This guide will walk you through what to expect from Phase 1 ESA, why it’s essential for CRE investors, lenders...

What Is Construction Loan Monitoring? Construction loan monitoring is a critical process that helps lenders manage and mitigate risks associated with financing construction projects. It involves assessing progress, verifying budgets, and ensuring compliance to protect investments. Why Construction Loan Monitoring Matters For lenders, effective loan monitoring provides transparency and reduces financial risk. Key benefits include: Risk Mitigation:  Identifies potential issues

2025 New York Energy Code Overview New York State is rolling out the 2025 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (ECCCNYS), which takes effect on December 31, 2025 with no grace period. Any project submitted or postmarked after that date must comply with the new code. The 2025 ECCCNYS is based on the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with New York specific amendments that significantly increase requirements for energy efficiency, electrificat

A quick update to our recent post on NYC Local Law 87 (LL87) compliance. NYC DOB has issued a Service Notice extending the 2025 Energy Efficiency Report (EER) submission deadline from 12/31/2025 to 3/31/2026.   What this means for building owners (2025 filing year) If your building is required to demonstrate compliance in 2025 (Admin Code §28-308.2), your EER is now due: March 31, 2026, and per usual, failure to submit by the due date will result in penalties: $3,000 for the

New York City just hit a major milestone for clean energy financing . After years of anticipation, the first two C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) loans for new construction  have officially closed — signaling a new era for sustainable development  and energy-efficient construction  across NYC. A Major Step Forward for Clean Energy Projects The NYC Accelerator (NYCA)  and the New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation (NYCEEC)  have announced the closing of

The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) significantly accelerates the phase-out of several clean energy tax incentives. These changes have immediate implications for multifamily housing (garden-style, mid-rise, and high-rise), townhomes, and commercial properties such as office and retail buildings.

Underground storage tanks (USTs) can leak undetected. Learn how Phase I & II ESAs help assess risk, avoid contamination, and protect your investment.

How much does a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment cost in 2025? Learn what affects Phase 1 ESA cost.

Deadline for comments: August 27, 2025 About every five years, the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria (EGCC) is updated—something that has big implications for NYC and NYS affordable housing projects, since HPD and HCR align their Sustainability Guidelines with EGC certification. The full draft of the 2026 Criteria is now open for public comment. Whether you're a developer, architect, engineer, or housing advocate, this is your chance to weigh in. The proposed updates a

We’re shifting gears. No more long narratives or speculative forecasting. Now that we're squarely in the midst of tariff implementation, we're focusing on clear, digestible data that helps you track real-time cost impacts to construction.

If you’re planning a multifamily new construction project in New York State, now is the time to act. NYSERDA has officially launched Round 6 of its Buildings of Excellence Competition for innovative, low-carbon residential buildings.

# KOW Building Consultants — Weekly Tariff & Construction Cost Snapshot As of July 7, 2025 Use this data at your own risk 🔥 Current Concern Level: High Ongoing tensions in Iran, Gulf shipping risks, EU tariff uncertainty, and rising oil prices keep construction cost volatility elevated . 📈 Estimated Construction Cost Increases (due to 2025 tariffs) Building Type Added Cost Change vs Last Week Wood-Framed +3% – 5% ➡️ (steady) Poured Concrete +5% – 8% ➡️ (steady) Structura

Prepared by KOW Building Consultants | Use this data at your own risk   Overall Concern Level: High Due to persistent geopolitical tensions (Iran conflict), unresolved EU tariffs , and rising oil prices, cost uncertainty remains elevated in the U.S. construction sector. Construction Cost Impacts from 2025 Tariffs: Building Type Estimated Cost Increase Change from Last Week Wood-Framed 3% – 5% 0% Poured-in-Place Concrete 5% – 8% 0% Structural Steel 8% – 12% 0% These estimates

Due to escalating geopolitical tensions, evolving trade agreements, and newly imposed tariffs, construction cost uncertainty remains high across the United States. This week’s update highlights the key developments driving material prices and outlines what construction lenders, developers, and contractors should monitor next.

Grounded in data from real projects we’ve vetted through our Plan & Cost Review process, so you can trust the numbers. Helping you finance smarter, safer, and with fewer surprises.

The following is an update on where I believe things are headed regarding U.S. tariffs and how they may impact construction costs nationwide. To help clarify risk levels, I use a personal 10-point index, with 1 being the lowest risk and 10 the highest. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or cost predictions. Use this data at your own risk.

With the 90-day trade truce between the U.S. and China still in effect, pressure from aggressive tariffs has eased—but uncertainty remains high. While some material prices are stabilizing, underlying supply chain issues and rising labor costs continue to drive project risk.

Following major trade talks between the U.S. and China, we’re beginning to see some easing of tariff-related pressure—but uncertainty still clouds the outlook.

As part of our ongoing effort to monitor tariff-related risks, we’re continuing to track the shifting international trade landscape and its effect on U.S. construction.

In this blog, we’ll explore what a Phase 1 ESA entails, why it’s essential, and how KOW’s certified experts can help.