Revitalizing Your Business Space: Top Tips for Commercial Tenant Remodels

Posted on April 3, 2024 by bafcorp20

A commercial space isn’t just four walls and a ceiling. It’s the canvas upon which your business identity is painted, the stage where your brand story unfolds, and the environment that directly influences the productivity and satisfaction of your employees. However, as time goes on, even the most meticulously planned spaces can begin to feel outdated, constraining, and uninspiring. This is when the decision to remodel your business space becomes pivotal.

For commercial tenants and small business owners, a remodel isn’t just about updating for the sake of keeping up appearances—it’s a strategic move toward securing a competitive edge, enhancing customer experience, and improving operational efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about planning, executing, and evaluating a successful commercial tenant remodel.

Call 317-253-0531 for Commercial Tenant Remodels in Indianapolis Indiana

Understanding Your Tenant Remodel Needs

Before you begin any renovations, it’s crucial to thoroughly assess your current space to identify which areas need to be improved. This process should be rooted in the understanding of your business goals and the specific needs of your employees and customers. Engage with stakeholders, survey your space, and ask yourself:

Is the layout conducive to the workflow of your team?
Does the space reflect the image and culture of your brand?
Are there any functionality or flow issues that need to be addressed?
What do your customers or clients say about the space?

By answering these questions, you can pinpoint the exact pain points that your remodel should address.

Budgeting and Planning

A well-organized budget and timeline are the backbone of any successful remodel project. Start by familiarizing yourself with the concept of Tenant Improvement Allowances (TIAs) offered by many commercial property owners. This financial incentive can significantly impact the scope and scale of your project.

Next, consider the following tips when creating your remodeling budget:

Factor in a contingency budget for unexpected costs.
Prioritize cost-effective updates that provide significant returns.
Understand the financial implications of potential lease term extensions or increases in rent due to the enhancements.

When you’re ready to plan, ensure that timelines are realistic and consider:

Seasonal effects on construction availability and costs.
Lead times for materials and custom furnishings.
Timely approvals from landlords or local authorities.

A well-planned remodel is an efficient remodel, saving you both time and money.

Design Considerations

The design of your space should align with modern aesthetics and integrate the latest technologies to future-proof your investment. Trends like open layouts, biophilic design, and modular furniture solutions not only bring freshness to your space but also promote collaboration and wellness.

Furthermore, it’s essential to consider:

Accessibility and ADA compliance to ensure the inclusivity of all patrons.
Sustainable design initiatives such as energy-efficient lighting and responsible material sourcing.
The incorporation of your brand’s color scheme, mission, and values into the design for a cohesive identity.

Investing in a thoughtful design isn’t just about style; it’s about creating an environment that supports the success of your business on multiple levels.

Finding the Right Commercial Contractors

A successful remodel requires the right team. When selecting a contractor, be sure to:

Research and interview multiple candidates.
Check references and review portfolios for similar project experience.
Confirm proper licensing, insurance, and bonding.
Ensure clear communication channels from the onset.

A strong partnership with a reliable contractor will lead to a smoother construction process and a higher-quality end result.

The Tenant Remodeling Process

Once you’ve selected a contractor, you’ll move into the construction phase. Here’s what to expect:

Demolition and site preparation.
Structural and system upgrades, if necessary.
Material and finish installation.
Final inspections and occupancy.

During the process, clear communication, flexibility, and a proactive approach to problem-solving will be your greatest assets.

Post-Remodel Evaluation

After your remodel is complete, it’s time to evaluate the impact. Watch for signs of increased employee satisfaction, improved customer engagement, and enhanced operational efficiency. Measure these against your original goals to determine the project’s success.

Additionally, obtain feedback from all stakeholders and identify any lingering issues that need to be addressed. A comprehensive post-remodel evaluation will inform future improvements and ensure that your space continues to serve your business at its best.

Conclusion

It’s clear that the decision to remodel your commercial space is intricate and multifaceted. However, with careful planning, the right partnerships, and a post-project review, the benefits are substantial. Remember, a commercial tenant remodel is not just about making changes; it’s about crafting an environment that supports the sustained success of your business.

Are you ready to take the leap and transform your space into a true reflection of your brand’s potential? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for professional commercial tenant remodels in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve clients all throughout the state.

Top 4 Tenant Improvements to Boost Office Productivity

Posted on September 26, 2022 by bafcorp20

If you are a business owner looking to increase the productivity and performance of your office, an custom tenant improvement plan might just be the right solution. But before getting started on tenant improvement, planning, learn how to stretch out your TI allowance to get the most from your office remodel.

