With typical construction, renovating a retail space is rarely a smooth process. Timelines can be unpredictable, costs can grow unexpectedly, and not to mention all kinds of delays. Business owners and landlords are often left wondering when their store will finally be ready. Fortunately, there’s a faster, more affordable, and more reliable alternative. In this article, we’ll discuss what retail tenant improvements are, compare traditional vs modular improvements, cover some common modular upgrades for retail spaces, and more.
What Are Retail Tenant Improvements?
Retail tenant improvements are upgrades, modifications, or other adjustments made to a commercial rental space that improve tenants’ use of it. Such renovations may differ depending on the exact type of business or industry, but in general they may include upgrading flooring or wall finishes; adding extra light fixtures or power outlets; adding partitions for storage and other purposes; and more.
Some improvements are paid for by the tenant, and others may be covered by the landlord. But regardless of who funds them, these additions are important for creating a better environment for retailers.
Traditional vs. Modular Retail Tenant Improvements
If you’ve decided to make some tenant improvements, the decision between traditional and modular construction can be a big one. The thought of construction in general can bring to mind long and drawn out on-site work, sawing noises, and a degree of uncertainty about when the project will be finished. Fortunately, modular construction removes many of these worries. Below are a few ways in which it is superior to traditional construction.
Faster Installation
As everyone knows, with traditional construction, projects can drag on for months or even years. Modular can speed things up significantly. By building most of the parts or “modules” off-site, these pieces can be delivered and installed in a fraction of the time, which means completing your tenant improvements much sooner.
Lower Costs
Traditional tenant improvements can come with surprise costs, whether that’s in the form of extra labor, material waste, or unexpected change orders. Because modular construction is done within a factory, materials are used far more efficiently, and labor is also more predictable. This translates to fewer unexpected costs, and a lower cost way to improve your retail space.
Fewer Disruptions
As we mentioned already, no one wants to deal with loud construction noises, especially when it can affect your team or potential customers. With modular, most of the work happens off-site, so your business can continue running as usual.
Consistent Quality
With traditional construction, quality can vary widely, depending on the crew, weather conditions, and on-site problems. Modular construction mostly takes place in a controlled environment, and every piece is built to exact specifications. This creates a higher level of consistency, so your improvements look great and function properly.
Common Modular Tenant Improvement Applications for Retail Spaces
Though their exact use may vary depending on the industry, modular construction can be used for a wide variety of retail tenant improvements. Here are some of the most common upgrades:
- Modular Offices Inside Stores: Retailers, especially those who operate in a warehouse, often need back offices for administrative employees.
- Checkout Counters and Display Areas: Checkout or customer service areas can be created with modular walls and partitions; elevated display areas can be created with mezzanines.
- Temporary Retail Booths: Pop-up shops and seasonal stores can also benefit from modular construction if they need fast and flexible booths.
- Employee Break Areas: Another common modular space that’s created for retail are break rooms, which can give your staff comfortable places to rest and relax.
The Bottom Line
Upgrading your retail space doesn’t have to be full of delays, unexpected costs, and disruptions. Modular construction makes tenant improvements faster, easier, and lower cost. Whether you need offices, checkout areas, or break rooms, modular structures can help you improve your space with less hassle.
Interested in upgrading your space? Reach out to the experts at Allied Modular for a quote on new walls or structures:
