Future-proofing real estate assets through early adoption of facility management

Hiring facility management professionals in the design and construction phase helps with long-term benefits for real estate owners and developers

Real estate development today demands a holistic approach, encompassing design, cost, technology, and well-being. While developers handle many aspects, early integration of facility management (FM) professionals can significantly enhance asset value.

By involving FMs in the design and planning stage, real estate owners can future-proof their assets, ensuring systems and equipment are optimized for performance and longevity. Additionally, this decision can help real estate owners avoid costly operational inefficiencies.

However, successful collaboration requires the support of all parties. The stakeholders must work towards a common goal that can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the project. 

Embracing the benefits

There are several ways in which hiring an FM professional at an early stage of real estate development may be helpful.

Design optimization for operations and maintenance

By involving FMs early on, real estate owners and developers can ensure the design incorporates operational efficiencies so that the asset scores high not only on architecture but also on functionality while minimizing long-term maintenance costs.

For instance, if the design is not fit for purpose or has certain lags, FMs can help influence it for better use in the long run. A case in point could be the absence of ease in the exit and entrance. If something like this is addressed at the start, the design doesn’t have to undergo multiple expensive changes later.

Lifecycle costing

FM professionals offer insights into the total cost of ownership, which includes maintenance, repairs and energy consumption. They can collaborate with designers to select materials and equipment that balance initial investment (CAPEX) with ongoing operational costs (OPEX), leading to significant long-term savings.

It is important to understand that FMs are not responsible for designing the building. However, their input is valuable in restructuring the design to ensure better maintenance and sustainability.

Space planning and flexibility

FMs can play a critical role throughout the design development stages in optimizing buildings for ease of movement, future adaptability and flexibility, enhancing workplace experience and tenant satisfaction.

Recommending modular design that allow reconfiguration of spaces to meet evolving needs and supporting varied work styles, ensuring efficient layout for back-of-house areas, and advocating for layouts that allow for natural light and airflow to enhance end-user well-being are few examples of how FMs can add value.

Technology integration

By incorporating FM expertise from the outset, developers can effectively plan and implement smart building solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and user comfort. This proactive approach avoids costly infrastructure upgrades that may be necessary to accommodate future technological advancements.

FM professionals play a crucial role in leveraging technology to optimize building performance. By analyzing data on room occupancy, foot traffic, and demographic trends, FMs can make informed decisions to optimize space utilization, energy consumption, and overall building experience.

Seamless transition from construction to operations

FMs can bridge the gap between construction and operations ensuring a seamless transition and handover process and reducing occupancy delays.

This can be achieved through a well-defined and implemented transition plan that includes input into building commissioning strategies, comprehensive asset register templates and digital integration of asset data into CAFM, project close-out documentation requirements and acceptance criteria, end-user training, end-user comfort tests and checks, and regulatory compliance verification.

The last word

In most cases, facility management is a decision made much later. However, integrating it early in the design and construction phase can help significantly lower costs and provide other benefits.

At JLL, our facilities management consultancy services are designed to future-proof your assets, streamline operations, enhance productivity, and create a seamless experience for your employees, clients, and stakeholders alike. We embrace technology and leverage data-driven insights to drive efficiency, maximize cost savings, and improve overall performance.