Commercial Tenant Improvements

Yes. Rubicon supports occupied-space remodels where the business needs to continue operating during construction. The approach depends on the space, the business type, and the scope of work. Rubicon plans the phasing sequence, access windows, and operational boundaries before construction begins so the business has a clear picture of how construction will proceed around daily operations.

Yes. Rubicon is familiar with the documentation, insurance, and coordination requirements that commercial landlords and property management companies impose on tenant improvement contractors. The team can work within the landlord's approval process, submit required documentation, and coordinate with the building engineer on MEP connections and structural requirements.

Yes. ADA and accessibility upgrades are a common component of occupied-space remodels, particularly in older commercial buildings. Rubicon has coordinated accessibility improvements in active dental, veterinary, office, and retail spaces. The scope typically includes restroom modifications, accessible route work, door hardware, and counter height adjustments, and Rubicon can coordinate that work within a phased schedule that keeps the business operational.

A commercial tenant improvement is the construction work done to prepare a leased commercial space for a tenant's specific business use. This includes framing, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in, insulation, drywall, ceilings, flooring, finishes, millwork, and all the work required to convert the space from its delivered condition to an operating business. The scope is defined by what the space requires and what the tenant's business needs, which varies significantly by use type and existing conditions.

A tenant improvement starts with an existing building shell and involves constructing the interior space to suit the tenant's needs. Ground-up construction starts with a site and involves constructing the entire building, including site work, foundation, structural framing, building envelope, all building systems, and interior finishes. Ground-up projects are broader in scope, take longer to complete, and require a contractor with the capacity to manage the full range of trades and coordination from the start of the project.

Most commercial tenant improvements require a building permit at minimum. Projects that involve changes to mechanical systems, plumbing, or electrical work typically require additional trade permits. Specialty use types like dental offices, medical clinics, and food service operations may involve review by health departments or other agencies in addition to the building department. The specific permits required depend on the jurisdiction, the scope of work, and the use type of the space.

Rubicon supports occupied-space remodels for dental practices, veterinary clinics, restaurants, fitness studios, retail stores, and office tenants. The common factor is that the business needs to continue operating in some capacity during construction. Rubicon's approach to phasing, scheduling, and communication is adapted to the operational realities of each business type.

Before signing the lease, if possible. Rubicon can review a space in its current condition and provide an early budget and schedule estimate that informs lease negotiation. This is particularly valuable for specialized spaces like dental offices, veterinary clinics, and restaurant kitchens, where the infrastructure requirements drive significant construction cost that may not be obvious from a standard commercial showing.

Tenant improvements are funded through a combination of the landlord's improvement allowance and the tenant's own contribution. The landlord improvement allowance is negotiated as part of the lease and represents the landlord's contribution to the buildout cost. When the buildout cost exceeds the allowance, the tenant pays the difference. Pre-lease contractor input helps tenants understand this gap before the lease is signed.