If you have ever signed a contract before, you know that they are incredibly long and complicated pieces of literature that are virtually impossible to understand without a thorough comprehension of real estate law and liability. For this reason, when signing a commercial lease agreement, it is common to request a lease abstract.
Continue reading to learn what a commercial lease abstract is, and what should be included in one before making a commitment.
Indianapolis Indiana Commercial Office 317-253-0531
Commercial Lease Agreements and Abstracts
It is unrealistic to fully read through and understand every element of a commercial lease agreement. Commercial lease abstracts play an important role in a tenant’s ability to understand what contractual agreement they are signing into, and what is expected of them during their occupation. Basically, a lease abstract is a summary of all the primary and important aspects of the lease agreement.
Sort of like CliffsNotes for a book you forgot to read in college, a lease abstract covers the basics of the contract and informs you of all the vital facts you need to know, and in a language you can understand. Lease abstracts are constructed to be free of confusing industry jargon, and allow a potential corporate or commercial tenant to fully understand the liability and responsibilities they are taking on if they choose to enter into the lease.
What Should Be Included in a Lease Abstract?
Although a summary of the full contract, a lease abstract will (and should) contain a lot of information. The basic information it should have includes:
☑ Tenant’s Full Name ☑ Total Cost of Rent ☑ Square Footage of the Rental Space ☑ Lease Start/End Date ☑ First Rent Payment Due Date ☑ Premises Specifications ☑ Authorized Use of the Premises ☑ Parking Space/Requirements ☑ Accountable Party for Repairs and Maintenance ☑ Co-Tenancy/Sub-Leasing Terms ☑ Expansion/Build-Out Rights ☑ Tenant Improvement Allowances ☑ Assignability and Exclusivity (if the lease can be transferred) ☑ Estoppel
Health and hygiene are more of a priority than they ever have been before, but style, functionality, and value are all still important concepts in the commercial industry. For commercial buildings and offices, a great choice that meets all of these standards and more is interior concrete flooring. Continue below to learn more about the benefits of concrete floors in commercial buildings, as well as who to trust for outstanding commercial flooring work in Central Indiana.
Indiana Commercial Flooring General Contractors 317-253-0531
Top Advantages of Interior Concrete Floors
Cleaner Than Carpet and Tile
Carpeting is among the most common commodities in a home that retain dust, pollen, mold, dander, and more, all of which irritate and complicate upper respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. They trap these contaminants in large quantities, and are not entirely eliminated with routine vacuuming. Tile is just as bad as carpet in terms of collecting large amounts of dust, dander, and other indoor contaminants. Dust and more piles on top of tile, and even with regular mopping, it accumulates inside grout and is hard to remove without intensive scrubbing and cleaning.
Stylish and Versatile
Not only is concrete flooring a fantastic alternative to allergy-enhancing flooring like tile and carpet, but it is also inexpensive and extremely versatile in terms of style! Over the past decade, commercial concrete flooring has become so popular among business owners; so much so that today, there are infinite colors, styles, designs, textures, and more to choose from. So, you don’t have to worry that your office or building will look like a washed-out grey warehouse floor! Interior commercial concrete flooring can be installed to resemble high-grade items like brick, cobblestone, marble, and more, all for a lower price.
Impenetrable, Allergy-Free Flooring
Interior commercial concrete flooring is impenetrable because it is sealed with a clear, protective coating. This makes it impossible for dust, dander, pollen, mold, bacteria, dust mites, and other contaminants to linger inside, causing irritation to allergies and respiratory problems. It is also much easier to clean and maintain, which further reduces the ability of airborne and foot-traffic contaminants to stick around. This means added value for years to come, and ultimately, cost savings.
