Starting from a shell
A typical unit comes with a concrete floor, demising walls and basic services stubbed in. Everything else is the tenant's work: partitions, ceilings, lighting, HVAC distribution, washrooms and finishes.
We check the landlord's work letter, existing service capacity and mechanical equipment early, because these set the scope and the budget.
Systems and services
Many strip units have rooftop HVAC units shared across a building or one unit per tenant. Our mechanical team handles HVAC, ductwork and plumbing, and our Master Electrician-led crew handles panels, lighting and power.
If a business needs more power, extra ventilation, a grease interceptor or a water line upgrade, we raise it at the start so utilities and the landlord have time to respond.
Storefront and parking lot
Storefront glass, doors and signage are part of the tenant's identity and are often governed by municipal and landlord rules. Our carpentry and door and hardware crews handle entry doors and interior millwork, and we coordinate signage with approved suppliers.
Winter makes a difference here. Entrances need wind and slush protection, and exterior work is planned around cold snaps.
Permits and timing
Change of use, new signage and mechanical changes can all trigger municipal development and building permits. We prepare drawings with in-house engineering support and coordinate with the municipality.
Because most trades are our own, we can compress the sequence once permits are in, and finish quickly so your lease clock stops costing you.
Operating costs and upkeep
Retail tenants often pay for their own utilities and maintenance. Efficient lighting, properly sized HVAC and good insulation at the storefront reduce those costs over the life of the lease.
After opening, our building maintenance service can look after lighting, doors, hardware and HVAC checks, so small problems are handled before they affect customers.