Build-Outs in Commercial Real Estate

Build-Outs in Commercial Real Estate

A commercial build-out comes into play when a space, previously occupied by a tenant, is now leased by a new business that will use the suite differently. 

Tenants use commercial real estate spaces for various reasons, and every renter has their own needs. Some spaces may be the perfect fit as is, and some will require minor or extensive renovations to suit a new tenant. 

Commercial Real Estate Build-Outs

A commercial real estate build-out refers to anything required to make a space ready for your business. Depending on the existing building, a build-out may include new lighting, removing or adding walls, designing a waiting area, installing a kitchen, or creating new offices or storage areas. 

If the current space functions well for your business, a build-out may be unnecessary, and you may simply add a fresh coat of paint to complement your brand.

If your company is looking for new office space, you will likely be able to find a building that works efficiently as is. If, on the other hand, you are looking to open something more unique, like a bar, restaurant, or arcade, you will likely renovate (build-out) to create the right atmosphere.

Who Pays for a Build-Out?

There is no perfect answer as to who pays for a build-out. Everything is negotiable in commercial real estate transactions, and the same applies to a build-out. The landlord may cover the expenses, the tenant may be solely responsible, or they may share renovation costs, depending on the negotiated lease.

Be sure to consult an experienced commercial real estate broker as you choose your new space and decide on a build-out strategy. Please contact Steve Longenecker at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513 regarding any commercial real estate needs in Longmont, CO, and our neighboring communities.

We give out $250 gift cards for referrals that become our real estate clients.

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How are Buildings Classified in Commercial Real Estate?

Classes A, B, and C categorize commercial real estate buildings. With every market around the country being different, the class is determined in relation to other buildings in the area. For example, a Class A building in Northern Colorado could be considered a Class B building in a larger city market. 

The classification levels have pros and cons, and each one of the three classes presents a unique opportunity. 

Class A Buildings

As you might have guessed, Class A buildings are the top tier. They are generally very aesthetically pleasing and are the newest buildings in their area. Class A structures have premium construction and building materials, prime locations, impressive amenities, and robust building management. 

The above-mentioned characteristics mean that Class A buildings can demand the highest rent and retain quality tenants. Class A structures tend to sell quickly and above the average price point of their given market. 

Class B Buildings

Class B buildings are average overall. These structures are reasonably attractive, moderately well-located, and slightly older than their Class A counterparts. Class B buildings still function well and have decent management and tenants. 

Investors tend to be attracted to Class B options as buildings can often return to Class A status with renovations. Class B buildings command fairly good rental rates and sell at fair prices. 

Class C Buildings

Class C buildings are the bottom category. They tend to be outdated (aesthetically and internally), much older, and located in undesirable areas. 

Some will approach Class B buildings as an investment opportunity, but typically for redevelopment purposes rather than simple renovations. Class C buildings have the lowest rental rates and are slow to lease and sell. 

How is Your Building Classified?

We would love to discuss any questions you have about the classification of your current buildings or any other properties in your market! Please contact Steve Longenecker at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513 regarding any commercial real estate needs in Longmont, CO, and our neighboring communities.

We give out $250 gift cards for referrals that become our real estate clients.

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Types of Commercial Leases

If you have ever considered purchasing, owning, or renting commercial property, it’s critical to understand the different types of commercial leases. Not all commercial leases are created equal, and being familiar with the pros and cons of varying lease structures could save your business money. 

The three most common commercial lease types are gross leases, modified gross leases, and net leases. 

Gross Leases

In a gross lease, the landlord collects one lump sum rent payment from the tenant, which includes taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance. Then, the owner is responsible for using a portion of the collected rent to pay their taxes, insurance, etc.

Rental amounts tend to be higher when using a gross lease as it includes all operating expenses and is the only payment the landlord receives.

Modified Gross Leases

A modified gross lease is similar to a gross lease, but the tenant pays a certain proportion of the operating expenses on top of the base rent. 

Properties with multiple tenants, such as office buildings, often use modified gross leases. Overall, this type of lease offers a great middle ground between gross and net leases. 

Net Leases

A net lease is where the tenant pays a base rent to the landlord and is also responsible for other costs associated with the building. 

