So You Want to Build a Residential High-Rise?
High-rise residential buildings like condominiums and apartments are rapidly growing in popularity. In Massachusetts, a building is considered a high-rise only if it is more than 70 feet above grade plane. A skyscraper with more than 20 stories and penthouses with gorgeous views, for example, would likely be considered a high-rise, though measurements can vary based on local zoning laws.
To help you determine whether you should build a residential high-rise, we cover the pros and cons, the building process, and frequently asked questions about high-rise construction.
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Should You Build a Residential High-Rise?
To determine whether you should build a residential high-rise, first consider the pros and cons of constructing this type of building.
Pros of Building a Residential High-Rise
Building a residential high-rise can offer the following benefits:
- More security: Since high-rise buildings are so large, they require more security features, such as security cameras and front desk staff or doormen to monitor entrances. This increased security can mean improved safety on the premise for both the building’s residents and assets.
- Improved air quality: Since there is more distance between higher floors and airborne pollutants like carbon dioxide, residents may actually experience better air quality. Tall buildings can also let in more natural light, which can help reduce the growth of mold and mildew.
- Improved accessibility: Elevators help buildings better align with the accessibility standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While many mid-rise and low-rise buildings lack elevators, high-rise buildings always include this feature so residents can more easily and quickly navigate several floors.
- More homes in a desirable location: Building a residential high-rise is an effective way to create a property that houses a large number of people in urban areas with less available land. Those who want to live in a city with easy access to entertainment, work, shopping, and dining options can find a place to live in a building that offers beautiful views.
Cons of Building a Residential High-Rise
There are also a few disadvantages to building a residential high-rise you may want to consider before moving forward, such as:
- Noise: A high-rise building may be home to many residents, which can increase noise levels both within the building and in the surrounding community.
- Costs: The cost of building this type of structure will be higher, as more materials and labor are required.
- Parking: There needs to be space for all the residents to park reasonably close to their complex, but space for parking can be difficult to find in a densely populated city. On the other hand, this may encourage public transportation usage.
- Complexity: Building plans are more complex, leading to long construction times and strict needs for building design and engineering.
The Process of Constructing a High-Rise Residential Building
Follow the steps below to construct a high-rise residential building.
1. Testing Before Building
When constructing a high-rise residential building, you need to start with a solid foundation. Soil testing is used to determine the properties and conditions of the ground soil at the site. The structure’s bearing capacity is estimated based on the soil’s characteristics. By conducting soil tests and environmental impact tests, you can ensure the strength and stabilization of the high-rise building in the long term.
2. Designing the Building
After testing is completed, a design of the high-rise building needs to be created that will meet local code requirements. The structural features of a high-rise building play a crucial role in the development and construction of a large mixed-use complex. The project should be designed to feature up-to-code architecture that is also structurally sound. An architect should collaborate with the project’s design engineers to carefully select the structural elements of the high-rise building.
3. Obtaining Blueprint Approval
Next, blueprint approval and all applicable permits need to be obtained. The proposed design and concept of the high-rise building should be presented to the appropriate authorities for approval.
After your project’s design is approved, you will next need to obtain the building permit from the relevant development authority before you can execute your proposed construction plans. The process of securing permits may be a recurring one, as you may need other permits at different stages of construction.
4. Clearing and Excavating the Building Site
After you obtain your permits and approvals, you can begin construction activity on the site. Remove debris, rubble, and obstacles that may hinder the construction process. Teams will perform site clearance and excavation at the same time. After excavation, crews will add retaining walls made from a combination of sturdy materials like concrete and steel that can bear the construction load.
5. Building the Foundation
The next phase is pouring the foundation of the high-rise. Building a solid foundation and bringing it up to ground level can be a challenging stage of building a high-rise structure. A large-scale construction project’s strength is measured based on the building’s size and the stability of the land.
6. Framing the Building
After the foundation is poured for your high-rise project, you can begin construction on the basic frame of the structure. You will construct the building with a number of structural items, such as beams, columns, and slabs of various materials like reinforced concrete and steel. If multiple floors have the same layout, the framing process may be easily repeated. This essential stage sets the framework for the other structural parts of the high-rise.
7. Installing the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems
Next, crews will work on installing the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, such as:
- Sanitary pipes
- Power sockets
- Fire fighting systems
- Lighting connections
- Electrical wires and substations
- HVAC plant and distribution systems
After the installation process for plumbing and electrical systems and the roof of the building is completed, teams can install indoor air conditioning systems. These systems cater to the cooling and heating needs of the building’s interior. Depending on the design, these systems may be implemented on the rooftop. Additionally, this process may involve insulating the ceilings and walls to improve the effectiveness of the air conditioning systems.
8. Completing the Interior
Finally, you’ll complete the interior of the building and install the necessary fixtures. These fixtures may be made of materials like glass, wrought iron, and wood, though the installation of architectural elements varies from project to project. During this stage, you may install:
- Doors
- Cabinets
- Windows
- Elevators
- Escalators
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Walk-in closets
- Lighting fixtures
FAQs About Building a Residential High-Rise
Below are some frequently asked questions about building a residential high-rise.
What Is the Construction Cost of a Residential High-Rise Building?
How much it costs to construct a residential high-rise building varies across projects. For example, a high-rise building with 200 units constructed with basic materials will cost less to build than a luxury high-rise structure with 500 units. The total construction cost is also influenced by the costs of materials and labor.
Who Owns the Land a High-Rise Condo Is Built On?
While tenants may own their individual condo units, they do not own the air space or land the condo is built on. Instead, the land is owned by the condominium association. The condominium association oversees the complex and enforces the regulations and rules for those who live in the building.
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward High-Rise Construction?
If you’re interested in learning more about the process of building a high-rise construction, get in touch with us at Calabrese Law Associates. Our firm works in an efficient and effective manner to deliver industry-leading legal representation. We possess the industry knowledge and insight that you need to succeed in the competitive real estate and construction industries. We are skilled trial attorneys who work to achieve the best possible result for your given circumstance and can handle construction litigation matters throughout Massachusetts.
Whether you need legal services regarding construction law, real estate law, or contract preparation and negotiation, we can help. Contact us at Calabrese Law Associates today to work with an experienced construction law attorney in the Greater Boston Area.
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*This publication and its contents are not to be construed as legal advice nor a recommendation to you as to how to proceed. Please consult with a local licensed attorney directly before taking any action that could have legal consequences. This publication and its content do not create an attorney-client relationship and are being provided for general informational purposes only.