Most commercial office Lease transactions involve some sort of interior Tenant Improvement (“TI”) construction. The project can be as minor as installing new paint and carpet to spruce up a tired space, or as extensive as a full office build-out from a “shell condition”. Unless a space is specifically offered “as-is”, Landlords typically provide some sort of TI Allowance – usually dollars/Rentable Square Feet (“RSF”) – as part of the Lease package offered to prospective Tenants.
Turn Key Build out
With a Turnkey Build-Out, the process often begins with an interior architect working with the Landlord and Tenant to create a Pricing Plan. A Pricing Plan will show the Tenant’s required build-out (walls, doors, millwork, etc.) and will contain keyed notes providing details about finishes (paint, carpet, counter surfaces), electrical issues (lighting, outlets, dedicated circuits), notes on the plumbing required for break rooms or coffee bars, and numerous miscellaneous notes required for the proposed construction. If the Landlord approves the Pricing Plan, it is provided to several general contractors experienced with office TI construction to obtain preliminary pricing for the proposed TI Construction.
If the preliminary prices are acceptable, things can move forward. However, if the preliminary prices are too high, the Landlord may refuse the cover the full costs. At this point, the Tenant may: continue to negotiate or walk away from the deal; modify its plans to lower the costs; or agree to pay some portion of the costs, either as a cash payment of through higher rent payments. If an agreement is reached, the Landlord will authorize the architect to prepare detailed Construction Drawings.