Site Selection and Lease Support

Why involve a builder before the lease

A space that looks inexpensive per square foot can carry large hidden costs. Electrical capacity, ventilation, washrooms, ceiling heights and accessibility upgrades can all change the price of making a space usable.

HSM gets involved at this stage so construction cost sits next to rent in your decision. It is a simple idea that many tenants overlook.

What we look at

Our electrical and mechanical crews help us price the work. That gives you a defensible estimate to bring to lease talks. If a space needs a major upgrade, you can ask the landlord for a tenant improvement allowance, free rent, or base building work, with figures behind the request.

We do not act as your lawyer or broker. We work alongside them and provide the construction side of the picture.

• Existing electrical service and panel capacity
• HVAC type, age and capacity, and zoning for your layout
• Plumbing availability for kitchens, washrooms or labs
• Structure, ceiling and floor conditions
• Fire protection, exiting and accessibility
• Building rules on work hours, loading and trades

Comparing options

If you are weighing two or three sites, we can compare them on cost and timeline to occupancy, not only on rent. Sometimes the cheaper lease is the more expensive move.

Examples of items worth checking

Look at what the lease says about who is responsible for upgrades to base building systems. Check whether the landlord's HVAC can serve your hours of operation, and whether after-hours cooling is charged. Check whether restoration at lease end is required. Each of these can shift cost by a meaningful amount, and each is easier to settle before signature than after.

What to plan for

Contact us once you have a short list and before you sign a letter of intent. Share the floor plans and your space program. We will visit, review the space and give you a plain written summary of risks and cost ranges.