Additional Benefits of Commercial Concrete:
▷ Eco-Friendly ▷ Environmentally-Friendly ▷ Easy to Maintain ▷ Long Lifespan ▷ Stain Resistant ▷ Water-Resistant ▷ High Thermal Mass ▷ Maintains Steady Indoor Temperatures ▷ Energy Efficient ▷ Reduces Energy Costs
Whether your business provides a service that caters to the senior community, or simply has a large senior citizen following, it is it wise for you to consider improving the ease and accessibility of your commercial property with elderly and disabled individuals in mind. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to make sure your clients and customers are safe, and specialized safety ramps and stair lifts can provide this security for geriatric and disable citizens.
Continue reading for helpful information and recommendations regarding public ramps and stair lifts.
Indiana Handicap Assist Commercial Construction 317-253-0531
Handicap-Assisted Equipment For Commercial Properties
Commercial stair lifts, step lifts, ramps, and other handicap-assisted equipment are important for those with mobility issues, and make navigating a commercial property easier, safer, and more convenient for the elderly and disabled. Not only does it prevent accidents, but it also reduces the risk of your company facing potential injury lawsuits.
Commercial Stair Lifts
Stair lifts can be fitted to any size or type of interior or exterior stairwell, making them an easy choice for commercial properties. This includes staircases that are straight, curved, spiral, helical, long, short, wide and narrow. With a range like this, any commercial property or premises can be renovated with stair lifts. Whether inside or outside, they provide a safe and secure means of moving up and down difficult inclines.
With simple joysticks and buttons, they are also easy to understand and operate. Stair lifts are battery-powered, so they do not require an electric power source, saving money and energy. And with long-lasting battery life and weather-resistant designs, stair lifts are relatively low maintenance. They do require recharging to prevent accidental shut-downs, mid-operation.
Commercial Ramps
Ramps are another helpful addition to consider. They are meant to provide safety and convenience for those in wheelchairs, or for those with mobility problems. Access ramps are a quick and inexpensive way to cater to the elderly and disabled community while still remaining in compliance with the state regulations for disabled access. And they are convenient for any property since they can be installed both indoors and outdoors.
Commercial Step Lifts
Step lifts are another option that provide the same purpose as the others, but for small rise wheelchair access. Step lifts are powered by electricity and designed to lift wheelchairs up to 3 meters off the ground. In the case of a power failure, they are manufactured with a safety mechanism that automatically lowers the lift. Primarily used for public access, step lifts are a popular choice for properties since they are not overbearing in an aesthetic sense. They can provide safety and accessibility without jeopardizing the property’s décor and design.
Building a new commercial property, whether a brick-and-mortar retail business or entire warehouse and distribution facility, the process requires a lot of planning and capital. With all of this effort put forth, with such a large investment at stake, it is important that you get the most out of your commercial construction budget. Although it is a common stereotype for all commercial construction project budgets to spillover in some area or another, this doesn’t have to be the case for your upcoming build.
Continue reading to learn some professional general contracting advice about commercial construction budget control management.
Indiana Commercial Construction General Contractors 317-253-0531
Commercial Construction Budget Analysis
No matter how large scale of a commercial proprietor or real estate developer you might be, everyone has a budget. There are very good reasons to set a budget when it comes to commercial construction, all of which impact the future success of the company in whole. For this reason, it is very common to have your commercial general contracting company provide professional budget analysis reports while planning out your project’s blueprints. This paves the way for setting a budget; a budget you can maintain so long as you consider certain key factors and implement careful measures during the preconstruction and space planning process of your commercial construction project.
How to Manage Your Commercial Construction Budget
Timing is Everything ►
A great insider tip for managing commercial construction budgets is to beat the annual rush for commercial building. As soon as January 1 hits, the building season begins. This means that all commercial vendors’ orders and subcontractors’ schedules begin filling up, putting them more in demand and therefore increasing the price of their products and services. Complete the specifications and planning for your commercial construction project early on so that you can begin making calls and soliciting prices at the turn of the year before the price of vendors and subcontractors goes up.
Balance Your Needs and Wants ►
When it comes to a commercial construction project, it is important that you place the priorities at the top of the list in terms of setting and maintaining a budget. However, do not forget to also stay true to your company’s culture and overall vision. Be sure to also consider the specific concepts and ideas that you have for your commercial build, and incorporate those into your budget from the start.
