You don’t have to look far in the trade press for the latest on the multifamily amenity wars. (Hint: Click multifamily amenity wars sometime.) The battle zone isn’t confined to just class A properties, either. In order to compete with style-fussy millennials and Gen Z’ers, class B and C properties are upping their game too.
You see the effects everywhere. Take the kitchen and bathroom. Flooring, cabinets, and countertops are expected to show at least a little contemporary flair. That’s especially true for plumbing fixtures. So how do you specify stylish multifamily-grade fixtures without sacrificing net operating income (NOI)?
Jamie Stuber has some ideas.
The senior product manager at Peerless, the value-priced faucet manufacturer, is in constant touch with multifamily specifiers and decision-makers. His firsthand observations on how shifting renter tastes have transformed owners’ priorities from price-only to, well, mostly price with a growing nod to style and finish, are instructive. A sample of his market-tested insight:
- Affordable Design. “Everybody today wants a nice look. Call it the Pinterest Effect,” says Stuber. “Renters don’t want to settle for ordinary. The distance between price and design are closer today than they have ever been. Specifiers rely on more than an Excel file these days.”
- Not Just the Coasts. Stuber says the style-first phenomenon isn’t a coastal thing. The internet has leveled the playing field. “I get input from all over the country. The style question has evolved to something that’s not quite traditional or modern. Nothing too extreme, more a modern contemporary look is preferred,” he says.
- Exceed Expectations. Make no mistake, chrome works in a lot of kitchen and bathroom applications. But why not wow renters with an eye-catching style and finish? “Matte black is a safe bet. It’s moved beyond fad,” Stuber observes. “Just as important, the finish holds up well in multifamily applications.”
- Warranty Matters. Value pricing shouldn’t mean maintenance risks and costs. Stuber says his company backs multifamily applications with a 10-year limited warranty. Peerless also includes ceramic valves at no extra cost. “If a fixture goes unused for a while, you can count on it working as needed,” he says.
- Water Conservation. Often renovation financing is contingent on energy-saving improvement, starting with kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Make sure fixtures are compliant with low-flow standards, such as .5 gallons per minute, as required.
- Foolproof Installation. Why not have the supply lines pre-attached to the fixture? Not only does it simplify hook-up but it means one less water joint to worry about. Some manufacturers like Peerless include this money-saver at no extra cost.
Stuber is impressed by the way multifamily specifiers balance design sense with budget. “Of course cost is important. However, it’s good to know you can have it both ways without big-time trade-offs in quality, brand, performance, and looks. Our customers know that for a fact.”
Learn how you can add affordable design to any new or renovated multifamily project by visiting https://www.peerlessfaucet.com/.
