Easing back to condo living

After two years of battling with COVID-19, the world is finally seeing a glimpse of hope.

With expectations that we’re reaching the tail end of the pandemic, communities are seen to return to something close to normal. While some “new normal” habits such as using alcohol and wearing face masks have become muscle memory, it could be a different story for residents who are now going back to their condominium units in high-density urban centers.

Limited sharing is caring

It is a well-known fact that social distancing helps stop the spread. Today’s rule in condominium living is to avoid central contact points.

One of the most significant advantages of condominium living is the abundance of shared recreational, fitness and commercial spaces that would otherwise be costly for single use. Although this remains an important selling factor of condominiums, tenants might need to take extra precautions in sharing building elements from the elevator buttons to the largest of playgrounds.

Maximizing the potential of your entryway

Regularly clean and sanitize your unit’s entryway. —POINT3D COMMERCIAL IMAGING LTD/UNSPLASH

The first space you will encounter in your unit is the entryway, almost like your first line of defense in a postpandemic home setting. The entrance may not be the largest area in your condo unit, but it sure is one of the most sensitive ones. By simply segregating your outdoor wear, shoes and other accessories within your entryway, you are already halfway done in preventing possible contamination inside your home.

Pay attention to the hidden and unseen

Keep the bathroom well ventilated and dry

Managing the toilet and bath is another vital consideration. This area is where tenants and visitors frequently wash hands or take a bath. A condominium’s plumbing system, while complex, is interconnected to several units. Make sure to investigate unexplained foul odors in kitchens, bathrooms and wash areas. Keep the space well ventilated and dry as much as possible. Seal off any cracked, opened, disconnected or leaked plumbing fixtures.

Seek adequate ventilation

Your home must always serve as a safe space. —HELEN SHI/UNSPLASH

Ventilation could be a natural carrier but a lifesaver when adequately sought. While airconditioning is standard among condominium units, try to encourage outdoor air by opening your windows. Electric fans can aid in drawing fresh air into your space when placed near openings.

Take advantage of technology

Find a condominium that enables a technology-aided lifestyle. —JONAS LEUPE/UNSPLASH

It may be essential that the condominium you’re staying in enables a technology-aided lifestyle. A tenant needs to settle various association and utility fees such as water, electricity and parking. Instead of being exposed to high-density places, mobile banking avoids long queues and crowded areas.

—RUSS WARD/UNSPLASH

The return to the urban life

The catastrophic effect of the recent outbreak around the world is undeniable. A few years ago, streets were eerily empty as the pandemic raged, making the future of condominiums or urban living, in general, to be an open ended question. As the country starts to open up, the economy and daily life in many urban centers in the Philippines are bouncing back, some even stronger than before.

The author (www.ianfulgar.com) assists local and international clients in developing one-of-a-kind landmark property development projects, focusing on tourism and leisure, as well as condominium towers, museums, commercial and mixed-use townships developments, all with an eye toward the meta-modern in the next generation of Philippine architecture.