--- title: Looking for Commercial Space? 7 Common Mistakes To Avoid - APPRO description: Avoid common pitfalls when searching for commercial space. Discover key mistakes to steer clear of for a successful property search and business growth. image: https://blog.approdevelopment.com/hubfs/blog-files/Nov%202026%20blog%20header.jpg --- office@approdevelopment.com info@cerron.com [![Commercial Real Estate Solutions Providers - Appro and Cerron](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/ApproDevelopment_Oct2020/images/dual_logo_400_offset2.png?width=400&height=225&name=dual_logo_400_offset2.png "Commercial Real Estate Solutions Providers - Appro and Cerron")](https://approdevelopment.com/) - [Home](https://approdevelopment.com/) - [Appro Design & Build](https://approdevelopment.com/design-build/) - [Current Projects](https://approdevelopment.com/design-build/current-projects/) - [Land Development](https://approdevelopment.com/design-build/land-development/) - [Design & Build](https://approdevelopment.com/design-build/design-build/) - [General Contractor](https://approdevelopment.com/design-build/general-contractor/) - 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[Space Calculator](https://approdevelopment.com/space-calculator/) - [Lean Principles](https://approdevelopment.com/services/lean-principles/) - [Finance Resources](https://approdevelopment.com/design-build/finance-resources/) - [1031 Tax Deferred Exchange](https://approdevelopment.com/design-build/1031-tax-deferred-exchange/) - [Cost Segregation](https://approdevelopment.com/design-build/cost-segregation/) - [Subcontractor Info](https://approdevelopment.com/design-build/subcontractor-info/) - [Property Owner](Javascript:void(0);) - [Building Maintenance Checklist](Javascript:void(0);) - [Blog](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/)   # **APPRO and CERRON Blog**   ![](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/hubfs/blog-files/Nov%202026%20blog%20header.jpg) # Looking for Commercial Space? 7 Common Mistakes To Avoid Published by [Bruce Rydeen](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/author/bruce-rydeen) on Nov 5, 2026, 10:35:41 AM Moving into a new commercial space can be exciting — especially when it means your business is growing! But finding the right property isn't as simple as searching listings and choosing a building that looks good and has the right square footage. The wrong pick could leave you with: - Higher-than-expected occupancy costs - A location that doesn't serve employees or customers - Expensive renovations - A restrictive lease - No room to grow - A property that simply doesn't function the way you need it to To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, we’ve compiled a list of the most common mistakes to avoid when looking for commercial space. As you begin your search for a new commercial property, watch out for these mistakes. ## Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long To Start Looking ![Nov 2026 blog 1](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-files/Nov%202026%20blog%201.png?width=1200&height=675&name=Nov%202026%20blog%201.png) It’s easy to assume you can just start looking for space a few months before your current lease expires (or before you absolutely need that additional capacity). But finding the right property can take time, and that’s only one part of the process. In addition to property searches and tours, you may also need to leave time for: - Lease or purchase negotiations - Financing - Due diligence - Space planning - Permitting - Improvements/remodeling - Equipment installation - Packing up your current space and moving So it’s important to start early to make sure you’ll have plenty of time for each step in the process, especially when renovations are needed. Key takeaway: Start the conversation before your current space becomes a problem. Don't wait until your lease is about to expire or you've completely outgrown your building. ## Mistake #2: Starting the Search Without Defining What You Actually Need ![Nov 2026 blog 2](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-files/Nov%202026%20blog%202.png?width=1200&height=675&name=Nov%202026%20blog%202.png) It's easy to say "We need about 10,000 square feet." But square footage alone doesn't determine whether a building will work for your business. Before searching, make a list of “must-haves” vs. “nice-to-haves.” Depending on your needs, this might include: - Office vs. warehouse/manufacturing square footage - Ceiling/clear height - Dock and drive-in doors - Parking - Storage space - Power requirements - HVAC - Visibility/signage - Customer access - Loading and delivery access - Technology infrastructure - Zoning - Accessibility - Employee amenities Keeping this list handy will help you stay on track and find a property that’s truly right for your business — not just one that’s big enough. Key takeaway: Define what you need in a building beyond square footage before you start your search. ## Mistake #3: Comparing Properties Based on Rent or Purchase Price Alone ![Nov 2026 blog 3](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-files/Nov%202026%20blog%203.png?width=1200&height=675&name=Nov%202026%20blog%203.png) It may sound counterintuitive, but a property with a lower advertised lease rate isn't necessarily a less expensive option than one with a higher lease rate. That’s because there are so many other factors that go into your overall cost of occupying a property. It’s important to understand what your total occupancy costs will be, which could include expenses like: - Base rent - Common Area Maintenance (CAM) - Property taxes - Insurance - Utilities - Repairs and maintenance - Parking - Janitorial expenses - Landscaping/snow removal - Tenant improvements The exact allocation of expenses will depend on what type of lease you have. In a commercial lease, a landlord and a tenant can negotiate responsibility for many of these items, so it’s important to understand exactly what's included in the quoted rate. In a recent blog, we went over the different types of commercial leases and what each one includes. Check that out here to learn more: [Understanding Commercial Real Estate Lease Types](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/understanding-commercial-real-estate-types). Key takeaway: Compare total occupancy costs — not simply the advertised lease rate. ## Mistake #4: Ignoring Future Growth ![Nov 2026 blog 4](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-files/Nov%202026%20blog%204.png?width=1200&height=675&name=Nov%202026%20blog%204.png) Don't ask: "Does this property fit our needs today?" Instead, ask: "Will this property fit our needs three, five, or ten years from now?" You should always consider future growth when choosing a property for your business. This includes: - Projected employee growth - Inventory/storage requirements - Production increases - Additional equipment - New product/service lines - Customer growth - Parking needs - Additional office requirements - Expansion opportunities You don't want to overbuy or overlease, of course, but choosing a property with no flexibility could mean going through another costly move sooner than you’d like. Key takeaway: Look for a flexible space that supports long-term business growth. ## Mistake #5: Overlooking the Location ![Nov 2026 blog 5](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-files/Nov%202026%20blog%205.png?width=1200&height=675&name=Nov%202026%20blog%205.png) Don’t underestimate the importance of location when choosing a property for your business. A building might check every box and still be the wrong property if it’s not in the right location. Always evaluate how the location affects: - Customers, suppliers, and employees - Transportation and highway access - Deliveries and parking - Visibility - Neighboring businesses - Zoning - Taxes - Future development and expansion opportunities In most cases, you’ll want a property that’s near major transportation corridors, with operational features such as docks, drive-ins, storage, and flexible configurations. Don’t just take it from us! The [U.S. Small Business Administration](https://legacy.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/pick-your-business-location) recommends considering similar factors when choosing a business location.  Key takeaway: The right building in the wrong location could still be the wrong real estate decision. ## Mistake #6: Underestimating the Cost and Time Needed To Make the Space Work ![Nov 2026 blog 6](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-files/Nov%202026%20blog%206.png?width=1200&height=675&name=Nov%202026%20blog%206.png) You may walk through an existing property and think, “It’ll be great once we move a few walls around. No big deal.” But modifications like this can become a lot more involved once you consider factors like: - Architecture/design - Mechanical systems - Electrical and plumbing - Fire protection - ADA/accessibility - Building codes and permits - Structural changes - Flooring/finishes - Technology - Specialized equipment … and more! Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy or lease a property that needs modifications; just make sure you consider all the costs involved and the time needed to make them. And, of course, make sure you have a good partner on your side (like [APPRO & CERRON](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/what-sets-us-apart)) to help you renovate. Key takeaway: Evaluate renovation feasibility and cost before committing to the property — not after. ## Mistake #7: Assuming Leasing Is the Best Option ![Nov 2026 blog 7](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-files/Nov%202026%20blog%207.png?width=1200&height=675&name=Nov%202026%20blog%207.png) Before you start searching for a space to lease, you may want to first determine if leasing is the best option for you. Depending on your: - Financial position - Available capital - Timeline - Long-term growth plans - Need for customization - Desired location - Available inventory … it might make more sense to [buy an existing property](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/why-should-i-buy-commercial-real-estate-in-2026-cerron) or build something new, rather than leasing. Take a look at our blog, [Lease, Buy, or Build: How To Know Which Is Right for Your Business](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/lease-buy-or-build-how-to-know-which-is-right-for-your-business) to explore your options in more detail. Key takeaway: Every business is different and has different needs. It’s important to determine which is right for YOUR business: leasing, buying, or building. We hope this list of mistakes to avoid when looking for commercial space helps you in your search for the right property! ## Finding the Right Space Takes More Than a Property Search ![July 22](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-files/July%2022.png?width=1000&height=663&name=July%2022.png) Searching online or driving past properties with "For Lease" signs can help give you an understanding of what's available, but there's much more involved in choosing the right commercial space. That’s why it’s important not to go it alone. A commercial broker like CERRON Commercial Properties can help you: - Define your property requirements - Identify available options - Understand market conditions - Compare properties - Evaluate financial considerations - Negotiate terms - Coordinate with other professionals - Consider alternatives you may not have thought of … and ultimately help you find a space that fits your operations, budget, employees, customers, timeline, and future plans. After all, the goal isn't simply to find an available commercial property. It's to find the right real estate solution for your business. Whether that means leasing an existing space, buying a property, remodeling a building to better fit your needs, or designing and building from the ground up, APPRO Development and CERRON Commercial Properties can help you evaluate your options from the beginning. We’d love to be a part of your property search. [Contact us](https://approdevelopment.com/contact-us/) to get started! Tags: [Commercial Real Estate](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/topic/commercial-real-estate), [CERRON Commercial Properties](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/topic/cerron-commercial-properties), [types of commercial real estate](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/topic/types-of-commercial-real-estate) [Back to Blog](https://blog.approdevelopment.com) ## Related Articles ## [MN Commercial Property Search Now Available at CERRON.com](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/real-estate-for-lease/mn-commercial-property-search-now-available-at-cerron-com) MN Commercial Property Search Now Available at CERRON.com Lakeville based, APPRO Development and... [Read More](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/real-estate-for-lease/mn-commercial-property-search-now-available-at-cerron-com) ## [Commercial Real Estate Search MN](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/commercial-real-estate-search-mn) Commercial real estate search in MN can start right here with CERRON Commercial Properties. Our... [Read More](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/commercial-real-estate-search-mn) ## [Finding the Right Commercial Building for your Small Business](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/finding-the-right-commercial-building-for-your-small-business) Searching for the right commercial building for your business can be daunting Finding the right... [Read More](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/finding-the-right-commercial-building-for-your-small-business) --- ![APPRO Development & CERRON Commercial Properties](https://blog.approdevelopment.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/ApproDevelopment_Oct2020/images/dual_logo_400_offset1.png "APPRO Development & CERRON Commercial Properties") --- #### Contact Us --- --- #### About Us At APPRO Development and CERRON Commercial Properties, creating real estate solutions for our clients is our life’s work. 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