In an era of economic uncertainty and shifting market dynamics, successful construction projects require strategic consultation from day one. At KasCon, we’ve evolved from traditional contractors into trusted consultants – and we’ve discovered that our greatest value often comes not from what we build, but from the strategic guidance we provide before the first shovel hits the ground.
The New Reality: When the Numbers Don’t Add Up
Construction costs have skyrocketed while rental rates remain stagnant. What used to cost, for example, $70 per square foot now costs $125, but the $30 per square foot rent hasn’t budged. This fundamental shift has created a crisis of project viability that’s forcing property owners to completely rethink their approach.
We’re seeing deals revisited three and four times as owners struggle with projects that simply don’t pencil out. The traditional model of “build it and they will pay” no longer works in today’s economic climate. Projects are going to the shelf, waiting for market conditions to align or for creative solutions to emerge.
From Contractor to General Business Advisor
This market reality has increased the value of what KasCon has always provided our clients – going beyond traditional construction to business advisors helping clients navigate complex financial decisions. When a client needs their project to work at $2 million but our numbers show $2.5 million, we don’t just deliver bad news. We put on our consultant hat and work collaboratively to find alternative solutions.
Real-world example: A medical practice wanted to purchase an $850,000 building that would require $350,000 in renovations for more space than they needed. Rather than simply providing the construction estimate, we advised them to walk away and leveraged our network to connect them with a better opportunity – a new space in a development where they could own a condo unit at a fraction of the total cost.
This comprehensive advisory approach has become essential for project success. As true partners and advisors we’re not just asking “how much will this cost?” but “does this make business sense, and if not, what are the alternatives?”
The Relationship-Driven Market
Today’s construction market is completely relationship-driven. Success depends not just on competitive pricing, but on trust, experience, and the ability to provide comprehensive guidance beyond traditional construction.
owners need a general contractor who understand:
Market dynamics affecting project feasibility
Alternative approaches when Plan A doesn’t work
The broader business implications of construction decisions
How to navigate complex lease and purchase negotiations and property evaluations
Financial structuring options that optimize project outcomes
The KasCon Advantage
What sets KasCon apart in this challenging environment is our comprehensive approach that goes far beyond traditional contracting. We serve as:
Strategic construction consultants who can help evaluate deal feasibility before you commit capital
Market connectors who leverage our network to introduce you to the right professionals for your specific needs
Business advisors focused on your project’s overall success, not just our construction contract
Experienced guides who can spot potential issues before they become expensive problems
Lease and Purchase advisors who identify construction-related pitfalls in lease and purchase agreements
Conclusion
The construction industry is evolving rapidly, and so is the role of construction professionals. Today’s successful projects require contractors who understand that building expertise is just the foundation. Real value comes from strategic thinking, market knowledge, relationship networks, and the experience to guide clients toward decisions that make both construction and business sense.
At KasCon, we’ve embraced our role as advisors and consultants – we’re not just building structures, we’re building successful outcomes for our clients. In a market where the difference between profit and loss often comes down to early-stage decision making, having the right general contractor can make all the difference.
Ready to discuss your next project? Contact KasCon to learn how our consulting approach can help ensure your project’s success from concept to completion.
/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/kascon_logo.png00Jeff Kassman/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/kascon_logo.pngJeff Kassman2025-07-14 15:41:192025-07-15 14:51:48Why Construction in Today’s Market Demands a Strategic Advisor, Not Just a Builder
Uncertainty has become the only certainty in construction pricing. The traditional methods of estimating and budgeting are proving inadequate in a market where prices can fluctuate dramatically between concept and completion. This new reality demands a fundamental shift toward greater transparency and precision in how projects are priced from the earliest stages of development.
