Building a new shop can be fun and rewarding. But certain considerations go into making the venture one that will benefit a company while being a minimal headache to planners. To maximize your experience in constructing a new facility, consider these step-by-step guidelines:
1. FIND A LOCATION. Start with looking at several communities that feel suitable to company needs. In general, most townships are easier to work with than cities.
2. DECIDE ON LAND NEEDS. Determine how much property is needed now and for future expansion. Is commercial or industrial property necessary?
3. CHECK LOCAL ZONING. Once location is determined, check local zoning to see what is permissible with regard to the property, building type, outside storage, composting, etc.
4. DECIDE ON BUILDING SIZE. What size building is needed? How much office space or warehouse space?
5. SECURE PERMITS. The Environmental Protection Agency permit can take the longest to get. It can take from six months up to a year, which can delay the start of construction.
6. CHECK WITH COUNTY/STATE FOR ANY BUILDING INCENTIVES. In most cases this must be done before construction starts to take advantage of the local incentives.
7. SELECT A BANKER. Start with the company’s existing banker, but also talk with others. Some bankers are better at certain types of loans. Also ask about alternative types of financing that may fit company needs.
8. SELECT A REAL ESTATE AGENT. A good commercial real estate agent can help with a lot more than the property. If he or she is familiar with the area, the agent can help with zoning, contractors and permits.
9. PICK AN ARCHITECT. Do some research to find someone who has built the type of building being considered, or ask your builder. The person probably has an architect to work with.
10. HIRE A BUILDER. Don’t pick the lowest price. Look at nearby buildings and find out who owns them. Ask who built them, how the builder was to work with and if the owner would recommend them. Talk with several builders before making a decision.
11. PICK CONTRACTORS / GENERAL CONTRACTORS. Do you want to be your own general contractor or hire one? It costs more money to hire a general contractor, but it takes a lot of time when handling it oneself. You may find yourself putting a lot of energy into chasing contractors.
The author is president of Land Creations Landscaping, Eaton Township, Ohio, and can be reached at 440/748-2500.