Medical Office Build-Out Considerations

When embarking on a medical office build-out, there are a few considerations you need to take into account. Medical offices have unique needs when compared to other general offices. Due to these unique features, they are more expensive due to the level of specialization required in the construction. While other physicians could work from the comfort of their homes, some such as dentists cannot. That is why undergoing the expense of dental office construction would be necessary.

If you are a medical practitioner who is looking for space to open a new medical office, there are a few key considerations that you should keep in mind so that you may influence the design and the building process.

1. Lease considerations

Some lease considerations to put into mind for medical offices could include:

• Lease renewal options
• Property compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Extraordinary utilities
• Relocation protection
• Exclusivity against like providers
• Termination of lease contract by reason of death or disability
• Unnecessary personal guarantees
• Assignment flexibility

Another important lease consideration is the cost of the build-out. Does the lease contract include build-out cost clause? Will you be relieved some rent for the improvements you make during the build out? Or is the landlord the one to pay for the build-out costs? Make sure you have a good agreement with your landlord and who knows you might earn credits for this.

2. Length of the stay

How long are you planning to stay in this location? If you are going to stay for a really long time, and even have a plan for expansions in the future in the same locations, then a buildout is highly recommended. But if you think you are going to stay for a short time, maybe a few years, look for an already finished office that needs just a few structural adjustments. Dental office remodeling will cost you less hence ideal for short-term projects. There is no need for spending a lot of money improving a space that you won’t be renting for a long time.

4. Cost

Doctors have higher fit-out costs due to the extensive specialized construction done in the build out. There is extensive plumbing and electrical network, equipment holding spaces, free air circulation, soundproofing, medical gas, and air, etc. Depending also on the medical procedures performed, medical facilities must follow construction codes for healthcare facilities. The facility must also be certified by the local health department.

5. Space use

Will you be sharing your space with other medical practitioners? You need to consider the needs of your employees and contractors. How many will you be sharing with? Remember you are the one who owns the practice and it’s your name that is on the lease. It is important to consider this as some of the practices done and equipment used you might not be familiar with.