A, “test fit,” can be a very useful tool during the office search process. Generally prepared by an architect & drawn to scale, this plan quite literally tests to see if your requirement will fit within a given space.
Case Study:A recent client was outgrowing their space and looking to expand within the building. Their space programming dictated a need for:
- 3 private offices
- 1 large conference room
- 1 break area/ kitchen
- 20+ bench seating stations
Because my client was already a tenant within the building & hoping to expand (landlord’s are generally more inclined to assist growing companies than those downsizing), the landlord was more than willing to examine potential options.
However the test fit is a great tool for any space search and most landlords, especially institutional landlords, will typically take on the cost associated as part of the negotiation process (because of the cost and time involved, a landlord will typically want to know you are serious about the space and may hold out until later in the negotiation process. I recommend only asking for a test fit once you have narrowed down your search to a final few properties). The landlord can either have their architect prepare the plan or provide a test fit allowance, which a tenant can use to hire an architect.
In this case, the landlord’s architect took the existing floor plan (which consisted of two separate spaces):
They then combined the spaces & overlaid our programming onto the floor plan:
This plan allowed my client to better answer a few important questions:
- Are the immediate requirements met?
- Is there room for growth?
- Are there any changes that need to be made or additional criteria that needs to be solved for?
Because this type of plan can be so helpful when making a final decision, it is often worth the cost (even if a landlord will not pay for it) to ensure a space meets your needs now and moving forward. It is also worth asking if a hypothetical plan has already been produced. For several of my listings, the landlord prepared such a plan during the renovation process:
