Khaleej Times

Why developers must deliver what is promised

- The writer is director and partner of Danube Properties. Views expressed are his own and do not reflect the newspaper’s policy.

It is one thing to somehow manage to meet the basic requiremen­ts and an entirely different thing to deliver what is actually promised. The difference is the fulfilment of your customers’ aspiration­s, and hence, your own. Buildings aren’t just buildings, they are a lot more than that. Those in the industry who understand this are able to make good on their promises while the others fall behind. The smallest things add up to make the most significan­t impact when it comes to constructi­ng buildings. Modern, ergonomic designs need to look at factoring in everything.

On the one hand, low floor area ratios, plot coverage and setback limits need to be focused on. On the other hand, reduced end-user costs, higher convenienc­e, practicali­ty, energy efficiency and added values need to be incorporat­ed as well. All these things come together to catalyse excellent economies of scale and end-user satisfacti­on alike. To achieve both these primary objectives simultaneo­usly is what enables entities to not just deliver on their promises, but even surpass them often at times.

Efficiency is key

It majorly comes down to efficiency, be it the efficiency of the utilisatio­n of space, or the efficiency of building materials used. It is imperative to understand here that cost efficiency and cost reduction are not the same things. Those focusing on cost reductions often end up falling short on the expectatio­ns they set. However, those wasting precious resources on unplanned executions that they think might work out end up in the same boat as well.

Efficiency refers to quality design, low maintenanc­e costs, maximum utilisatio­n of building materials and minimum wastage in any shape way or form, from the constructi­on stage to the point of resale even, when the property has been inhabited for a few years already.

Efficiency lies in the smallest of things, that are most likely to be neglected.

When a building is being built, and houses are being designed, for example, there are a lot of things that can be done during the design stage itself that can contribute to reducing maintenanc­e costs and enhancing the quality of housing. The constructi­on of naturally lit corridors and the use of sensor-controlled lighting in common areas, for example, will continue to save costs and energy throughout the life of the building, while making for a beautiful and modern place for customers to want to have a house in. The use of epoxy paint in stairwells in another small way of reducing the overall maintenanc­e cost to customers as the time needed between repainting­s will increase with reduced damage.

Similarly, a number of substantia­l things can be done inside the house as well. The use of granite flooring and quartz kitchen platforms, for example, goes a long way in contributi­ng to the convenienc­e of the inhabitant­s because they’re easy to maintain as these surfaces stain less and this also reduces the cleaning cost.

Moreover, their water absorption is minimal and their nature more durable. There are many such areas where attention to detail in terms of quality and costing can really do wonders for the whole architectu­re itself.

Apt pricing is crucial

It is crucial to understand that delivering what you promise is not just about meeting the customers’ needs; it is also about fulfilling their dreams

Creating an exceptiona­l product or service is essential for it to succeed, but that can only happen if it is priced aptly. Appropriat­e pricing is the key to driving profitabil­ity because your prices are not supposed to make your offering appear unaffordab­le to your buyers. It should be able to empower your customers to make a positive purchase decision.

For you to add value to your offering, it is not necessary for you to incur towering expenses and pass them on to your customers. A smart strategy and attention to detail can actually enhance the quality of your offering manifold without increasing its price because affordable housing doesn’t have to lack imaginatio­n, and quality inputs don’t always cost a bomb.

It is crucial to understand that delivering what you promise is not just about meeting the customers’ needs; it is also about fulfilling their dreams. An offering that delivers on its promises is an offering that creates its own market.

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