Residential Development – What It Is, Types and Process

Residential development is the process of transforming land into thriving communities where people live. It aims to create a functional, aesthetic, and sustainable life environment with lots of character and charm. 

Whether it’s an apartment building, or a simple single-family home, understanding residential development helps us understand the living space and community interactions. 

Stay with us, as we’ll explore residential development, the stages of planning, construction, and design. We’ll discover what types of residential projects exist, and learn what it takes to make the perfect surroundings for modern living. 

What is residential development?

A residential development project is a long-term investment that involves planning, designing, and constructing new living space units. 

This type of project requires a building permit, site plan, zoning permit,  and in some cases, a conditional use permit or subdivision design plan. These permits and plans are used during construction as they help with the building process and are the crucial steps for a successful project. 

The project begins with site selection and acquisition, which is then followed by detailed zoning and planning to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations.

As we mentioned, in some cases, we need a subdivision plan design because some residential development projects have structures that are built onto divided lots where they create a neighborhood as a whole.

Some projects include redevelopment or rehabilitation of facades and structures that already exist to enhance their aesthetic appeal and increase the property value. 

Now let’s see what types of residential developments exist.

Types of residential developments

There are different types of housing when it comes to residential development projects:

• Single-unit family homes – This type of house can vary in size and style and is intended for one family. It typically has a private yard or outdoor space that adds privacy. 
• Multi-unit family homes – These types of properties consist of complexes and buildings that are divided into more separate units. They include duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes.
• Apartment buildings – These structures have more living units that can be used for rental purposes. Apartments can be small and big studios or even penthouses that have shared swimming pools, fitness centers, and lounge areas. This type of housing is very popular for urban living as it offers a lot of space, privacy, and convenience. 
• Condominiums – Condos are units that are owned individually. They are always inside of a complex or larger building. Although people in condos have their own units, they share some common areas with other owners such as a gym, pool, hang-out and barbeque area, etc.
• Suburbs – They are located on the outskirts of cities and have a lower population density. Suburbs are residential areas with neighborhoods that usually consist of townhouses, single-family homes, and occasionally apartment complexes.

Each type is unique and offers different advantages, but together, these housing options create sustainable communities that help the growth of modern society.

After seeing what types of housing exist, let’s address how the process of residential development looks.

Residential development process

The residential development process includes a couple of stages. If you’re wondering what does the process look like, here’s a short overview:

1. Finding a site – This is the first step and it includes researching the market and identifying proper locations for the future project.
2. Making a plan – Involves creating a strategy that will outline the project’s ideas and goals.
3. Buying the land – Purchasing the chosen site and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
4. Working. drawing and documentation -This phase involves getting all the necessary architectural and engineering plans, obtaining permits, and respecting building laws.
5. Pre-construction – The land is getting ready for further site development and construction activities. This involves clearing and grading the site.
6. Construction – The start of building activities according to approved plans and permits. 

Every project has its risks, delays, or unexpected situations with unforeseen costs, so effective project management and experienced professionals are essential for a successful process. 

Now, once more, let’s briefly see why is residential development so important for our living society. 

Importance of residential development

Residential development is important for numerous reasons:

• Provides housing 
• Grows population and urbanization
• Stimulates economic growth 
• Crates social interactions within community buildings 
• Helps in infrastructure development
• Encourages real estate development
• Makes better housing market

This is how residential development contributes to modern society. Its importance shapes communities and helps overall societal progress.  

Residential development is the key to community growth

Residential development is not just about building units, it’s about providing a better future. That’s why it’s the key to community growth and development. It helps stimulate the economy and builds up infrastructure. With well-planned residential projects, communities can have better prosperity and improve their quality of life.  

To achieve these goals, don’t forget to get a site plan. It makes sure that all the legal aspects, such as zoning, building codes, and regulations for construction are adhered to. 

In case you need help to obtain site plans for permits, feel free to contact us. Our expert team will be more than happy to answer all your questions and guide you through the process. With us by your side, we’ll guide you through the complexities of residential development easily and help in the growth and prosperity of the community. 

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