15 Tips to Keep in Mind for Preparing New Apartment Complexes

by Julia Kicinski

New apartment complexes are going up all the time, providing an exciting opportunity to contribute to the steadily growing housing market. Looking ahead to a successful grand opening? Here are some tips to keep in mind to help your complex stand out as safe, comfortable, and accessible for future tenants.

1. Keep Well-Maintained Entrances.

The first thing any visitors see when they enter your complex can make a lasting impression on their perception of the space as a potential future home. Keeping this in mind, don't underestimate the power of good landscaping, particularly at your main entrance(s). Demonstrate your care for the property, as well as your commitment to caring for the needs of your residents, by planting and maintaining aesthetic bushes and trees. Keep plant strips neatly mulched and professionally mow any grassy areas.

Don't lose your sense of pride in an attractive and welcoming property once your first tenants have moved in! Take special care to keep all entrances properly maintained. This process may be as simple as making sure that a fresh coat of paint is applied to any buildings or fences that aren't quite up to par. Small maintenance steps like checking for and repairing cracks in curbs and asphalt can also go a long way in presenting a well-kept appearance.

2. Furnish a Welcoming Lobby.

If your apartment complex has a public or semi-public lobby, keep the decor warm and inviting for any guests. Allow as much natural light into the room as possible to contribute to a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Include a variety of furniture like couches or ottomans where visitors can comfortably wait. If space allows, abstract art or a well-placed table lamp can offer a cozy touch. You may also find that a creative color scheme accented with bright pillows or wall hangings adds personality to the room.

3. Provide Community Amenities.

Often, a determining factor in whether a prospective tenant will be happy in a new apartment building is what type of amenities are offered. For example, the availability of on-site (especially in-unit) laundry facilities might make all the difference to a young parent, while an athlete with daily swim workouts might be looking specifically for a location that includes a swimming pool. Consider what type of amenities might appeal most to your residents and accommodate their preferences where possible. You don't necessarily have to go all out to satisfy your residents, either. For example, even if you're not able to put in a full-blown fitness center, tenants will still appreciate a small gym. It's also simple to provide spaces for community gatherings like a clubhouse or an open fire pit with outdoor lounge chairs.

4. Post Modern Wayfinding Signage.

Think how frustrating it would be to move into a new apartment complex with great amenities, only to discover that you have trouble just finding your own unit, let alone any other on-site locations. Prevent this from happening in your complex with strategically placed wayfinding signage that directs residents to exactly where they want to go. A modern, customized design for your signage that reflects your brand identity will call attention to the directionals and establish a cohesive, professional look for your complex. Start in the lobby area with directories detailing how and where to find places like the pool or fitness center, elevators and emergency exits, and specific apartment units. From there, label each location clearly with its own room or apartment unit number sign so tenants know when they've arrived at their intended destination. Other wayfinding signs throughout the hallways and buildings in your complex will make the navigation process a smooth experience for any guests or new residents.

5. Install Visible Building Numbers.

Outdoor navigation is just as important as indoor navigation, particularly if you have a large complex. A visitor driving around the property can get easily confused by what appears to be a maze of roads leading up to identical buildings. All buildings in your complex should have building numbers or labels installed in areas visible from the road. Additionally, post outdoor directionals at intersections or other puzzling spots to direct drivers to each range of apartment units, along with important locations like the leasing office, mail room, or community recreational areas. As you choose where to place these signs, keep in mind that installing them near streetlights will help with navigation in the dark.

6. Map Clear Evacuation Routes.

If there's one thing more important than knowing how to get into the various locations in your apartment complex, it's knowing how to get out in case of an emergency. Make sure that you have a clear emergency evacuation plan mapped out for all areas of your complex and post emergency exit plan signs detailing the directions to the nearest exits. In the case of limited accessibility, particularly on upper floors, post directions to designated areas of refuge where any tenants who are unable to evacuate along standard routes can wait for assistance. These preparations will ensure a smooth and safe evacuation for all individuals on the premises should the need arise.

7. Post Property Rules Signage.

With the large number of people who will frequent your complex day in and day out, you'll want to make sure that you have property rules clearly displayed to ensure safety for your tenants. Offering amenities like a fitness center can be a huge perk for new residents, but keep your workout area from inadvertently turning into a safety hazard by posting rules and instructions for appropriate use of equipment. From security signs warning outsiders of no trespassing to safety guidelines at the pool to instructions for using the laundry facilities, let your signage inform tenants that you're watching out for them. Remember, these signs don't have to be basic and boring; customize them to match the colors and personality of your brand or particular property!

