Inspecting a built unit
A factory that was right for its previous occupant may be wrong for you in ways that are expensive to fix and easy to miss on a quick visit.
- Structural condition of the shed, particularly the roof and the truss.
- Clear height under the truss against what your equipment and material handling need.
- Floor condition and loading capacity, which is costly to upgrade.
- The sanctioned power load as it stands, not what could theoretically be arranged.
- Whether the electrical installation suits your equipment or needs replacing.
- Water supply, drainage and any effluent treatment in place.
- Whether the built area matches the sanctioned plan — unsanctioned construction becomes your problem.
- Any environmental or fire consents, and whether they cover your intended activity.
The paperwork on a running unit
- Allotment and lease documents, with a clear chain to the current owner.
- Confirmation that allotment conditions have been met.
- All dues cleared with the authority.
- Completion and occupancy certificates.
- Consents to establish and operate, where applicable to the activity.
- Clear position on any plant, machinery or fittings included in the sale.
How to value a built unit
A factory is worth what it lets you do, not what it cost to build. Two units with identical covered area can be far apart in value once you look at what each can actually house.
- Sanctioned power load — frequently the single largest factor.
- Clear height, which determines whether your equipment fits at all.
- Floor loading capacity, expensive to upgrade after the fact.
- The ratio of usable covered area to total, after circulation and services.
- Remaining structural life, particularly of the roof and truss.
- Whether the built area is fully sanctioned — unapproved construction becomes your liability.
- Open area for vehicle movement, which constrains throughput more than people expect.
Moving in without losing months
- 1Confirm the permitted activity covers your process before anything else.
- 2Establish authority standing, dues and whether transfer is permissible now.
- 3Have the structure and electricals inspected by someone independent.
- 4Agree in writing exactly what plant, fittings and services are included.
- 5Apply for the load change if the sanctioned power does not match your need.
- 6Line up your consents in parallel with the transfer rather than after it.