Square footage may be calculated in a number of different ways. You will want to make sure you clearly understand what is and is not included in the square footage measurements. Make sure you are getting what you pay for and that the actual usable square footage in the warehouse space for rent will meet your needs.

The lease agreement should spell out where car and trailer parking is located. Parking is usually “non-exclusive,” which means parking space is shared with other tenants. If you have a specific parking requirement, that should be negotiated and shown on an exhibit in the lease.

These expenses and duties need to be clearly defined in the lease. You will want to make sure you know what you will be responsible for and what the landlord is responsible for. This includes HVAC, building maintenance, trash removal, parking areas, landscaping, snow removal, and interior maintenance.

Availability of power is easily overlooked, but it’s important to explore, as warehouses’ power capabilities vary widely. Make sure the warehouse space has electric service that is sufficient for your needs. You will want to evaluate things such as the available amperage and power, and see how that matches up with equipment you will use. An electrician may need to be involved if the landlord is unclear on the specific details.

Warehouse ceilings and truck service door sizes vary, but make sure the height of the ceiling and the doors will accommodate your needs. You will want to take into consideration such factors as the slope of the drive-in door ramp, clearance of any vehicles that will be in the space, height of shelving units, etc.

These need to be evaluated, as they differ among municipalities. Components that are allowed and restricted, such as outside storage, need to be reviewed and understood to avoid headaches down the road.

Building codes restrict certain products from being racked or stacked above 12’ without adequate sprinkler coverage. Making sure that the sprinkler system is in place and adequate for your needs is crucial, as adding or modifying the system can be extremely costly.

Understanding how you will be using the space will help to determine what column spacing you will need to allow for racking, aisle width, and maneuvering.

The availability and extent of coverage of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units can vary greatly. You will want to ensure that you know what you’re getting ahead of time, that associated costs are clearly defined, and that obligations as to the maintenance and replacement of equipment are defined clearly.

Make sure you are clear on the floor load for the concrete slab and compare that to the weight of any vehicles, equipment, or stacked shelves you intend to have in the space.