The Escalating Impact of Construction Costs
As construction prices continue to increase, the eventual cost occupies an increasingly significant role in the viability of every project and development opportunity. Making a proper analysis of costs early in the process has become critical to avoid wasting resources or proceeding with incorrect assumptions. Today’s construction environment presents unprecedented challenges for accurate pricing:
The vast range of construction material choices and options available
Market volatility driven by inflation and anticipated tariffs
Labor constraints and supply chain disruptions
Regulatory changes continuously alter compliance requirements and costs
The Hidden Components That Drive Costs
Beyond the visible elements of any construction project lie numerous systems that significantly impact the total price but are frequently overlooked during conceptual planning:
Ceiling systems, open ceilings, acoustical considerations, decorative lighting
Mechanical and electrical systems
Building automation
Security and access control
Fire protection
Site development requirements
Especially for concept pricing, when full drawings haven’t yet been developed, these “hidden” components need thorough research and consideration. They can dramatically impact the total project cost.
The Industry’s Pricing Dilemma
The construction industry faces a fundamental dilemma in pricing approaches. Many general contracting firms provide artificially low initial estimates to win bids or use a simple cost/square foot to create an estimate, creating a perception of value that rarely materializes. When the true costs inevitably emerge later in the project, clients face difficult decisions: scale back their vision, find additional funding, or abandon the project entirely.
Any contractor can take conceptual information and provide a price that is either so inflated the deal has no chance of succeeding, or low-ball a price that moves things forward but inevitably generates conflicts when reality sets in. Neither approach serves the long-term interests of projects nor instills trust in stakeholders.
Developing Accurate Conceptual Pricing: A Better Approach
So how is it possible to develop accurate, well-qualified conceptual pricing that will hold up over time and remain within an appropriate range of the final construction cost?
The answer lies in deploying experienced professionals to analyze all issues and develop estimates that have real value towards informing budgets long before documentation is complete. This approach includes:
Thoroughly investigating and analyzing existing conditions
Taking time to understand the client’s intent, including practicality, aesthetic, and functional requirements
Engaging trusted subcontractors who can conceptualize the likely end-product and provide realistic current trade pricing
Developing plans and narratives that communicate assumptions so designs can be checked against these guidelines as they develop—the only reliable way to keep a project on budget
Considering costs outside of construction that need to be addressed in the total project budget
Collaborating effectively with design teams to ensure what is drawn aligns with what was priced
The KasCon Approach: Transparency as a Core Value
At KasCon, we’ve built our estimating practices around the principle of transparency. Our process includes:
1. Collaborative Planning: Working closely with clients to define assumptions and create solid pricing that informs decision-making.
2. Detailed Breakdowns: Providing comprehensive, line-item breakdowns of all costs so clients see exactly where their money is going.
3. Uncovering Hidden Costs: Researching and accounting for the less obvious components that significantly impact total project costs.
4. Visual Uncertainty Communication: We’ve developed a unique color-coding system that clearly indicates the level of certainty for each line item in our estimates (example on right). Green items represent fixed, highly reliable costs; yellow indicates moderate variability; and red highlights components with significant potential for change due to external factors. This visual approach allows stakeholders to immediately understand which aspects of the estimate carry more risk, facilitating better decision-making.
5. Component-Level Specificity: Rather than relying on broad allowances or industry averages, we create detailed component breakdowns even at the conceptual stage.
For example, our lighting estimates don’t simply apply a per-square-foot allowance.
Instead, we create preliminary lighting layouts based on the intended use and space requirements, then count actual fixture quantities to provide far more accurate pricing (example on left).
We believe that most clients want transparency and accuracy upfront and follow through when it comes time to contract for the work—no surprises and no wasted time chasing unrealistic figures.
The Bottom Line
The most successful projects begin with accurate, transparent pricing that builds trust among all stakeholders. When considering your next construction project, prioritize partners who value transparency, accuracy, and collaborative problem-solving. The initial price tag may appear higher, but the outcome will likely result in a more successful, more cost-effective project.
