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An alternative to finding an existing property (and sometimes the only solution) is to get your premises built from the ground up. Read on to find out more about buying land and building your own property.
There are a number of sites available for commercial development, allowing you to build a premises that is geared to your business’ own unique needs but you will need to gain Planning Permission and Building Regulation Approval first. There are also separate rules governing the display of outdoor advertisements and the external appearance of buildings, so make sure you do your research before committing yourself.
Finding the right place of land will be dependent on the building you have in mind. Clearly identify the purpose of your building and possible future requirements before looking at land, taking into account access, centrality, noise etc. While some businesses can operate from a more rural location, others will rely on passing trade or clients who need to visit frequently. What will best suit employees, customers and suppliers? Once you have found a suitable piece of land for sale, contact the planning department at your local council. Discuss your proposal before submitting an application. Planning staff will be able to advise you whether or not permission is likely to be granted and how any difficulties can be overcome.
For a new building, you can make an outline application to find out whether the principle of development is acceptable. You do not need detailed drawings, but need to provide the council with as much information as possible and discuss this before you submit the application. A Building Control Surveyor will then check your development plans for compliance with the Building Regulations before you can go ahead. Usually a decision will be made within eight weeks and, once permission is granted, your development must begin within five years of the date of permission.
Once you have found the right land and confirmed permission to build on it, you will need to work with a solicitor who will liaise with the seller’s solicitor to finalise the sale. Your solicitor will also be responsible for carrying out additional searches on the plot to ensure that it is safe before completion.
While factories and workshops will have slightly different criteria, most traditional office space needs to be high quality, well-lit, ventilated and temperature-controlled, flexible, re-configurable and wired for IT and telephony. Contact a number of architects for references and quotes and see which one has experience that best suits your needs and budget. All chartered architects will agree in writing the terms of their appointment, the services to be provided and their fees before proceeding. There are also a number of commercial property specialists who will offer a complete design and build package, managing everything from budget to furniture procurement.
Whoever you work with, there are a number of considerations to be made when having business premises built:
- Security. Designing a building to help prevent crime could save money later.
- Access. Ensure roads and footpaths are easy to accommodate.
- Communication. Ensure power cables and telephone lines are possible.
- Broadband. Can you get broadband access if you need it?
- Noise. Make sure local noise won’t interfere with your business.
- Car parking. Ensure adequate space is allocated for customers, suppliers and staff.
- Maintenance. Will it be easy to look after?
- Energy efficiency. For example, movement sensors on lights.
Once you have worked with your architect to draw up an agreed brief of the building, the architect will arrange a Building Warrant through the local council and will issue invitations to tender before employing a building contractor. He/she will also advise you on when you are required to make payments for different stages of the project.
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