If you are being honest with yourself, you know that everybody judges the book by its cover. Not only does this relate to books but also first impressions of people, products, homes, and commercial buildings. With stereotypes in our minds that have been learned and created by our culture, judging something on a quick first glance has become second nature. Even when trying to remain neutral, there is always an expectation that comes with how something looks. For instance, when driving by a certain building, you get an idea of what it is like on the inside. As far as apartment buildings go, it is the same kind of thing. There is a kind of stigma, whether good or bad, to each apartment complex.
What does the condition of the buildings’ exterior say about the apartment building?
As a building owner or the grounds keeper, it is your job to keep the apartments rented on the inside. When people see that an apartment building is well taken care of, they will get the impression that its’ tenants are also well taken care of. This conclusion is often made at the first impression of the building. If the paint looks faded or outdated on the exterior of the building, maybe a fresh new color or paint job will be just the thing to make the apartment building look new again!
Maintaining Tenant Pride. It is common knowledge that tenants who enjoy their space and feel proud of their housing option will take better care of the inside of their apartment. Sprucing up the exterior of the building can give the tenants a greater sense of pride for where they live. This trickle effect of the tenants wanting to take better care of their apartment will lead to potentially fewer damages within the apartment units themselves. This will bring down the cost for repairs on the inside of each unit further down the line. The impression that your tenants have of their apartment complex plays a huge role in how they perceive their own home.
By taking the time and effort to address the outside of the building, the impression of current residents and potential residents will be impacted. Taking pride in the upkeep of the grounds and building will maintain positive thinking about the complex by all parties: grounds keepers, tenants and potential renters. A “refresh” of the building’s exterior paint can make for a nice new look, bringing aesthetic value to the complex. You can’t go wrong with making your building look better. Everyone enjoys pleasant things to look at. By repainting your apartment complex, you are showing that you value how the property is perceived and you care for your tenants. It is a win for all parties!
