Latest draft of Denver zoning update to be released Tuesday - The third draft of Denver’s new, updated zoning code will be available to the public on Tuesday.  The draft of the new code will be available at www.newcodedenver.org.  The third draft includes “substantial input” from comments made regarding the second draft.  Listening sessions are scheduled to be held Wednesday, Nov. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m. MST and Thursday, Nov. 19, 1-4 p.m.  After the listening sessions, the council, planning department and other code team members will continue to refine the code’s language, and expect to have a final draft on Dec. 22.  Public hearings will then be held Jan. 6 and on Feb. 22.  The council is also expected to vote on the bill implementing the new code on Feb. 22, and if the bill passes, the code will become a city law.
http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/11/02/daily20.html?s=industry&i=commercial_real_estate

Pinching Pennies on Construction - As buyers seek to pay less for new homes, builders are finding ways to economize.  Here are some ways in which builders cut costs, and the issues for the buyer to consider: 
1) 17-foot double garage - The recommended width is 20 feet.  Makes it harder to get in and out of cars.
2) Textured walls and ceilings - Hard to repaint and repair.
3) Smaller central air - It takes a long time to cool the home.
4) Advanced framing - Studies suggest that placing studs at 24-inch intervals rather than 16 doesn’t affect structural integrity. It leaves more room for insulation, which is a good thing.
5) Fixed windows - Not being able to open windows can be a huge inconvenience.

See full article for estimated savings to builder.
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2009110206

Pinching Pennies on Construction - As buyers seek to pay less for new homes, builders are finding ways to economize.  Here are some ways in which builders cut costs, and the issues for the buyer to consider: 
1) 17-foot double garage - The recommended width is 20 feet.  Makes it harder to get in and out of cars.
2) Textured walls and ceilings - Hard to repaint and repair.
3) Smaller central air - It takes a long time to cool the home.
4) Advanced framing - Studies suggest that placing studs at 24-inch intervals rather than 16 doesn’t affect structural integrity. It leaves more room for insulation, which is a good thing.
5) Fixed windows - Not being able to open windows can be a huge inconvenience.

See full article for estimated savings to builder.
http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2009110206