When market conditions shift, the foundation of every project becomes even more critical. For developers and owners, the pressure to deliver on time and on budget requires more than just checking boxes—it requires making intentional choices at every step. One of the most important? Choosing an engineering partner that helps you avoid hidden costs, reduce risk, and capture value that endures.
At BKBM Engineers, our method isn’t about promising the lowest fee. Instead, it’s about making every dollar work harder for your project—anticipating challenges, driving efficiency, and protecting your asset’s value long after ribbon-cutting. It’s the difference between a project that merely checks the box, and one that outpaces the market.
The Hidden Costs of Choosing by Fee Alone
Pursuing the lowest bid might seem prudent—until unexpected change orders, construction surprises, or underwhelming design slow things down. These setbacks create delays, extra expense, and even risk missed leasing opportunities. The initial savings vanish quickly, becoming a source of frustration for all involved.
Our process is fundamentally different. We focus on precision from the beginning. Optimized wall assemblies, thoughtful stud spacing, and rigorously designed column footings reflect decades of expertise. We do not cut corners; we build every project as if it were our own—reliable and ready for anything.
BKBM’s Process: Engineering Smarter to Save Money
1. We’re Guides, Not Just Engineers
We do more than design—we guide. With deeper experience than many internal teams, our engineers naturally take the lead, teaching, training, and supporting our clients at every turn. This guidance builds your team’s capacity, eliminates misalignment, and gets everyone rowing in the same direction from day one.
We are guides and teachers… If we can get them directed on the correct path from the start, that could save weeks.
2. Eliminating the Churn
Rework is one of the biggest drains on any project budget. Our familiarity with every phase of design and construction lets us steer clear of the common pitfalls that lead to expensive, cyclical rework.
“We save some of that iteration churn… that normally would happen.”
3. Preventing Chaos = Preventing Cost
Nobody wants to scramble late in the game. By staying closely engaged—early and often—we keep things from going off the rails, preventing the stress, confusion, and extra cost that come with last-minute issues.
“As opposed to discovering something if we weren’t there… it gets off track. Then there’s chaos and the frantic nature of things.”
4. High-Quality Drawings = Fewer Construction Questions
We don’t just “hand off” drawings and disappear. Our commitment continues through construction, collaborating closely with builders, answering questions, and providing detailed, constructible plans. That means fewer RFIs, smoother builds, and no surprises.
“Our drawings are of high quality… we think about constructability—things that head off issues during the design phase instead of during construction.”
Real-World Wins—Strategic Engineering That Pays Off
Case Study: The Laker Apartments—Standing Out with Partnership
Making a residential complex stand out in a crowded rental market is a challenge for any developer. Doran Companies faced this with The Laker Apartments in NE Minneapolis. Standard amenities wouldn’t move the needle—instead, they risked blending in and leaving units vacant for longer.
Working alongside Doran, BKBM did more than deliver on a set of plans. Led by BKBM Project Manager Charlie Roos, P.E., we brought problem-solving front and center and delivered a solution to construct a two-story sports court—maximizing a tight site’s vertical space and creating a true signature feature. The result? The Laker’s sports court became the talk of the market, helping the property fill faster than local competitors.
Long-Term Value: Prevention vs. Cure
There’s real savings in what doesn’t happen—the errors we prevent, the change orders we avoid, the relationships we strengthen by keeping things on track. Our deep, early involvement means challenges are solved long before they reach the field, protecting your budget (and your reputation) on this project and every one that follows.
Adapting to the Market—Responsiveness Without Compromise
The right choices aren’t always the cheapest upfront, but they pay off exponentially down the road. We’re proud of our competitive fees—especially in civil—and even prouder of the reliability, precision, and service we deliver. In turbulent times, we bring clarity, adaptability, and commitment that keep your projects moving and your investments protected.
The Financial Case for Smarter Engineering
Every choice compounds over a project’s lifecycle. Thoughtful amenities attract tenants and higher occupancy rates. Well-designed systems lower operational costs year after year. With BKBM as your partner, your project is optimized for what matters—long-term performance and return.
Conclusion: Build for the Outcomes That Matter
Every decision shapes your outcome—and your bottom line. By designing with intent, guiding the process, and standing beside you from napkin sketch through construction, BKBM consistently delivers projects that stay on track, on time, and on budget.
Ready to see what practical partnership and smarter engineering can do for your next development? Let’s talk.
1967
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Minneapolis & Denver