrease in supply, rent growth is the natural consequence. In 2014, rent increase averaged 5.9% nationwide, this year it has been as high as 9% in markets like Denver, San Francisco and Portland. Despite higher rents, vacancy rates are low.

The conditions are perfect for investing in multi family housing. With the increased need for multi family housing also comes a greater need for Denver apartment renovations and Denver apartment remodeling for current property owners. Local commercial construction company, Stonebridge Builders, has been in business of Multifamily remodeling and Multifamily renovations and new construction for over 15 years. When considering a new purchase of a multi-family property or renovating an existing one, or a build from the ground up, contact Stonebridge Builders, the number one Denver commercial construction company, the top expert Multifamily renovations and Apartment remodeling.

Give Renters What They Want - More Storage!

The latest trends in apartment living are proving that it’s all about generation and location.  As a result, many multi-family developers are focusing on urban projects to attract millennials, the largest population of renters, who want to spend less time commuting and more time pursuing activities and creating a balanced lifestyle.

Jeff Kayce, in a recent webinar for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), discussed emerging trends in interior and exterior spaces and how generational differences impact apartment design.  He said, “It’s all about the lifestyle for today’s renters. They want the urban experience of less commute time and immediate access to various activities.” They are willing to sacrifice space for location and quality of life.

With the cost per square foot higher than in outlying neighborhoods, urban living means smaller living spaces.  To offset the higher cost of urban development, multi-family property owners are consistently looking for ways to maximize rental income. With 44% of non-homeowner millennials not looking to purchase a home, but instead choosing smaller living spaces in favor of more appealing locations, storage space isn’t just a want but has become a necessity, and they are willing to pay a premium for it.

This year, Multifamily Executive’s Concept Community conducted a nationwide survey of over 84,000 renters. The findings highlighted that in-unit storage and oversized closet space are highly desired amenities that can increase rent by upwards of $75 per month. Almost half of renters surveyed (49%) said they would pay $75 extra per month for a larger closet (10’ by 6’) versus the standard sized closet (4’ by 6’.)

J Turner Research surveyed Millennials, Gen X’ers, Baby Boomers and members of the Silent Generation. The two younger generations made up 80% of those surveyed. With other hot topics, in general, the older the renter the more cost conscious they tend to be. That is not so in this case. There isn’t a significant demographic difference in willingness to pay for additional closet and storage space. Across the board, when renters were asked if they would consider paying an additional $25 per month, or $100 total for more in-unit storage, surprisingly there wasn’t a significant change in willingness to pay extra. 45% of renters were still willing to pay more rent for more storage.  

Given the results of the survey, when it comes time to remodel or renovate current units or break ground on a new project, it is clear that building over-sized closets is a design feature that will pay off in the end, given that six feet of additional closet space can yield up to $100 more rent per unit per month. To generate increased revenue and appeal to all renters, call Stonebridge Builders to create the design and complete the renovations to your multi-family communities. 

What are renters willing to pay extra for?

Research shows that renters are often willing to pay a little bit more for extra amenities and upgrades. Multi-Family Executive’s Concept Community surveyed more than 84,000 renters nationwide to determine their wants and needs and what they were willing to pay extra for. One big question was Carpet or Hardwood? Another was parking? Will renters pay extra for a designated parking space?

As it turns out, there are some pretty clear trends, and age is the greatest predictor of what renters value and will pay for. When asked if they would pay extra for hardwood over carpet throughout all of their living spaces, the overwhelming result is that the younger the renter, the more inclined they are to say “Yes!”  Roughly 50% of Millennials and Gen Xer’s would pay $75-100 more every month for hardwood, whereas only 40% of Baby Boomers and 26% of the Silent Generation are willing to do so.

OK, so they want it and are willing to pay a little extra for it, but does it make sense? It may when you consider the average Millennial rents for 6 years prior to purchasing their first home, and despite the fact that mortgage rates are at an all time low, property values and home prices have increased at a rate that exceeds affordability for most.

It’s the age-old question of cost versus value. In virtually every case, the initial cost of installing hardwood over carpet is higher. However, over time it generally proves to have greater value given how long it lasts with proper maintenance.

If initial cost is the only issue considered, carpet is the clear choice over hardwood. However, when factoring in increased rental income, the choice is not quite as clear. Adding $75-100/month of additional rental income can make up the difference in as few as one to two years.

What about parking? 67% of renters own one car. 21% own two. And 9% don’t own a car at all. Concept Community posed the question of whether or not they would be willing to pay additional rent for a designated parking spot or a dedicated spot in a carport with roof cover? Of the 84,000 renters polled, 60% said they would pay for a designated parking spot. But who would pay, for what and how much?

A specific amount was set for different types of spots. $25 for a dedicated parking space and $75 for a dedicated spot in a carport. As it turns out, there is a generational trend to paying for parking in a multi-family and apartment communities. Despite the fact that rental rates are continuing to increase, every generation was willing to pay $25 for a dedicated space over a free one. However, the older the driver, the more willing they are to pay for a space to call their own rather than search for parking daily.

