Apartment unit turns, or apartment turnover, is the process that happens from the time one tenant moves out until the next tenant moves in. This is an easy, budget-friendly time to consider renovations since there aren’t currently tenants in the unit, and it can make the apartment more appealing to future tenants.

One major renovation area to consider is lighting. Great lighting helps people be happier, healthier, calmer, and more productive, and it can also keep tenants safe and secure. Lighting can also improve the aesthetic of the apartment, making it more attractive to future tenants.

Lighting renovations and upgrades don’t have to be time consuming or costly. However, there are a few key steps and considerations when planning your lighting upgrades. Read on to learn more.

Assess Current Lighting Setup

Before you can plan any renovations, you must first evaluate the existing lighting fixtures and layout. Identify areas that may need improvement, such as upgrading lighting fixtures, adding fixtures, adding dimmers or lighting to shelves or under cabinets, and others.

Then, determine your lighting goals and objectives. Are you trying to make tenants feel more welcomed? Improve energy efficiency? Improve functionality of your apartment lighting? Upgrade the lighting to feel more modern and expensive? Having clarity about the purpose of the upgrade can help you make the most appropriate decisions.

Understand Different Apartment Lighting Options

Next, explore the various types of lighting fixtures such as:

• Recessed lighting
• Accent lighting
• Sconces
• Under-cabinet lighting
• Chandelier or pendant lighting
• Cove lighting
• Ceiling lighting

Then, compare the energy efficient options such as LED and CFL. LED lighting produces light up to 90% more efficiently than incandescent light bulbs, they use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer. Compact fluorescent lighting, or CFL, is about 25% more efficient.

You’ll also want to consider lighting controls and automation systems, such as:

• Dimmers
• Motion sensors
• Occupancy sensors

Factors to Consider in Apartment Lighting Upgrades

When considering lighting upgrades for your apartments, keep in mind the lighting requirements for different areas of the apartment. For example, the kitchen has different lighting needs then the bathroom or bedroom, and the bedroom and living room also have different needs.

Also consider color temperature and its impact on ambiance (warm vs. cool) and balancing natural and artificial lighting sources.

Energy-efficient lighting can be attractive to tenants because it can help save them money on energy costs, but it can also bring maintenance savings for the property manager because they will not have to spend as much time and money replacing fixtures and bulbs.

Also consider what lighting already exists and how you can upgrade in the best and easiest way. For example, you may want to consider the same mounting style so you don’t have to complete drywall repair. Or, selecting a round flush mount fixture decreases the need to worry about alignment as compared to a square fixture.

Maintenance Savings with Integrated Light Fixtures

An increasingly popular option for apartment lighting is integrated fixtures. These fixtures have the lighting source built into the fixture itself, as opposed to using a separate lamp or bulb that needs to be screwed in.

There are several advantages to using integrated fixtures over traditional fixtures with replaceable bulbs:

1. Low Maintenance: Integrated fixtures eliminate the need for regular bulb replacements. This is particularly beneficial for hard-to-reach fixtures, reducing the need for maintenance staff to frequently replace bulbs in high or awkward places.
2. Longevity: Integrated fixtures generally have a longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs, offering more consistent and reliable lighting over time.
3. Versatility: Integrated fixtures can be found in a variety of forms, including recessed lighting, kitchen fixtures, bathroom vanity fixtures, wall sconces, and more. This makes them a versatile option for different areas of an apartment.

By opting for integrated fixtures, property managers can reduce maintenance costs and ensure more durable lighting solutions. This not only enhances the overall aesthetic of the apartment but also contributes to a more seamless and efficient lighting system.

Enhance Aesthetics and Functionality

First, you’ll want to choose fixtures that match the apartment style and décor. Then, when it comes to functionality, keep in mind:

• Accent lighting, which can highlight architectural features or artwork.
• Task lighting for specific areas or activities.
• Dimmers and adjustable lighting for versatility.

Maximize Safety and Security

Safety and security should be top priority, so in addition to lighting upgrades inside the apartment unit, ensure there’s adequate lighting for staircases, hallways, and entryways. Consider incorporating motion sensors or timers in these areas for energy efficiency.

Also take into consideration outdoor lighting for security and visibility, especially in parking lots, doorways, and sidewalks.

Collaborate with Lighting Professionals

A lighting professional can provide expert guidance for a tailored lighting solution for your apartment building unit turns. They can help develop a lighting package that includes an assessment, specification of material, purchase, and installation, and more for a tailored lighting solution. Working with a commercial lighting specialist also helps keep things consistent and in budget.

Plus, if you have a luxury apartment building, the lighting specialist will specify higher, possibly more unique fixtures that align with your style.

In Conclusion

When it comes to apartment turns and lighting upgrades, a few key considerations include assessing your current lighting setup, understanding different lighting options, enhancing aesthetics and functionality, and maximizing safety and security. It’s also important to collaborate with a lighting professional to get the best design, installation, and cost.

Creating a well-lit, inviting living space is a critical part of attracting new tenants to your apartment, and helping them to feel at home so they continue to renew their lease.

Contact Bay Lighting

Interested in upgrading your apartment unit lighting? Contact Bay Lighting today for expert guidance and tailored solutions for your commercial lighting needs in Maryland, Washington, DC, NoVA, and beyond.