Top Features to Look For in a Commercial Real Estate Building
Commercial real estate is one of the best ways to build a business from the floor up. If you’re eager to invest but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. These are the top features to keep an eye out for in any real estate building and why they matter.
Quick Access For Everyone
Whether you’re expecting more employees, or more customers and clients, to make their way to your offices: they have to be easy to access. Not only should your commercial building be in an area that allows as many people to get to it as necessary, but the parking situation should also make it easier for everyone.
When you’re buying your property, consider how many people will be in the building at any one time, and then expand out from that number to add parking. Nobody wants to have to park down the street just to get to work.
Floors That Can Handle Everything
Your floors will need to be able to handle anything that’s thrown at them. This means taking on the countless numbers of footprints that will happen throughout the day, occasional spills, a service animal or two a day, heels, boots, and so much more. You don’t want your floors to cave under pressure.
If this is primarily a workspace with tons of offices, then getting a soft but durable carpet is best because it absorbs sound and can make a room feel quieter. If this is a retail area or store, you’ll want to use epoxy-painted concrete floors or faux wood flooring, so it’s easier to clean and looks slightly fancier.
Outdoor Spaces for Fresh Air
Fresh air is one of the best parts of life, yet it’s hard to get to if you’re stuck in a corporate building. Instead of only giving smoking employees a place to stand outside, consider adding a rooftop deck! This is a space that allows a full view of the surrounding area, looks fantastic and has tons of room to move around and relax.
Although some may not like having to be so high up, you can make it into a cozy seating and lounging area for employees and clients alike. Not only will this be more comfortable for everyone involved, but it will also look great.
Fantastic Insulation For The Long Term
Insulation is what keeps many buildings from freezing in winter and overheating in the summer. If you’re getting a commercial building, you want to save money on your HVAC bills and create a space that’s as comfortable as it is functional. Look into polyiso exterior wall insulation, and check if any buildings have it when you’re looking at them. Not only will this give your employees and clients the perfect temperature to work in, but you’ll save money on energy bills every month.
Noise Control For Focus
Sound is one of the most distracting things we deal with every day, and yet it still clatters around us constantly. Instead of hoping your employees and clients will just put up with it, take the time to look for a building with as little noise as possible.
Buildings with tools like acoustic ceiling panels can absorb a lot more of the noise, so your employees don’t have to get distracted by hearing their coworkers walking down the hallway.
History of Sales and Traffic
Has this building seen a great history of sales and financial success? Although they might have just had a bad business plan, if the company before you struggled to get people to walk into their business, this could mean you will too. The worst thing you can do is buy a building that customers are already avoiding.
Is it in a good location where lots of people drive by every day? Does it have signage up? Consider all of these signs to see if the company before you was earnestly trying.
Natural Light and Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency and natural light are of paramount importance! Owning a business is expensive, with the average heating cost in a single winter month coming in the thousands instead of the hundreds.
Look for a property that has a lot of natural light, is energy efficient, and can handle what you need. Be sure to check the windows, especially if it has an incredible amount of natural light because a single leak can undo any energy efficiency this daylight adds.
The Local Zoning Laws
Before you start a business in any building, it’s a good idea to check the local zoning and building laws. Although the previous firm might have been allowed because of what type of company they were, there’s no promise yours will be as well. Do your research and ensure you can have a business here before you build it.
Don’t Buy Less Than You Need
When you’re ready to upgrade or buy your first commercial real estate building, it’s important to take the time to do it right. Look for these features before you buy!
Sam Willis is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on commercial real estate. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource launching in Fall 2022.
