Apartment complex builders have many of the same skills as home builders, only on a bigger scale. Apartment builders are concerned with not one residential dwelling, but a large volume of homes in each apartment complex development.

If a client wants an apartment complex that integrates greener energy solutions or a unique design, an apartment developer may need to find continuing education opportunities. Apartment building developers can choose from many training options. Architecture, design and planning are just a few subjects important for a developer. You can find more apartment complex developers education and training through:

1. Schools that offer construction management.

2. Training with design tools used in the industry.

3. Continuing education training through developers organizations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get a degree in construction management to work for apartment developers

A construction management degree is the first qualification a client looks for in an apartment developer. Construction management teaches the science of construction and the management skills to work with small and large development companies. Many programs also offer education on the business side of developing apartments.

I recommend: ITT Technical Institute provides a bachelor's degree in construction management that you can earn entirely online. Westwood College offers a degree program in construction management that focuses on both management and business issues. The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers additional information on training and education recommended for apartment developers.

Find apartment complex developer organizations that offer green training

Green training for apartment complexes provides developers with the skills and knowledge needed to build structures that have less impact on the environment. Developers can learn how to follow green compliance guidelines, choose energy saving appliances, and use greener building materials during construction.

I recommend: Enterprise Green Communities is an initiative in a number of major U.S. cities that promotes green energy and provides developers and builders with training events to help them develop eco-friendly apartment complexes. Jetson Green provides a list of green conferences and events where developers can learn more about green initiatives in apartment complexes and other building projects.

Attend continuing education classes to stay on top of the apartment complex business

To stay up to date with the latest trends in apartment building, take continuing education courses. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including environmental issues, best practices and energy saving techniques. Continuing education is offered by industry organizations and associations for builders.

I recommend: Uponor offers training classes from the Energy and Environmental Building Association. You can learn how to improve building performance and also get continuing education credits upon completion. The Construction Management Association of America offers many resources for continuing education and professional development.

Apartment complex builders often provide fast, low-cost construction for your project. When hiring a builder, consider your budget, your time and your short- and long-term goals. Many apartment developers will help you determine what your needs are. The right company will determine the success of your project.

Hire apartment complex developers you feel comfortable working with. It is essential that you be in full agreement with the developers when considering aspects such as accurate estimates, quality control and scheduling. When looking for apartment complex development professionals, consider these factors:

1. Choose an apartment complex development company well known for their successful projects, or based on a design you would like to replicate.

2. Select apartment builders you know you can trust to meet contract requirements.

3. Consider innovative designs, including green technology, that may save you money and improve the benefits of living in your apartment complex.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find apartment building developers who provide accurate estimates

Get accurate estimates for your project from the apartment complex builder to be sure the project goes smoothly. This helps avoid problems with material choices, engineering problems, cost mistakes as well as constructability issues.

I recommend: Work with an apartment complex development company using highly accurate software and technology to provide the best estimates possible. Webcor Builders offers state-of-the-art cost modeling and estimation tools for accuracy. Omni Development Company Inc. offers a full-service design, development and project follow through providing the most hands on experience. This cuts down on the estimation mistakes.

Determine the best apartment complex business to meet your high standards

Uncover the company able to excel in quality control to present only top quality work. Procedures and guidelines should be in place and used to minimize risks of developing a complex that does not hit the market.

I recommend: Figure out what level of experience the apartment complex contractors have in construction of the types of apartments you need. Companies like Tehrani Group LLC have extensive experience. Look at the amount of time the company has been in business and how well they are known in their area. Committed professionals like those at C.E. Thompson & Sons Corp. are popular locally for their top-of-the-line quality control.

Schedule realistically with an apartment complex developer

Put time in perspective for the apartment developer and get a realistic estimate. Being on time is crucial to the success of any complex. Find a company able to project an accurate time frame.

I recommend: Secure a working relationship with builders that know the industry and have no problem getting supplies, like Suburban Building Center Inc. They are more likely to have what's needed to complete the job on schedule. Some companies. like C. F. Evans & Co. Inc., are popular for their ability to excel on time lines.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Design with the competent complex developers. Many allow apartment owners to work with them so the finished product is exactly as they need and want. A trusted company shouldn't have any qualms about working with your needs.

Apartment complex developers have multiple tasks to complete for each job they are hired to do. A single apartment complex project requires an apartment complex developer to deal with architectural, construction and business issues. Apartment developers must also have management skills in order to work with all of the people and groups associated with the build. Common concepts and key terms for building apartment complexes will come from all of these topics.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Cost modeling, cost estimation

Cost modeling, or cost estimation, refers to mathematical equations or algorithms that are used to estimate the total costs of a single project. The model is often used to gain financing and approval for the project. Cost estimations are also used to build budgets and business plans for a project.

I recommend: The Computer Support Group (CSG) provides information on cost estimation and an online calculator to help estimate the time and cost needed for a construction project.

Quality control

Quality control in construction is a safety measure used to inspect buildings during the construction process. Quality control is implemented by all project managers in order to avoid costly reconstruction later on.

I recommend: Chapter 13 of Project Management for Construction offers detailed information on quality control and how it's used to avoid major mistakes throughout the building process.

Contractor

A contractor is an individual or business hired to complete a single job during the project. Most apartment complex developers hire one contractor to oversee construction and a number of subcontractors for specialized jobs.

I recommend: WPM Construction is an apartment complex contractor that offers information on the most common services provided by contractors working on apartments.

Construction manager

A construction manager is different from a contractor in that the construction manager must deal with the schedule and budget rather than the building of the complex. A construction manager assists the developer by running the day-to-day operations at the construction site.

I recommend: The Construction Management Association of America offers a detailed description of the type of work a construction manager must complete when working on various projects.

Compliance

Compliance in apartment complex development refers to following and upholding the regulations, standards and local laws during construction. Each state will have its own building codes with which to comply.

I recommend: All state compliance offices, such as the Florida Department of Community Affairs, provide information on that state's building codes for residential and commercial properties.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is the use of appliances and construction products that save on energy costs for the residents of the apartment complex. There is a variety of ways an apartment complex developer can make a project energy efficient for residents.

I recommend: Green Communities offers information and education for developers who want to use energy efficient products to provide a green community project for residents.