Industrial Property Evaluation Checklist

Evaluating industrial properties requires checking many factors. Miss one detail and you could make a costly mistake.

This checklist covers everything you need to evaluate before making a decision.

Why Evaluation Matters

A bad property decision costs more than just rent:

• Operational inefficiency: Wrong location adds transport costs
• Hidden costs: Unexpected repairs or upgrades
• Legal issues: Zoning or access problems
• Growth limitations: Can't expand when needed

The cost: €50,000+ in bad decisions over a 10-year lease

Use this checklist to avoid mistakes.

Location Evaluation

Geographic Location

• [ ] Supply chain fit: Does it fit your network?
• [ ] Customer proximity: Distance to key customers
• [ ] Supplier access: Distance to suppliers
• [ ] Market coverage: Serves your target markets

Transport Access

• [ ] Highway access: Distance to major highways
• [ ] Port proximity: Distance to ports (if needed)
• [ ] Airport access: Distance to airports (if needed)
• [ ] Rail connections: Rail access (if needed)

Local Infrastructure

• [ ] Road quality: Condition of access roads
• [ ] Traffic patterns: Peak hour congestion
• [ ] Parking: Adequate parking for staff and visitors
• [ ] Public transport: Staff access to public transport

Physical Specifications

Building Structure

• [ ] Size: Meets your square meter requirements
• [ ] Ceiling height: Sufficient for your operations
• [ ] Floor loading: Weight capacity adequate
• [ ] Column spacing: Doesn't interfere with operations
• [ ] Building condition: Age and maintenance status

Loading Facilities

• [ ] Dock doors: Sufficient number of loading bays
• [ ] Dock height: Grade-level or dock-high access
• [ ] Maneuvering space: Adequate space for trucks
• [ ] Loading area: Size of loading yard
• [ ] Access restrictions: Height or weight limits

Office Space

• [ ] Office area: Sufficient office space
• [ ] Office condition: Quality of office facilities
• [ ] Meeting rooms: Availability of meeting spaces
• [ ] Staff facilities: Break rooms, restrooms, etc.

Access and Security

Access Hours

• [ ] Operating hours: Matches your needs (24/7, business hours, etc.)
• [ ] Access restrictions: Any time-based limitations
• [ ] Key management: How access is controlled
• [ ] Emergency access: After-hours access procedures

Security

• [ ] Gated access: Security gates or barriers
• [ ] CCTV: Surveillance camera coverage
• [ ] Security personnel: On-site security (if needed)
• [ ] Alarm systems: Intrusion detection systems

Costs and Financials

Rent and Fees

• [ ] Base rent: Monthly or annual rent
• [ ] Service charges: Additional fees for services
• [ ] Utilities: Electricity, water, heating costs
• [ ] Insurance: Required insurance coverage
• [ ] Taxes: Property taxes or business rates

Hidden Costs

• [ ] Maintenance: Who pays for repairs?
• [ ] Upgrades: Required improvements or fit-outs
• [ ] Parking fees: Additional parking costs
• [ ] Access fees: Gate or access card fees

Lease Terms

• [ ] Lease length: Duration of lease agreement
• [ ] Break clauses: Early termination options
• [ ] Rent reviews: How rent increases are calculated
• [ ] Deposit: Security deposit requirements

Legal and Compliance

Zoning and Permits

• [ ] Zoning: Permitted uses for the property
• [ ] Planning permission: Any restrictions or requirements
• [ ] Environmental permits: Required environmental approvals
• [ ] Business licenses: Required operating licenses

Legal Documentation

• [ ] Lease agreement: Review all terms carefully
• [ ] Title documents: Property ownership verification
• [ ] Easements: Any access or use restrictions
• [ ] Covenants: Property use restrictions

Operational Considerations

Expansion Potential

• [ ] Expansion space: Room to grow if needed
• [ ] Adjacent availability: Can you lease more space?
• [ ] Modification rights: Can you modify the building?

Operational Fit

• [ ] Workflow: Does layout support your operations?
• [ ] Storage: Adequate storage areas
• [ ] Processing space: Room for your processes
• [ ] Staff facilities: Sufficient facilities for staff

Comparison and Decision

Compare Multiple Properties

Use IndiFind's comparison features to evaluate multiple properties:

1. Save favorites: Save properties you're considering
2. Compare side-by-side: View key criteria together
3. Score each property: Rate on your priorities
4. Make decision: Choose based on complete evaluation

Decision Framework

Prioritize based on your needs:

• Must-haves: Non-negotiable requirements
• Nice-to-haves: Important but flexible
• Deal-breakers: Issues that eliminate a property

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Price-only focus:

• Choosing cheapest without evaluating fit
• Better: Consider total cost and operational fit

Ignoring access:

• Not checking loading facilities properly
• Better: Verify all access requirements

Overlooking hidden costs:

• Not accounting for all fees
• Better: Get complete cost breakdown

Not considering growth:

• Choosing property that's too small
• Better: Plan for future expansion

Using IndiFind for Evaluation

IndiFind helps you evaluate properties:

• Detailed listings: All key information in one place
• Save favorites: Build your shortlist
• Compare properties: Side-by-side comparison
• Direct enquiries: Contact listers with questions

Next Steps

Ready to evaluate properties?

1. Sign up for free
2. Search properties using your criteria
3. Save favorites for comparison
4. Use this checklist for each property
5. Make informed decisions

Stop guessing. Start evaluating. Get started now.

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