As developers aim to keep pace with the explosive demand of the past few years, apartment communities are sprouting up by the thousands. But just because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s well built.
Using quality materials, naturally, is a good place to start. You don’t want to be that community that’s skewered on review sites because the towel racks fell down or the drywall shattered when your 12-pound dog bumped into it to retrieve a tennis ball. A tendency to use the lowest-cost providers and subcontractors, or materials, can lead to significant issues.
But once you’ve got the materials squared away, you want to find that differentiator that separates you from the abundance of other communities that will arrive in the submarket at roughly the same time as yours.
Start With Design
A well-built community has an interior that flows well, with natural ease of use for the resident. That starts in the design phase. Attention to detail is important, and, if executed correctly, some of those details will be so subtle that residents won’t even notice them. But if done incorrectly or missed altogether, they can eventually cause problems.
Something as seemingly simple as locating your community’s parking space too far from the residences can detract from your overall appeal. Similarly, inadequate signage or poorly marked pathways at your property could confuse prospective residents, causing them to become lost before the on-site leasing team has an opportunity to meet them.
From the location of the elevators, mailroom, and trash room to the proximity of the parking, everything must be strategically thought out and foster a seamless transition for residents and visitors when they move about the community. Well-built developments will be energy and ergonomically efficient, with attention paid to an array of items, including acoustics, lighting, fair-housing requirements, and moisture management, to name just some.
Shun Shortcuts
Developers are often prone to common pitfalls with new construction, particularly when hastily trying to meet an ambitious time line. Seemingly efficient shortcuts, such as improperly addressing water runoff, failing to incorporate enough parking spots for large cars, or placing Dumpsters too close to amenity areas have the potential to alienate residents. It wouldn’t be wise, after all, in a mixed-use project, to position the vent from a restaurant shaft next to your rooftop lounge.
Again, to avoid these and countless other potential flaws, the project particulars must originate in the design phase, when the development, construction, and property management teams should very specifically communicate with the design team about the goals for the community. Keep the lines of communication open, and make sure that even the slightest modification to the original blueprint is approved through the proper channels. Then, it’s crucial to maintain continued focus on the plans and details, and be acutely aware of how the building “lives.” Everywhere the building touches the ground is an opportunity for a mistake.
Hire the Best
Because each community is one of a kind, a strong third-party peer review program is integral to delivering a well-built community. The more eyes looking at the design and construction plans, the better.
At Mill Creek Residential, we typically hire additional design professionals to review architectural and structural blueprints, as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans. We’ll also make certain to have our environmental and geotechnical reports reviewed to ensure risks are identified and a mitigation plan developed. These peer review programs continue throughout the construction process, to ensure the plans are being followed and codes met.
The project design team is critical, but the project construction team is even more important. Don’t take shortcuts here—hire and train the best.
With design teams, we typically seek professionals who not only have experience in the type of product we’re aiming to build, but also experience within the jurisdiction in which we’re building. Prior experience with our company is an added plus. The same applies to construction teams, among which comfort with technology serves as a distinguishing factor.
Focus on ergonomics, code compliance, acoustics, and energy efficiency. Areas such as these will help ensure a well-built community. Make sure your building drains efficiently, that your neighbors won’t hear every footstep, and that you don’t leave a vast carbon footprint. If you can get green certified, even better.
Why should developers put so much thought into construction? Well, because it matters not only to your future residents but to your investors, as well. Think of it like buying a house: Just as the home buyers want to know that everything works before they move in, investors are expecting your company to deliver a community that’s attractive, of the highest quality, and market friendly.
These are your prospective buyers. Don’t alienate them with a shoddy product. Take the time to make sure your community is well built.
