Four Tips to help Make a Tenant Build Out Successful

Monday, April 14th, 2014

Tenant build out turns commercial space into a place where a business can thrive. These types of projects can vary in scope from building out previously unused space to gutting and remodeling an existing space for new use. The build out can be accomplished one of two ways and include the building owner performing the work to suit the tenant or the tenant undertaking the planning and construction process with proposed work being approved by the building owner. The process of creating space can be overwhelming for the tenant, but with some thought and planning and the right contractor the process can be fairly straightforward. Let’s discuss a few tips that will help the process when the tenant undertakes the planning and construction.

1.) The Tenant Build Out Design and Construction Team

It is important to have a design team working together on the tenant build out. The team will include an architect and/or engineer and a contractor. Bringing the contractor on board during the planning and design process will be helpful with the cost estimate and the overall coordination of the design and construction, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing design and construction. The contractor will be responsible for obtaining building permits and will be helpful when obtaining the necessary permits from the governing municipality boards.

2.) Choosing the Right Space

There will no doubt be some demolition necessary to create the desired tenant build out of the space and renovating an existing space will most likely be less expensive than building from scratch. Most of the infrastructure will be in place including doors, windows, carpet, ceiling tiles, cabinetry, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems will already be in place. Utilizing existing features as much as possible will help the budget when it comes to tenant build out.

3.) Keep Energy Efficiency in Mind

The availability of financial incentives for incorporating energy efficient appliances, lighting, windows, insulation, water conservation fixtures and HVAC systems into a tenant build out is too valuable to ignore. The payback may be realized within a few months or a few years, depending on the available incentives and the scope of the improvements implemented.

4.) Keeping the Tenant Build Out Project on Schedule

Planning, permitting and constructing a tenant build out will take time, and it is important to establish a time frame for the work to be complete and the tenant can move in and begin conducting business. Before construction can begin, it may be necessary to apply for permits from the local municipality and the required architectural and engineered plans will need to be in place. The contractor will also need to have a reasonable schedule to complete the work. If the contractor is on board with the project throughout the planning and design stage, they will be better equipped to mobilize and begin construction as soon as the application to build is granted. Providing a realistic schedule and utilizing proper project management will keep all aspects of the project on track and on time. For more information about tenant build out, contact us. Thank you.