When you start a business or are looking to expand your operations, the location of a brick-and-mortar business is crucial. Finding an optimal location can be hard in a saturated market, but doing some extra research and searching can increase your overall ROI. Choosing a location for a commercial build comes down to many factors, including traffic patterns, zoning, and other buildings in the area.
Why Location Matters
In order for your business to thrive, it needs to be in a place where your customers can easily access and may already be frequenting. There are other reasons to have your commercial build in a prime location, including access to distributors, delivery systems, and maintenance. The location of a business can impact daily operations and long-term earnings. Especially if you are part of a supply chain, being near other businesses in order to collaborate is crucial. Your customers and employees will benefit greatly from choosing the best location for your commercial build.
1- Strategic Visibility And Accessibility
Business owners need to be strategic about where they place their building in order for it to be seen by those passing by. Visibility is important for a business, especially when someone is navigating to your business for the first time. Clear signage and directions are necessary for new customers, and making sure that the building is accessible.
Accessibility helps you to serve customers of all types and ages. Finding a spot that is accessible to walkers, bikers, drivers, and wheelchair users will help you bring in more business. Finding a commercial space that is easily accessible may be a little more difficult, but as long as your parking lot and entrances are accessible, more people will be drawn to your space.
2- Understand Zoning Constraints
Every city will have different zoning laws and constraints that you need to follow. When searching for a location, you should look at the constraints and see if they are a deal breaker for you. Some zones will be controlled by an HOA, meaning your branding or landscaping needs to follow certain guidelines. Other zones will not allow commercial businesses to build in that area. Zoning constraints can also dictate building height, fencing regulations, quiet times, and permits needed to construct the building.
3- Business Saturation
With more and more businesses popping up, it can be hard to find a good commercial spot where your business can be noticed. Even if your business needs to be among other commercial buildings, you should still take steps to ensure proper visibility and uniqueness for the building. If it is impossible to build your commercial business where no other businesses are present, try to find a location where there are no other businesses in your specific industry.
4- Consider The Surrounding Demographic
One important aspect of a long-lasting business is the interest in your product or business model. For example, if you are looking to construct a gym or monthly workout space, but the surrounding demographic is older couples, this may not be the best location. You will want to be close to your ideal customers in order to maximize business. You can search metro area data from the Census, or visit the local chamber of commerce to aid in your research of the surrounding community.
5- Proximity To Other Buildings
Going back to accessibility concerns, you may want to consider the surrounding buildings before constructing your business. Cramped businesses can be nice along a main street or business park, but cramped commercial buildings can make parking and deliveries more difficult. If you are unable to find open land to place your commercial building, you may have to choose a space based on other factors, including cost, HOAs, crime rates, and demographics.
The type of industry you work in, a quieter location may be better suited for a new build. Some businesses can benefit from more open space, less traffic, and fewer surrounding businesses. These businesses include:
- Spas
- Meditation studios
- Office spaces or call centers
- Film studios or podcast studios
Commercial Construction From EK Bailey
Our company specializes in retail, hospitality, medical, fuel c-stores, and more. We have been in business since 1956, working on projects of all sizes. Commercial construction means we often have to adapt, making stunning businesses in the most impossible circumstances.
Our team can help with excavation, demolition, plumbing, utility work, tilt-up walls, and landscaping. When it comes to your business, you want the very best quality. EK Bailey has worked with many large companies across Utah to help them draw in more customers and achieve a higher ROI. Reach out to our team to learn more about our design and construction techniques and get started on your commercial build today!
