How Drones are Changing Construction Sites

Drones are becoming increasingly popular at construction sites. These small, easy-to-maneuver cameras are controlled from a remote on the ground. They are proving to be useful during every stage of construction, from mapping out a worksite to monitoring safety and timelines.

Construction sites are large areas where a lot of people and machinery are coming in and out daily. Missing even one detail on the job could cause complications for weeks. Communication, attention to detail, and timeliness are essential to making sure a build happens correctly and on schedule. Drones are being used on construction sites to aid in the process.

Design and Pre-Construction

When planning to build on a new site, it is necessary to survey the land and prepare plans for the build. Drones quickly and accurately survey the job site. This cuts out surveying tools and human error, which means drones can save both time and money in the initial stages on construction.

In addition to surveying, drone photography gives a clear birds-eye view of the land, which you can use to map out the site. Project managers can then use this real data and merge it with the virtual design of the project. This can help owners visualize the project, making it a useful tool when bidding on a project or explaining your vision to your client.

During Construction

During construction, drones can collect data to see the progress of the build. Again, this can be useful when meeting with clients to discuss the phase of development. In addition, it helps the project manager to stay on track with the schedule.

When equipped with streaming video, drones make it possible for the project manager to monitor the work site from another location. Management can instantly communicate needs based on video happening in real-time. This decreases delays that occur when workers need an answer, or a project manager notices an issue that needs to be resolved. Video streaming with drones also allows managers to track materials on the site and acts as a 24-hour surveillance system, keeping the worksite safer.

Inspections

Rigorous inspections can be done almost instantly with drones. These small flying cameras can fit pretty much anywhere, without the need for workers to climb to the roof or below ground. Flying a drone to one of these hard-to-reach areas of the structure saves time, gives a close-up view, and eliminates safety concerns.

Project Completion

Once the project is complete, drone photography and video can show a timelapse of the build from start to finish (as long as the entire project was streamed). Giving your client aerial views of the full project can help with marketing and show the entire site in one photograph.

Drones, along with other advanced technology, continues to change the construction industry, helping to make worksites safer and more efficient.

July 30, 2019 0

Commercial Grade Elevators – What is best for your building?

Horton Group has built and renovated many commercial buildings, including offices, banks, and retail shopping centers. We put an emphasis on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards in all our projects. Commercial buildings with more than one floor generally require an elevator according to ADA standards.

Depending on the size of the commercial building, there are different types of elevators that may work for your building. Passenger elevators and LULA elevators are what you see most often in commercial buildings.

Passenger Elevators

Passenger elevators are what you typically think of in high rise buildings. As the name suggests, these elevators are designed for carrying passengers. Most passenger elevators have up to a 5,000lb weight limit, although they can hold up to 10,000lbs. Passenger elevators can be in-ground hydraulic, hole-less hydraulic, or MRL.

LULA Elevators

LULA stands for Limited Use/Limited Application. LULA elevators are similar to full-size passenger elevators in design, with two sliding doors as an entrance. They can typically hold up to 1,400lbs, travel up to 25 feet high, and have up to 18 square feet of floor space. LULA elevators are a good option in a low rise commercial or residential building, as they save both space and money.

Consider how many floors in the building, as well as the number of people who will utilize the elevators each day when choosing which elevator to use in your commercial project.

January 9, 2019 0

What is a Triple Net Lease?

Looking to lease a property? If so, it is vital to understand the difference between a standard (gross) lease and net lease. These two types of leases distinguish between the responsibilities assumed by landlords and tenants.

When leasing a property, expenses typically have to do with property taxes, building insurance, and maintenance. If a landlord chooses a standard lease, that means he/she bears responsibility for all of the aforementioned expenses. A net lease means one or more of the expenses falls on the tenant’s shoulders.

At 350 Goose Lane Office Park, our ongoing commercial development in Guilford, we offer tenants a triple net lease. A triple net lease means that the tenant is responsible for all expenses (property taxes, building insurance, and maintenance). These are also typically signed for a long period of time and have rate increases built in.

Triple net leases offer significant benefits for both landlords and tenants. For landlords, triple net leases can be ideal. A long-term lease agreement without the threat of random expenses allows for a constant and sustainable stream of income. Likewise, tenants can also benefit. It is likely that rent under a net lease agreement will be lower than that of a standard lease as landlords could subtract the estimated expenses from the rent.

In essence, triple net leases are mutually beneficial leasing options for all parties involved. Considering the quality and efficiency with which we continue to build the office park on Goose Lane, tenants can expect extremely low expenses.

January 2, 2019 0

2018 HOBI Awards

The 2018 HOBI Awards Dinner at the Aqua Turf Club was full of laughs, celebration, and a welcomed chance for us to connect with others in the Home Building Industry.

The Horton Group is honored to receive four new HOBI Awards, bringing the total up to 11 in three years.

Horton Group’s 2018 HOBI Awards:

BEST CONDOMINIUM COMMUNITY for The Residences at 66 High Street
BEST CONDOMINIUM UNIT for The Residences at 66 High Street
OUTSTANDING NEW HAVEN COUNTY NEW COMMERCIAL for 350 Goose Lane
OUTSTANDING VACATION REMODEL for 21 Palms, Marathon, FL

We are proud of all our work at The Horton Group, and are thrilled that these three projects have been recognized by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut.

The Residences at 66 High Street

The Residences at 66 High Street is a luxury condominium community in Guilford, CT. Each unique residence features an open floor plan highlighted by high ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, finely appointed baths, and high-end finishes. Not only does this development provide an unparalleled level of opulence and sophistication, residents love the sense of community and inclusiveness at 66 High Street.

