Tenant improvements are customized upgrades that help building owners tailor commercial spaces to meet their tenants’ specific needs. These modifications can range from functional installations to experience-enhancing features.
As a full-service construction company based in California, we specialize in planning and executing high-quality tenant improvement projects for landlords across the state and beyond. Here are the enhancements we deliver annually.
Office Space Enhancements
The rise of hybrid work has pushed office design trends toward flexible spaces that foster engagement, well-being and job satisfaction. Today’s tenant improvements reflect that change, with features that support collaboration, comfort and productivity. Here are four office upgrades that bring those goals to life.
1. Layout Modifications
While open office spaces remain popular, many organizations choose modular layouts that adapt easily as business needs change. Features like movable walls, rolling whiteboards and reconfigurable desks can quickly transform a quiet work zone into a brainstorming hub and back again with no construction required.
2. HVAC System Upgrades
Upgrading to advanced HVAC systems reduces an office building’s utility costs by automating temperature adjustments for low-occupancy periods.
3. Lighting Improvements
Natural light is a component of people-centric office design, creating welcoming spaces where employees want to work. Adding windows or installing softer lighting sources can improve productivity and staff retention for your tenant’s business.
4. Acoustic Treatments
Solutions like sound-dampening panels and acoustic partitions let employees concentrate on their work with fewer noisy distractions. You can also soundproof enclosed spaces such as meeting rooms and private offices to provide additional confidentiality.
Top Commercial Tenant Improvements for Retail Spaces
Strategic store layout plans boost sales and improve a tenant’s cost efficiency.
5. Storefront Renovations and Displays
Renovating your tenant’s storefront attracts more customers by making the store appeal to passersby. Attractive shelving and displays draw customers to popular products, increasing the likelihood of a sale.
6. Point-of-Sale System Installations
Strategically placing advanced point-of-sale systems in the store streamlines checkout, improves the customer experience and generates more revenue for brick-and-mortar retailers.
7. Fitting Rooms
Fitting rooms are nonnegotiable for clothing stores, as studies have found that shoppers prefer physically trying on items before buying.
8. Security Systems
Retail spaces need advanced security systems to safeguard employees and property from theft and other issues. A reliable contracting partner can identify the most strategic places to incorporate security cameras, sensors and other technologies.
Common Commercial Tenant Improvements for Restaurant and Food Service
Restaurant and food service tenant improvements are crucial for ensuring a generic commercial space is functional, legally compliant and attractive.
9. Commercial Kitchen Build-Outs
Construction companies can retrofit spaces not initially intended for food service, such as office buildings or retail stores, with the proper equipment and hookups, allowing new tenants to open sooner.
10. Ventilation Systems
Ventilation systems prevent fires in commercial kitchens and maintain comfortable working conditions for staff. The core components of most commercial kitchen ventilation systems include:
- Range hoods
- Exhaust fans
- Grease extractors
- Make-up air systems
11. Plumbing Installations and Upgrades
Commercial kitchens require custom plumbing installations to meet the high needs of dishwashers and cleaning hoses.
12. Dining Area Design and Layout
A custom-built dining area gives the space they need to move between tables, while separating parties for privacy. It also establishes a consistent mood for a restaurant. For example, casual establishments often have booths lining the walls, while fine dining eateries stick to tables only.
13. Nonslip Flooring
Specialized nonslip flooring is crucial in food service because slip-and-fall injuries pose an occupational hazard to fast-moving servers and kitchen staff. A lack of traction can easily cause someone to fall in a puddle of oil, water or another liquid. Combining nonslip flooring with slip-resistant footwear requirements is one of the best ways to keep employees safe.
Tenant Construction Projects for Health Care Facilities
Clinics, hospital rooms and laboratories have highly specialized design requirements due to stringent industry regulations. When investing in tenant improvements for a health care facility, look for a contractor with extensive experience in similar projects.
14. Exam Rooms and Treatment Areas
Spacious yet easy-to-clean exam and operating rooms enable health professionals to quickly perform the necessary procedures and enhance the patient experience.
15. Reception and Waiting Areas
A well-designed reception and waiting area can improve satisfaction and limit the spread of disease by creating distance between seats and implementing touch-free technologies like automatic doors and check-in kiosks.
16. Medical Gas Systems
Specialized purified gas systems sedate and ventilate patients for treatment. These are often highly complex and require expert design and installation.
17. Sterilization Areas
Sterility is critical for mitigating risk in health care settings, and your tenants can adhere to the industry’s stringent regulations with a dedicated area for efficient equipment sterilization. Known as central sterile supply departments, these spaces must have a directed one-way workflow to prevent cross-contamination and minimize the potential for infection.
What Are the Benefits of Tenant Improvement Projects?
The most common tenant improvement projects businesses invest in have significant advantages.
- Maximized value: Commercial tenant improvements optimize the space, boosting profits for tenants and increasing the likelihood that people will sign extended lease agreements.
- Higher-quality tenants: When potential tenants see the value your existing tenants derive from their custom-built space, you, as the landlord, are more likely to attract better tenants when it’s time for a transfer.
- Enhanced productivity: Tenant improvements tailor the workplace to each tenant’s specific needs, boosting efficiency and helping them enhance workflows for better productivity.
What Is the Approval Process for Common Commercial Tenant Improvement Projects in California?
The application and approval process for commercial tenant improvement projects varies, so research your area’s requirements before applying. Generally, the process will follow several steps:
- Contact your city or county building department.
- Prepare and submit all relevant documents.
- Complete the departmental review process.
- Pay the permit fee.
- Receive the permit and schedule building inspections.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your tenant can begin using the improvements you’ve installed.
Alta Construction Streamlines Commercial Tenant Improvement Construction
Tenant improvements are essential for facilitating business in your commercial building. Hiring a qualified commercial contractor like Alta Construction to plan and construct your tenant improvements is critical for achieving the best results.
As a full-service commercial general contractor licensed in multiple states, we lead the industry with sophisticated building services and modern technology integrations. We use advanced project management software solutions like Raken, Procore and BlueBeam to deliver total transparency and keep projects on track.
Start designing commercial tenant improvements for your California facility with a forward-thinking partner. Contact us today to connect with one of our expert team members.