There are three general types of net leases that each require the tenant to take on different costs. The cost categories the tenant may be required to cover are taxes, insurance, and maintenance. 

  • Single-Net Lease: The tenant is responsible for one of the three cost categories mentioned above.
  • Double-Net Lease: The tenant is responsible for two of the three cost categories mentioned above.
  • Triple-Net Lease: The tenant is responsible for all three cost categories mentioned above.

In general, these leases are a great fit for owners who don’t want to be responsible for coordinating building maintenance or paying taxes, insurance, and utilities. They can tend to favor landlords but also give tenants the ability to review the landlord’s operating expenses.

Have Questions?

Please contact Steve Longenecker at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513 regarding any commercial real estate needs in Longmont, CO, and our neighboring communities.

We give out $250 gift cards for referrals that become our real estate clients.

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What to Know About Tenant Improvement Allowance

A tenant improvement allowance (TIA) is one of many important details in a commercial real estate transaction. Your tenant representation broker will advise you on the best way to negotiate a TIA based on your organization’s needs. 

What is a Tenant Improvement Allowance?

A tenant improvement allowance is a specified amount of money that the landlord agrees to give the lessee so they can make changes to the leased space. 

For instance, if your company was searching for new office space and found something nearly perfect but just needed a few renovations, you may be able to negotiate a tenant improvement allowance. A TIA can, in some cases, also be used to cover other expenses associated with the move. 

The allowance is written into the lease agreement (typically seen as a dollar amount per rentable square footage) and details how the funds may be used.

How Can You Use a TIA?

You cannot use a TIA for everything. Your business will be responsible for equipment, furniture, and other decorating costs. 

The landlord typically only wants tenant improvement allowances to be used for things that will provide lasting value. Building new or removing unnecessary walls, adding doors or windows, new plumbing and HVAC, or new paint and carpet are all common uses for tenant improvement funds.

Don’t Leave Money On the Table

Working with an experienced commercial real estate broker who negotiates on your behalf will ensure you don’t leave money on the table. Securing a substantial tenant improvement allowance can tremendously benefit your company in its next move. 

Please contact Steve Longenecker at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513 regarding any commercial real estate needs in Longmont, CO, and our neighboring communities.

We give out $250 gift cards for referrals that become our real estate clients.

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11 Commercial Real Estate Terms to Know

Commercial real estate, like many other industries, has its own vocabulary. Many people know the more common terms, such as tenant and landlord. There are, however, less common terms that you need to understand if you are considering investing in commercial real estate

Important Commercial Real Estate Terms

Here are 11 important commercial real estate terms to know:

  • Net Operating Income: Net operating income is the total rental income minus operating expenses.
  • Capitalization Rate: The capitalization rate, or “cap rate,” is the net operating income divided by the cost of the building to show a rate of return. 
  • Return on Investment: Return on investment (ROI) is the profit earned divided by the cost of ownership. 
  • Rentable Square Footage: Rentable square footage (RSF) is the amount of space in a building that can be rented to a tenant and is a significant factor in determining the rental rate.
  • Triple-Net Lease: A triple-net lease requires the tenant to pay all expenses associated with the building, including taxes, insurance, and maintenance. 
  • Full-Service Lease: Full-service leases require the tenant to pay a base rent while the landlord covers operating costs. 
  • Modified Gross Lease: A modified gross lease requires the tenant to pay a base rent and split the operating expenses with the landlord. 
  • Sublease: A sublease occurs when the current tenant leases a portion of their space to a subtenant. 
  • Vacancy Rate: Vacancy Rate is the amount of vacant space divided by the total space in the building. 
  • Real Estate Broker: A real estate broker or agent represents a buyer or seller through a real estate transaction. 
  • Property Manager: A property manager is in charge of operations, answering tenant questions, and arranging necessary repairs. 

Don’t Get Intimidated; Find a Partner

While commercial real estate and the associated vocabulary can seem intimidating, you just need to find the right real estate partner. Please contact Steve Longenecker at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513 regarding any commercial real estate needs in Longmont, CO, and our neighboring communities.

We give out $250 gift cards for referrals that become our real estate clients.

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