350 Goose Lane Office Park

350 Goose Lane Office Park combines the renovation of a 4,200 square foot post and beam building, two new buildings, and ample green space. Former home to Wilber & King Nursery, The Horton Group preserved the beautiful landscaping and pond for a commercial space with incredible benefits.

21 Palms

Located in Marathon, a city set on 13 islands in the Florida Keys, is 21 Palms. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, The Horton Group had an unexpected rebuild to complete – one that made the beachfront vacation home even more pristine. 21 Palms is equipped with everything you want while on vacation, including luxurious amenities, a pool, boat dock, and epic ocean views.

We are so grateful to do this work. And to be recognized with HOBI Awards? That lets us know we are doing it right.

November 14, 2018 2

What are the benefits of underground electric?

The initial monetary cost of placing power lines underground can be steep for developers and builders, but this price ensures high quality and value.

Compared to overhead electrical lines, underground electric is far less susceptible to power outages caused by inclement weather. Especially in the northeast and along the shoreline, where there are occasional blizzards and tropical storms, underground electric significantly reduces the risk of power outages caused by falling trees or high winds.

Eliminating eyesores like overhead power lines also provides homeowners and tenants with the best quality product and enhances property values. At The Residences at 66 High Street, we made sure members of the community can enjoy the picturesque views of Long Island Sound without any obstructions. Likewise, by placing power lines underground at 350 Goose Lane Office Park, tenants can better experience the beautiful grounds.

At Horton Group, we believe that, in order to guarantee overall quality, it is essential to preserve the natural environments on which we build. By choosing underground electrical lines, we avoid compromising the aesthetic quality of nature that is so vital to our vision.

October 31, 2018 0

Commercial vs. Residential Real Estate

Benefits and Risks of Investing in Commercial and Residential Real Estate

As real estate developers, we take into account differences with commercial and residential real estate when building or renovating. With 350 Goose Lane Office Park development, we work to develop commercial office space that can be built-to-suit, while incorporating top of the line features and plenty of green space. At The Residences at 66 High Street, we focus on luxurious amenities and convenience for residents. Differences between commercial and residential do not stop with the development – there is also a lot to consider as an investor. We outline some of the key benefits and risks below.

Commercial Properties – Potential Benefits & Risks

If you have the funding and experience, there are a handful of potential benefits to investing in a commercial property.

Longer leases, generally ranging between 3-10 years, provide more stable income.
Less maintenance for the owner, developer, or property manager, assuming net lease agreements are in place.
Strong returns in the form of income and capital growth.

Commercial real estate ventures also come with potential downsides. Because commercial properties are pricier than most residential properties, they often require higher start-up costs. Also, finding tenants for open space can be difficult, particularly in a poor economy.

Residential Properties – Potential Benefits & Risk

Whether flipping houses or investing in large multi-family properties, residential real estate can be a great investment medium for individuals from all income brackets. The potential benefits include:

Lower start-up costs, whether you are buying a one family or multi-family property.
Easier to finance, with mortgage options for every type of buyer.
Tenants found faster, compared to commercial tenants.

While one can flip a house and put it right back on the market, being an investor or landlord in a residential property requires a great deal of involvement. In regards to property management, residential buildings require far more active participation than commercial properties, as lease agreements tend to take responsibilities out of tenants’ hands.

Investing in real estate can be a great way to diversify your investments and can also be relatively risk-averse if you know what to expect. Before committing to a commercial or residential property, it is important to understand what is required and what suits you best.

July 30, 2018 0

What is a Build-to-Suit Property?

Are you looking for an office space or residence, but none seem just right? There is no need to compromise. Build-to-suit (BTS) developments offer extreme flexibility, as a given room or building can be shaped to meet the various wants and needs for you or your business.

Build-to-suit properties are most often commercial leases, but can also be found in residential developments. With BTS, the landlord or developer builds to a tenant’s specifications. During construction the tenant is allowed the freedom to dictate his or her future space, as long as changes do not interfere with the structural and mechanical systems. Buyers or tenants can make significant changes through the restructuring of walls, rooms, and closets. Decisions on aesthetics, including finishes, appliances, and color scheme, are also made during the BTS process.

At Horton Group, we aim to please by offering build-to-suit developments. If you’re looking for a commercial property that can be built to meet your company’s needs, check out 350 Goose Lane Office Park. Our luxury condominium units at The Residences at 66 High Street can also be altered to fit your family’s needs.

July 17, 2018 2

Why is Green Space in a Commercial Development Important?

Formerly home to a plant nursery and landscape design company, the 16-acre site of 350 Goose Lane Office Park provides an amazing opportunity to reap the rewards of abundant green space.

Green space is any area of trees, grass, or vegetation, and is especially beneficial in commercial developments. Actions as simple as strategically planting trees can have significant impacts. In urban areas, green rooftops are an option when landscaping space is not available. According to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), net benefits of green space include:

Higher property values, rental rates, and retail sales
Lower energy costs
Reduced flood damage and infrastructure costs
Improved health and job satisfaction for tenants and employees

In the case of a leased property, developers, landlords, tenants, and employees all benefit. Expense-related benefits are particularly advantageous for tenants in a commercial space like 350 Goose Lane, as the leases offered are triple net, meaning the tenant pays for real estate taxes, building insurance, and maintenance.

Developers must preserve and implement green space wherever and whenever the opportunity is afforded to ensure that a project is economically and environmentally sustainable for all parties involved.

July 4, 2018 7