8. Follow Applicable Codes and Regulations.

You're already following a host of building codes when putting up your complex, but don't forget the additional codes and regulations for what you put into your buildings after they're complete! Make sure that your facilities are accessible to people with disabilities; this may mean installing handrails and ramps, offering clear elevator access, and adding outdoor curb cuts. Check your state requirements for any necessary signage to post in common areas, particularly if your complex has a pool. Additionally, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides visual and tactile accessibility requirements you'll want to reference when choosing and posting signage. If you're not sure what signs you need, our team at MultiHousingSigns.com can help! We'll consult with you on the required signage and make sure you walk away with great designs and the full assurance that your signs are ADA-compliant from proper color contrast to Braille text.

9. Upgrade Technology.

Upgraded technologies are constantly being introduced into new home and work contexts. These areas include security systems and apartment appliances. Take advantage of the ever-progressing technology by supplying your facilities with modern equipment; by installing new equipment now, you're also anticipating and preparing for further updates that might be available in the near future. Set the tone for your up-to-date technology by offering speedy complimentary WiFi in public areas like your lobby. You can also display digital directories or announcement boards in these areas with important information for your tenants.

Some apartment complexes are fully embracing new technology by integrating smart appliances into apartment amenities. Using smart technology, tenants can control devices like lights, coffeemakers, laundry machines, and electronic locks with their smartphones. Your tenants will love the convenience and modernity of these upgraded systems.

10. Maintain Thorough Security.

Maintaining thorough security on the premises should be a top priority as you keep the safety of your residents at the front of your mind. You already have the basics down—locks on all doors, peepholes for each apartment, etc. Step up apartment door security a notch with deadbolts or door-stop alarms that go off when a door is opened without permission. Also, consider installing a door entry intercom panel—perhaps complete with video—so that your tenants have an extra level of safety that allows them to identify guests before granting them access to the building. On that note, if you haven't already, invest in a quality surveillance system for indoors and outdoors to monitor any unusual traffic.

11. Install Adequate Outdoor Lighting.

Increase residential safety by installing adequate lighting around the roads and grounds of your new facilities. Bright streetlights and porch lights will help guide new visitors to the complex in the dark and assist tenants in safely navigating back to their homes at night. You can even install solar-powered lights along any walkways around the complex, which both reduces energy costs and adds a modern, attractive element to your safety measures.

12. Consider Pet-Friendly Options.

Tenants love the option to have a furry friend living with them. If your complex allows pets, consider offering some extra amenities to make their stay more comfortable while also protecting your property in the long run from accidental pet damage. For starters, post clear signage to ensure that all residents are aware of which areas are designated pet areas and which are pet-free zones. Equip a pet walking area with a supply of cleanup bags and a convenient trash can. You could even offer clean-up supplies in common areas in anticipation of indoor accidents. Additionally, try fencing in a small portion of the property for an on-site dog park; a well-exercised dog is less likely to cause indoor damage due to boredom or excess energy. These accommodations, along with small gestures like offering complimentary treats in the lobby, will indicate that pets are truly welcome at your facility.

13. Offer Recreational Areas.

Speaking of dog parks, the type of recreational areas you want to invest in will differ based on the type of residents who will be living in your complex. Just like pet owners appreciate amenities that cater to their needs, parents with young children will be more attracted to your complex if you're able to add activity areas like a playground somewhere on the property. Your more athletic residents will enjoy recreational activities such as tennis or basketball if you're able to put in a court. Turning your facilities into an appealing space for anticipated residents will promote greater satisfaction with living accommodations and lead to longer-term stays.

14. Design a Navigable Parking Area.

Parking availability is another dealbreaker for many people when choosing a new apartment. Let your residents rest assured knowing that they will always have a place to park near their apartment. Make sure you have adequate space for all residents plus visitors. In a complex where every square foot counts, this may mean assigning spaces to residents to ensure that unused vehicles are not monopolizing the parking lot or parking garage. Your residents with electric or hybrid vehicles will also appreciate the convenience of electric vehicle charging stations on the premises.

Minimize frustration with parking navigation by posting clear traffic control signs. Traffic regulatory signs direct your visitors where to stop, yield, or turn to reach their destination. Parking signs indicate which spaces are reserved for handicap or electric vehicle parking. Clearly labeling your parking areas will provide a much more positive experience for residents and their guests.

15. Incorporate Bonus Luxuries.

Give your complex a luxury feel by taking your offered amenities a step further with on-site businesses or special events. Sectioning off a portion of your lobby for a small cafe with coffee, breakfast foods, and other light items can be a huge perk for your tenants as they're rushing off to work in the morning. You could also plan community events to encourage residents to get to know each other. Host an outdoor movie night, organize a book club, or schedule group exercise classes to start building a friendly community.

Planning ahead to make your new apartment complex as comfortable and safe as possible will make living there an attractive option to future tenants and encourage long-term stays. Remember, sometimes it's the small things like a neat appearance or an extra amenity that can make the largest difference.