To no surprise, there was far less enthusiasm for paying $75 for a space in a carport. Gen X-ers were most willing to do so, followed closely by Baby Boomers and Millennials. The Silent Generation weren’t so much. These results make sense whenconsidering 28% of Gen X-ers and 26% of Baby Boomers said they owned two cars, versus 17% of Millennials and only 15% of members of the Silent Generation.

So, does it make sense to consider charging additional rent for designated parking in your community? It probably doesn’t make sense to make it mandatory. However, if there are some renters who clearly want it and are willing to pay for it, perhaps offer it as an optional amenity at an additional cost to the standard rental rate?

If you’re interested in the full results of the Concept Community survey, The Next-Gen Apartment: What Renters Want,  it will be presented at the Multifamily Executive Conference in September.

Make your next Rehab, Remodel or Renovation a Huge Success!

Imagine this scenario; you’ve determined the scope of a large renovation project, chosen a contractor and are about to get started. Your number one goal is a smooth, stress-free process. But is that possible on large-scale apartment rehabilitation or new ground up construction projects? It’s not only possible, but guaranteed if the right steps are taken before you begin or break ground.

The essential key to making your renovation a huge success is the quality of communication with the contractor from start to finish. The way that information is shared with your contractor and with your residents is critical to a successful process and outcome.

According to Chris Tolar, President and CEO at Stonebridge Builders, there are a few critical communication requirements for a smooth rehab project, most importantly that the project is viewed by all stakeholders as a collaborative endeavor, not an US versus Them mentality. Additionally, before any construction begins, the client first needs to communicate the full scope of work to the contractor. There is a shared responsibility to confirm that the clients’ expectations are clearly understood by the contractor, and that agreements are set in place to create a system for accountability.

Tolar also emphasizes trust as a crucial component to a solid client/contractor relationship. The contractor should be hired and trusted to manage all pieces of the project – materials, construction, scheduling, permitting, etc.

For the most efficient exchange of information and decision-making regarding the project, the client should have one designated point of contact to deal with any and all rehab questions.

Diana Pittro, executive vice president of Chicago’s RMK Management Corp, leverages technology and communication tools early in the rehab process, and then employs them at every point along the way. She starts every project with an extensive spreadsheet she calls her “Bible.” This includes everything from scope of work, detailed lists of all necessary materials, projected install dates to marketing and resident communications plans, on-site storage and rotation scenarios, costs, and analysis tabs. This spreadsheet is created and updated long before residents get notice of the upcoming renovations. Residents are informed of what’s going to happen and when at 90, 60, and 30 days and then one week before any construction begins.

“If you do it right, your residents are the last to know, but they still find out well before you start any work,” Pittro says.

On inferior renovation projects and rehabs, communication is sub-standard and work often commences before very clear agreements are set in place regarding the specific course of action at every stage of the project.  When the client and contractor aren’t on the exact same page from the start, the project tends to extend beyond projected deadlines and budget, resources are poorly managed and residents are inconvenienced and frustrated, which ultimately affects lease renewal rates.

When considering improving your property with a rehab, renovation or remodel, partner with a contractor like Stonebridge Builders. Their commitment to the highest quality craftsmanship, exceptional service and consistent and thorough communication at every step of the way will ensure your project is a huge success

2015 Charity Auction benefiting Family Homestead

Annual Fall Camping Trip

The Stonebridge Builders team has officially survived its annual Fall Family Camping Adventure.  And the photos below show how much fun we had:

Business is Booming . . . What You Need to Know.

1) Denver is Hot!

No doubt if you are in the development industry in the Rocky Mountain region you are well aware of this fact. It is the main topic or at minimum the sub-headline of all industry events. Denver has garnered both domestic and international attention as the hot spot of the interior U.S. for capitol investment and development.

Check any top list (thriving economy, diversified economic market, gen Y hot spot, sustainable market, venture capital funded investment hot spot, 2nd Best place in the US to launch a start-up according to Forbes, healthy and fit communities, effective public education, etc.

Denver is the envy of almost any interior United States metropolitan community. So naturally investors and capital development has quickly followed these positive trends, creating the construction boom we are living and serving our clients in.

2) Emerging New Players

On both the development and investment side of the equation many new people are getting involved. Of course everyone wants the "best" working on their projects. However the labor market has not been flooded by the same vigor, in fact other factors, such as the need for labor in the emerging energy markets of North Dakota has pulled many away.

What does this mean? More people are demanding the supply of good labor and trades. Who are the trades choosing to work for in such a flush market? Their loyalties stay with those who they know, who will pay a fair price (within the hot market) and who have longevity and will survive when times are not as abundant. We are proud to maintain our strong trade relationships with those we have worked with for years.

3) You Get What You Pay For

Ah, yes. Quality and cost! 
Aren't these some of the most important factors that drive all business decisions?  Don't we wish they charted a parallel course to that of the proven trends of supply and demand (i.e the higher the quality (demand) the lower the cost (supply).

Even though this is what we all desire, the truth is, quality and cost DO NOT follow the trend of supply and demand. In fact your grandma's adage is more accurate; "You get what you pay for!"

These factors frequently consume conversations in our office. Stonebridge Builders is known for its quality. We characteristically find ourselves competitive with pricing, but exceed our customer's expectations with quality.

