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Eight Steps to Achieve Fit-Out Success

September 4, 2018
Jay Prybylski
Whether moving to an existing building or one under construction, it is important to focus on core and shell coordination to ensure the building meets the project-specific fit-out needs. Although relocating to a building that is under construction provides greater flexibility for customized build-out requirements, early planning and engagement are vital to success, regardless of the selected tenant space.

I’ve compiled the below eight steps to support tenants in their fit-out process: from building selection through to fit-out completion.

  1. Engage early with the core and shell contractor to form a relationship from the very beginning.
  2. Confirm the individual tenant’s power requirements and set-up the space accordingly.
  3. Identify and integrate unique technology needs at the planning stage of the fit-out.
  4. Understand the live load capacity of a fit-out and integrate these needs with the building’s capability.
  5. Determine any increased cooling capacity needs and work with the core and shell contractor to achieve this.
  6. Establish any requirement for inter-level connectivity for multi-level fit-outs to define where additional staircases or elevators would be. This is particularly useful in a building under construction.
  7. Clarify other customization elements such as additional amenities, personalized terraces or raised floors.
  8. Create a plan to integrate the tenant fit-out construction activities concurrently with the core and shell project delivery to create a plan for the start date and ongoing material deliveries and hoist access.

There are numerous components to consider when undertaking a tenant fit-out. It’s critical to complete careful planning and engage the landlord, the core and shell contractor for new buildings, and the design professionals, early in the process to make the right decision for a company’s unique needs. A carefully integrated design and coordination process with the relevant stakeholders will ensure a safe, cost-effective and timely project that will provide tenants with a lasting, customized and high-quality result.

Do you want more information on the critical steps to achieving a successful tenant fit-out? Click here to read Gilbane’s detailed white paper.




About Authors
Jay Prybylski has been dedicated to working on complex renovation projects for signature commercial properties in and around New York City for over 35 years. As the leader for Gilbane’s New York interiors team, Jay is instrumental in providing exceptional leadership and guidance on complex projects. Jay is committed to collaboration and partnership with all project stakeholders. His expertise allows him to seamlessly direct projects from inception to completion and final closeout, while providing innovative solutions to unique construction challenges for projects that are critical, fast-paced and complex.
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