How to Navigate the Build-to-Rent SFU Technical Challenge
By: Stephen Garcia and Kathryn O’Leary
New construction developers face numerous challenges to stay current with the latest trends in telecom/data innovations and the shift towards managed Wi-Fi deployments. Although the process is similar, projects with build-to-rent single-family units (SFU) and/or townhomes can present additional concerns around permitting, easement access in public and private streets/alleyways, and the infrastructure an Owner must install so that Service Providers can reach each lot and then access each home to reach the media cabinet.
As with all projects, it’s important to have an LV design plan that is comprehensive and clear. This ensures that subcontractors in the field understand what outside and inside infrastructure will be installed and what their scope of work will be. When possible, the outside plant will typically follow the utility trench plan (called an “intent”) and will house the Service Provider(s) backbone distribution throughout the property. The utility company’s intent will be sent to the telecom providers who will provide markups showing their additional elements. Once approved by the utility company, the final plan is referred to as the “composite” and constitutes the main joint trench plan for the project, providing both wet and dry […]