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Updated over 5 years ago on . Most recent reply
Checklist for building a new apartment complex
Before I start the process of building the apartment complex I need to know who I need to hire and what order is best in hiring them. Do I get the civil engineer first? The architect? Etc.
Could someone please come up with a list or checklist on who I need to hire and when? Many thanks!
Most Popular Reply
@Account Closed It really depends on what stage the property is in. Do you have it under control? Is it zoned correctly? Have you spoken with the municipality it is located in to see what their process is? Have you run a proforma to estimate that it will be a good project.... ETC...
Once those questions are answered and you can provide a little more detail, then you can start the checklist because it will vary on the condition of the property and the city it is located in.
If this is your first development, I would suggest looking for a development partner who has experience in development. Being a developer myself, I would say if you find a partner that has experience on what you envision that would be a great first step.
Hi McKadie,
Seriously, based on your question this seems like a huge financial risk for you.
Good Luck!
@Account Closed It really depends on what stage the property is in. Do you have it under control? Is it zoned correctly? Have you spoken with the municipality it is located in to see what their process is? Have you run a proforma to estimate that it will be a good project.... ETC...
Once those questions are answered and you can provide a little more detail, then you can start the checklist because it will vary on the condition of the property and the city it is located in.
If this is your first development, I would suggest looking for a development partner who has experience in development. Being a developer myself, I would say if you find a partner that has experience on what you envision that would be a great first step.
I’d answer @Jonathan Orr first. But chances are you’ll want to get an architect involved early on. Any good architect will have a be able to help you navigate the process once you after you have done your due diligence and own the property.
@Account Closed
I responded to another somewhat similar post the other day LINK HERE
I second @Jonathan Orr's point on bringing someone on who has gone through the process before.
If you don't go that route (or even if you do) it makes sense to bring on an owners rep to help guide you through the process, and to start looking for an Architect. They should be able to get you pointed in the right direction and to confirm that you are able to get what you need on the site to make it pencil.
Good Luck!
@Scott Mac @Jonathan Orr @Edgar Martinez @David Edwards Thank you all for your information you provided me, it really helps alot!
@Account Closed Which market are you looking to build in? Is there a reason there aren't any products of that type there market wise? Do you have a competitive advantage that make this a viable project where it was not for anyone else? Or has this town somehow been overlooked and you are potentially first to develop it?
@David Edwards What is the process you would take on hiring an owners rep and where to start looking?
Contractors, other developers, and architects are good places to start for finding those parts of your team. You could reach out to the local ULI (urban land institute) group and see if someone there has a recommendation or you could put out a call here on BP. If you are near me its also a service my company offers. Feel free to shoot me a DM if you want to discuss further.
@Account Closed I'm not trying to be rude here, but you asked for us to lay out the development process for you while providing no information whatsoever.
Do you have a piece of land?
What's the property's zoning as-of-right?
How long is the typical entitlement process in this area?
Where is it located?
Why are you developing instead of acquiring an existing property?
Do you have any experience in development?
Where are you getting the money to build the property?
What sort of engineer are you referring to? MEP? Structural?
Do you have an architect?
Do you have a good land-use attorney?
If you provide some additional information then we can steer you in the right direction but just from reading your initial post, I'm not sure that development is the right decision for you right now.
@Account Closed - if you don't own the land, one of the first things you need to verify (aside from zoning and what you're able to build) is the Geo and Enviro.
Zoning- what can you build? (Density, setbacks etc) Sometimes I'll set a meeting with city officials to discuss.
Physical- Geo technical (soil) and Enviro- you will spend money here, but with this, architects and GC's are a waste of money. An architect needs to understand the soil conditions before they can advise on the foundation.
Services - where are they? Water/Storm/Electrical/ sanitary?
Legal- what is your access?
Are there easements that will impact your footprint?
Development is complicated- not to scare you, but to make sure you have someone with experience that can help you avoid the mistakes even seasoned developers make.