Seattle builder – Tenant Improvement

Tenant Improvements need good general contractors

Things to consider:

Whether you’re a doctor, dentist, restauranteur, or retailer, getting ready to implement a tenant improvement is an exciting endeavor for your business.  The tenant improvement is a chance to craft a space that is tailored to fit your business needs and enhance your business.  There are many things to consider from the time you identify the space you like to the time you open your doors for business.

Of course having a competent commercial leasing agent is important in finding the right space and negotiating the terms of the lease.  It can also be helpful to consult a lawyer to review any leases you may consider entering into.  Also acquainting yourself with the landlord or building owner is a good idea as you will essentially be in business with that person.  Speaking with other tenants can also give insight into how the responsive the landlord or building owner is to her tenants.

Another detail to consider; what is the condition of the building and the circumstances of the overall building construction.  In these tough economic times many Seattle general contractors have gone out of business and you should know what kind of support there is for the systems that are included as part of your lease.  This usually includes: fire suppression system and alarm, electrical service, plumbing provisions and HVAC system.  Not to mention the overall structural condition of the building you be locating in.  In Seattle a 9 year old building is being demolished due to failing post tension slab cables.  The tenants will likely be out their tenant improvement costs and forced to re-locate their businesses.  This is an extreme example but you see the point.  We are currently involved in a tenant improvement for a client where the original building general contractor has gone out of business.  This has resulted in difficulties getting the “vanilla shell” completed and caused scheduling delays and is ultimately costing our client time and money to get the issues resolved.

Once you’ve done your homework and you sign the lease you will likely get the best use of your space by hiring an architect and Seattle general contractor that has experience with tenant improvement projects.  The architect will take your ideas and translate them to drawings that can be used by your general contractor for construction.  Having a tenant improvement contractor involved is important to get pricing feedback so you can stay on budget.

Being systematic about choosing your new space and general contracting team when approaching your tenant improvement will greatly reduce the stress of the construction process.  This will allow you to focus on the business that will live in the new or renovated space.

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