It does not matter if it an apartment complex, a retail center, or even a government facility, the parking lot is an essential facet of your building landscape, as this provides convenience for your customers, guests, and visitors, giving them easy access to your property.
You need to have a parking lot that is both functional and attractive, and while you make it so, you also need to consider how much it would affect the flow of traffic. Before you consider installing a parking lot, below are a few things you need to take into account.
Asphalt or Concrete: Which Do You use?
Most times, asphalt driveway paving is used for installing parking lots. But there are other options available, like concrete. The thing is, these two vastly different materials have their distinct features and benefits.
Asphalt
To use asphalt when installing your parking lot, you would have to put down $2.50 to $4.00 per square foot. Although, it is great for cold weathers because it allows snow to be easily removed, and it can always be modified. With asphalt, your parking lot should last for up to 30 years, and this only depends on how well you maintain and care for it. And another great thing about using the asphalt is that you can resurface it without having to replace it in its totality.
Concrete
This one is fairly expensive. It costs an average of $6.00 to $8.00 per square foot. This material is great for sunny and warmer climates. But one great thing about this material is its ability to last for a very long time. With proper maintenance, concrete can last up to 50 years. The downside, apart from the fact that it is expensive, to using concrete is the fact that if you need to do any major repairs to it, you would need to replace everything, unlike the asphalt that would not need you to.
Lighting Options
The most important thing you need to consider when planning on installing a parking lot is to consider lighting, as this makes it easy for guests, both pedestrians and car owners to easily navigate their ways around your parking lot, the parking signs, the bumpers are what not.
Today, LED lights have entrenched themselves as industry standard lights for parking lots due to their high energy saving ability, and the fact that they emit almost no heat, they are long-lasting, they require only little maintenance, and they give plenty lighting, casting light in many directions.
Before you decide on what type of lighting to use, make sure to check with your local city or your county utility office so you will know the electrical and lighting regulations tailored to your area.
First Impression
Just like with anything in life, first impressions matter. When it comes to the installation of a parking lot, it is best you give your guests a good first impression. Meaning that you won’t give your customers, or clients, or guests any reason to worry. Looking at it from a practical perspective, the parking lot should be logically and clearly marked. It should also have spaces for those with disabilities, and also give plenty spaces for cars to easily move out of the lot without bumping into the next car. And lastly, your parking lot should be smooth and leveled, carefully and clearly designating signs in and around the lot.
