Feasibility Studies & Due Diligence
At KOW Building Consultants, our feasibility studies give owners, lenders, and developers a decision-ready view of whether a development project or construction project makes sense before you commit capital.
We combine technical feasibility, financial feasibility, and broader feasibility analysis with energy modeling, sustainability requirements, and real-world construction experience.
As part of our sustainability services, feasibility work is a critical part of real estate due diligence, helping you validate assumptions in the early stages, avoid surprises, and move projects forward with confidence.
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Feasibility Study & Due Diligence Services
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Email: incoming@kowbc.com
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Phone: (855) 966-5888
Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 8:00 pm EST
What Is a Feasibility Study in Building Sustainability and Due Diligence?
A feasibility study is a structured, detailed analysis used to determine whether a proposed project is viable from multiple angles.
In the built environment, feasibility studies evaluate:
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Technical feasibility – Can the systems, envelope, and infrastructure support the proposed scope?
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Financial feasibility – Do costs, savings, and cash flow align with your business plan?
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Legal feasibility – Are there code, zoning, or regulatory constraints that affect the project?
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Operational feasibility – Will the project work for residents, staff, and long-term operations?
When conducting a feasibility study, our team looks at how each of these types of feasibility studies interacts as part of the feasibility and due diligence process.
The result is a clear feasibility study report that supports investment decisions, funding applications, and long-term capital planning.
Common triggers for a feasibility study include:
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Deep energy retrofits and electrification
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Local Law 97 or other carbon-reduction mandates
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Major heating and cooling system replacements
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Large-scale renovations or repositioning of a property
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Early-stage concept testing for a new development project
How Feasibility Studies Support Project Management
In the early stages of a project, decisions about scope, phasing, and budget have long-term consequences.
A feasibility study supports better project management by:
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Identifying potential technical and coordination challenges before design is finalized
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Providing a cost–benefit comparison between multiple retrofit or electrification options
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Clarifying cash flow impacts, payback periods, and life-cycle cost outcomes
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Informing contingency planning for schedule, budget, and constructability risks
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Integrating sustainability and compliance goals into your overall construction project strategy
For lenders and equity partners, feasibility is a key part of due diligence, alongside PCAs, CNAs, IPNAs, and environmental reviews.
What’s Included in a KOW Feasibility Study Report?
Our team leverages deep experience in IPNA and ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audits to create feasibility work that is both technically rigorous and easy for stakeholders to use. A typical feasibility study report includes:
Baseline & Context
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Review of existing documentation and previous reports
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High-level feasibility analysis of site, building systems, and constraints
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Alignment with owner objectives, lender requirements, and regulatory drivers
Technical Feasibility Assessment
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System-level review of HVAC, envelope, electrical, and controls
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Energy modeling for deep energy retrofits and electrification scenarios
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Analysis of operational feasibility (access, downtime, occupant impact)
Financial Feasibility & Cost–Benefit Analysis
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Order-of-magnitude cost estimates for each option
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Cost–benefit and cash-flow views (payback, NPV, long-term savings)
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Integration with capital plans and funding timelines
Legal & Regulatory Feasibility
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High-level review of legal feasibility considerations such as code triggers, LL97 implications, and program requirements
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Alignment with incentives, green standards, and lender or agency guidelines
Risk & Contingency Planning
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Identification of key risks around schedule, cost, and implementation
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Recommended contingency planning approaches to mitigate those risks
Clear Recommendations & Next Steps
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Concise summary of findings: what the feasibility study identifies as the most viable path
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Side-by-side comparison of options for decision-makers
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Recommendations for moving into design, capital planning, or program applications
Feasibility Studies Within KOW’s Sustainability Ecosystem
Feasibility work is rarely a standalone exercise.
It often connects directly to other KOW sustainability and due diligence services, including:
Integrated Physical Needs Assessment (IPNA)
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Combine physical needs, energy efficiency, and capital planning to satisfy HPD/HDC or other program requirements while testing different project scenarios.
NYSERDA Multifamily Building Solutions
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Use feasibility findings to target measures that align with NYSERDA incentives and long-term energy management goals.
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Confirm early that your strategies can meet EGC criteria and funding requirements before fully committing to design.
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Evaluate whether planned improvements support Energy Star certification or score improvements.
Building Commissioning Services
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Translate feasibility recommendations into performance targets that are verified during commissioning.
Capital Needs Assessment / CNA
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Integrate feasibility outcomes into long-term capital planning and reserve schedules.
By connecting feasibility with these services, we ensure your feasibility studies are not just theoretical—they directly inform implementation and long-term asset strategy.
Feasibility Studies & Due Diligence FAQs
What types of feasibility studies does KOW provide?
In practice, our work often combines several types of feasibility studies in one assignment—for example, technical feasibility, financial feasibility, and operational feasibility study components, with a high-level review of legal feasibility where relevant. The goal is a unified view that supports real-world decisions.
When should I consider conducting a feasibility study?
A feasibility study is most valuable in the early stages of a project—before acquiring a property, finalizing design, or locking in funding. At that point, feasibility studies evaluate multiple paths and help you avoid costly revisions later.
How does a feasibility study relate to other due diligence services?
A feasibility study is often performed alongside IPNAs, CNAs, or PCAs. While those reports document existing conditions and capital needs, a feasibility study focuses on identifying potential strategies and confirming whether they are viable and worthwhile from a cost–benefit and risk perspective.
Can KOW help implement the recommendations from the feasibility study report?
Yes. Our team can support the next phases, refining scope, coordinating with design teams, and integrating findings into sustainability services, commissioning, and capital planning—so the work doesn’t stop at recommendations.