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Season 2
Episode 2: Tony Shafer – How to Strategize New Construction Projects from Design to Delivery

In this episode of Behind the Home Build Podcast, we sit down with Tony Shafer, President and seasoned expert in construction, design, and project development. With decades of experience across single-family, multi-family, and commercial projects, Tony shares invaluable insights into what it takes to budget, plan, and execute a successful construction project from the ground up.

Whether you’re a builder, investor, or simply curious about how large-scale developments come together, this conversation breaks down the numbers, strategies, and hidden challenges that determine whether a project thrives or stalls.

Key topics we cover with Tony:

Budgeting by rules of thumb – How to estimate project costs quickly and effectively before diving into detailed bids.

Project feasibility factors – From land acquisition to engineering, Tony explains how to measure whether a project truly makes sense.

Price per square foot analysis – Comparing single-family, multi-family, and commercial construction to help investors strategize viability.

Design & engineering numbers upfront – Why understanding these early costs is critical to evaluating project risk before committing capital.

The impact of land costs – How land pricing shapes the overall project budget and what every developer should know first.

Cutting-edge building innovations – Including a discussion on how long it really takes to 3D-print a house.

Real-world project examples – Insights into large-scale developments like Ascend2 Housing (1,500 units in Florida at $350K per unit) and Elizabeth (500 units at $450K per unit).

Tony’s expertise is not just theoretical—he has a proven track record of leading complex projects with precision and vision. His background spans AutoCAD, budgeting, scheduling, historic restoration, and value engineering, and he holds a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) from the University of Colorado Denver. In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on what really drives project success in today’s competitive construction landscape.

If you’ve ever wondered:

How do developers decide whether land is worth buying?

What’s the true cost per square foot across project types?

How do you calculate design and engineering risk before construction even begins?

Can 3D printing really change housing development timelines?

…then this episode is packed with answers, strategies, and real-world examples you won’t want to miss.

About Tony Shafer:
Tony is an experienced President with a demonstrated history in the construction and architectural design industries. Skilled in AutoCAD, budgeting, scheduling, historic restoration, and value engineering, Tony combines technical expertise with strategic business development. His career reflects a passion for creating efficient, cost-conscious, and sustainable building solutions.

Why this episode matters:
The construction industry is facing rising costs, labor shortages, and increased demand for affordable housing. Developers and investors are looking for smarter ways to evaluate feasibility and minimize risk. Tony Shafer offers a roadmap for navigating these challenges, from quick “rules of thumb” calculations to detailed feasibility studies.

If you’re building, investing, or managing projects in today’s market, Tony’s advice could save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

👉 Connect with Tony Shafer
[email protected]
📞 (303) 819-9870

#ConstructionIndustry
#RealEstateDevelopment
#ProjectFeasibility
#BuildingSmart
#BehindTheHomeBuild

📲 Tune in now to Season 2, Episode 2 of Behi