Choose a Qualified Commercial Construction Company ►
By choosing a fully qualified commercial construction company, you place yourself in the hands of skilled professionals who can work your project from start to finish. Delivering a streamlined commercial building process ensures cost efficiency at all angles, as well as construction completion times. Your hired commercial construction team will cover everything from space planning and permitting, to designing, building, procurement, and even post-occupancy facility maintenance. They will be your one-stop-shop for all of your commercial construction building needs.
Does your commercial property have a fire sprinkler system? If not, it is wise for you to reconsider. Whether you intend to incorporate a fire suppression sprinkler system into your existing commercial property’s layout or breaking ground on a brand-new building, a fire suppression system should be a top priority when it comes to finalizing your remodeling plans. That is because there is a big difference between a commercial building with a fire sprinkling system and one without, a difference that can have a major impact on a broad spectrum of areas within your business, from OSHA and safety liability requirements to insurance factors, and everything in between.
Continue reading to learn what you need to know about commercial fire suppression sprinkler systems, and who to trust for quality commercial general contracting services in Central Indiana.
Indianapolis Commercial Building Renovations 317-253-0531
Commercial Fire Suppression Sprinkler System Requirements
In the commercial construction and building industry, there is a set of strict principles known as life safety codes. Such codes and requirements differ depending on the type of building, as well as the property location, local building codes, and various other factors. However, there are certain factors that will impact the need for fire suppression sprinkler system in a commercial building. These three factors are generally relevant across the board for all commercial buildings, and include:
► THE SIZE OF THE BUILDING – The size and square footage of a commercial building will have a significant impact on the regulations and requirements for being equipped with a fire suppression sprinkler system. As you may take notice, a larger commercial building will require a more comprehensive fire suppression sprinkler system compared to a smaller commercial building.
► THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION – The type of materials used to construct a commercial building will have an impact on the requirements for a fire sprinkler system. Common materials include brick, stucco, concrete, fiber cement siding, wood, and metal fabricated buildings. Since steel, cement, and concrete are noncombustible materials, commercial buildings constructed with these materials will require a different type of fire sprinkler system that a commercial building that is constructed with highly flammable materials such as wood.
► THE INTENDED USE OF PROPERTY – Depending on the intended use of a commercial property, the fire suppression sprinkler system requirements may differ. These requirements are also largely impacted by life safety codes. Commercial buildings that occupy several individuals or work with flammable materials and combustible operations will require more extensive fire suppression system compared to a commercial building that is less occupied and deals with noncombustible manufacturing or operations.
The Less Obvious Advantages of Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems
You can grasp the importance of fire suppression sprinkler system in a commercial building fundamentally, as it is important to be able to quickly detect fire danger and put a stop to erupting flames and explosions before they can cause irreversible damage or injury to people. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a quality commercial fire suppression sprinkler system will not only save lives by acting as a first line of defense against a fire or fire danger, but it will also reduce fire damage by 40 to 70% as an automatic response to such danger.
Aside from these obvious benefits, there are several other advantages of having a commercial fire sticker system, ones that are less apparent than safety and investment protection. For instance, incorporating a fire sprinkler system into the blueprints of a commercial build paves a smoother pathway for the building’s future renovation, expansion, and safety code needs. Furthermore, installing a fire suppression sprinkler system in a commercial building can place a proprietor in a position to be eligible for certain insurance premium discounts and tax benefits.
As an added consideration, you can expect a commercial fire sprinkler and suppression system to be relatively low maintenance. You will need to hire a professional Indianapolis commercial contracting facility maintenance team to routinely clean all fire sprinkler heads and replace them as needed, as well as implement regular testing to ensure all systems are up to code and operating optimally.
Are you looking for a trusted commercial general contractor that can help you with your decision on installing a new fire suppression sprinkler system on your property?Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 to get all of the answers to your questions about commercial renovation in Indianapolis, Indiana.
