By hiring a qualified architect, you can be assured that commercial interior space planning will be relatively easy and preliminary plans can be readily done. Sticking with a specialist from the beginning will avoid problems later.
When you as a tenant try to plan space for your commercial real estate lease, problems arise in
- underestimating the cost of commercial renovations
- lack of knowledge about code issues
- consequently using an approach that results in over-designing the space.
You’ll also want a space-planning architect to keep you informed of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) building requirements. Do not attempt to tackle ADA compliance without the help of a professional.
At the very least, you must go to the local government’s planning department and ask that
- the building file be reviewed to see if a certificate of occupancy (CofO) is on file.
- a building inspector visit the site before you sign the lease.
Hiring an Architect
Building owners typically retain an architect as an accommodation to prospective tenants. However, make sure the architect will understand your needs, especially if you have a substantial amount of required improvements. If you had your own architect, that professional also can act as a sounding board when you narrow your selection of properties.
While you tour the most desirable sites, review the conditions of each building which can affect the functional viability of the space, such as air conditioning, elevator size and lighting.
A qualified architect should then complete a second round of technical review.
Using an Owner’s Architect
Owners of larger office buildings often have space planners on retainer and offer their services to prospective tenants. Some owners require prospective tenants to use their building architect.
If using the building owner’s architect, be sure to ask if there are code or functional issues with the building that might increase costs.
Commercial Real Estate Group of Tucson can supply you with architectural review checklists and building-system reviews to use with the architect. Contact the Tucson tenant representation company to learn more.
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