A commercial property must have the essential facilities that allow you and your tenants to function properly. These basic amenities not only help you operate without restrictions but also increase the overall value of the property.
Companies need specific spaces, rooms and equipment to support their operations and keep facilities safe. Therefore, choosing the right facilities for your business requires careful planning and thought.
Here is a summary of the essential steps you must take to choose the right commercial property facilities:
1. Create a list of essential items
When looking at a commercial property, there are many things to consider: size, location, structural integrity, parking space, access to essential services and transportation, and so on.
List it all down and prioritize the most important facilities you and your occupants need. When looking for a commercial property , always refer to the checklist you made to guide you through the selection process.
2. Think about accessibility
Location is the most important element of your business. Ideally, your commercial property should be accessible to everyone, especially your employees and customers. It is also crucial that it is visibly located in the heart of the city. In addition to the local transportation system, also consider your proximity to airports, ports, and land terminals, especially if you are involved in buying and selling perishable items in bulk or need to travel frequently.
In addition to these considerations, you need to think about essential services in and around the commercial property you are considering. How far is the property from a shopping mall? How long does it take to get to the nearest hospital? Are there other commercial establishments such as a bar, café or restaurant nearby? These are important factors not only for you, but also for your customers.
3. Check the infrastructure
The structural integrity of any commercial space is fundamental to the safety of all occupants and visitors. The building must be inspected by an engineer for possible problems and to assess the structural soundness of the entire complex. In addition to the interior of the building, the examiner should look outside for potential hazards.
Even the seemingly insignificant act of checking building materials and accessories can have an impact. For example, knowing the best choice between concrete stairs vs steel stairs in terms of employee and guest safety is very important. Remember that your company is held responsible for workplace accidents or any injuries that occur on your company premises.
4. Prioritize safety and security
That being said, the entire property and surrounding communities should be considered safe. If you want to know how the region is in terms of safety and security, you can go to the police station to request data such as crime rate, security assessment and other resources.
Internally, the building's security facilities should include security cameras, a functioning fire alarm system, access cards, biometric devices and a security guard. Accessible and clearly marked fire exit routes, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems must also be installed in the building.
5. Ensure a high-quality Internet connection
Another equally important factor is to include the existing or yet-to-be-installed information technology infrastructure for your business needs. As today's commercial and residential consumers cannot live without an Internet connection, it must be included as an essential installation for a commercial property. Therefore, internet speed should be measured and tested while you are in the area, knowing that a slow internet connection will negatively impact your business.
Some properties have existing connection services that are included in the rental costs. Otherwise, choose the best commercial internet package according to your business needs.
6. Hire an engineer to create essential spaces in a commercial property
Hire an engineer to lead the efficient planning and layout of the commercial space you plan to rent or buy. In some cases, an engineer can even help increase the energy efficiency of your commercial property.
Every business has different needs, but here are some of the most common areas that every business needs to have:
Meeting and conference rooms
Any business organization, whether small or large, must have a conference area or meeting room. The size and number of these common areas will depend on the number of employees and the frequency of regular meetings your company will be holding.
Ideally, these rooms should have basic items such as tables and chairs, an intercommunication system, a strong internet connection and video conferencing tools such as a monitor, speaker and headphones, among other necessities. The room can house a small cubicle for employees to take private calls without worrying about eavesdroppers.
Guest reception area
When guests visit your office, they must remain in the reception area before being allowed to proceed to the office in question. Otherwise, you can ask employee visitors to wait in the lobby while your team is on its way.
Your reception area should have a welcoming atmosphere. Place comfortable seating, bright lighting, and an intercom system in this area.
Pantry/Kitchen
Even with restaurants or cafes nearby, a commercial property must have a kitchen where residents can cook, heat and prepare a meal. Equip these spaces with basic facilities for cooking and storing food, such as an oven, induction hob, water dispenser, refrigerator, and coffee maker. Stock the kitchen with at least ground coffee, milk, tea and sugar.
Nursery
Every commercial property should have a private space where employees who are not feeling well can attend to their needs. You don't need a doctor to run a ward, a nurse or any healthcare professional will do. Stock your clinic with basic healthcare equipment like a blood pressure machine, stethoscope, or oxygen and blood pressure monitor. Stock up on basic medicines for common illnesses such as fever, stomach aches and body aches.
Information Technology Center
Commercial properties with in-house servers need to have an IT hub where their equipment can be protected and protected from too much heat. This small room can store on-demand devices such as portable printers, high-end laptops, satellite phones, and other devices.
Relaxation area
Whether used as an office or residential space, every commercial area should have a space where occupants can relax or simply chat casually. In some properties, this may take the form of a swimming pool or outdoor area. It could be a place outside the building, without distractions.
The wrapping
Choosing the right premises for your commercial property will depend on the nature of the business you are involved in. However, there are basic business facilities that you cannot operate without; for example, internet connection, telecommunications, as well as security devices.
