By Mark Anderson, Executive Vice President of Sales, Value Multifamily
When someone asks what goes into a lighting package, the short answer is: a lot more than picking out fixtures.
On a multifamily project, you may be dealing with hundreds of fixtures across units, corridors, common areas, amenity spaces, exteriors and more. And every one of those decisions ultimately connects back to design, budget, availability and schedule.
Getting those details right takes planning, coordination and a good understanding of how multifamily projects actually come together.
It Starts with the Plans and Specifications
Before we start talking about fixtures, we need to understand the project. What is the design team trying to accomplish? What does the budget look like? Are there products or specifications that could become an issue later?
We start by reviewing architectural and electrical plans, lighting schedules, specifications and other project requirements. From there, the lighting package can be evaluated as a whole rather than simply looking at individual fixtures.
This early review is also a good opportunity to spot potential issues before they become bigger problems during procurement or construction.
Finding the Right Fixtures
Fixture selection involves balancing several factors: appearance, performance, cost, availability and suitability for the application.
Sometimes the specified products are exactly the right fit. Other times, there may be alternatives that deliver the same design intent and performance at a better cost or with better availability.
That’s where knowledge of the lighting market and strong manufacturer relationships can make a real difference.
Building a Complete Lighting Package
Once the individual selections are established, they need to come together as a coordinated package.
For a multifamily new construction project, that can mean lighting for individual units as well as hallways, stairwells, clubhouses, fitness centers, leasing offices, parking areas, building exteriors and outdoor amenity spaces.
Looking at the entire package helps maintain consistency and gives the project team a clearer picture of cost and procurement needs.
Manufacturer Coordination Matters
Of course, selecting the right product doesn’t do much good if you can’t get it when you need it. That’s where manufacturer coordination becomes important.
Working closely with manufacturers helps confirm product details and lead times, address questions and find alternatives when project requirements change.
Value Multifamily has spent more than 30 years developing manufacturer relationships, and those relationships are an important part of how we help customers navigate these decisions and keep projects moving.
Support Doesn’t End When Products Are Selected
Construction projects change. Schedules move. Specifications get revised. Products can become unavailable.
That’s why multifamily lighting project support needs to continue beyond the initial fixture selection.
Having a lighting partner who already understands the project makes it easier to respond when questions or changes come up during procurement and delivery.
A Better Lighting Package Starts with Better Planning
The best multifamily lighting packages aren’t simply collections of fixtures. They’re the result of hundreds of decisions made with the project’s design, budget, schedule and long-term needs in mind.
Value Multifamily works with owners, developers and contractors to support lighting package development, specification review, product selection, manufacturer coordination and project delivery for multifamily construction projects nationwide.
Have a multifamily project in planning or development? I would love to connect: MarkA@valuelightinginc.com or 404-358-2085.
