Buying the land and getting the approvals necessary to break ground isn’t the first thing a developer needs to begin building a new apartment building. No, the very first person that a builder is going to have to consult with is an architect. The architect creates the initial conceptual drawings, considers how both foot traffic and vehicles are going to be impeded, and dreams up what it is that residents want to see. The planning stage can go very quickly, taking just a few short months, or stay in development for many years. For those wanting to plan and build a new, modern, and robust residential apartment building, this is what is needed from the beginning to the end.
Structure and Design
While you might think that the city’s tallest skyscraper is amazing, the truth is that residential buildings need to be just as functional as they are stylish. After meeting with the architect and developing the flow and design, consider these Chicago engineers for your complete construction project management and engineering needs. You will need a master electrician to come in and design the layout for wiring. In addition, someone has to install all of the plumbing and ensure that it is up to code. Chicago Engineers can work with your architect and construction manager, putting them in contact with the best engineers in town.
How Style Flows Into Function
The design of a contemporary residential apartment building is mostly about making things function in a modern manner. For example, a new building that features floor to ceiling windows can boast magnificent views, but it will also require considerations during the construction process. Your goal may be to add terraces and balconies to every apartment unit, but your architect will need to work with an engineer to test how rainwater runoff might impact the integrity of the structure.
Managing a Residential Construction Project
Before the first steel beam can be hoisted into place, all of the major players have to know their position. The construction of a new residential apartment building is a huge undertaking. There have to be people in charge of the project who run down to city hall, to ensure that operations stay on schedule and those who have to be around to ensure that the vision comes to life. Architects don’t necessarily stay onsite during the entire construction process, but they are known to stay close and make their presence known. Make sure that there are project managers who will be communicating with the architects, construction managers, and even the construction crew to keep everyone on track.
Whether your apartment building is going to be simple and elegant or something that totally challenges conventional wisdom, hire an architect with the background you seek. This is why so much goes into the planning stages, well before any actual building work starts. Expect changes to be made even after hiring workers or contracting with a consultant firm. These changes will ensure that your project develops into a finished product the world will respect.
