Commercial Property Site Visit: A Practical Checklist for Small Businesses
Evaluate access, permitted use, power, parking, fit-out costs and lease terms before an attractive office or shop becomes an expensive mismatch.
A commercial space has to work as infrastructure, not merely look impressive. A shop without practical loading access or an office with insufficient power can cost more to correct than the rent saved. Visit with your operating plan, not only your furniture plan.
Confirm that your activity belongs there
Describe the intended business clearly and confirm permitted use, building rules, signage conditions and relevant approvals before negotiating interiors. Requirements vary by activity and location; use qualified legal, technical and regulatory advisers for verification.
Test customer and employee access
- Walk from public transport and the likely parking area.
- Check lift capacity, waiting time and accessibility.
- Visit during the hours your customers or employees will arrive.
- Confirm visitor entry, delivery and loading procedures.
- For retail, observe visibility and genuine footfall at more than one time of day.
Measure operational capacity
- Sanctioned electrical load and backup-power coverage.
- Internet-provider availability and mobile reception.
- Air-conditioning responsibility and operating hours.
- Water, washrooms, drainage and pantry feasibility.
- Fire exits, alarms, extinguishers and evacuation access.
- Floor loading, ceiling height and service access where relevant.
Price the fit-out before pricing the lease
Record the delivered condition and obtain realistic estimates for wiring, partitions, flooring, air-conditioning, fire compliance, signage and restoration. Ask which alterations need approval and whether any rent-free fit-out period is offered. A low rent can hide a large upfront conversion bill.
Put negotiation points in the term sheet
- Lease term, lock-in, notice and renewal options.
- Deposit, escalation and payment commencement.
- Fit-out access and rent-free period.
- Maintenance scope and repair responsibility.
- Signage, parking and common-area rights.
- Exit restoration and deposit-return process.
