5 Proven Tips to Make Your Industrial Building Look More Appealing and Increase the Chances of Leasing or Selling it:
1) Repainting
A quick way to give a tired, old building some life again is to re-paint it. A fresh, new coat of paint will make the building look more polished. Perhaps paint a stripe around the top of the building, incorporating contrasting earth tones. I’ve also seen some owners modify their look by integrating corrugated metal or wood accents. Architectural Digest is a great magazine to turn to for more inspiration.
2) Landscaping
Old neglected trees and shrubberies around a building give off the impression that the building, too, is old and neglected. Planting drought tolerant trees will clean up your property’s look. Palm trees are a favorite in southern California because they look sleek and require little maintenance year-round. Small herb shrubs such as lavender or rosemary are also a good idea to add in order to freshen up the exterior. Not only does it give off a fragrant charm to the property but it can also help reduce water consumption.
3) Paving
If your parking lot is starting to look gray and cracked, it may be time to pave a new black top. Especially if the surface has sinkholes or potholes, the asphalt will worsen over time. Often times, the first impression of your property is based off of the pavement surrounding it. Do you really want it to be in poor condition? Not only is it unappealing to the eye but tenants and buyers will also cringe at the idea of eventually having to pay for its replacement.
4) Refurbishing
The look of the interior of a building is every bit as important as its exterior. Upon entrance, reception and office area should be displayed as open and flexible. Small, private offices are outdated. Thus, removing that plywood siding is highly recommended. When it comes to restrooms, the general rule of thumb is refurbishing them every ten years. This means installing brand new fixtures, flooring, and paint. Good first impressions are a must; which is why the receptionist area and restroom are two areas where a clean, updated look is absolutely essential.
5) Clearing
Remove any items or distracting décor from the building when it is on display. Even old inventory or machines related to the previous owner/ tenant should not be visible if you are trying to show off the space. The property should be completely empty for the prospect’s imagination. Doing so, allows the prospective buyer or tenant to take mental ownership of the asset, moving you further down the sales path.
Finally, it should be obvious that the building must be clean and all systems must be operational. Without making any improvements to an unappealing building, your only other option is to deeply discount the building. While a qualified agent will be able to move your property effectively, it takes some hard work from the landlord as well. With the combination of these five tips and a knowledgeable agent, you will improve your chances of selling or leasing your property at its optimal price.