/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/kascon_logo.png00Jeff Kassman/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/kascon_logo.pngJeff Kassman2025-04-07 15:56:592025-04-08 15:03:30Accurate Construction Budgets Are Make-or-Break for Project Viability in Today’s Market
As we begin 2025, the commercial construction industry is faced with persistent supply chain disruptions, potential tariff impacts, labor shortages, and heightened regulatory scrutiny. These challenges demand a more integrated approach to project leadership—one that maintains consistency from initial concept through final completion.
Supply Chain and Labor Challenges
The post-pandemic construction environment has ushered in a new normal, one of extended timelines and complex logistics. Supply chain disruptions, though improved, continue to impact material delivery patterns. The possibility of new tariffs, particularly affecting trade with Canada, China, and Mexico, threatens to further complicate the situation. These tariffs could significantly impact the availability and cost of essential materials, from mechanical and electrical equipment to basic construction supplies.
Labor shortages, a decade-long challenge, show no signs of abating. The construction industry’s heavy reliance on immigrant labor makes it particularly vulnerable to potential immigration policy changes. Even a modest 3-5% reduction in workforce availability could severely impact project schedules.
In this complex environment, the traditional model of transitioning project leadership between departments—from estimating to pre-construction to construction—creates unnecessary risks. Every construction project is unique, which often requires comprehensive knowledge that can be compromised when leadership changes between project phases.
Consider a scenario where a piece of equipment specified during pre-construction faces potential tariff impacts. A project leader with continuous involvement from concept through completion can:
Immediately identify potential supply chain risks
Evaluate alternative equipment options while understanding their broader impact on permits and drawings
Navigate jurisdiction-specific requirements for equipment changes
Maintain clear communication with all stakeholders throughout the process
Meeting Modern Regulatory Demands
Today’s construction projects face intensified regulatory oversight, partly driven by high-profile incidents that have prompted jurisdictions to enhance their scrutiny. Fire marshals, building inspectors, and other regulatory authorities are more particular than they were even five years ago. This heightened attention to detail, while necessary for safety, creates tension with clients’ desires for faster project completion.
A consistent project leader who understands these regulatory nuances from the outset can:
Anticipate jurisdiction-specific requirements
Integrate compliance considerations into early planning
Coordinate effectively with third-party inspectors when needed
The KasCon Leadership Model
KasCon’s longstanding philosophy of maintaining singular leadership from concept estimate through completion has proven particularly prescient in today’s challenging environment. Unlike the typical general contractor model, which often doesn’t involve project managers until construction is ready to begin, KasCon’s approach ensures comprehensive project understanding from day one. This model, while requiring greater upfront investment in experienced leadership, has consistently delivered superior results, including:
Faster decision-making and problem resolution
Reduced information loss between project phases
More efficient risk management
Enhanced client satisfaction through single-point accountability
Eliminated orientation periods between leadership transitions
Looking Ahead
As we progress through 2025, the complexity of construction projects shows no signs of diminishing. The industry faces continuing pressures from supply chain uncertainties, workforce challenges, and intensifying regulatory requirements. In this environment, maintaining consistent leadership throughout a project’s lifecycle isn’t just beneficial—it’s becoming essential for successful project delivery.
/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/kascon_logo.png00Jeff Kassman/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/kascon_logo.pngJeff Kassman2025-01-21 15:29:452025-07-03 14:13:00Consistent Project Leadership: A Critical Strategy for Managing Construction Complexity in 2025
Why Construction in Today’s Market Demands a Strategic Advisor, Not Just a Builder
In an era of economic uncertainty and shifting market dynamics, successful construction projects require strategic consultation from day one. At KasCon, we’ve evolved from traditional contractors into trusted consultants – and we’ve discovered that our greatest value often comes not from what we build, but from the strategic guidance we provide before the first shovel hits the ground.
The New Reality: When the Numbers Don’t Add Up
Construction costs have skyrocketed while rental rates remain stagnant. What used to cost, for example, $70 per square foot now costs $125, but the $30 per square foot rent hasn’t budged. This fundamental shift has created a crisis of project viability that’s forcing property owners to completely rethink their approach.
