Property attributes – characteristics positively influencing a rating – vary in degree of importance as: highly significant; important; and moderately important, defined as:
Highly Significant Positive Attributes
Characteristics given the highest degree of importance in assessment of property improvements ratings include:
- Excellent quality of construction reflected in: Exterior finishes, floor systems, sound transmission loss between apartments; energy efficiency.
- Unusually large unit sizes
- A mix of one bedroom and two bedroom/two bath floorplans
- Higher than standard (above 8') ceiling height
- Very attractive, complete recreational amenities
- Presence of unusual apartment interior details (i.e. built-in shelving or desks; attachment to a high speed data transmission line) crown molding; ceramic tile flooring; unusual lighting...
- Attractive kitchen finishing detail, such as: Upgraded appliances (i.e., "black front" or "glass front" ranges and dishwashers; self-cleaning ovens; ice makers in refrigerators; two stage, energy efficient, dishwashers); upgraded kitchen countertops (polished granite, Corian, ceramic tile.); hardwood cabinetry...
- Private balconies and patios/more than one balcony or patio per unit
- Unusually large size of balconies or patios
- Presence of washers and dryers – or at least washer/dryer hookups (inside the apartment is preferable to patio or balcony location)
- Upgraded flooring – hardwood floors; ceramic tile flooring in kitchens and/or unit entries
- Attractive architectural design
- Enclosed garages; attached enclosed garages are better yet
- Private, (or semi-private) unit entries
Important Positive Attributes
Attractive attributes important to determining improvements ratings, include:
- Bath finishing detail is attractive (i.e. ceramic tile tub enclosures; two sinks in master bath; upgraded lighting; shower doors are glass)
- Covered parking
- Inclusion of eight-foot sliding glass doors accessing a balcony or patio
- A highly landscaped appearance
- Walk-in kitchen pantry
- Inclusion of fireplaces as an option
- Outside bulk storage facilities – accessed off balconies or patios
- Microwave ovens
- Inclusion of living area ceiling fans
- Bath detail is complete (i.e. built-in mirrored medicine cabinet; built-in vanity; double sinks); tub and shower enclosures are ceramic tile
- Presence of parking availability beyond code requirements
Moderately Important Positive Attributes
Positive factors of least importance – but considered – in determining improvements rating include:
- Individual metering of electric utilities
- Bedroom ceiling fans, or wiring for ceiling fans
- Effective use of waterscaping
- Presence of a tennis court, sport court, volleyball court, or racquetball facilities
- Pitched roofs (finished in concrete tile or wood shingles is superior to composition shingles)
- Covered parking is made available beyond one space per unit