Building Knowledge

The Building & Realty Institute

Are you interested in what is happening in the building, realty and construction industries? Welcome to Building Knowledge, the podcast that covers key issues affecting these business communities. Powered by the BRI, the Building and Realty Institute, and hosted by associate executive director Jeff Hanley, this podcast will feature insight, innovation, and conversations, while providing a comprehensive overview of all that is happening in these fascinating sectors. We'll raise some questions, find some answers, and go deep on the challenges and developments that constantly move the building, realty and construction industries forward. So come along for the ride, and let's begin Building Knowledge, together. Follow us now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.

  1. 48분 전

    Episode 134: Hurricane Season Is Here — Are You Prepared?

    Episode 134 of “Building Knowledge” focuses on what building owners, building managers, businesses, and homeowners need to know about preparing for hurricanes and other major disasters during hurricane season. Our guest is Stuart Betheil, a disaster preparedness expert and former Director of Emergency Services for the American Red Cross in Westchester County. Stuart currently volunteers with the Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter, specializing in Community Preparedness Education. He is also a former board member of the Building & Realty Institute’s Advisory Council of Managing Agents (ACMA) and a longtime guest on “Building Knowledge” and the BRI’s former radio programs. In this episode, Stuart discusses: Why September is National Preparedness Month and why being prepared is so important.The basics and history of hurricanes and how they develop.How El Niño and La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean can influence weather patterns and Atlantic hurricane activity.Current conditions in the Atlantic and what they may mean for hurricane development.How climate change can contribute to more intense hurricanes and storms that intensify and move more rapidly.Why individuals, families, businesses, and buildings should be prepared to survive for at least 10 days without assistance from first-response agencies.Practical steps everyone can take to prepare for hurricanes and other major disasters.Why disaster preparedness should be taken seriously, with Stuart's urgent reminder: it’s not a question of if, but when.Resources available to help listeners prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies.Whether you are responsible for a multifamily building, manage a commercial property, operate a business, or simply want to better protect your household, this episode offers practical information and resources to help you prepare before disaster strikes.

    Episode 134: Hurricane Season Is Here — Are You Prepared?
  2. 9월 9일

    Episode 133: What’s Driving Energy Costs? An Update on Natural Gas, Oil & Electricity

    Episode 133 of “Building Knowledge” provides an update on energy costs and the factors affecting the Natural Gas, Heating Oil, and Electricity markets for building owners, managers, businesses, and consumers. The episode also examines how the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to impact energy markets and prices. Our guest is Tim Connors, Vice President of Slattery Energy Consulting Group, Inc. Topics discussed during the episode include: The Natural Gas Market: The latest market conditions, what is driving the market, and what they mean for building owners, managers, businesses, and consumers.The Oil Market: Current conditions, key market drivers, and what they mean for Heating Oil customers.The Electricity Market: An update on current conditions and what customers can expect.Regional Energy Costs: Why different areas of the Northeast are experiencing varying costs for Natural Gas, Heating Oil, and Electricity.Managing Energy Costs: Actions consumers can take to help manage their energy expenses.New York City Power Markets: Why the power markets in the New York City area continue to carry elevated risks.Middle East Conflict: How the ongoing, on-again, off-again conflict in the Middle East is affecting energy markets and costs.Venezuela’s Oil Reserves: Tim Connors’ perspective on whether the recent deal for the U.S. government to take a stake in Venezuela’s oil reserves could benefit gas prices and help replenish the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which has fallen to historically low levels.Looking Ahead: Tim Connors’ overall energy concerns for the New York metropolitan area and the United States in the weeks and months ahead.

    Episode 133: What’s Driving Energy Costs? An Update on Natural Gas, Oil & Electricity
  3. 8월 18일

    Episode 131: Remodeling Markets: What’s Happening Now—and What’s Ahead?

