When is the right time to start telecom planning in a multifamily new construction project?
RealtyCom understands that our developer-partners have countless considerations when starting a new construction project, and that getting involved early is key to ensure our clients meet important objectives and deadlines for crucial telecommunication milestones.
RealtyCom represents over 200 active construction projects across the country, and has established a sophisticated process to manage the telecom installation process. Our team of in-house designers, field engineers and project managers, with help from our customized database that provides alerts at critical junctures, are here to manage the process from concept to completion – from telecom access agreement negotiation, to low voltage design review, to boots on the ground inspections.
The RealtyCom team typically meets with clients 2-3 years before the anticipated first resident move in date and hosts a kick-off call with Owner representatives. This usually takes place after entitlements and provides us with an opportunity to gather basic project information including timing, the number of structures and units, retail/commercial spaces, common area amenity list, and any other project information that may impact telecom services or installation.
Within 30 days of our kick off call, we prepare a Basis of Design (“BOD”) outlining the needed telecom infrastructure (telecom room sizes/location, conduits, wiring) as well as possible “future proof” infrastructure – a decision which usually rests on budgets, hold time and anticipated property demographics.
Our early involvement allows RealtyCom to review schematic/architectural plans for telecom spaces necessary for the probable service provider(s); it gives us time to assist the owner with its scope/specification documents to be sure bid packages used for GMP purposes are accurate and are aligned with the service provider’s scope. Our in-house design team works with clients and their architects to be sure that space is reserved for other vendors (e.g., DAS, Fire Control, AV, IT, etc.). Our team will also review low voltage plans, specifically the Riser Diagram, to confirm they correctly reflect the project’s telecom needs. Being aware of important deadlines for life-safety, MPOE readiness, and service activation are critical to opening your project on-time.
RealtyCom begins negotiating proposals with telecom service providers with the goal of having fully executed agreements before the start of construction.
A dedicated RealtyCom project manager starts to hold periodic calls with the development and construction teams to check in on progress and highlight telecom milestones that may require attention.
Our dedicated Field Engineer hosts the pre-construction meeting with the client’s project manager, general contractor, telecom service providers, low voltage design firm and select subcontractors prior to commencement of construction.
As construction starts, our Field Engineers will visit the property at critical telecom milestones (e.g., MPOE completion, start of LV wiring) to get eyes on the installation to be sure nothing has been missed in the field, and to check on provider progress to confirm they are not falling behind.
RealtyCom’s team of experts, along with our long-term relationships with Service Providers large and small give us an ability to escalate issues and get them resolved in a timely manner. Our involvement at the onset of the construction project is critical to achieve the desired telecommunications outcome.
