FAQ's: How much? How long?
How much will it cost?
The variables from one project to another are too great to make a general statement about cohousing development budgets. Cohousing Collaborative, LLC undertakes development of “market rate” residences. In other words, if a typical home in the immediate market area sells for $100,000- then a home of comparable size, quality, features & amenities in the cohousing community will cost the homebuyer approximately $100,000.
Cohousing Collaborative does not undertake development of subsidized housing projects (projects that receive government or non-profit funding subsidies) –however, a Cohousing Collaborative joint venture project may voluntarily include some moderately priced or workforce housing units within the community as project budgets permit.
Managing CostAs part of Cohousing Collaborative’s cost- and risk-management program, forming groups and/or future residents who wish to be considered for a joint venture development must participate in workshops to hone skills in effective communications and timely decision-making critical to managing project costs. Throughout the development process, future residents of a joint venture project participate in work sessions with project management professionals to set budgets and control costs as a team effort. Participation in workshops and work sessions also facilitates growth of social capital that sustains community long after a project is built.
How long will it take?
The variables from one project to another are too great to make a general statement about the cohousing development timeline. However, it is in the enlightened best interest of ALL parties, the future residents, the developer, and the banks/lenders to see a project through from inception to move-in in the most time- and cost-efficient manner possible. The interest on multi-million dollar loans doesn’t take vacations or sick leave.
Cohousing Collaborative, LLC follows a joint venture approach to reduce risk and fast track the development timeline for cohousing projects. Compared to the self-developed approach (in which future residents undertake the many roles and work of developer), the developer-initiated joint venture approach shortens the timeline from several years to a few years.
Prerequisites for forming groups and/or future residents who wish to be considered for a joint venture development project include participation in workshops to hone skills in effective communications and timely decision-making. One of the requisite workshops developed by Cohousing Collaborative is the Cohousing Timeline Game™, a hands-on interactive tool available as a Do-It-Yourself Kit, or a professionally facilitated workshop (highly recommended) that facilitates understanding of project development process in relation to TIME.
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