As a commercial facility owner, it is important to streamline your daily operations. Choosing the right dock door levelers is one way you can enhance operation efficiency and safety at the same time. Continue reading to learn the top recommended options for commercial door dock levelers, and who to trust for superior commercial general contracting work here in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Commercial General Contractors 317-253-0531
Commercial Door Dock Levelers
No matter how well you have trained your staff to load the truck docks at your facility, there’s always room for improvement. With the proper commercial truck dock levelers, you can improve the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of your facility’s loading operations and more. The top three most common types of commercial door dock levelers are recessed dock levelers, edge of dock levelers, and vertical loading dock levelers.
Recessed Dock Levelers
Recessed dock levelers are among the most common you’ll see in commercial warehouses and facilities that utilize cargo tracking systems for the business. As pit-style dock levelers form directly into the concrete, these are highly admired for their well-manufactured structure, flexible sizing, and longevity, as well as their load and operating range. As for activation systems, they can be installed as mechanically spring-loaded or push-button.
Edge of Dock Levelers
Edge of dock levelers are a common model chosen among commercial facilities and warehouses that deal with low volumes of work and highway truck cargo. Only designed four standard loading dock heights with the maximum weight capacity of 33,000 pounds, they generally come in either mechanical or hydraulic models. They are often chosen because they’re safer than conventional dock plates, and they tend to be more ergonomic compared to other options of commercial truck dock levelers.
Vertical Loading Dock Levelers
Vertical loading dock levelers are designed to stand up vertically and powered by a hydraulic system. They are common choices for commercial warehouses that require temperature controlled surroundings, such as food plants, because the vertical design creates an airtight seal that separates indoor and outdoor temperatures.
When it comes to commercial construction and general contracting, there is no better choice of provider than BAF Corporation in Indiana. We are seasoned and skilled contractors who specialize in all things commercial and industrial, including general contracting, construction, preconstruction, construction management, space planning and permitting, and even post-occupancy facility maintenance. If you are looking for a new commercial contractor to work with, whether for a simple door replacement or new build, we are the trusted and experienced Indiana commercial construction company recommended by hundreds of Hoosiers all across the state.
Continue below to learn more about the construction and contracting services we can offer business owners, commercial tenants, real estate developers, and more right here in Indiana.
Indiana Commercial Construction and General Contracting 317-253-0531
Our Indianapolis Indiana Commercial Construction Company
Here at BAF Corporation, we are a family-owned and operated commercial construction management company based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. Our family owned and operated commercial construction company was founded on the core values of integrity and quality, which shows through in our proven track record. When you hire us for your commercial construction or remodeling needs, you can feel confident knowing your project is in the hands of honest, organized, and skilled professionals committed to bringing your vision to life.
As an all-ranging, comprehensive Indiana commercial construction company, we can truly do it all. From space planning and preconstruction, to general contracting, construction management, facility maintenance, and more, we are your single source of communication and accountability, thus reducing your administrative burden, while also ensuring clear and concise client-contractor communication, turnkey service, and custom-tailored results.
Space Planning and Permitting
Zoning and permits, site selection/evaluation, preconstruction, community due diligence, land acquisition, economic incentive inquiries, feasibility studies, constructability reviews, site audits, site entitlements, financial analysis/structuring, and more.
Pre-Construction
Commercial construction preconstruction services apply the innovative knowledge of precision forecasting to evaluate and establish every element of a project before breaking ground. This allows the development of a solid base, as well as a steady timeline for a project, including specifying all aspects, aligning all designing and building agendas, recognizing milestones, creating contingency plans, and assessing alternatives. This approach helps to accurately reflecting real world conditions, controlling costs, and abating complications or setbacks.
General Contracting
A general contracting company works as a single source of contact and management by providing all material, labor, equipment, and services required for a commercial construction project. In most cases, they are responsible for hiring and managing specialized subcontractors to perform all or some of the work, such as roofing, windows, framing, drywall, painting, electrician work, and more.
