Sites requiring demolition
Even if a site looks clean, if a previous tenant left debris or the flooring is engineered wood, the amount of demolition material may be large, driving up costs.

Sites needing reinforcement
If you can’t inspect in person, you can check the building registry on Government24, but direct inspection is best.
Older buildings often require removing walls. Non-load-bearing partitions are fine, but if it’s a structural wall, reinforcement work is mandatory to avoid collapse risk.

Sites needing repair
Check for cracks in ceilings and walls. Over time cracks can worsen, requiring repair work that adds costs.
If repairs are necessary, note that you can’t charge extra for defect repairs beyond the agreed amount. Knowing this helps you spot unfair cost increases.

Sites with plumbing
If plumbing wasn’t previously used, verify existing water and sewer pipes. If none exist, plumbing installation is needed, raising costs.

High-ceiling sites
Taller walls increase paintable area and may require ladders or scaffolding, slowing work and adding labor costs.

Sites requiring fire-safety work
For second floors or multi-use facilities, fire-safety installations are mandatory.
Fire-rated materials cost more, and requirements vary by business type, building height, and area, so confirm in advance.

Cases requiring exterior work
Exterior work can be expensive. If the storefront has full glass, you may avoid carpentry, metalwork, or painting, lowering costs.

Sites before/after leasing
Landlords may make concessions to attract tenants for vacant spaces.
If a site’s poor condition incurs extra costs, request necessary repairs from the landlord before signing the lease.

Finally, knowing the site condition yourself is crucial.
You can’t predict exact estimates, but understanding which conditions drive costs up or down lets you save on interior expenses.
Armed with this knowledge, you can choose a site that costs less even with the same area and contractor!