How to Create Communal Areas That Boost Property Value During the Pandemic

Most of us now regard common areas, much like a field with active landmines. When it is a risk to go to the grocery store, it is hard to tell when and how communal areas will be used again in the future. This pandemic has brought difficult financial challenges to property owners across Los Angeles. Using this time to focus on creating common areas that are practical both now and in the future is a great way to invest in your property value.

Renovate Existing Spaces

Start by taking inventory of your existing common areas. Consider where tenants spend the most time, and spaces that could use a little sprucing up. Use this time to your advantage if you have spaces that are currently closed. Switch up the paint color in the lobby. Change out furniture and decorations for a new look in the communal living room. Add furniture to an outdoor common area. More seating areas give people a chance to get together while staying at a safe distance.

Use Common Sense in Common Areas

Grab your tape measure, roll it out, and affix a gold star on the spot that is 2020s trendiest measurement: 6 feet. Move couches, chairs, and benches so they are the appropriate distance apart. Place courteous signage reminding patrons to adhere to social distancing guidelines. It isn’t clear when social distance guidelines will be relaxed. Give residents inviting communal areas where they can congregate safely. This will entice any potential residents looking to move in during this time.

Create a Co-Working Office

Before this year, only 7% of workers had the option to work remotely on a regular basis. Now, with most office buildings and other non-essential businesses closed, chances are if your residents are working, they are doing it from home. If your property does not already have a common office area for residents, now is the perfect time to create one. Include common office machines such as a printer, fax machine, and copier. Adding a pleasing and functional co-working space is a surefire way to provide value to both existing and new residents.

Add New Amenities

The outside world is less than exciting right now. Use this to your advantage by adding new amenities that residents can use right away. Focus on building small common areas outside. People spending more time working indoors will appreciate the chance to get outside. Even if you already have an indoor gym, consider adding a small fitness area outside. This is as simple as adding a few pull up bars and workout rings. If any of your residents have pets, construct a small dog park. Remember to place doggie bag dispensers!

Enhance Outdoor Areas

Ensuring residents have space to soak up our gorgeous L.A. sunshine is now more important than ever. You do not have to build entirely new outdoor living areas or Zen gardens. It could be as simple as adding a community garden or native flowers around a barbecue patio. Even if you cannot open the pool yet, invigorate the pool area by resurfacing the deck and adding some new landscaping.

While the future of large gatherings remains uncertain, it’s a great time to invest in communal areas that people can use both now and in the future. Providing accessible spaces will allow current and potential residents to spend time outside without having to travel. And the investment in these spaces will continue to enhance the value of your property for a long time to come.

Brianna Atkins is the Communication Specialist at LawnStarter and home designer in love with soft fabrics, hardscapes, and modern touches.