At a time when co-op and condo buyers are faced with sky-high prices and inflation-driven mortgage rates, aging multifamily properties are also struggling with market forces that demand stylish aesthetics and sophisticated lifestyle amenities to compete with upgraded luxury multifamily residences.
However, co-op and condo boards — charged with directing these much-needed renovations — juggle the views of hundreds of shareholders, diverse board opinions and a wide range of obstacles that can cause renovations to underwhelm.
For these boards that are planning renovations to meet future and current shareholder expectations, Steven Kratchman Architect P.C. has developed a free, comprehensive “Renovation Best Practices for Co-Op/Condo Boards” guide that addresses some of the most common pain points and pitfalls — and explains how partnering with the right experts can help prevent projects from running off the rails.
“From gaining shareholder buy-in to controlling budgets and schedules, managing these often-complex projects is no easy task,” Steven Kratchman, founder and owner of the architecture and design firm, said. With 20 years of experience repurposing and reinvigorating upscale residential properties in New Jersey and New York, he has seen firsthand the struggles faced by co-op and condominium boards — and compiled some of the top questions and answers about the complexities facing boards into an online resource.
“Board members often complain that they have a multimillion-dollar renovation budget, but most of it ends up going to back-of-house repairs,” Kratchman said. “They need expert guidance on how to add value to their property and spend their money wisely while ensuring that projects run smoothly. Our Renovation Best Practices guide is designed to be a starting point for any co-op or condo renovation project.”
Increase transparency and improve communication
The Renovation Best Practices guide explores one of the biggest stumbling blocks when it comes to planning a renovation project: poor communication between board members and between the board and shareholder communities.
“Transparency and a general consensus on the project parameters are critical to success,” Kratchman said. “While it is unlikely that the entire community will be in agreement, there needs to be a shared understanding of the reality of existing conditions and the rationale behind the decision-making.”
Kratchman cited the four-year, multifaceted renovation and rebranding of Apogee in Cliffside Park as an example of the success to expect when great communication is established at the onset. His firm served as master planner, architect and designer, charged with transforming the 30-story Apogee cooperative to enhance the resident experience and increase shareholder value.
“From the outset, we embraced an inclusive, collaborative process that encouraged open communication between the board, the shareholders and our team,” Kratchman said.
The board’s commitment to being fully transparent with shareholders about the vision and progress of the work helped ensure that everyone was on the same page.
“Instead of being upset about issues like the length of the construction process, residents waited patiently for the job to be done right,” Kratchman said.
Their patience was rewarded when unit prices immediately appreciated over 20%, and Apogee continues to be a coveted address in the super-competitive New Jersey Gold Coast market.
Invest in a dedicated project manager
The guide also discusses an area Kratchman is emphatic about: the importance of effective renovation project management.
“Many boards share horror stories about renovations going bad, but these projects are often set up to fail,” he said. “Allocating a budget for construction project management professionals and architects can help communities avoid the problems that cause jobs to go sideways.”
Boards should designate one point person to oversee a project from beginning to end, as was the case at Apogee. Kratchman noted that project managers or owner’s construction representatives can be hired on Day 1 or once the condo or co-op board agrees that assistance is needed.
“In cases where boards and property managers lack advanced skill-sets, they need to understand that the value of a project includes the means to achieving its success,” he added.
Facilitate engagement and build consensus
When it comes to project planning, the guide notes how an architect can play a vital role in improving understanding and agreement between co-op/condo boards and shareholders.
“The architect is a third-party expert who knows how to explain project goals, flag potential problems and provide solutions,” Kratchman said. “As an objective meeting facilitator, we ensure that all voices are heard and handle opposition with the goal of building consensus.”
The guide cites how architects use a variety of visual tools during the design process — such as renderings, models and mood boards — that can be repurposed to foster engagement with diverse community constituencies. In Brooklyn, New York, where Kratchman is spearheading the rebranding of the 238-unit co-op building at 85 Livingston St., he and his team worked with the board to install electronic message boards in the lobby featuring images from their presentations and computerized renderings that depict evolving design solutions. The firm also created a dedicated residents-only page on its website where residents can access details about the project’s overall vision and updates on the transformation.
“Partnering with co-op and condo boards to engage their communities and keep them informed is one of the most important ways an architect can add value to a renovation project,” said Kratchman.
