Methodology
Apartment Characteristics Positively Affecting Improvements Ratings
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