MEP Challenges of Leasing Space

Are you leasing space for the first time? Are you a member of a doctor's group investing large sums of money into a new outpatient facility? Or a budding restaurateur opening your first restaurant? Finding the right space for your new venture is critical to reducing surprises in construction, ensuring your mission can be achieved, helping you keep costs down and ensuring you can open on schedule.

There are lots of space types with special requirements. Outpatient surgery centers require 9 feet to the ceiling and above that we need space for ductwork, lights, and diffusers. Is that possible in a building with 10 feet floor to floor - the landlord might tell you it is, we would recommend you keep looking.

If the floor-to-floor height is okay but it's on the 3rd floor of a 6-story building in a busy downtown area. Where is the generator going to go? To get many certifications, a Type 1 essential electrical system (EES) will be required; it typically needs a generator. Generators are heavy, they need a place for fuel storage and a way to refill that storage, they also tend to be loud, is that going to cause any issues? All things you may want to consider before signing that lease.

What about restaurants? You are likely going to need a grease interceptor. Where is it going to go? How will it be maintained? You will probably need a natural gas connection - how close is the nearest gas line? If there are other restaurants nearby you are probably okay, if not, you'll want to find out.

A quick review by a qualified engineer will help you stay on schedule, reduce your costs, and most important - reduce headaches so you can focus on what you do best, whatever that may be. Let us know how we can help.