We’re seeing deals revisited three and four times as owners struggle with projects that simply don’t pencil out. The traditional model of “build it and they will pay” no longer works in today’s economic climate. Projects are going to the shelf, waiting for market conditions to align or for creative solutions to emerge.
From Contractor to General Business Advisor
This market reality has increased the value of what KasCon has always provided our clients – going beyond traditional construction to business advisors helping clients navigate complex financial decisions. When a client needs their project to work at $2 million but our numbers show $2.5 million, we don’t just deliver bad news. We put on our consultant hat and work collaboratively to find alternative solutions.
Real-world example: A medical practice wanted to purchase an $850,000 building that would require $350,000 in renovations for more space than they needed. Rather than simply providing the construction estimate, we advised them to walk away and leveraged our network to connect them with a better opportunity – a new space in a development where they could own a condo unit at a fraction of the total cost.
This comprehensive advisory approach has become essential for project success. As true partners and advisors we’re not just asking “how much will this cost?” but “does this make business sense, and if not, what are the alternatives?”
The Relationship-Driven Market
Today’s construction market is completely relationship-driven. Success depends not just on competitive pricing, but on trust, experience, and the ability to provide comprehensive guidance beyond traditional construction.
owners need a general contractor who understand:
The KasCon Advantage
What sets KasCon apart in this challenging environment is our comprehensive approach that goes far beyond traditional contracting. We serve as:
Conclusion
The construction industry is evolving rapidly, and so is the role of construction professionals. Today’s successful projects require contractors who understand that building expertise is just the foundation. Real value comes from strategic thinking, market knowledge, relationship networks, and the experience to guide clients toward decisions that make both construction and business sense.
At KasCon, we’ve embraced our role as advisors and consultants – we’re not just building structures, we’re building successful outcomes for our clients. In a market where the difference between profit and loss often comes down to early-stage decision making, having the right general contractor can make all the difference.
Ready to discuss your next project? Contact KasCon to learn how our consulting approach can help ensure your project’s success from concept to completion.
Accurate Construction Budgets Are Make-or-Break for Project Viability in Today’s Market
Uncertainty has become the only certainty in construction pricing. The traditional methods of estimating and budgeting are proving inadequate in a market where prices can fluctuate dramatically between concept and completion. This new reality demands a fundamental shift toward greater transparency and precision in how projects are priced from the earliest stages of development.
The Escalating Impact of Construction Costs
As construction prices continue to increase, the eventual cost occupies an increasingly significant role in the viability of every project and development opportunity. Making a proper analysis of costs early in the process has become critical to avoid wasting resources or proceeding with incorrect assumptions. Today’s construction environment presents unprecedented challenges for accurate pricing:
The Hidden Components That Drive Costs
Beyond the visible elements of any construction project lie numerous systems that significantly impact the total price but are frequently overlooked during conceptual planning:
Especially for concept pricing, when full drawings haven’t yet been developed, these “hidden” components need thorough research and consideration. They can dramatically impact the total project cost.
The Industry’s Pricing Dilemma
The construction industry faces a fundamental dilemma in pricing approaches. Many general contracting firms provide artificially low initial estimates to win bids or use a simple cost/square foot to create an estimate, creating a perception of value that rarely materializes. When the true costs inevitably emerge later in the project, clients face difficult decisions: scale back their vision, find additional funding, or abandon the project entirely.
Any contractor can take conceptual information and provide a price that is either so inflated the deal has no chance of succeeding, or low-ball a price that moves things forward but inevitably generates conflicts when reality sets in. Neither approach serves the long-term interests of projects nor instills trust in stakeholders.
Developing Accurate Conceptual Pricing: A Better Approach
So how is it possible to develop accurate, well-qualified conceptual pricing that will hold up over time and remain within an appropriate range of the final construction cost?
