For example, lets say they raise utilities 15% after not having raised them in 30 months, then the allowed rent increase is greater than the utility increase.I like the tenants paying utilities becauseIt provides incentive to conserve.I do not believe I can set the rent at market + utility cost and still get quality tenants. 

Some of the new engineered and laminate products can be very good; but to me there's a real quality difference.

Since the competition is either not improving or doing similar quality I don't need to over improve.  

If they are they need to stay away from this stuff and look at possibly investing in higher quality sponsored projects that are larger. 

If the property is higher end, I have seen as high as $10 PSF for top quality wood so that could be a consideration to preserve value upon exit.

Odd floorplan, bad view etc-comps -condition of unit-quality of tenant I've let a lot slide if the tenant is great or the unit is compromised in some ways.

The most quality builders risk policies are catered toward these larger developers and therefore do not offer liability.

Who would you recommend that does quality work for a fair price?

Does this just effect the timeliness or does it effect the quality of the job too? 

Within the asset class the quality of the property varies with price and location.What price range were you looking in?