Continue below to review the top 4 tenant improvements recommended to boost office productivity and ultimately, your bottom line.

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4 Tenant Improvements You Should Consider First

There are several ways to remodel and office space for the purpose of boosting efficiency, productivity, performance, and overall contentment among employees and visitors. However, the top four tenant improvements that tend to render the highest productivity yields include open floor plans, outdoor workspaces, multiple egresses, and quality soundproofing.

Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans are all the rage in the residential real estate industry, but they are now becoming more of a priority in the commercial space planning and design industry. If your office space is outdated with small hallways and offices, and open floor plan is the perfect TI to boost office productivity. Reduce the number of enclosed offices and open up the floor with cubicles, multi-desk workstations, multi-use work areas, and cubicle divisions.

Outdoor Workspaces

Outdoor workspaces are a popular design feature in today’s commercial office real estate industry. It is suggested by many studies that employees prefer having multiple options when it comes to workstations, break areas, and team projects. Outdoor workspaces are the perfect tenant improvement remodel for commercial offices because they provide these amenities, plus increase employee contentment by offering natural light and flora. For offices located in regions that experience colder seasons, sunrooms are the perfect alternative and highly versatile in terms of design and energy efficiency.

Multiple Egress Points

Incorporating multiple egress points is into your tenant improvement remodel is similar to opening up your office space to a more open floor plan. It allows for an enhanced flow of foot traffic, gives staff and visitors several ways to come and go, plus gives you flexibility in terms of divvying up your space.

Quality Soundproofing

A quiet office is an easier and more peaceful environment to work in. By better soundproofing your office, you can promote tranquility, which in turn will allow for more focused meetings, streamlined work, and overall staff contentment. Soundproofing remodels are especially important for office spaces that incorporate an open floor plan, or buildings located near noisy activities, like highways, airports, or school zones.

Are you a commercial landlord or tenant who wishes to improve the look, function, and overall success of your business? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 to speak with an expert Indianapolis commercial general contractor about your options for tenant improvement remodeling and more. We serve clients in all industries and throughout all of Central Indiana.

3 Factors to Consider if You Want to Maximize Office Space But Minimize Costs

Posted on July 15, 2022 by bafcorp20

If you are looking for new commercial office space, you likely want an office that adequately delivers on square-footage. But everyone knows that more space means more expenses. So, if you aim to maximize your new office space at minimal cost, you will need to place your focus on three relevant factors: location, lease, and layout. Continue below to learn more.

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How to Reduce Commercial Office Space Costs

Commercial offices do not come cheap no matter which way you approach the real estate or leasing game. Expect to spend more on your office rent or mortgage than you have in the past, as rates continue to inflate year after year. With this in mind, you can realistically prepare yourself for what to expect when it comes time to visit potential office locations.

You are not wrong to want the highest quality office space economically-available to you. It is possible to maximize your commercial office square-footage while also diverting costs and managing expenses wisely. The key to achieving this objective is to smartly plan your office acquisition, whether buying or leasing. These three factors will help guide you toward getting the most value from your new commercial office:

Location

Location has been, is, and always will be one of the most important factors among buyers and investors in the real estate industry. Begin your search for a new commercial office by locating all available business-zoned spaces in the most cost-effective areas. Most landlords and property management companies will list their spaces at the maximum value according to current supply and demand. Better locations will come with a higher price tag.

Many businesses choose to move their offices from the city to the suburbs to avoid excessive metropolitan rents and real estate costs. Acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the current real estate market conditions can help you find the best office location within your budget. A skilled commercial general contracting company can help you meet this goal with professional office space planning and permitting services.

Lease

Commercial office leases are negotiable no matter how stringent they appear at first glance. It is important to prepare yourself for lease negotiations to ensure that you are maximizing your lease objectives, while also gaining favorable financial terms and flexible conditions. Trust an experienced Indianapolis commercial general contracting team to create the leverage necessary to get you the best office lease terms possible.

Layout

One of the top contributors to your overall commercial office space procurement expenses will be the design, remodeling, and build-out process. By hiring a qualified Indiana commercial construction company for your office remodeling needs, you can better maintain control over your renovation budget. There are many design and construction strategies proven to be successful at delivering optimal space utilization with efficient cost management, and your commercial general contractors will know exactly how to implement these strategies to your benefit.

