Commercial buildings, where to start...

[Hatterasguy]

I am entering into my first real "big" project. Its with a friend, he wants to expand his business in the next year greatly. I have been working with him in his currant business, and I firmly believe that this can work. But his company needs a larger industrial/mixed use building. We are thinking 1-2 acres of land. Since we will need to put pretty large boats inside, think up to a 50ft sailboat. Actually I sudjested that he measure an Irwin 52 that we are currently working on and go from their size wise. The building plans he is coming up with. Here are my questions:
Educate me on environmental laws. Of course there will be varnishing and painting of boats going on.

I know some of you guys are builders, where can I learn about this stuff?

P and Z should be fun if we build new, I was thinking about converting and existing building. I'll see what he thinks.

This is turning into a pretty cool project, I think its going to be a lot of fun...

[t walgamuth]

well there are lots of things to consider. the code is a good starting point. you can also confer with your insurance carrier and your local fire inspector. the fumes will be a problem so you will need exhausting systems. also maybe a fire proof room to store paint and varnish when you aren't using them.

tom w

[kramlavud]

Good to have as much knowledge of the process as you can before starting, but you will need a licensed architect or engineer in most jurisdictions to prepare and stamp the contruction documents (drawings and specifications).
regards,
Mark

You are treading into waters way beyond your ability it would be in your clients best interest for you to team up with a commercial broker mainly a CCIM graduate. I know that you are working for friends but there is really no way you can stumble throught the information you need in a timely manner to complete the transaction. I can refer a CCIM broker if you would like.

[Hatterasguy]

Originally Posted by MedMech

You are treading into waters way beyond your ability it would be in your clients best interest for you to team up with a commercial broker mainly a CCIM graduate. I know that you are working for friends but there is really no way you can stumble throught the information you need in a timely manner to complete the transaction. I can refer a CCIM broker if you would like.

Of course Jeff, I know when I am out of my league. I am just doing some preliminary scouting. I happen to know one of the best commercial brokers in my area, he has been doing this for 30 years. When we get serious he will come into this.

I am just trying to learn as much as possible on my own, I have got to start somewhere.

[Larry Delor]

You will need adequate ventilation - Check with OSHA
You will need adequate numbers of fire extinguishers.

How many square feet are you talking about? Check your state's rules about building size. Buildings in Fla. that are under 10k sq. feet, are under different/easier rules than those over 10k.

If you need the building warm in the winter, make sure you have adequate heating - especially if you are "ventilating adequately".

Polyurethane doesn't like to stick/kick when it's cold, and you can only add so much MEK

[Ocean View]

Start at the zoning department that has jurisdiction for the area that you are looking into.

Even in industrial buildings there are more than 1 type of zoning that will allow for certain types of uses.
Also check with the fire department for that area as well.

That should give you a good start.

[kip Foss]

You might be money ahead to see if you can find an existing boat yard. Many of these problems will already be solved for you. I have a friend in Fall River, Ma that specializes in this sort of real estate if you would like his number.

[Hatterasguy]

That option was looked into, but he is not trying to build or run a boat yard. This company is something different.

Actualy I know someone who recently bought a boat yard to be an asset in his investment company. I suspect the reason is to build condo's on it, but you never know. I know a lot about the marine industry, enough to know that making big money in it, is like getting water from a rock. But suckers and fools (like me ) are drawn to it.

This facility will be similer to a boat yard, but with many important differences. Its a profitable nitch that boat yards can't fill.

[GottaDiesel]

Buying the land is the hard part. You need to make sure the use conforms to what you want to do.

The rest is easy.

Learn everything you can about steel buildings (Butler Buildings, etc.) There are places that you can buy the entire building in a kit. -- Hire a small crane and a crew and they slap it together in a day. The mason work (concrete) is the most important part of the job.

Trust me. Think Steel. Cheap, easy, big, wide spans without support poles. Did I mention cheap? LOL.

Don't get roped into the "block is better" BS.

For your application... and most boat builders and similar I know... It is always done in steel. Plus it makes the the fire/town happy to see people that work with chemicals, resins, etc. to be doing so in a steel building.

Good Luck.

[t walgamuth]

well.....it might seem like a day, but it will be longer.

tom w

[Hatterasguy]

Yep I will be consulting with my Uncle who has been building residential and commercial buildings for 25+ years. After that I will have some good numbers to work with.

Realestate isn't rocket science, if you don't know the answer you just have to know someone who does.

[t walgamuth]

the trick with real estate is being able to ask someone who knows the answer and not have to worry about him snapping up your intended prize!

around here the realtors get all the deals!

tom w