There are a variety of factors to consider when selecting a new location for your business. While building a new facility from scratch offers customization and flexibility of design, it’s also a much more expensive, time-consuming endeavor.
As the supply chain and demand-driven issues surrounding building materials continue to escalate, many companies are considering existing structures. Many of the logistical challenges that arise from expansion can be eliminated simply by choosing to relocate your business into an existing structure.
There are several obvious benefits to going with a structure already built for your business’s next location. Whether you’re launching a new venture, expanding and growing your business or relocating your operations, moving into a space that’s already built allows you to cut out excess line items in your budget and shave off months, or even years, in your timetable.
This would not only mean fewer logistics, but also fewer construction delays and more defined expectations. With an existing structure, you know exactly what you’re purchasing. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the site, get a feel for the space you’ll need and explore the surrounding area until you’ve reached a decision.
Should you decide to pursue an existing structure for your next expansion, you’ll need to consider the various factors that go into selecting the right site for your business. Here are several key components to weigh during the process.
Obviously, location is the biggest factor here. Is the structure or building close to the amenities, resources, infrastructure, and personnel that you need? It’s worth taking time to calculate whether this location will be prohibitive to your day-to-day operations, or if there are other closer sites that will help streamline your operations.
Another major factor involved in selecting a site is a ramp-up time. Do you need to get your new operations up and running as quickly as possible? Can you afford to wait months in order to build from the ground up? You will also need to consider how much work needs to be done to the space in order to make it operational. As you are exploring the existing structures, make sure to compare retrofitting requirements. This is especially important for rapid expansion projects or companies adjusting to market conditions. Choose a site that allows you to stay adaptable, efficient, and ahead of your competition.
Consider if this site has the space you need to conduct your business properly. Does the new site have the storage or manufacturing floor space that you need? Considering how many employees you’ll be hiring or relocating for your new location, it’s important to not only carve out enough space for your current employees, but also ensure you have space for potential employees as your business grows.
Of course, at the end of the day, making this decision will come down to cost. As we’ve mentioned, a major benefit of utilizing an existing structure is the lessened financial obligation and strain on your investment. As you examine all of the factors above, consider whether it might be more expensive based on location and space (i.e. transportation costs, breaking new ground or additions to the existing structure).
Lastly, does this new facility accommodate additional expansion? Depending on the site design and space available, it may be possible to develop additional space, if this new building allows. Many of the sites throughout the region are designed in a flexible, modular fashion, allowing companies to add units or entire wings of an office as they grow.
Entergy’s Site Selection Center is an invaluable resource for determining which site is right for you. This online tool allows you to narrow down the results based on your location, budget, industry needs, functionality, and more. For example, here is a pre-filtered list of existing structures available right now, some of which include 360 videos of the sites. We highly recommend utilizing this tool to see what’s available in your area. 
Entergy offers top-tier white glove service for businesses looking to establish themselves in this region. From specialized industry resources and relationships to incentives packages and affordable power, Entergy is your most powerful advocate in this space. Contact us today to learn how we can power your business.
