12A — June 2023 — Owners, Developers & Managers — M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal
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Electrical Contracting/Lighting By Michael Feltenberger, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Barkan Management Top considerations for electrical & lighting systems in multifamily properties
A
s the demand for mul- tifamily residential properties continues
dress these top considerations. Energy Efficiency Energy efficiency and sus - tainability should be a major priority. The use of energy- efficient products and tech- nology not only reduces util- ity bills but also reduces the property’s carbon footprint. Some steps to take include us- ing LED lighting, especially in high-burn areas like lobbies, stairwells, and parking lots, and installing occupancy sen- sors in low-traffic areas like meeting or laundry rooms. Occupancy sensors can save between 15 and 30 percent on
lighting costs. Safety and Compliance Safety is a top priority for any
lation of GFCI outlets in wet areas, and proper labeling of electrical panels.
of residents, the number of units, and type of appliances and equipment that will be used in the building. The system’s capacity should also take into account any future expansions or upgrades that may be necessary. Maintenance and Repair Proper lighting maintenance and repair are crucial to opti- mal performance and safety. Group lamping, or the prac- tice of lighting all common spaces with a centralized light- ing system, offers many ben- efits including energy efficien - cy, cost savings, and greater control over lighting systems. Property managers should establish a maintenance and repair schedule, conduct regu- lar inspections and have a qualified electrical contractor perform all necessary repairs and replacements. Smart Technology Smart technology has revo- lutionized the way we interact with our homes, and it is no dif- ferent for multifamily residen- tial properties. The integration of smart technology in electrical and lighting systems can im- prove energy efficiency, safety, and security. It also offers con- venience to residents, allowing them to control their lighting and temperature from their smartphones or other devices. Budget The cost of electrical and lighting systems is a signifi - cant consideration for any de- veloper or property manager. Proper planning and bud- geting can help ensure that the systems installed in the property meet the necessary standards without breaking the bank. In conclusion, selecting elec- trical systems and lighting solutions for a multifamily residential property requires careful consideration of sev- eral factors. Property manag- ers should prioritize energy efficiency, safety, capacity, maintenance, and smart tech- nology, when making their decisions. By taking the time to make informed choices, they not only will ensure the com- fort, safety, and satisfaction of the property’s residents, they will have the opportunity to repurpose energy savings for other projects. Michael Feltenberger, CMCA, AMS, PCAM is senior vice president of Barkan Management’s Washington, DC operations. MAREJ
to rise, so does the need for reliable and efficient electrical systems and lighting so- lutions that are crucial to the comfort and safety of residents. In
Developers and property managers must prioritize energy efficiency, safety, and smart technology for multifamily residential properties.
residential property. Electrical systems must be installed and maintained in compliance with local building codes and safety regulations. This includes proper grounding and bonding of electrical systems, instal-
Capacity The electrical and light- ing systems in a multifamily residential property should be designed to meet the capacity needs of the building. It is es- sential to consider the number
Michael Feltenberger
order to make informed deci- sions, developers and property managers should be sure to ad-
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