In the world of commercial real estate, each business has unique needs for their retail, restaurant, medical, or office space. While ground-up construction (working from the foundation all the way to framing and oftentimes to finishing) can customize a building to suit business requirements from the outside to the interior, many businesses move into leased spaces which have already been built.
Interior build-out construction means that an interior space of a newly constructed facility or of a renovated property has custom amenities added to give the space the appropriate form and function accommodating the business needs.
A landlord may provide a vanilla box – which is, according to ICSC, a space which is partially completed based on negotiations – to the tenant. Usually a vanilla box includes HVAC, walls, floors, stockroom wall, basic electrical setup, basic plumbing, doors, and the main storefront. However, sometimes property owners lease a space in “as-is” condition with the expectation that the tenant will clean and improve the space entirely.
Within the lease, oftentimes landlords include tenant improvements (TI), otherwise known as leasehold improvements. Here, the landlord will, at an agreed cost, update the space with minor construction to customize the space. However, trade fixtures such as special equipment, furniture, electronics, or other special orders are rarely included in TI. Business owners should make careful note of these costs when creating their business plans. Build-out construction may entail both or either tenant improvements and/or trade fixtures.
Build-Out Considerations
When considering an interior build-out project, consider the following:
- What kind of space(s) do you need: does your business need a kitchen, an office, conference rooms, a dining area, a waiting room, exam rooms? Most businesses also require restrooms, custodial areas, and storage spaces.
- What look/feel do you need: whether you need a functional no-frills light manufacturing station or a chic dining space, consider your brand message, the intended use of the area, and the degree of finish you desire.
- What mandates do you need: most municipalities stipulate requirements for occupancy limits, safety features including sprinklers and egresses, and other items related to building codes.
- By what date do you need your project completed: time is money. The longer your build-out project, the less time you have to operate your business to recoup your costs through profits.
What Does a Build-Out Include?
Build-out construction can include, but is not limited to, the following items:
- Walls – building them from the studs up, prepping them, and painting them.
- HVAC upgrades or customizations
- Electrical work – running new power and/or IT (Information Technology) cable
- Plumbing – supply lines, drains, and fixtures for all sorts of applications
- Flooring – carpets, tile, poured flooring, etc.
- Windows and doors if requirements are different than what is provided
- Ceilings including various finishes, sprinkler systems, ventilation, security features, etc.
There may also be specialty requests based on needs including custom fixture installations like kitchens, wash stations, etc.
Examples of Interior Build-Out Construction
On our Projects page, you can view examples of some of the many projects MRG Construction Corp has completed. Here are just a few samples:
- Firsel Ross Law Office: A legal firm which required upgrades.
- Starbucks in Healthcare Facilities: Our team met the challenges head on of meeting client requirements and maintaining the cleanliness and safety of three healthcare organizations.
- Aspen Dental and WellNow: Medical facilities where interior build-out was required after a newly completed ground-up construction
Hire Experienced Professionals
Do not leave your investment in the hands of amateurs. The seasoned, trained, and highly capable construction pros at MRG Construction Corp have extensive experience with interior tenant build-out projects. Our team has helped Starbucks with their expansion efforts for more than a hundred of their locations in the Chicagoland area. We have also worked with other restaurants, medical facilities, legal offices, and retail establishments to ensure that their leasehold improvements meet the requirements of all stakeholders including the client, the landlord, and the city. Contact MRG Construction Corp to learn more and to get a quote for your upcoming project!