Construction Management
Commercial construction management applies concentrated managing system to oversee all aspects of a project, from planning and preconstruction, to designing, building, finishing, and more. This approach ensures an organized and streamlined construction process, therefore, controlling costs and reducing the likelihood of setbacks and project delays.
Facility Maintenance
Once a project is complete and a property is built, there is still a need for ongoing, specialized maintenance. Facility maintenance services sustain all systems and structures within a building. The commercial construction company will set up a program, or remain available, to implement specialized maintenance work that cannot be performed by in-house custodial and day-porter staffs, such as electrician work, sign repair, and more.
Our Commercial Construction Specialties Include:
▷ Tenant Improvements and Remodels ▷ Healthcare Construction ▷ Office and Commercial-Use Construction ▷ Retail and Franchise Construction ▷ Restaurant and Food Service Construction ▷ Fitness and Gym Construction ▷ Commercial Window Repair and Replacement ▷ Commercial Door Repair and Replacement ▷ Commercial Flooring ▷ Commercial Painting and Drywall ▷ And Much More!
Many commercial real estate proprietors and building owners choose metal roofing systems because they offer various benefits. Not only are they inexpensive and easy to install, but they are also a low maintenance commercial roofing material that does not require a lot of upkeep. However, a low maintenance roofing system is not a “no-maintenance” roofing system. Although commercial metal roofs do not require a lot of routine work, taking good care of them is still critical to their overall performance and longevity.
Not sure if your commercial metal roofing systems are up to standard? Continue reading to learn what you need to be doing for your commercial metal roof and how to get started this season.
Indianapolis Commercial General Contractors 317-253-0531
The 4 Steps to Commercial Metal Roof Care
There are 4 primary steps that you should take every year in order to maintain the condition of your commercial metal roof. These 4 primary steps are just the basics, and may vary depending on the existing condition of your roof. For instance, if you have ongoing roof damage, wildlife interference, or poor gutter systems, you may need some extra work at times, in addition to these 4 steps.
Here are the top 4 duties you should keep up with in order to maintain the structural integrity of your commercial metal roofing system:
☑ Roof Inspection – You should have your metal roof inspected at least once every year for damages like missing shingles, loose shingles, warped shingles, water leaks, wildlife interference, pest problems, holes, gaps, and various other susceptibilities. When it comes to roofs, catching a small problem early on is crucial to protecting your home and your budget. A small roof repair can quickly turn into a big, costly disaster if you do not catch it in time. This is one vital reason why annual roof inspections are so important.
☑ Tree Trimming – If your commercial lot does not have trees taller than the building’s gutter and roofing system, you do not need to worry about this step. However, wooded lots and properties with mature trees need to stay on top of their tree trimming schedules in order to protect their commercial building from tree damage. Large branches or weakened trees can fall in a heavy rain or windstorm, while lost foliage and twigs can clog up gutters and ventilation systems, and accumulate on roof surfaces. This can lead to poor water runoff, water leaks, mold, mildew, bacteria, and more.
☑ Gutter Cleaning – Whether you have a wooded lot or not, every commercial building owner should stay on top of their gutter cleaning responsibilities. Your gutter system is meant to direct water away from your commercial building in order to protect its roofing, siding, foundation, and more. Clogged, obstructed, or defective gutters will not be able to perform well enough to provide the level of protection your property needs. Be sure to clean your gutters twice a year.
☑ Hire Professionals– A commercial metal roof is quite resilient, but that does not mean it will not have small problems every once in a while. If you suspect that your roof needs some minor repairs or adjustments, hire a team of commercial general contractors for professional assessment and service. They retain the proper skills, licenses, training, and equipment to safely perform your needed commercial roof duties.
