Finding the perfect piece of Jacksonville commercial real estate is an exciting step for any business owner. The office space you select becomes the foundation of your company’s culture. It’s a place where your employees will spend a significant amount of time, and your clients will form their first impressions of your business.
However, operating costs, maintenance responsibilities, build-out limitations, and lease structures can differ significantly from one property to the next, and many of these details aren’t obvious during a tour. Without the right questions, you may find yourself facing unexpected expenses, operational challenges, or a space that no longer fits as your business grows.
Knowing what to ask during a commercial property tour can make all the difference. Here, we’ll outline key questions to ask before touring a commercial property to determine whether a space is the best fit for your company.
Checklist When Touring Jacksonville Commercial Real Estate
Before you fall in love with the lobby, the storefront visibility, or the warehouse’s clear height, it’s important to focus on the details and ask important questions that could determine your long-term happiness in a space. Here are a few ideas for what you should be asking:
Utilities and Operating Expenses
These are expenses associated with operating and maintaining a commercial property. Depending on the structure of your commercial lease agreement, you may be required to pay for operating expenses as part of your gross rent or in addition to the base rent. It’s important to clarify what’s included.
- Which utilities and property expenses are included or excluded?
- What are the estimated monthly utility costs?
- Is the lease gross, modified gross, net, or percentage?
- What are the current CAM (Common Area Maintenance) fees, taxes, and insurance costs?
- Have operating expenses increased in recent years?
Build-Outs, Improvements, and Flexibility
It can be hard to find existing Jacksonville commercial real estate that checks every box you are looking for (although we’ll try our best). If you want to make changes, it’s important to understand what the building owner will allow.
- What’s the property owners’ build-out policy?
- Is a tenant improvement (TI) allowance available?
- Who pays for upgrades such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC changes?
- Are there restrictions on signage, layout changes, or equipment installation?
- What condition must the space be returned to at lease end?
Space, Workflow, and Future Growth
Finding a space that works for your business now and in the future can save you from an expensive move later on.
- Does the layout support your team size and workflow?
- Is there room for future growth without relocating?
- How does customer flow work from parking to entry to service areas?
- Are ceiling heights, column spacing, and storage adequate?
Parking, Access, and Visibility
The last thing you want is an employee or visitor to be frustrated by a parking situation. While exposure and visibility are critical to a company’s success, especially in retail.
- How many parking spaces are available?
- Is parking shared or reserved?
- Is the site easy to access from major roadways?
- Are there traffic flow or ingress/egress challenges during peak hours?
- Does the location provide adequate visibility for your business?
Compliance and Accessibility
Most commercial office buildings are up to code regarding accessibility. However, it’s important to double-check the entire building for compliance.
- Is the building ADA-compliant?
- Are there zoning or use restrictions?
- Are there known code or permitting issues?
- Can the landlord provide updated site plans, surveys, and floor plans?
- Are recent inspections or reports available?
Tour Jacksonville Commercial Real Estate Today
Most business owners don’t know what to look for during a space tour. An experienced commercial real estate agent will guide you through the process. At IMC, we’ll help you find Jacksonville commercial real estate that fits your needs, setting your business up for success before you ever sign a lease. Contact our team today to schedule a walk-through and review your options.
