The warmer months are a perfect time for property managers to reinstate a sense of community by bringing residents together on the rooftop, in the courtyard and other outdoor common areas. According to a new report from NAA “Adding Value in the Age of Amenities Wars”, half of the top 10 amenities added or upgraded since 2014 involve bringing people together, such as clubhouses, common areas, swimming pools, outdoor kitchens and play areas. This is a crucial area to help differentiate your property from competitors.
Fire-Up the Grilling Area.
Food brings people together and grills often are a focal point for residents, so make sure the cooking area is practical and inviting. Explore options such as charcoal, gas and electric grills or consider adding a combination to offer alternatives. Remember to be mindful of local regulations and guidelines regarding fuel types.
Outdoor kitchens have been a popular upgrade in recent years, providing everything residents will need for an outdoor meal, such as built-in islands, counters, cabinets and sinks. However, if the budget is a concern for a large remodel, improving the grill itself is a valuable choice. Going from an older charcoal grill to an on-trend ceramic option like the Vision Grills Kamado Charcoal Grill gives residents a versatile cooking tool that can provide a wow factor this summer.
Renovate Decks and Patios. If the community has a deck or patio, make sure the surfaces aren’t fading, peeling or cracking. Consider applying a stain or resurfacing liquid to give the space a makeover. Stains are the best option to retain the natural beauty of the wood. Resurfacing liquids such BEHR DeckOver can help to bring the deck or patio back to life. It usually requires less maintenance than stains and lasts longer, but it hides the wood’s natural color and texture. Use The Home Depot’s Project Color App to help find the right paint or stain from a smartphone – simply upload a photo of the space and try out different colors to determine what’s best for your project.
Illuminate the Space.
Invest in LED exterior lighting to enhance the ambiance, add personality and extend the amount of time areas can be utilized. Outdoor string lighting makes the space more fun and inviting, while lanterns and LED candles around the pool or grilling area can add the finishing touches. Motion lights and solar-powered lighting, such as pathway lights and post caps, can help to increase visibility and safety for residents. These LED options last for years and have a significantly smaller impact on electricity bills than standard bulbs.
Revamp Furniture.
Boost community engagement with outdoor furniture that allows residents to relax and dine with their neighbors. When selecting pieces, invest in fabric material that is durable and water-resistant to withstand wear and tear. Another factor to consider is the frame material: If portability is important, choose lightweight materials, such as plastic, wicker or aluminum. For sturdier furniture that can help deter theft, choose wood or wrought iron material. Choose patio sets for residents who want to unwind and socialize with friends like the Hampton Bay Belcourt Patio Conversation Set. The table con
verts into a fire pit for chilly nights. If comfort is key, pick up Hampton Bay’s Maldives Patio Set.
Keep Green Grass Growing.
Good landscaping is essential to the beauty of outdoor areas, so equip the maintenance team with the best tools to ensure a property stays healthy. Many outdoor tools are becoming lighter and more durable, including watering equipment. Innovative hoses such as the Goodyear Heavy Duty Flat Hose and Miracle-Gro Heavy Duty Flat Hose are more compact, durable and kink-resistant. The Swan Multi-Purpose Hose Swivel is a simple tool that attaches to spigots to make it easier to use.
—Scott Matthews