8 www.ctaahq.org Savol Pools, serving the swimming pool service needs of the apartment industry for over 40 years. 91 Prestige Park Circle East Hartford, CT 860-282-0878 www.SavolPools.com CT SP1 Lic 288171 • CT HIC Reg 584241 One Stop Source for All Your Swimming Pool Needs • Equipment Repair & Replacement • Tile / Coping • Painting • Plaster • Leak Detection & Repair • Openings / Closings • Safety Covers • Pool Chemicals Delivered to Your Door • Certified Pool / Spa Operator® Classes Outdoor recreation areas were already in demand prior to the pandemic, as people looked for ways to be more active and improve their health while having fun. And during the pandemic, the demand was even higher. Additionally, according to the 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Associations, 70% of U.S. households, or about 90.5 million families, own a pet. This is up from 56% of U.S. households in 1988, the first year the survey was conducted, and 67% in 2019. Dogs remained the preferred pet, accounting for 69 million; cats were next in line at 45.3 million. So, it’s safe to say that dogs and cats are family. Unsurprisingly, dog-friendly properties are a standard in apartment communities, which means renters choosing to live in an SFR will ask for the same “standard” package in their SFR community. Dog parks at SFRs are a popular amenity because they help build community among renters, and they’re a strong draw for prospective residents who own dogs. Here, dogs and their owners have their own enclosed space to get together – the dogs have protection, security and freedom to play, and the owner has peace of mind. In addition, a dog park is beneficial to renters who don’t own dogs because it helps keep other common spaces pet- and waste-free. People also understand that staying active means staying healthy, but staying active is easier when the gym is just a few minutes away. An on-site fitness center saves people valuable time traveling to and from the facility. Membership fees here are lower than at a standalone gym. In addition, there is a lower risk of overcrowding, and most communities offer an amenity booking platform in accordance with the current COVID-19 requirements. Another popular SFR communal amenity is a pool. The modern outdoor pools are amazing outdoor areas featuring water sports, cabanas, sandy beaches and the like, making the time spent there feel like a vacation. Inside-the-home amenities “In terms of amenities inside the home, the most popular feature for our residents is space,” Qiao said. “Our residents prioritize the opportunity to live in a home that offers space: the more bedrooms, the better. High ceilings and openconcept floor plans also provide more room to live and grow. Additional amenities featured in our homes include a fencedin yard, attached garage and in-home storage and laundry, which are also top of mind when it comes to attracting potential residents and retaining existing ones.” Continued from page 7 In-unit laundry is also becoming a standard amenity. Having an in-unit laundry allows the residents to wash their clothes whenever convenient, not to mention it increases privacy. SFRs can also be eco-conscious. They can offer sustainable and cost-effective features such as double-pane energy efficient windows, energy-efficient appliances and waterconscious plumbing. These green building features cut down on utility costs, which greatly appeal to residents. An on-site fitness center saves people valuable time traveling to and from the facility. Membership fees here are lower than at a standalone gym.
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