Amenities for commercial real estate can be significantly different from residential rental properties, as businesses and companies usually use the former. An office building will need different building amenities, and having them will create a good workplace environment and attract tenants.
Must-Have Commercial Building Amenities
High-Speed Internet
You will barely see a person who doesn't use a smart device, especially in a modern office setting. While people can have their own internet connection, it will be more convenient to have one in the building where everyone can connect and use it for both work and leisure. It is arguably one of the most important office amenities you should have installed.
Outdoor Space
Being confined inside walls isn't for everyone, and it's common office culture to go to outdoor spaces to cool off and unwind. Having proper office amenities for getting fresh air is a must-have for commercial buildings, and you can even add outdoor amenities like a vending machine.
Meeting Rooms
This can be especially necessary for office buildings, given that meetings happen regularly, and having a conference room can contribute to seamless operations for office tenants. It would also be better if it comes with certain tech tools and conference facilities like a projector or a screen for office presentations.
Break Rooms
Whatever the commercial buildings can be rented for, it's almost guaranteed that the break room will be used. You can add ergonomic furniture to make it one of the building's relaxation spaces, along with beverage services like water dispensers or coffee makers so employees won't have to go to coffee shops for a cup of joe.
Cafeteria
Having a cafeteria or food court is one of the office amenities that most employees would appreciate since they won't have to go far to grab a bite to eat. The company will also have control over the dining options and services, so they can offer nutritious meals for the well-being of the employees.
On-Site Fitness Center
Other than fitness centers encouraging employees or tenants to become physically healthy, such office building amenities contribute to work-life balance as well since they won't have to go to a different gym to work out. Offer the basic equipment such as weights, stationary bikes, treadmills, and more.
Wellness Room
Both physical and mental health should be a priority for everyone, even more so in commercial office buildings where the work environment can become monotonous. It can have wellness amenities like yoga mats for stretching or speakers for music, along with natural lighting. Wellness rooms create environments that contribute to increased productivity.
Game Room
Depending on the company's culture, employees or tenants might enjoy spaces where they can play sports or video games. Game rooms can have both game consoles or sports amenities like a ping pong table. These are some of the cool office amenities that can convince tenants to rent your office space.
Renewable Energy Sources
Other than the environmental responsibility property owners have, having clean energy sources like solar panels can also help reduce the electricity bill, which can be significant for commercial real estate. It's not among the common office building amenities, but it can give you an advantage over the competition in office demand.
Medical Facilities
You don't need to add a fully functioning medical facility in the building, but having a clinic with basic medical equipment and health services will help your employees with their overall well-being and safety. It also helps if it comes with small quiet rooms or spaces where employees can rest.
Adaptable Room
Adding adaptable spaces is among the common amenities in commercial real estate. It can be up to tenants what it can be used for such as a tenant lounge or a place for a new amenity. A flex space is usually necessary whether the building will be used for office, retail, or warehouse purposes.
Basic Building Amenities You Cannot Exclude
Parking Space
- Provided that the building will have several occupants whether they are tenants, employees, or customers, you can expect that a great number of them have vehicles of their own. It's important to have access to parking spaces to provide convenience.
24/7 Security
- Warehouse, retail, and office amenities you can't exclude include security, which comes in the form of surveillance cameras or security systems that provide controlled access to certain areas. This will impact tenant experience in terms of safety and is a must-have for commercial real estate.
HVAC System
- The temperature of the workspace can affect productivity, and being able to regulate it can effectively help with overall job satisfaction. Cooling and heating needs can depend on the location. For instance, California has warm summers and mild winters, so you will need an HVAC system among your building amenities.
Elevator Access
- If your building has more than four floors, it might make sense for one of the services provided to be elevator access. This provides a convenient way to reach higher floors. Just be sure to regularly conduct maintenance checks to ensure the safety of those who use it, and ensure the best tenant experience you can provide.
Rental Commercial Buildings FAQs
What else can convince tenants to rent my commercial property?
Aside from easy access to the warehouse, retail, or office amenities mentioned above, being in proximity to outside amenities like convenience stores or public transportation is a plus for prospective tenants. Not everyone has their own vehicle and may have to rely on public transit, and walking to a distant station is certainly a downside for tenants.
Is it hard to manage commercial real estate?
That depends on the kind of building you have. How many floors does it have? How big is it in terms of square foot? What kind of services will it be used for? Other owners have property teams helping them out, so you might need the assistance of local property management services like Blue Line Property Management.
How significant are must-have amenities in reducing vacancy?
Very significant. Property owners need to keep tenant experience in mind when including office building amenities like access to outdoor spaces, security, or fitness centers, as it will serve as a major factor in whether they rent your space or not. Just keep in mind that office amenity trends can change quickly.
What happens if I don't include amenities in my building?
Buildings with no amenities won't appear attractive to potential tenants. You cannot sell a property with natural light or hardwood floors alone. Tenants want retail, warehouse, or office buildings that offer convenience. Amenities like conference rooms and parking spaces can differentiate buildings they would consider renting.
Hiring a Property Manager For Your Commercial Property
Commercial property management differs from residential management, and it can be daunting just thinking about the amenities you need alone. Hiring a team of professionals like Blue Line Property Management can ensure that your building and tenants are cared for.
Not only can we maintain the building and the amenities it offers, but we can also help with the placement of tenants, accounting, and rent collection. You can schedule a free consultation with us to see if we are the right fit for your business.
