Building Amenities that Truly Matter

The pride of any building or a complex are its amenities which enhances, its saleable capability and the brand value. While not heavily speculated for commercial or business buildings, for a residential structure, its worth forms the focal point. Every development garners some unique features to promote its significance, adding to its face value. These can be in the form of a built-up mass like a clubhouse, fitness center, yogalaya, swimming pool, crèche, or play areas. They can also be in the form of commodities like EV points, security systems, video cameras, modular kitchens, air conditioners, and many more.

In earlier times, a small sit-out with a few benches was enough to make any establishment market-worthy. However, nowadays, with increased affordability, people look for many more utilities within their new abode. This puts a lot of pressure on the investor, promoter, and builder to outperform competitors and entice prospective buyers by offering freebies, which may or may not be relevant to them.

Other than impressing buyers, the investor or builder also has to fulfill requirements for the municipal authorities. Parking in stilts or on the surface, a substation, an entrance lobby, a meter room, letter boxes, a servant toilet, and all ancillary things, free of FSI but essential spaces, are all accommodated at the ground level, leaving no open space for the free and leisure movement of users. Clearly, the focus now remains on the uninterrupted space which could be available on the terrace. This acts like a rooftop lounge which contributes to an unobstructed place for socializing for people, paving way for physical activities like a walkway, children’s play areas, and sitting spaces for the elderly. Some philanthropic builders even provide mini-theaters. But all this in a rainy city like Mumbai makes it redundant to use for at least three to four months. In such instances, a covered activity area assists in continuing activities within the premises. So, both amenities are required in equal measure to ensure optimum usage for a variety of users of all ages and interests.

Any amenity provided by the promoter or developer will lead to an increase in maintenance fees and shared. costs for attendants and services for its care and conservation. Getting something at large without generalized usability for all members will only provide contentment to the giver and taker. It could remain a burden in the long run. Even though the high annual. maintenance of lifts, parking systems, green spaces, and swimming pools add to the shared costs, they significantly enhance the quality of urban living and contribute to a modern, elevated lifestyle. Moreover, assigning a good agency for its smooth care and service Will assure its burden-free usage.

In today’s scenario what truly matters is that one should prioritize amenities that uplift the entire community because real urban living is built on shared spaces rather than personal commodities.