Whether you’re a business owner moving into a new space or a landlord preparing for a new lease, commercial tenant improvements (often called TI projects) play a critical role in shaping how a commercial property functions, feels, and ultimately, performs.
At Trademark, we specialize in transforming commercial spaces to meet the unique needs of the businesses that occupy them—making sure every square foot serves a purpose. But who exactly needs tenant improvements, and what are the most common upgrades? Let’s break it down.
Who Needs Tenant Improvements?
Tenant improvements are modifications made to a commercial space to accommodate the specific needs of a tenant. Because of this, they aren’t just cosmetic—they’re essential for functionality, branding, and code compliance.
1. New Business Owners
Startups or expanding businesses moving into a leased space often need to customize the layout and infrastructure to support operations. Think coffee shops adding commercial plumbing, or boutique retailers adjusting lighting and display areas.
2. Franchisees
Franchises have strict design guidelines and brand standards. From flooring and finishes to signage and kitchen equipment, most franchised businesses require tenant improvements to align with corporate specifications.
3. Medical & Dental Offices
Healthcare facilities have very specific needs—from exam room layouts and ADA compliance to specialty electrical and plumbing systems. TI projects in these settings focus heavily on function and patient experience.
4. Landlords & Property Managers
Landlords who invest in tenant improvements often increase property value and attract long-term tenants. In competitive markets, offering a “white-box” or “build-to-suit” space gives them a clear edge.
Learn more about our process here!
Common Tenant Improvements & Upgrades
Each business has different priorities, but there are some upgrades we see time and time again across industries.
1. Space Reconfiguration
Walls might need to come down—or go up. We regularly help businesses open up floor plans or add private offices, conference rooms, or staff lounges. Generally, this is one of the most common first steps in a TI project.
2. Flooring Upgrades
Undeniably, durability and design both matter. Depending on the industry, we might install:
- Luxury vinyl tile (LVT)
- Commercial-grade carpet tiles
- Polished concrete
- Slip-resistant or antimicrobial flooring (especially in healthcare and food service)
3. Lighting & Electrical
Modern commercial spaces demand flexible lighting solutions. Whether it’s energy-efficient LED installations, task lighting for retail, or upgraded electrical panels for industrial machinery, lighting is a key TI focus.
4. Plumbing Modifications
Although many businneses utilize plumbing, restaurants, salons, and medical offices all require complex plumbing solutions. We often reroute pipes, upgrade fixtures, or add restrooms to bring spaces up to code and function.
5. HVAC & Ventilation Systems
Adequate climate control is a must for most commercial tenants. However, improvements can vary and may include new ductwork, zoned HVAC systems, or high-efficiency units for better performance and lower energy costs.
6. ADA Compliance & Accessibility
Meeting accessibility standards is not just the right thing to do—it’s the law. Because of this, we ensure commercial spaces are accessible to everyone, with compliant bathrooms, entryways, and path-of-travel adjustments.
7. Custom Finishes
Finishes bring your brand to life. From paint colors and ceiling treatments to custom cabinetry or branded feature walls, TI projects offer the perfect opportunity to make a space feel like your own.
Why Work with Trademark for Tenant Improvements?
Unlike many companies, we bring a builder’s eye and a business owner’s mindset. At Trademark, we understand that time is money—especially in the commercial world. Our streamlined design-build approach helps minimize downtime, control costs, and deliver exactly what your space needs to thrive.
Whether you’re reimagining a retail storefront or prepping an office suite for its next tenant, we’re here to help you build better—smarter, faster, and on brand.
Contact Trademark today for a consultation and let’s talk about how we can bring your commercial space to life.