Are you looking for a reliable general contracting company that can help you find the best commercial office space and renovate it to make it your own? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for professional commercial construction management and space planning in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tips for Negotiating a Tenant Improvement Allowance

Posted on May 24, 2022 by bafcorp20

Negotiating a tenant improvement allowance takes some finesse. It is more than just numbers based on rentable square footage. If you are preparing for a tenant improvement allowance negotiation, there are some behind-the-scenes facts you should explore in order to get a fair and deserving TI allowance for your commercial build-to-suit renovation or business remodel.

Continue reading to learn some important tips for negotiating a tenant improvement allowance, including where to get trusted TI commercial renovation in Central Indiana.

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The Small Details Matter in a TI Agreement

In many cases, it is the smallest details that matter the most in a tenant allowance agreement. Landlords are seasoned when it comes to these kinds of negotiations, so it is important to prepare yourself with the right knowledge; knowledge that protects your right to a fair and honest tenant improvement allowance deal. Look further than just square footage and rent data. Instead, equip yourself with facts about the real economics of the transaction.

Beware of Turnkey Agreements

Most tenants will look at a turnkey tenant improvement agreement as a great deal. But you should not be easily fooled by these offerings. Flat tenant improvement amounts that include a turnkey clause are always in favor of the landlord or property management company. They typically offer these kinds of flat tenant improvement allowances to save themselves money. This is another element of tenant improvement allowance negotiations you need to be aware of: construction control.

Control Over the Construction

Often times, landlords or property management companies aim to claim control over certain elements of the tenant improvement construction. By adding this privilege into their TI agreement, landlords can appointment themselves as construction manager and hire their own builders and contractors. This forces you to relinquish control over the quality of materials used, the competency of the labor, potential labor markups, and more. In the end, tenants are given allowances that do not meet their expectations.

Measure Correctly

Although numbers are the only thing relevant in a tenant improvement allowance negotiation, they are critical to the process, nonetheless. The numbers you want to focus on during the process is the size and square footage of your rentable space. Not only do these numbers have a significant impact on your tenant improvement amount, but also on your rent. Do not fall victim to having your space incorrectly assessed and measured. In some cases, commercial spaces are measured to have more common space than they actually have, which gives a tenant more TI allowance, but causes them to pay more in rent.

Landlord Ulterior Motives

You’ve likely heard the classic economist’s rule, “there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.” As for negotiating a tenant improvement allowance with a potential or future landlord, keep this old adage in mind. The landlord only cares about their bottom line, so everything they offer in a tenant improvement agreement is likely being balanced out somewhere else in their books. Common landlord tactics for this include higher rent, aggressive rent increase schedule, and stricter lease conditions.

Would you like some help getting the best deal for your tenant improvement allowance in Indiana? Choose BAF Corporation as your one-stop-shop for commercial space planning and tenant improvement construction in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How Today’s Technology Gives Commercial Tenants the Upper Hand

Posted on March 28, 2022 by bafcorp20

Although landlords and real estate developers also benefit from today’s technology, the current and evolving advancements available to commercial tenants really provides them with the upper hand in leasing commercial space. Continue below to learn the top 3 ways the technological advancements of today can help commercial tenants get the best deal in the best location possible, plus who to call for professional tenant improvement remodeling and construction in Central Indiana.

Corporate Tenants Benefit From Commercial Real Estate Technology

The evolving technology of today has really affected corporate tenants in a positive way by enhancing their experience in the commercial leasing industry. Depending on which resources and technologies chosen, corporate tenants can benefit from easier lease management solutions, expanded property touring, and successful negotiations.

Lease Management Solutions

Landlords and property management companies have long had access to programs and software systems that help them organize, track, monitor, and management their leases. But today, corporate tenants also have access to such technologies. As a corporate tenant, you can procure your own commercial lease office management software to help you keep track of important dates within your lease agreement, terms and conditions, lease amendments, claims, and more.

Even better, there are brand new software programs of this sort that will keep track of occupancy expenses and compare such expenses to your lease terms. This software can help lower business costs, especially for companies with a portfolio of multiple office leases.

Expanded Property Viewing

Not only do tenants have the upper hand when it comes to staying on top of their corporate lease agreement, but they can now benefit from advanced property viewing and touring. With innovative technologies like exterior drones, interior infrared drone cameras, and 3D modeling programs, which work similar to virtual reality, allowing 360 degree views and a real-life perspective of a property. In fact, there is even talk right now about smartphone-compatible immersive virtual reality technology applications that can place potential tenants inside the property for an up-close look. Only the future will tell!

Effectual Lease Negotiations

Technology has by far given corporate tenants an advantage in terms of lease negotiations. With just a click of a button, potential leasers can view and adjudicate virtually all market data for a property before even making a call to schedule an on-site tour. This gain can trigger tenants to make more impulsive selections and de-selections during the initial phase of the commercial office search. Additionally, this access to market data tells corporate tenants what the current market conditions are for such real estate, which in turn allow them to better evaluate leasing deals.

