5 Luxury-Class Multi-Family Construction Project
Pitfalls and Fixes

Although high-end condos and apartment complexes are known for a “spare no expense” look, if the sky truly was the limit, there would never be a profit to be made. Budgeting is even more important in today’s pandemic-impacted construction landscape. Here’s how to balance quality with scale when beginning a luxury build. The key is to begin in the kitchen and bathroom where in-stock, high-quality, value-conscious fixtures can save the bank without sacrificing a bit of style.

#5 Project Pitfall: Overspending in the Kitchen

The kitchen is called the heart of the home for a reason – a typical day or evening at home tends to revolve around the kitchen. For this reason, open floor plans centered on a show-worthy kitchen have become the standard for new luxury multi-family buildings as well as single family homes. As important as this room is though, allocating too much of the overall budget to the kitchen will likely lead to cutting corners in other rooms or a project over budget. Home improvement-focused TV and social content has no shortage of gorgeous renovations in large kitchens often featuring more-than-a-few sponsored products. This is the new “dream” standard and could explain why budget creep happens more often in the kitchen than any other room. Don’t despair though, it is possible to have the dream and live it too.

Fix: Beautiful Fixtures that Have it All, Except an Outrageous Price

High-end kitchens have a commonality that has little to do with the price tag, an attention-grabbing feature that acts as a design anchor. This feature can be a stunning faucet or innovative pot-filler just as easily as it can be an expansive Italian marble countertop or hand-milled cabinetry. Pioneer’s Motegi line of fixtures are ideal choices for kitchen “statement pieces.” For example, the Motegi Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet in matte black is the epitome of modern elegance. It’s a stunning fixture on which to build the look of an entire premium condominium. Why? Its price and lifetime warranty seal the deal for builders, while its practical features and good looks make it a favorite among homeowners. As a practical example, the faucet’s stylish pull-down head has two spray patterns that swivel 360 degrees for quick and easy clean-up. Perfection.

Motegi Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet

 #4 Project Pitfall: Expansive Kitchens When Square Feet Sell at a Premium

Farmhouse trends are on their way out of style, which is good news for builders as tables to seat 18 and huge countertops will be found less and less on the list of potential buyers’ must-have lists. But what about those clients who still think “more is more” and aren’t willing to budget on the budget? Luckily, carefully designed space feels much larger than it is.

 Fix: Choose Wall-Mounted Hardware and Employ Space Expanding Design

Add more vertical space by raising the height of the ceiling when in planning phase, keeping ceilings white (don’t be afraid of bright white), using tall baseboards and wall-mounted hardware will all work together to visually enlarge any room. For the kitchen, open up space and add a touch of convenience-based luxury by choosing the Motegi Wall Mount Pot Filler. One hole is needed for the wall mount installation, and its swivel spout saves space when not in use. The pot filler comes in four finishes: polished chrome, brushed nickel, stainless steel and trend-setting matte black.

Motegi Wall Mount Pot Filler

#3 Project Pitfall: Squeezing in a Freestanding Tub Where Space is Short

Freestanding tubs have become nearly synonymous with indulgent design. Soaking in a bubble bath while gazing over a glittering city through tinted floor-to-ceiling windows of a spare-no-expense high-rise is a mental image that sells buildings. The range of bathtub designs from traditional claw foot to squared-off modern rectangular allows for greater personalization. These two reasons alone make the free-standing bathtub a good choice for a luxury urban building and they can still be included in a smaller space without a crowded feel. Here’s how.

Fix: Wall-Mounted Hardware Looks Great and Saves Space

Bathtubs with bathtub faucets are more expensive when purchased with hardware attached and they take up considerable space. Solve space issues and cost issues easily with the gorgeous Montegi Single Handle Wall Mount Roman Tub Set. The look is simple, but glamourous, plus the set is easy to install. As with all Pioneer products, the lifetime warranty says volumes about the commitment the company has to quality.

Mod Collection Single Hand Tub Trim Set

#2 Project Pitfall: Two Showerheads and a Large Water Bill

The walk-in shower luxury upgrade is undoubtedly the addition of another showerhead or more. The larger the showerhead, the more it will cost down the road, unless it uses innovative technology to keep costs at bay. In addition, the environmental costs are vitally important to many. Add another showerhead to the plan, then multiply it by 100 units and the cost can put a project over the top.   

Fix: Stylish and Powerful Showerheads that Save Water at a Modest Price

The solution is simple – choose shower hardware that creates water out of thin air! The Pioneer Lux-Flow Rain Showerhead and the entire Lux-Flow line does just that! Pioneer’s patent-pending Lux-FlowTM system injects air into every drop of water, creating the feel of a traditional, higher-pressure shower while saving 30% more water than the average flow showerhead – on average, 7.5 gallons of water for a single 10-minute shower. Two sets for each walk-in shower will likely still be under budget and doubly impressive in the finished building.

Olympia i2 Single Handle Tub/Shower Trim Set

#1 Project Pitfall: Choosing Custom Vessel Sinks

Vessel sinks continue to be popular and installing custom-built vessel sinks in the bathrooms is akin to displaying functional works of art in the bathroom, a luxury choice to say the least. The cost is hard to estimate because it can vary wildly, but it is one of the most difficult purchases to scale and to source. However, it’s for just this reason that having a custom vessel sink can be so irresistible. The good news is that if you or your client decide to splurge, there is a possible way to balance out the price. 

Fix: Pair Vessel Sinks with Beautiful and Cost-Effective Wall-Mount Vessel Fillers

While a vessel filler is necessary to buy when installing vessel sinks (if you’d like to avoid a messy situation), choosing an expensive one is not. The Motegi Single Handle Bathroom Wall Mount Vessel Filler is a brilliant choice to partner with a custom vessel sink. With a 10-inch reach, moderate price, ease of installation and water-saving technology, there’s much to love. The Montegi signature sleekness is ideal for this particular use because it doesn’t distract or compete with sinks chosen to be the center of attention.

Motegi Single Handle Bathroom Wall Mount Vessel Filler

We’ll Save You Money and Time

There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multi-family housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.

Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money.  Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.

Consider these beautiful fixtures as a solution to many high-end multi-family construction projects. Click the image to learn more.