As the end of your commercial lease approaches, it’s essential to understand your responsibilities when it comes to make good obligations. “Make good” refers to the process of restoring the leased premises to their original condition, minus normal wear and tear, as stipulated in your lease agreement. Properly navigating this process ensures a smooth transition and maintains a positive relationship with your landlord. In this post, we’ll outline key steps and considerations to help you successfully complete the make-good obligations at the end of your commercial lease.

Understanding Your Make Good Obligations

Before you begin the make-good process, review your lease agreement thoroughly to understand your specific obligation. The lease agreement will typically outline the scope of the work required for the make-good, which may involve tasks such as removing fixtures, repairing damage, repainting walls, replacing floor coverings and more. Understanding these requirements is crucial for a seamless transition out of the property.

Planning and Preparation

1. Start Early: Begin planning for the make-good well in advance of your lease expiration date. Adequate time allows for proper organisation, sourcing of materials and coordination of any necessary professionals.
2. Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the premises to identify any damages or changes that need to be addressed. This step is essential to ensure that nothing is overlooked during the restoration process.
3. Documenting Condition: Documenting the current condition of the property with images or videos. This will serve as evidence of the property’s state at the time of your departure, helping to prevent disputes over damages later on.

Hiring Professionals

Depending on the complexity of the make-good requirements, consider enlisting the expertise of professionals. Their specialised skills ensure that the work is done accurately, safely and in compliance with regulations. Professionals can also provide valuable insights into the scope of work and help you to prioritise tasks for a smooth restoration process.

Execution of Make Good:

1. Restoration Tasks: Begin by addressing the tasks specified in your lease agreement, such as removing partitions, repairing damages, repainting walls and replacing floor coverings. A focus on completing these tasks will ensure that the property is returned to its original condition.
2. Regular Communication: Maintain open communication with your landlord throughout the make-good process. Regular updates and transparency can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Final Inspection

Once you’ve completed the make-good tasks, arrange a final inspection with your landlord. During this inspection, both parties will assess the property’s condition and verify that all required work has been done to satisfaction. The documentation you’ve collected, including images and videos, can be useful during this inspection to support your case.

Benefits of a Well-Executed Make Good

Completing the make-good obligations conscientiously offers several benefits:

• Positive Reputation: A thorough make-good reflects your professionalism and commitment to maintaining the property.
• Smooth Transition: A successful restoration process ensures a smooth transition for the next tenant or for your landlord’s use of the premises.
• Mitigating Disputes: Clear documentation and adherence to lease terms help minimise disputes over damages or restoration quality.

The make-good process at the end of your commercial lease may seem like a complex task, but with careful planning, clear communication, and attention to detail, you can navigate it successfully.

At Commercial Make Good, we’re dedicated to assisting our clients in carrying out their make-good and lease agreement duties. We collaborate closely with real estate firms and our clients to make sure that commercial spaces are returned in their agreed condition. When it comes to repairs, renovations, and demolition, we offer professional advice and direction to make sure that both our customer and the landlord are happy with the commercial space.

Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation quote for any set-up or make good job.