But this is not the only market research tech that gives commercial tenants the upper hand; there is also commercial real estate data exchange platforms available, which combines market research and social media data. This program lets tenants get additional information on rent and lease deals, free rent credits, and even tenant improvement allowances.

Are you looking for a qualified tenant improvement contractor to help remodel your office space into a place that best meets the overall objectives of your business? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for commercial tenant improvement remodeling and construction in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and industrial clients all throughout the state.

How to Attract More Tenants to Lease Your Rental Property

Posted on December 14, 2021 by bafcorp20

Commercial vacancy doesn’t do your bottom line any good. Anybody who owns a commercial building or rental property knows that the goal is to have that space leased out, always. If you are a commercial rental property owner who is struggling with drawing in high-quality tenants or long-term leases, you could use some new direction. Now that the end of the year is near, perhaps it is time to set your sights on increasing your commercial building or rental property vacancies for 2022.

Continue reading to learn some real estate tips that may help spark more interest in the local market and attract more tenants to your rental property.

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Rental Property Leasing Tips for Landlords and Commercial Building Owners

If you want to fill up your vacant rental property space as fast as possible, try implementing these tricks of the trade! You can reduce your 2022 rental property vacancy and finish the year with a higher level of success than ever before!

Remember That Price Accuracy is Essential

It is important to price your rental property just right. Although you do not want to attract bad commercial tenants, pricing your rental too high can narrow your potential market substantially. By pricing it too low, not only do you risk a series of unreliable applicants and/or tenants, but you also pose the risk of not covering your overhead costs, which can be even worse.

Do not guesstimate your rental price. You can better value your rental property by doing a little research. Examine the local, comparative market to assess the square footage-to-price ratios, inclusive amenities, and rental histories. Your final rental price should be competitive enough to attract the right pool of tenants, whether commercial or residential.

Refresh Your Listing’s Visual Appeal

Technology is fast-evolving, and photography is no different. If you have not taken recent pictures of your rental property, consider re-doing them with a better degree of photogenic appeal. Take new pictures of your property with enhanced photography services and editing. This approach can make your space look more attractive and modern, and therefore, increase market interest. Adding in a 60-degree virtual tour of your rental space is a wise choice, as this feature is a top-amenity for both commercial and residential applicants.

Do you already have recent pictures on your rental space listing or brochures? Perhaps you need to take new ones to showcase different angles and areas of your rental space. Do not forget to take pictures of any outdoor areas. This approach can help to attract new applicants by providing a different perspective.

Advertise a Leasing Incentive

Many rental properties, both commercial offices and residential, offer an incentive for anyone who signs a long-term lease. Consider adding such incentives to attract, not only more applicants, but the right kind. Incentives that have proven effective for other rental property companies and landlords include:

▷ 1 Month Free Rent
▷ Free Internet or Cable for 1 Year
▷ $100 Gift Cards (Restaurants, Gas, Amazon, etc.)
▷ Free Television Set
▷ Free Reserved Parking for 1 Year

Remodel or Renovate Your Rental Space

You can attract more tenants to your rental property through strategic commercial remodeling. Update the curb appeal, function, flow, and technology of your rental, plus incorporate new additions like outdoor gathering spaces and enhanced security. Additional renovations or additions that are suggested to increase tenant interest in rental properties include more parking space, more natural lighting, pet areas, touchless technologies, renewable energy applications, communal spaces, on-site dining, elevators, escalators, fitness centers, and swimming pools. A seasoned Indiana commercial general contracting company can help you achieve these goals.

Have you decided that a commercial renovation or remodel is the right move for attracting new tenants to your Indiana rental property? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for superior commercial general contracting services for tenant improvements in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial clients all throughout the state.

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What You Should Know About Signage Rights as a Commercial Tenant

Posted on November 8, 2021 by bafcorp20

Many in the industry would agree that branding is an essential, if not central, element to growing a successful business. One of the most effective and traditional methods of business branding is signage. Having the name and logo outside of your business is a valuable branding approach that influences potential consumers, plus retains the loyalty of your current clients.

But if you do not own your own building, your rights to signage may not be as clear cut as you would expect. As a commercial tenant interested in adding signage for your business, there are some important considerations you must keep in mind before signing a commercial lease or moving forward with signage procurement and installation.

Continue below to learn what you need to know about signage rights for commercial tenants.