    Episode 131 of Building Knowledge takes an in-depth look at the current state of the remodeling market across Westchester County, the Mid-Hudson Region, and the greater New York metropolitan area—and what may be ahead for the industry through the remainder of 2026. Our guest is Michael Murphy, President of the Building & Realty Institute (BRI) and Director of Business Development for Murphy Brothers Contracting, a Mamaroneck-based construction company serving Westchester County. A regular guest on Building Knowledge, Murphy shares his perspective on the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s remodeling and construction markets. Topics discussed in Episode 131 include: The BRI’s recognition by City & State New York as one of New York State’s Top Trade Associations for 2026.The current state of the remodeling markets in Westchester County, the Mid-Hudson Region, and the New York metropolitan area.Current remodeling activity in the commercial real estate markets throughout the Hudson Valley and New York metro area.The continued rise in the cost of building materials and supplies and its impact on remodeling projects.Ongoing labor shortages affecting the building and remodeling industries.Important guidelines to consider when undertaking remodeling projects.Murphy’s outlook for the remodeling markets in Westchester, the Mid-Hudson Region, and the New York metro area for the remainder of 2026.Why remodelers and builders should consider joining the Building & Allied Construction Industries (BACI), an affiliate organization of the BRI.

    Episode 131: Remodeling Markets: What’s Happening Now—and What’s Ahead?
  4. 8월 11일

    Episode 130: Windows & Doors: What Building Owners & Managers Need to Know Before Winter

    Episode 130 of “Building Knowledge” focuses on what building owners, property managers, and homeowners need to know about evaluating, maintaining, repairing, and replacing windows and doors as the region transitions from summer into the colder months. Our guest is Dan Hughes, Sales Manager at JILCO Window Corp. in Granite Springs, a hamlet of Somers in Westchester County, New York. This episode marks Dan’s first appearance on “Building Knowledge.” During the episode, Dan discusses: When building owners, managers, and homeowners should begin evaluating the condition of their windows in preparation for colder weather.What JILCO Window Corp. looks for when evaluating windows.The window conditions that are of greatest concern following the summer season.Typical timelines for window repairs and installations.Energy conservation and the window products currently helping property owners achieve greater energy efficiency.What to look for when evaluating doors after the summer months and before the arrival of fall and winter weather.Typical timelines for door replacements and installations.Current pricing trends for building materials and supplies.Dan’s perspective on current construction and renovation activity throughout the Hudson Valley.How members of the business community are feeling about the current business climate in the New York metropolitan area and their outlook for the remainder of 2026.Tune in for a practical conversation about windows, doors, energy efficiency, construction costs, and the broader business climate facing the Hudson Valley.

    Episode 130: Windows & Doors: What Building Owners & Managers Need to Know Before Winter
  5. 7월 21일

    Episode 127: What the New SEQRA Reforms Mean for New York's Future

    New York has enacted the most significant reforms to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) in nearly 50 years—but what do these changes actually mean for housing, infrastructure, and the future of development across the state? On Episode 127 of Building Knowledge, host Jeff Hanley is joined by Joshua Berman, Campaigns Director for the Regional Plan Association (RPA) and a leader with the Unlock New York's Future coalition, to break down the sweeping SEQRA reforms signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul as part of her "Let Them Build" agenda. Together, they discuss why the previous SEQRA process often delayed housing, clean energy, transit, and infrastructure projects, and how the new reforms aim to streamline environmental reviews, reduce unnecessary red tape, lower construction costs, and accelerate the development of much-needed housing. The conversation also explores: How the reforms could reshape housing development across New York.What Unit Caps are and why they matter.How communities could benefit from faster infrastructure projects.An overview of the Welcome Home Westchester Coalition's August 5 webinar on the new law.Whether additional SEQRA reforms may still be needed in the future.If you're interested in housing policy, land use, economic development, or the future of building in New York, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the state's biggest policy changes in decades.

    Episode 127: What the New SEQRA Reforms Mean for New York's Future

소개

Are you interested in what is happening in the building, realty and construction industries? Welcome to Building Knowledge, the podcast that covers key issues affecting these business communities. Powered by the BRI, the Building and Realty Institute, and hosted by associate executive director Jeff Hanley, this podcast will feature insight, innovation, and conversations, while providing a comprehensive overview of all that is happening in these fascinating sectors. We'll raise some questions, find some answers, and go deep on the challenges and developments that constantly move the building, realty and construction industries forward. So come along for the ride, and let's begin Building Knowledge, together. Follow us now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.