A term used to describe the work of building an interior commercial space to meet the requirements of an occupant in commercial construction is “fit out.” Though this term is commonly used for office construction, it covers commercial construction in general. Although it occasionally could be the same contractor for the landlord’s shell, to be executed typically by the occupant’s contractor, the landlord’s construction contractor will develop a “white box” or “shell” to make the office or commercial space ready for the occupant’s fit out. With this in mind, we at My General Contractor would like to discuss the basics of commercial fit out construction services.
Tenant Fit-Outs Construction Scope of Work
For finishing the white box, they can be referred to as tenant improvements, or Tis, since fit outs are tailored for tenant requirements. These are often negotiated by the tenant with the landlord so that the landlord may cover some of the fit-out costs, as the elements and costs may be perceived to be covered by the tenant. Supplementary details in commercial fit outs can include:
– Suspended Ceilings
– Special Lighting Fixtures
– Internal Finishes, such as wood
– Furniture Installed
– Blinds and Window furnishing
– Additional Mechanical, IT and Electrical
– A/V equipment
– Install Signage
– Reception Areas
– Raised Flooring
– Finish Meeting and Office Rooms
– Complete Kitchen Areas
– Stairs and elevators
– HVAC
– Finished Exterior
– Emergency Evacuation Routes
– Doors and Windows
– Bathrooms
– Basic Plumbing and Electrical
– Standard Ceilings and Floors
Contractor, Tenant & Landlord Construction Terms & Agreements
The fit out and white box elements described above can be vague and uncertain. Because they are basic and general, it is essential to form strong legal contracts, between the tenant, landlord and contractor that are included below.
1) The responsible party that covers costs. Example: To cover the fees of the fit out, the landlord may allow a rent-free period to the tenant.
2) As opposed to the commercial fit out construction beginning, the time difference between when the white box construction is to be completed. These activities can overlap on occasion.
3) The landlord allowing options such as extra equipment, provisions for tenant generators, uninterrupted power supply, and so forth.
4) Installation of specific furnishings by the tenant vs. the landlord.
5) What the extent of the general contractors’ finishes are provided, such as doors, electrical, and plumbing.
6) The shell and core, white box and fit out’s definitions of the terminology.
Commercial White Box Vanilla Shell Space & Fit-Outs
Instrumental in commercial interior construction are both white box shells and fit outs. While fit outs make commercial spaces move-in ready for occupant requirements, white box shells meet basic landlord specifications. Though it can be executed by the same, they can also be provided by different contractors. In all situations, it is critical to nail down divisions of construction services and payments between the occupants and landlords to get detailed legal contract with definitions.
Commercial Build Outs & More in Baytown, Pasadena, League City, Pearland, Missouri City, Sugar Land, Cypress, The Woodlands, Spring & Greater Houston, Texas
When it comes to commercial vanilla shell space, interior fit outs or build outs in Houston, TX and surrounding areas, call in the experts of My General Contractor and let us assist you.
