Warehouse Space for Rent

To help you prepare for finding the right warehouse space for your needs, we have put together a list of items you will want to think through prior to leasing. Of course, working with Columbus Warehouse Space, we can walk you through all of the options, help you decide what is best for you, and ultimately help you find the right warehouse space for rent, in the right location, and at the right price.

8 Warehouse Feature Considerations

Warehouse Cost and Additional Expenses

Warehouse operating costs include three additional costs called “operating expenses”. The term “triple net” refers to these three costs that are in addition to the base rental rate. They are real estate taxes, insurance for the structure and common area maintenance. Make sure you are clear about what you will pay for and what the landlord will pay for so you don’t end up with unexpected expenses.

Square Footage

There are a number of different ways square footage is calculated. 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.

Parking

Parking needs to be defined in the lease agreement as to where car and trailer parking is located. Parking is usually “non-exclusive” which allows any parking space to be shared with other tenants. If you have a specific parking requirement that should be negotiated and shown on an exhibit in the lease.

Warehouse Property Maintenance

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, interior maintenance etc.

Electrical Needs

Seems simple but warehouses vary greatly in the amount of power is within them. Make sure the warehouse space has electric service that is sufficient for your needs. You will want to evaluate things like 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 Ceiling Height

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 things into consideration such as the slope of the drive in door ramp and clearance of any vehicles that will be in the space, the height of shelving units, etc.

Building Codes/ Zoning

These need to be evaluated as they vary among municipalities. Understanding what is allowed and restricted such as outside storage need to be reviewed and understood to avoid headaches down the road.

Sprinkler

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 or adequate is crucial as adding or modifying the system can be extremely costly.

Column Spacing

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

HVAC

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 are defined as to the maintenance and replacement of equipment.

Maximum Floor Load

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.