By Frank Chapman
\nExecutive Vice President of Medical Construction
\nDavie Construction Co.<\/p>\n
When you decide to make your dream of opening a practice a reality, we recommend contacting us immediately!\u00a0Once you have selected the site, you might find it more logical to reach out to us as a general contractor specializing in Medical\/Dental construction. But if there is one piece of advice I would give every aspiring owner, it is to include us at the beginning of your planning process. The insight we provide, based on decades of experience and a proven track record, will help you avoid bad decisions that could cost significant time and money.<\/p>\n
Location, Location, Location We\u2019ll assess the saturation level of the area as determined by the number of homes in a three-to-five-mile radius of the proposed location, the median household income within, the number of existing dental practices in the area, and the number of associates at those practices. The equation for a successful business requires 1200 \u2013 1500 clients.<\/p>\n Infrastructure Requirements \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Electrical capacity: a minimum of 200-amps to support Panoramic X-ray ( (which uses 40-60 amps), surgical lighting, and specialty lighting. Partner with a Realtor Who Specializes
\n<\/strong>It\u2019s easy to get seduced by a seemingly perfect location, but there are many variables to consider besides an emotional attraction. Of course, we listen when a doctor tells us where they want to establish their practice. However, we\u2019ll research the area and provide our analysis of its viability and potential for success to support their decision or indicate a need for reconsideration.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Most lease spaces don\u2019t meet the requirements of a veterinary practice or animal hospital without some upfit included in the start-up costs. These are some of the requirements we tend to look at on site:<\/p>\n
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0HVAC system: 250 square feet per ton is necessary,
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Plumbing: chair delivery systems, air, vac, water, power, data.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>As a GC specializing in medical construction, we can recommend buyer agents or realtors in your area with experience helping medical practices of all types identify the most appropriate facilities. Their job is to find the best price per foot based on the negotiated allowances you set for your project. Once the contract is signed, the next step is developing a schematic design.<\/p>\n