Case Study: How to find property and how to fitout

In today’s bustling urban lifestyle, the convenience of swiftly completing a week’s laundry at a laundromat while enjoying a coffee nearby, is undeniably appealing.

Our client, recognising the significance of prime location and accessibility for laundromats, engaged Proactive Property Group to undertake the challenge of finding the ideal premises, securing it on a well negotiated lease agreement, and managing a comprehensive fitout.

How to Find Property for Your Business Needs

Finding the ideal property for your business is a strategic process that involves careful consideration of various factors.

Here’s our comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Define Your Requirements: Start by identifying your business needs. Consider factors such as location, size, layout, accessibility, target audience, and proximity to suppliers, customers, and transportation hubs.

2. Location Matters: Location plays a pivotal role in your business’s success. Research the demographic and economic characteristics of potential areas. Choose a location that aligns with your target market and complements your business type.

3. Budget Considerations: Set a clear budget that includes not only rent but also additional costs like utilities, maintenance, and taxes. Ensure the property’s cost aligns with your financial projections.

4. Engage Professionals: Collaborate with property experts who specialise in finding commercial properties and negotiating leases. They can provide valuable insights and advice to finding and securing your ideal property. 

5. Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to understand property trends, demand, and supply in your chosen area. This insight can guide your decision-making process.

6. Property Inspection: Physically visit potential properties. Assess the condition, layout, and suitability for your business operations. Ensure the property meets safety and zoning regulations.

7. Future Growth: Consider your business’s future growth. Opt for a property that can accommodate expansion if needed. This prevents the hassle of relocating in the near future.

8. Negotiate Lease Terms: Negotiate lease terms that are favorable for your business. Discuss rent, lease duration, renewal options, and any concessions or incentives the landlord can offer.

Once the ideal property is found and secured, the next step is to fitout the premises.

Fitout: Turning Spaces into Functional Hubs

A successful laundromat fitout goes beyond arranging machines; it involves intricate plumbing, gas, electrical, and ducting work.

Given the plumbing complexities, obtaining building consents becomes imperative, potentially involving changes of use and fire engineering considerations.

Proactive Property Group took on the challenge of designing, consenting and fitting out the premises ensuring seamless execution, resulting in a well-functioning self-service laundromat.

How to manage the fitout process

Once you’ve secured the property, the next step is to ensure the interior space aligns with your business needs. The fitout process involves turning a space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Here’s our process how to manage the fitout effectively:

1. Design Concept: Develop a design concept that aligns with your brand identity and business operations. Consider layout, colors, materials, and customer flow.

2. Engage Professionals: Collaborate with architects, interior designers, and contractors who specialise in commercial fitouts. They can help bring your design concept to life while adhering to safety and regulatory requirements.

3. Obtain Building Consents: Depending on the nature of your fitout, you may need building consents from local authorities. Ensure compliance with zoning, fire, health, and safety regulations.

4. Project Management: Assign a project manager to oversee the fitout process. This person will coordinate contractors, timelines, budgets, and quality control.

5. Contractor Selection: Select reputable contractors for plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and other specialised tasks. Obtain multiple quotes and references before making decisions.

6. Communication: Maintain clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders involved in the fitout. Regular updates and progress reports ensure everyone is on the same page.

7. Quality Control: Regularly inspect the fitout’s progress to ensure it aligns with the design concept and quality standards. Address any issues promptly to avoid delays.

8. Testing and Completion: Before opening to the public, thoroughly test all systems, equipment, and safety features. Obtain the necessary certificates and approvals before commencing operations.

Our Strategic Approach

Collaborating closely with the client, Marcus and Proactive Property Group crafted a comprehensive premises brief for an optimal suburban location.

Marcus then embarked on the premises search, meticulously scanning the market for potential locations that aligned with the client’s needs. After careful assessment and shortlisting, the client reviewed and approved the options, selecting their preferred premises.

With the location secured, Marcus proceeded to negotiate commercial terms for the lease. The negotiation process encompassed future rent and operational costs, while also securing landlord contributions for proposed upgrades and eliminating holding costs from the Agreement to Lease signing until laundromat opening.

Meanwhile, Marcus facilitated fitout design, obtained necessary consents, and supervised the fitout process. Proactive Property Group took the lead in overseeing:

• Fitout design and building consent documentation preparation
• Submission of building consent and addressing council inquiries
• Contractor selection for base build upgrades and equipment installation
• Project management for the fitout construction
• Issuance of the Code Compliance Certificate upon fitout completion

The Client Outcome

The results were compelling—a modern, purpose-built laundromat facility in a refurbished space. Notable achievements include:

• A 40% cost savings on base build in comparison to competitive quotes
• A 4-month rent-free fitout period
• A 6-month rent-free period following laundromat launch
• Structured rental increases to manage occupation costs
• A lease devoid of personal guarantees

This success prompted the client to entrust Proactive Property Group with their next laundromat sourcing and construction endeavor.

In a world where efficiency and convenience are paramount, this case study highlights how Proactive Property Group’s strategic approach in finding prime properties and orchestrating meticulous fitouts can yield exceptional client outcomes. The seamlessly integrated process culminated in a thriving laundromat, embodying modern convenience and operational excellence.