Other factors to evaluate are the ratio of length to width, ceiling height, lot size, office and restroom facilities, provisions for expanding or dividing the building, door and loading dock number and configuration, electrical and gas service capacity, and the need for rail service. Canvass other state and local economic development organizations regarding their experiences and review recent leads such as those from the Ohio Department of Development's Site Selection System and the First Frontier Fund to ascertain what types of buildings are currently sought by prospects. The community should agree in principle on the type of business that would fit into their environment and the type of business that will be the target of marketing efforts. Consequently, the size, configuration, and location should be generally defined. Important Building Parameters Experience suggests that in general, engineered steel buildings are the most suitable for speculative purposes.
Actual construction is fast.
A prefabricated building can be delivered in 6 to 8 weeks and requires only about 6 weeks for erection. Grading and foundation work can be completed while awaiting delivery. Expansion of steel buildings is typically much easier than with masonry construction. Other considerations are whether or not to pour the floor and if so, to what thickness. Floors represent a significant cost, which under ideal circumstances can be delayed until the building is sold or leased.