If you’re just starting your own shop for the first time and looking for the optimal spot to start, there are many factors to consider regarding commercial construction and development that can make your enterprise more profitable and easier to manage.
Before you start a commercial construction project, be sure to do thorough research by speaking to industry professionals. They can provide information regarding factors like traffic, commercial zoning, and other regulations that you should consider.
Additionally, you may want to consult a business banker or accountant to ensure that you have the financial resources necessary to meet your vision. Finally, meeting with a real estate agent in the area can make the process easier by finding the best size and type of property for you using their knowledge of local factors.
One of the most basic and yet involved factors is the location of the site itself and the surrounding area. The actual location can impact your business in several ways. For example, if the chosen location is difficult to reach due to city infrastructure or is in an area with a sub-par economy, your commercial development is likely to be hindered.
As important as the location for your commercial construction and development is, the environment around the site is equally important. Consider the actual geography of the site: is it sloped/difficult to navigate? Are there architectural concerns, such as water drainage, that could impact how and where the building is constructed?
Is there room for possible expansion? You’ll need to work with local utility and engineering resources to determine the answers to these questions and if those answers align with your business goals.
Tied to the geography of an area are the other businesses that you’ll share resources and working space with. Their activities, such as industrial emissions or noise generation, can impact the quality of life for prospective customers and employees. For example, food processing facilities can produce unpleasant odors that can reach people in your area, which could reduce the amount of business you receive.
Another factor to consider is the local economy and business infrastructure. Specifically, this can impact the available talent and resources available to fill your workforce. Choosing to build in a college town, for instance, could result in most of your workforce consisting of students, who may want to focus on their schooling/only be interested in part-time jobs.
Speaking of college, you should also consider the general education level of the area. Are there specialized workforce training offerings? Is it a primarily agricultural community, or are there technical/mechanic programs available?
Along with education and general business attitude, you’ll want to consider the housing that’s available in the area. If the housing isn’t the best (high crime rate, expensive cost of living, long commutes), the quality of life of your employees will be negatively impacted and may decrease their likelihood of staying with the company.
Finally, once you have the area picked out and know what type of location is best, you’ll need to consider the kind of building that is best for you. If you’re going to be doing assembly-line machine work, an office building probably isn’t the best choice.
Consider also ease of access for any suppliers, like the routes that lead to your loading docks (if applicable). Additionally, if you plan on growing your business in the same building/area, you’ll want to ensure that both can accommodate the growth, such as additional floors or expanding into previously unused areas.
