Why we start here
Where you build or lease sets the budget more than almost any later decision. The condition of the building, the capacity of its systems and the terms of the lease all become construction cost. HSM joins the conversation early so those costs are known, not discovered.
What happens in this step
We visit the shortlisted spaces or sites with you. We check electrical capacity, HVAC, plumbing, structure, exits and accessibility. We read the landlord's work letter and building rules with an eye to what they allow, and what they limit.
Because HSM has its own electrical and mechanical crews, the people checking the panel and the rooftop unit are the people who would later replace them. Their opinion on capacity and condition is based on work they do every week. Our interiors team can quickly judge how much demolition and rebuilding a layout will take.
- Walk each space with our project manager and trade leads
- Review drawings, if available, and building records
- List the upgrades each space would need
- Give cost ranges and schedule effects for comparison
- Support your lease negotiation with factual construction input
What you decide
By the end of this step you should know which site suits you, what it will cost to make it work, and what to ask the landlord for. For a new build on land, you should know whether the lot, zoning and servicing support your plan.
Common problems we help you avoid
Tenants sometimes sign a lease and then learn that the building cannot supply the power they need, or that ventilation is shared and limited to office hours. Others discover that the landlord's work letter only pays for finishes, not for the electrical or mechanical upgrades they now require.
These issues are not unusual, and they are manageable when found before signing. A short visit by our team often pays for itself in a better lease.
What to plan for
Bring us in before signing a letter of intent. Share your space needs, headcount, equipment and target opening date. Expect a short written summary with cost ranges, risks and questions to resolve. The next step is a feasibility study of the preferred option.