However, we still have clients that desire the supply and demand trend. Sometimes they pick a competitor that is cheaper, but pay for it in the long run with change orders. Or they pick the "yes" contractor that sounds good (i.e. is saying what we all want to hear) but in the end turns out to be a farce.

Stonebridge Builder's president Chris Tolar warns, "When clients treat cost and price as a top priority, they may very well be pursuing expensive, slow, and the wrong results. Just ask any friends who have hired the cheapest contractor for their project, how it went."

We as a firm actually believe there is another critical factor that matters the most and that's communication. When we can talk with our client and work together that is what creates a winning relationship for all. It is always why more than 90% of our business is referral based.

2014 AAMD Chili Cookoff

Miracle on Logan Street

"It's not what you call me, it's what I answer to." This eloquent African proverb embodies the true essence of empowerment.

Stonebridge Builders was extremely proud to be selected as the general contractor and partner with Mile High Behavioral Heathcare for this important community project. "A Miracle on Logan Street" is Mile High Behavioral Healthcare's newest housing initiative for single homeless women who are reclaiming their lives by participating in off-site substance use and/or mental health treatment. The house provides eight woman with their own living spaces, each with its own kitchenette and bathroom, as they continue their journey toward recovery, self-sufficiency and the empowered life.   Stonebridge Builders completed an extensive house renovation which included: remodeling nine individual apartment units, creating an additional ADA compliant suite, a new boiler, fixing all interior wall piping and plumbing, interior drywall repairs, exterior roof and gutter repairs and exterior painting.    Picture: Chris Tolar accepting a handmade quilt, at ribbon cutting ceremony, as a token of appreciation for Stonebridge Builders' contribution and work.

2014 AAMD Trade Show

Rousing News for Denver’s Multifamily Industry in 2014!

Based on a recent broadcast from MFE Multifamily Executive Apartment Trends

The Top 10 Rent Growth Markets for 2014:

1. Seattle: 5.8

2. San Francico: 4.7

3. Denver: 4.6

4. San Jose: 4.5

5. Nashville: 4

6. San Diego: 4

7. Austin: 3.9

8. Dallas: 3.9

9. Houston: 3.9

10. New York City: 3.8

To read entire article- copy/paste follow link into your browser:

http://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/rent-trends/top-10-rent-growth-markets-of-2014_o.aspx?dfpzone=search

Stonebridge wins award!

Our team had a fantastic time steering the grocery cart up and down the aisles as fast as possible, dressed to a "T" as duck hunters from the entertaining Duck Dynasty series for the Comitis Crisis Center. The Annual Grocery Cart Races for Comitis Crisis Center always corroborates a basket of fun. Our team not only raised $1300 to donate to the center but our costumes out ranked the bunch earning the Best Team Costume Award! Everybody at Stonebridge Builders is always excited to live out our core value "service" in the community. We gratefully acknowledge the contributions to this charity from Stonebridge Builders and team, Sandy Mancinelli with Colorado Carpet Distributers, Seth Haley with Western Pacific, Derek Becker, owner of Wireworks Electric and Scott Slankard representing Water Systems.

Life of Luxury in Apartment Living!

Apartment living can be much like staying at a resort. With busy schedules, long commutes to work, and the ability to enjoy the amenities found on most vacations, coming home to a luxury apartment can be such a delight! Stonebridge Builders has helped to spear head the growing trend of apartment living through remodeling and renovating several apartment communities in the Denver area. 

This article hits the nail on head with the Luxury of Apartment Living.

Live in Luxury, Elegance by Tyree Leisch

Apartment living can be acquired taste. At first the people who have lived in sprawling independent houses with garden and compound cannot imagine the life in an apartment. With the land prices shooting up out of reach even in tier 2 cities, the apartment living is necessity. However, there are so many advantages which they understand and enjoy only after moving into an apartment.

The independent house was a peaceful living once upon a time but, now, with smaller sites and no garden houses, it is a nightmare when the traffic increases and children have to play on the street. The apartments have so many amenities like garden, swimming pool, running tracks, children play area etc., that in cities it is the only way to live.

Another major advantage is maintenance. The apartment management charges certain amount for maintenance but, the backup power, water, external maintenance and security are taken care. It is a worry free living compared to independent house where everything needs to be taken care of by the owner.

Most of the apartment complexes have tenant association. In most cases, the maintenance will be done through it and it will be a democratic organization where tenants take turn to be the management team and most of the major decisions are taken by vote. In fact the tenant associations have several rights given by the government as well as responsibilities. In some cases, in order to make the city green, the wet waste or organic waste needs to be composted instead of the city municipality picking up the waste to be thrown in dump yard.

Schools and colleges have buses pickup children from the apartment complex and dropped off in the complex which more secure than dropping them on the road. The parking also is a great advantage compared to parking on the street in an independent house.

2013 AAMD Maintenance Olympics

Thank you for visiting us at this year's Apartment Association's Maintenance Olympics.  A good time was had by all and we were able to meet with many of you in person.  We look forward to seeing more of you during the May 2013 AAMD Trade Show.