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Making improvements to the look of a leased space is a normal part of getting ready for business. The generic layout and design that comes with such leased space may not fit with a business and must be redesigned to suit the needs of a specific company. Such customization may include redesigning the walls, changing the lighting, or customizing the LAN connections. Before proceeding with such an undertaking, there is always the question as to what alterations can be done on a leased commercial office space! Lease Agreement Allowances Before any improvements are made, the owner should be consulted about any plans to alter existing office space. The best way to handle such a contingency is to be sure that the ability to alter the space is included in the lease agreement before it is signed. If an agreement has already been signed and did not include any details regarding improvements, the express consent – in writing – must be received from the building owner and then the existing agreement should be amended to accommodate any agreed upon changes. The agreement should state what changes are allowed, who will pay for any improvements, and the responsibilities of the tenant regarding these changes after the term of the lease expires. All of this should be clearly stated in order to avoid any problems when the lease ends. Standard Improvements Making improvements to a leased commercial office space is routine and some standard modifications can be done that will most likely receive the approval of the owner. Some of these very normal changes include: Partitions and Layout – Installing cubicles, workstations, partitions, and changing the overall layout is an important part in customizing the functionality of a leased space. The layout requirements will vary depending on the business, therefore such improvements are standard when leasing. Walls and Flooring – The flooring finish can also be modified both for looks and practicality. For example, a carpet can be used in offices that deal with clients over the phone to eliminate unnecessary workplace noise. The color of the walls and the flooring can also be modified to fit the nature of the business. Computer Connections – When altering the layout of the workspace, computer outlets and cables may also need to be moved to accommodate changes to the layout. This could mean removing the old connections and installing new wiring and cables. Electrical and Lighting – Once the layout has been changed, the electrical wiring may also need to be altered to match such changes and to accommodate basic office equipment such as printers, copiers, shredders, computers, coffee machines, etc. Lighting is another element that influences the look and ambiance of a workplace and often needs to be customized. This may include changing the type of light bulbs used, installing dimmers, and even changing the layout of the wiring to alter the position of the light sources. Restrooms – If restrooms are part of the leased space, they can also be modified by a tenant to accommodate disabled clients or to simply update the look of the space to match the company’s profile. Important Considerations It is vital to know that after gaining the owner’s approval and prior to implementing any changes, the plans for these improvements should be submitted to a building planner for approval. This is to ensure that no building codes are violated when making improvements and to prevent voiding any insurance on the property. It is also important that the agreement clearly state the responsibility for the improvements made, as the owner may retain ownership of any changes made or the tenant may be obligated to restore the space to its original condition once the lease ends. Hopefully this article has provided some helpful information regarding commercial property improvements that can be made to a leased office space as well as the important things to consider before and after implementing any lease office space changes! C. Michael Hunter is an expert in commercial real estate and office space information. To find out more about Dallas Commercial Office Spaces, go to the main website at: http://www.lcrgusa.com/.
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