Why Developers Should Think About Tech Before Moving Dirt

Sponsored Content
Published

Sponsored Content

For years, contractors have promoted a design-build approach to residential development. This model encourages developers to gather all stakeholders around the table — the architect, designer, development professionals and construction team — as early as possible to foster collaboration and proactive planning. Now, there is a new face at the table: the tech team.

Robust technology infrastructure is a standard in ground-up multifamily construction, and fiber internet is the backbone of a tech build-out. With supply-chain challenges and increasing materials costs, providers are joining the design-build movement.

Cayce Renshall, connected community sales manager in the west region at Quantum Fiber, recommends multifamily developers start planning “ahead of when the project begins to move dirt.”

The Benefits of Early Engagement

It is never too early to start engaging with an internet provider, according to Renshall. Once a developer has site and civil engineering plans, they can begin working on a fiber installation proposal.

“From that scope of work, developers are able to budget and include various adaptations for our infrastructure,” she says.

That budgeting flexibility is the biggest benefit of early engagement. Cost-conscious developers are already working in advance on myriad components for new construction as a way to lock in materials pricing, create workable timelines and secure labor. These have a net positive impact on budgets and reduce overages, a major driver of cost run-up in new construction.

When developers engage internet providers early, they have increased time to plan and customize a build-out, shop for materials and services, and adjust for optimal contract terms. These contractual solutions add cash to cost-prohibitive projects and enhance net operating income projections. For instance, having a door fee or securing long-term fixed discounted internet rates with a bulk agreement.

Large institutional builders are already working ahead to capture these benefits, but small-and mid-sized developers would benefit from the same advantages, and often developers in this market segment are more exposed to rising construction costs.

Tailoring Technology Needs

Technology advancement has made fast and quality internet and future-ready infrastructure a necessity — but for many developers, this is still a new process. Early engagement is an opportunity to build a long-term partnership with a provider, and tailor an internet plan to the property for immediate and future planning.

Every property is different. Renshall worked on a senior living community in Las Vegas that she described as “top of the line.” They offer a full range of amenities to provide a high-end luxury experience, including a full technology package. Whereas other apartment developers may not be designing to support smart communities or find ways to extend WiFi throughout their property.

“By conversing and working through these preferences early, it allows us to optimize and tailor our plans to suit our clients,” Renshall explains.

Quantum Fiber Connected Communities provides customized fiber solutions for apartments and communities. Learn more at QuantumFiber.com.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Safety

Mar 28, 2025

Have a Strong Plan for Chemical Safety and Hazard Communication

Hazardous chemicals are found everywhere on a home building site and in many commonly used products, such as paints, cleaners, and adhesives. Providing easy-to-read information about their identity and hazards can keep everyone on the job site safe.

Advocacy

Mar 28, 2025

Podcast: 2025 NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes Discusses Priorities for His Term

On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez are joined by 2025 NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes, who shares what he’s hearing from NAHB members and his plans for the Federation this year.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Mar 27, 2025

Mortgage Rates Hold Steady After Early March Drop

Mortgage rates dropped significantly at the start of March before stabilizing, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage settling at 6.65%, according to Freddie Mac. This marks a 19-basis-point (bps) decline from February. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell by 20 bps to 5.83%.

Economics

Mar 26, 2025

Property Tax Revenue Outpaces Other Sources in 2024

Property tax revenue collected by state and local governments reached a new high in 2024 and continued to make up a bulk of tax revenue. Total tax revenue for state and local governments also reached a high after falling in 2023, driven by higher revenue across all sources. In 2024, tax revenue totaled $2.095 trillion, up 4.6% from $2.004 trillion in 2023.

Economics

Mar 25, 2025

Consumer Expectations Fall Again

Consumer confidence fell for the fourth straight month amid growing concerns about the economic outlook and policy uncertainties, especially potential tariffs. Uncertainties continue to weigh on consumer sentiment as consumer confidence dropped to a 4-year low and expectations for the future economy fell to a 12-year low.