The answer lies in deploying experienced professionals to analyze all issues and develop estimates that have real value towards informing budgets long before documentation is complete. This approach includes:
The KasCon Approach: Transparency as a Core Value
At KasCon, we’ve built our estimating practices around the principle of transparency. Our process includes:
1. Collaborative Planning: Working closely with clients to define assumptions and create solid pricing that informs decision-making.
2. Detailed Breakdowns: Providing comprehensive, line-item breakdowns of all costs so clients see exactly where their money is going.
3. Uncovering Hidden Costs: Researching and accounting for the less obvious components that significantly impact total project costs.
4. Visual Uncertainty Communication: We’ve developed a unique color-coding system that clearly indicates the level of certainty for each line item in our estimates (example on right). Green items represent fixed, highly reliable costs; yellow indicates moderate variability; and red highlights components with significant potential for change due to external factors. This visual approach allows stakeholders to immediately understand which aspects of the estimate carry more risk, facilitating better decision-making.
5. Component-Level Specificity: Rather than relying on broad allowances or industry averages, we create detailed component breakdowns even at the conceptual stage.
For example, our lighting estimates don’t simply apply a per-square-foot allowance.
We believe that most clients want transparency and accuracy upfront and follow through when it comes time to contract for the work—no surprises and no wasted time chasing unrealistic figures.
The Bottom Line
The most successful projects begin with accurate, transparent pricing that builds trust among all stakeholders. When considering your next construction project, prioritize partners who value transparency, accuracy, and collaborative problem-solving. The initial price tag may appear higher, but the outcome will likely result in a more successful, more cost-effective project.
Consistent Project Leadership: A Critical Strategy for Managing Construction Complexity in 2025
As we begin 2025, the commercial construction industry is faced with persistent supply chain disruptions, potential tariff impacts, labor shortages, and heightened regulatory scrutiny. These challenges demand a more integrated approach to project leadership—one that maintains consistency from initial concept through final completion.
Supply Chain and Labor Challenges
The post-pandemic construction environment has ushered in a new normal, one of extended timelines and complex logistics. Supply chain disruptions, though improved, continue to impact material delivery patterns. The possibility of new tariffs, particularly affecting trade with Canada, China, and Mexico, threatens to further complicate the situation. These tariffs could significantly impact the availability and cost of essential materials, from mechanical and electrical equipment to basic construction supplies.
Labor shortages, a decade-long challenge, show no signs of abating. The construction industry’s heavy reliance on immigrant labor makes it particularly vulnerable to potential immigration policy changes. Even a modest 3-5% reduction in workforce availability could severely impact project schedules.
In this complex environment, the traditional model of transitioning project leadership between departments—from estimating to pre-construction to construction—creates unnecessary risks. Every construction project is unique, which often requires comprehensive knowledge that can be compromised when leadership changes between project phases.
Consider a scenario where a piece of equipment specified during pre-construction faces potential tariff impacts. A project leader with continuous involvement from concept through completion can:
Meeting Modern Regulatory Demands
Today’s construction projects face intensified regulatory oversight, partly driven by high-profile incidents that have prompted jurisdictions to enhance their scrutiny. Fire marshals, building inspectors, and other regulatory authorities are more particular than they were even five years ago. This heightened attention to detail, while necessary for safety, creates tension with clients’ desires for faster project completion.
A consistent project leader who understands these regulatory nuances from the outset can:
The KasCon Leadership Model
KasCon’s longstanding philosophy of maintaining singular leadership from concept estimate through completion has proven particularly prescient in today’s challenging environment. Unlike the typical general contractor model, which often doesn’t involve project managers until construction is ready to begin, KasCon’s approach ensures comprehensive project understanding from day one. This model, while requiring greater upfront investment in experienced leadership, has consistently delivered superior results, including:
Looking Ahead
As we progress through 2025, the complexity of construction projects shows no signs of diminishing. The industry faces continuing pressures from supply chain uncertainties, workforce challenges, and intensifying regulatory requirements. In this environment, maintaining consistent leadership throughout a project’s lifecycle isn’t just beneficial—it’s becoming essential for successful project delivery.