Space Checklist

Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether changes to your potential space are necessary or wanted.

Access

• Is a freight elevator available? Is it adequate?
• Does the building have a loading dock? Is it adequate?
• Are the doors wide enough for you to move in and out of easily?

• Is the space large enough to meet your needs?
• Is the building zoned for your intended use?
• Are the ceiling heights adequate for your needs?

• Is the existing electrical capacity adequate?
• Are there sufficient electrical outlets?
• Can the electrical system be upgraded, if necessary?

• How has the property been used for the past 60-100 years?
• Has the property housed toxic materials? Were they removed?
• Are there lead paint or pipes? (This is important if you will be rehabbing your space extensively, as you will need to hire professionals to safely remove the materials, and if you will have children living or visiting the space often. Even small amounts of lead are harmful to children. See the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Website for more information about lead poisoning and related illnesses.)
• Is there a Phase I Environmental Risk Assessment readily available? (This assessment tells you if any dangerous substances have been used at or in the building.)
• Does the space have carbon monoxide alarms?

• Is there room within the space to expand?
• Is there room within the building to expand?
• Is it possible to “downsize” the space through subleasing?

Heating/Air Conditioning/Ventilation

• Do the heating and cooling systems accommodate your live/work needs?
• Are natural and mechanical ventilation systems adequate?
• Can you easily upgrade these systems to fit your needs, if necessary?
• Can the space support special ventilation, if necessary?

• Is the amount of natural and/or artificial light adequate?
• Is additional light required?
• Is the amount of natural light too extreme? Is interior shading required?

• Are the space and building sufficiently secure?
• Is there adequate fire protection? Enough fire alarms, fire exits, etc.?
• Does your insurance carrier for personal property have requirements for the number of exits, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or other items as a precondition for coverage? If so, does the space meet those requirements? If not, can these features be easily incorporated into the space? (See Chapter 20: Insurance.)

• Is storage within the space adequate, or is off-site storage necessary?
• Will enclosed storage rooms be required, or can furniture systems be used?

• Is access to water available and/or adequate?
• How many and what type of fixtures are available: bathrooms, emergency showers, etc.?
• Are slop sinks available? How many exist, and where are they located?

• How often and when is waste collected?
• What type of waste can the collection service handle?
• Can the service provider handle solvents, paint thinners, metal and other art and hazardous waste materials, such as acids and photography solutions?

TIP: Permit Wizard is an on-line program administered by the Chicago Department of Construction and Permits that assists you in finding and applying for the necessary applications and permits related to construction projects. Once you complete the questionnaire, a list of the required documents will be created.