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Your Commercial Retail Tenant Buildout Checklist

Opening a new retail space is exciting — but the buildout process can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with how construction, permitting, and landlord requirements work in Northeast Florida. As a commercial general contractor based in St. Augustine, I’ve seen the same challenges come up again and again. The good news is that with the right preparation, you can avoid delays, unexpected costs, and unnecessary stress.


Here’s a checklist you can follow to ease the process:

 


✔ PRE‑LEASE PLANNING

  • Review the landlord’s Work Letter and construction responsibilities

  • Request as‑built drawings, site plans, and utility/electric-gas-water information

  • Confirm HVAC capacity, electrical service, and plumbing availability

  • Identify any use‑specific requirements (e.g., grease trap, hood, fire alarm tie‑in)

  • Discuss realistic timeline expectations with your GC before signing the lease


✔ DESIGN & PRE‑CONSTRUCTION

  • Hire a licensed architect and MEP engineers (Marvel Construction can help with the design process)

  • Provide your GC with:

    • Space plan

    • Equipment list

    • Finish selections

    • IT/security needs


A permit-ready architectural and MEP design is optimal.

  • Submit drawings to landlord for formal approval

  • Obtain preliminary budget pricing from your GC

  • Plan for:

    • Architectural/engineering fees

    • Permitting fees (your contractor should include these in the quote)

    • Utility & impact fees (owner responsibility - restaurants especially)

    • Contingency (10–15%); necessary without 100% permit-ready set of drawings


✔ PERMITTING

  • Submit full construction documents to the local jurisdiction

  • Expect 6–12 weeks for review depending on municipality

  • Prepare for possible reviews by:

    • Fire Marshal

    • Zoning

    • Health Department

    • Air Quality/Asbestos

  • Respond quickly to any revision requests to avoid delays


✔ CONSTRUCTION PREP

  • Finalize all selections and equipment specs

  • Approve the GC’s final budget and schedule

  • Coordinate with landlord on:

    • Access requirements

    • After‑hours work rules

    • Dumpster placement

    • Staging areas

    • Business hour potential noise levels

  • Order long‑lead items early (HVAC units, electrical gear, storefront glass)


✔ DURING CONSTRUCTION

  • Attend scheduled walkthroughs with your GC

  • Keep communication open between:

    • Tenant

    • GC

    • Architect

    • Landlord

  • Avoid mid‑project design changes when possible

  • Prepare for multiple inspections throughout the project

  • Coordinate with GC on Move-in protocols


✔ PROJECT CLOSEOUT

  • Final inspection and Certificate of Completion/Occupancy

  • Receive:

    • Warranty information

    • Closeout documents

    • As‑built drawings (if applicable)

  • Tenant to schedule installation of:

    • FF&E

    • IT and security systems

    • Signage

  • Coordinate with landlord for final approvals and opening requirements


✔ READY TO OPEN

  • Complete punch list items

  • Install POS, shelving, and merchandise

  • Train staff and prepare for soft opening

  • Celebrate your new space

 


Marvel Construction Group, LLC

Your Partner in Retail & Commercial Tenant Buildouts Across Northeast Florida If you’re planning a new space or preparing for a tenant improvement project, our team is here to guide you from concept to completion.



www.marvelconstructiongroup.com  | Call Adam Leo 904.599.8950 

 

 
 
 

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