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Commercial Tenant Signage Rights

If you are a new or potential commercial tenant, it is important to understand that signage rights are not guaranteed. There are some commercial landlords that do not permit signage on the outside of their building or marque, and others that only allow signage within strict design and color restrictions for the purpose of uniformity.

It is also common for commercial landlords to have preexisting agreements with other tenants that impose a restriction of some kind on new tenants’ rights to business signage. In some cases, it is not up to the commercial landlord at all, as local zoning laws can also prohibit signage, or the amount of signage on or around buildings.

Negotiating Business Signage With a Commercial Landlord

Because the rights and perimeters of business signage are more complex for commercial tenants, it is wise to always inquire about business signage before signing a commercial lease. As a commercial tenant, you may be able to negotiate your signage rights if the current lease does not offer what you are looking for.

If you are already in a commercial lease, you can wait until your lease is up for renewal, and then have signage rights added to the lease. It is vital to have your negotiated or amended signage rights spelled out in writing in your lease agreement.

Common Types of Business Signage Arrangements:

► Shared Building Signage

If a commercial building is shared by two tenants in equal ways, a landlord may agree to or permit a shared building signage system. With shared building signage, both commercial tenants can display their business signage on the building’s facade. This is a common signage arrangement in the commercial real estate industry.

► Exclusive Building Signage

In some cases, a commercial landlord will agree to give a tenant exclusive building signage rights. This means that commercial tenant is the only business displayed on the outside of the building. This signage arrangement is most common in commercial buildings that only have one tenant or space for one tenant.

► Exclusive Monument Signage

Many commercial buildings have monument signs on the outside of the parking lot or street. In such leases, it is common for landlords and tenants to adopt an exclusive monument signage arrangement. This would permit the tenant to display their business signage as a stand-alone sign or within the monument signage out front. This is most commonly reserved for key commercial tenants.

Are you looking for a trusted commercial general contractor to help you plan out your upcoming business move or redesign? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for superior commercial general contracting services in Indianapolis, Indiana.We serve commercial and industrial clients all throughout the state.

Are All Tenant Improvement Allowances the Same?

Posted on April 5, 2021 by bafcorp20

It is a common misconception that all tenant improvement allowances mean the same thing. If you hear $35 per square foot, that does not mean that your final cost will be exactly that. What you end up spending on your tenant improvement overall is the real number. Continue reading to learn more about TI allowances, including how they can differ in value depending on certain factors.

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TI Allowance May Vary Depending On Your Needs and Preferences

Unless you are granted a flat tenant improvement allowance, which is when the landlord agrees to build out your TI project at no cost to you, there are some additional expenditures you might incur when everything is said and done. Are you planning for a dark shell or vanilla shell turnout? Are you open to reusing and repurposing existing materials? Do you envision an open or closed floor plan? Does your commercial building provide an amenity package for things like restrooms, lockers, food, or common areas? All of these factors can influence the value of your tenant improvement allowance.

Dark Shells Versus Vanilla Shells

When you are remodeling a tenant occupied commercial space, the most basic options you will have to choose from are dark or grey shell turnout, or vanilla shell turnout. A vanilla shell TI package generally delivers your basic, smooth aesthetic. This includes drywalling of all demising walls (partition walls that separate one tenant-occupied space from another, or from a building’s common areas), ceiling, lighting, a number of electrical outlets, essential plumbing, HVAC work, and in some cases, bathrooms. A grey or dark shell TI construction remodel will look a lot different, mostly because they only include the construction of electrician and plumbing stubs, and only on the demising walls of the space.

Reusing Existing Materials to Cut Costs

When you are remodeling a tenant-occupied space, you can almost always expect to incur demolition costs. But in some cases, existing materials that are in good condition can be reused or repurposed in the new space, and still done so up to commercial building codes. Materials like plumbing, metal framing, ductwork, lighting fixtures, and even interior doors can all be reused, and therefore, cut your TI costs.

Building Amenity Packages

Adding restrooms, food courts, kitchens, and break areas to a tenant improvement project is a big expense. If your building comes with an amenity package, such as shared restrooms, cafeterias, break areas, and similar public or communal facilities, you can potential lower your TI build-out expenses, or even allocate the budget towards something else in your TI project.

Are you interested in learning how you can meet all of your business objectives with a successful tenant improvement project? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 to learn how we deliver organized and professional tenant improvement remodels in Indianapolis, Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

4 Tip for Planning a Tenant Occupied Building Renovation
Who Pays for the Cost of the Tenant Improvements?
6 Building Features That Corporate Tenants are Looking For