Renting a warehouse what questions should i ask?

beetlebailey

I plan on going to view a few warehouses to rent in the coming weeks.
I`ll be looking at places around 3-5000sq feet and preferably with racking
Bar the ususal ones does anyone have any advice as to what questions to ask when viewing?

EL_Loco

list the usual ones and maybe we can comment if there's any glaring omissions.

beetlebailey

What does the rent include?
Is the rent negotiable?
Are the rates up to date?
What are the rates?
How long is the lease for?
What deposit is required?

Any thing else?

Thoie

Are there any limits on access times, or the types of vehicle that can access it?
Are there any imposed limits on what can/can't be done with the exterior, any limits on signage?
(For example, could you put a satellite dish/big banner on it? Can you paint the entire outside yellow? I don't know why you'd want to do this, but just in case).
Is there any reason why it couldn't be open to the public?

I think it really depends on what you're planning to do with it - if you were going to hold a weekly farmer's market in it you'd need to ask different questions than if you were just going to store bricks in it and pick them up in a Fiesta once a year.

I'd also ask if it's suitable for storing x type of materials in it - if you want to store precious works of art, the fact that the roof leaks in that corner might be an issue. There could be health and safety issues about storing anhydrous ammonia in a place next to a river.

Axwell

Cant think of any more glaring obvious ones but maybe

The terms of breaking the lease if it came to it?

Security, if its in a business park is there a night watchmen or whatever in place?

SaKuRa

Having gone through this a few times now,there are some things you should clarify:

Rates,included in rent?
Service charges if in an estate, cutting grass,cleaning windows etc
If alarmed/monitored,what are the yearly costs?And is it a stipulation that you have to use "x" company,also check is there a charge for security checks during night.
Get an insurance quote on your contents for the building,as we have had an experience of one unit we were renting,flooded so often,the insurance premiums kept increasing,until it got some much it was not worth insuring stock.

Other costs that can mount up,like signage and a new phone system if required should be looked at.
Parking spaces can become an issue,so see what is you allocation.
If you are working on a budget and only need a forklift from time to time,see is there a neighbouring company with one that you can borrow for a small fee.
Look at neighbouring companies to see if there are any potential customers or suppliers.

Haggle hard,as a lot of owners are in a situation,where they cannot sell,and the units are costing them every month in repayments,we negotiated hard to get a 60% discount off the advertised rent,3 month break out clause and only 1 month deposit,and rates are included.I reckon our rent is just covering the owners repayments and rates,and he is prepared to wait 5-10 yrs to sell when the market improves.

beetlebailey

Thanks for all the advice its a great help!

SaKuRa

Have spare space approx 2000ft2,additional store person and offices if you would be interested in a share or pick and pack setup for your company.

dermocoll

Just in relation to this Im looking at renting some ware house space at the moment and am trying to get some costs together, is it possible to rent out pallot racking? any ideas on the cost involved?

SaKuRa

You should be able to pick up second hand pallet racking cheaply at the moment and most companies supply and fit,its a lot less expensive than you think.

Was talking to a person yesterday that has 3no 11,000ft2 units in Rathcoole,looking to subdivide and offer a pick and pack,delivery service if anyone is interested,good way to expand without getting into long leases and staff costs.