In the commercial construction industry, whether a builder or buyer, expediency is a top priority and highly valued. But there is a fine line between schedule efficiency and quality, as no one ever wants corners to be cut or the structural integrity of the job placed in jeopardy just to finish a project on time. Fortunately, the most experienced and reputable commercial construction companies know how to deliver the highest standards of excellence while also staying on schedule as best as possible. These companies know how to avoid common commercial construction schedule delays, and have a proven methodology that ensures efficiency in all elements of the build, including budget, schedule, and quality.
Although many factors can play a role in delaying construction, both foreseeable and unforeseeable, many mistakes are entirely avoidable. Continue reading to learn the top 3 mistakes that lead to commercial construction setbacks and delays, and how you can avoid these errors when planning your upcoming build.
Indianapolis IN Commercial Construction 317-253-0531
Municipal Plans and Permits
When you are building a new commercial property, you will need approval from the local municipality’s permitting and zoning department. All plans, inspections, permits, inspections, reviews, and zoning will all go through them first before any construction can take place. The mistake that is commonly made during this stage of the commercial building process is underestimating how long it will take. This has a ripple effect on all future scheduling plans, which causes major construction delays. A qualified commercial construction company will be the single point of communication and accountability among all outside architects, engineers, inspectors, review boards, and subcontractors.
Blueprint Approvals
All final blueprints must be approved by contractors and specialty contractors before work can begin. This ensures that there are no mistakes, misunderstandings, or miscommunications among the primary builders. This approval process takes time in order to get everyone on board and in agreeance. A common mistake made here is taking too long to coordinate a final meeting among all contractors and builders, or failing to come to agreement in a timely manner. The longer it takes to sign off on these blueprint shop drawings, the longer a project will be delayed, which delays future delivery shipments and installations.
Lengthy Lead Times
There are certain materials a commercial building plan might call for, such as elevators, that take a set amount of time to order and have delivered. These long lead times are important to take into consideration while planning your commercial construction. For instance, items shipping from overseas can take months to arrive, while common materials, such as elevators, take at least 16 to 18 weeks to receive. Systems like solar heating panels might take even longer because they require specialty parts. If these types of materials with long lead times are not ordered and set for deliver on time, they can cause major delays in the construction schedule.
Although all construction projects share an underlying foundation of building fundamentals, not all commercial buildings are alike. Buildings differ in their energy requirements, and accordingly, energy standards and regulations. If you are procuring a new commercial property, or distressed commercial asset, it is wise to explore your options for designing a building that is both energy-efficient and it compatible with your construction plan.
Continue reading to learn the top 3 types of energy-efficient commercial building designs chosen by Indiana proprietors, and where to find professional commercial general contracting you can trust.
Indianapolis Commercial Construction Design Build 317-253-0531
Energy Efficiency and Commercial Buildings
When it comes to modern-day energy efficiency building designs, you will find the top three to be LEED, Net Zero, and Passive House. Understand the advantages of each type of building design before making any final decisions. The best option will depend on your particular building type, your daily operational needs, occupancy, and various other factors.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, is a rating system that was created by the U.S. Green Building Council. It evaluates and ranks buildings in accordance with their environmental performance and overall environmental impact. More complexly, it measures commercial buildings on their level of impact on the building market to move toward more sustainable designs. LEED constructed buildings are gaining popularity in the commercial construction and real estate industries, as they are valued as highly-rated environmentally-friendly constructions.
Net-Zero
Also referred to as Net Zero Energy Building or Zero Net Energy (ZNE), the Net Zero standard is a bar set for the construction industry to produce zero net consumption of energy. Basically, Net Zero commercial building designs are those that consume virtually the same level of energy as the renewable energy it produces. To generate renewable energy, buildings are often constructed with systems like solar paneling, wind turbines, and similar sources of natural energy.
Passive House
As for the Passive House commercial building standard, we can thank Dr. Wolfgang Feist of Germany. He created this concept for environmentally-friendly commercial construction that supports comfort, budget management, and energy efficiency. Passive House commercial properties are built with comprehensive ventilation systems that deliver continuous fresh air, as well as solar energy systems, internal surface temperature variations, and ranks at 90% energy savings.
