Back Bay Commercial Electric: Prepare Retail Pads for Tenants
When a business leases a space from a property owner, such as a spot in a retail outlet, shopping mall, strip mall, shopping center, office building or industrial complex, work typically needs to be done to “build out” or “fit out” the space so they can use it for their day-to-day business configuration. It is important to work with commercial contractor services for this type of work to expedite the results while also ensuring that the electrical services for retail are done up to code and according to local regulations. Electrical services can vary, from installing new outlets to expanding lighting fixture options, telecommunications solutions such as voice and data installation or upgrades to technology capabilities, depending on the needs of the tenant.
Commercial electrical in Back Bay and the surrounding Greater Boston area can be used to help tenants fix up or modify the space that they are leasing to make it suitable for use. There are a variety of other commercial services that will be required, including painting, installing new appliances, updating lighting fixtures, and upgrading electrical outlets to be able to handle the equipment that will be used. Most tenants will find all the details regarding what they can and cannot upgrade in their lease agreement under a clause titled “Improvements and Alterations.” They should discuss and agree on the items listed in this section of the lease with the landlord or property owner before contracting out any commercial contractor services.
Understanding “Trade Fixtures” and General Improvements
It is important to work with the landlord regarding any “trade fixtures” that you want to change. The main difference between the term improvements and trade fixtures is that any improvements that are made become the property of the owner. So if the tenant decides to make upgrades to the property, put in high-quality fiber optic cabling or install other electrical services for retail, those items must be left behind when they vacate the property. However, when it comes to trade fixtures, which are things that get installed during use of the property, such as portable equipment, signage, tools, and computer servers, the tenant must pay for those installations and pay for the removal of those installations.
However, it is important to check the lease agreement, as some items deemed “trade fixtures” could be required to be left behind when the property is vacated if they become an integral part of the structure that could be costly to remove. These fixtures also cannot cause costly damage to the property during their installation and removal. Tenants who want to have the right to take any trade fixtures with them when they vacate the property at the end of the lease need to look over the wording of the lease agreement and work closely with the installer of commercial electrical in Back Bay to ensure that they are within the guidelines for future removal, which can include telecommunications equipment for voice and data installation.
Responsibility for Tenant Build Outs
Once again, the lease agreement will determine if the landlord or property owner is responsible for the design, configuration, and construction of tenant build outs to provide suitable space for business operations or if the tenant is solely responsible. Commercial contractor services should always be used regardless to ensure that all improvements are up to code regulations and local requirements. Consider working with an architect for the formal design and then outsource electrical installations to professional electrical services for retail businesses in the local area.
Some tenant needs are minor, as the space may have already been improved by the last tenant. However, if you do require any electrical work for outlets, fixtures, upgrades, security surveillance cameras, fire protection systems, voice and data installation, or other custom work, you should hire a professional for commercial electrical in Back Bay. Don’t make the mistake of trusting such important work to anyone other than a licensed, insured, and reputable electrician who has experience providing electrical services for retail situations. It is a little more costly than hiring a general contractor, but the results will be worth the investment.
Commercial Electrical in Back Bay at M Foley Electric
If you are leasing a new space for your retail or another type of commercial business and are in need of professional commercial contractor services, make sure to contact M Foley Electric. Our team of highly trained and experienced professional electricians can help you achieve your goals for electrical work on the build out projects. Whether you require advanced technology upgrades for voice and data installation or if you just need basic electrical services for retail, our team can help you to achieve your goal. Give us a call at 857-829-0516 to schedule an appointment for a FREE estimate or to discuss your ideas for commercial electrical in the Back Bay area.