Selecting the right building for your business is a crucial decision that can greatly impact your success, whether you’re expanding or relocating. This article will provide essential steps to help you find a suitable building for your operations.
Step 1: Evaluate Your Needs and Budget
Before you begin your search, assessing your needs and establishing a budget is important. You can utilize the Equipment Matrix Form (EMF) to assist you in this process. This form collects specific information about your power requirements, footprint, weight, chemicals, exhaust needs, Capital Expenditure (CapEx), installation costs, and other utility requirements such as water and wastewater treatment/recycling, toxic gas and chemical storage, vacuum systems, Clean Dry Air (CDA), chillers, and more for the operation you plan to have in the building. It’s advisable to categorize the form into sections for tools containing chemicals, which may require separate occupancy. Once you have completed the form, add up the power requirements from each line and multiply that number by 1.5 to obtain the total amperage needed for the building. Keep in mind that the Electrical Code allows only 80% utilization of the available amperage in the building. The 1.5 multiplier provides a cushion for future equipment additions. Calculate the total square footage required for production by determining the footprint of each piece of equipment and adding sufficient working and maintenance space around them.
Additionally, consider office space, cafeteria/break room, bathrooms, showers, and other necessary areas to determine the overall square footage needed for the building. It’s also important to consider factors like location, parking, accessibility, and any specific requirements for your business. If your production involves chemicals or cleanrooms, include these costs in your CapEx and installation expenses when establishing your budget for expansion or a new operation.
Step 2: Search for Potential Buildings
Once you clearly understand your needs and budget, it’s advisable to interview several Architects & Engineering Consultants (AEC) who specialize in working with commercial real estate companies. They can assist you in finding suitable buildings based on your specific requirements. While the exact building identified in the EMF exercise may not be available in your desired area, the chosen AEC company can find a building that closely matches your specifications, addressing any deficiencies through necessary upgrades.
Step 3: Conduct a Site Visit
The AEC firm should present you with several building options to visit and consider. These buildings should have already received approval from the Planning and Building departments for your type of operation, as determined by the AEC’s due diligence. During the site visits, the AEC representative should evaluate the condition of the buildings and bring attention to any potential issues. Additionally, you should assess the surroundings and proximity to clients and vendors vital to your business.
Step 4: Design & Permitting
After selecting a building and ensuring its suitability for your operations through a thorough review of your EMF and the chosen building, it’s time to proceed with the full design for permitting. The EMF will be utilized to develop a layout for equipment both inside and outside the building. The duration of this process depends on the complexity of the project may take anywhere from 2 to 4 months to develop a design package for permitting. The permitting process varies based on project complexity and whether Planning Department approval is required. If the building is located near residential zoning, there may be additional requirements, such as public hearings, which can extend the time needed to obtain the permit. It’s crucial to clear the zoning and proximity to residential areas during the due diligence process before finalizing the building selection to avoid potential opposition during the public hearing and planning commission vote.
In conclusion, selecting the right building for your business involves clearly understanding your needs, budget, and permitting requirements. Working with an experienced AEC company is invaluable when searching for potential buildings, as they can streamline your search and present suitable options after comprehensively assessing the buildings’ conditions, permit requirements, and restrictions.
