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Post by Top 5 South Jersey Make-Ready Construction Tips for Tenant Units
For property managers and contractors in South Jersey, make-ready construction is the backbone of turning over commercial tenant units quickly and effectively. Whether you’re refreshing a retail space in Cherry Hill or prepping an office in Atlantic City, your work ensures units are move-in-ready to attract tenants and minimize vacancies.
In 2025, new regulations add a layer of complexity to this process, impacting how you approach construction to meet property owners’ compliance needs. At Geobil Construction, we specialize in make-ready construction for South Jersey commercial properties, and we’re sharing our top five tips—plus a key regulatory update—to help you streamline turnovers, stay compliant, and boost your bottom line.
2025 Regulations Impacting South Jersey Make-Ready Construction
A new regulation effective July 1, 2025, directly affects commercial property owners and, by extension, your make-ready construction projects. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) mandates that commercial buildings over 25,000 square feet benchmark their energy and water usage annually, starting with 2024 data, using the EPA’s Portfolio Manager tool. This applies to many retail centers, office complexes, and mixed-use properties in South Jersey, such as those in Deptford or Vineland.
Why It Matters for South Jersey Make-Ready Construction
Property managers will increasingly prioritize energy-efficient upgrades during tenant turnovers to improve benchmarking scores and avoid fines. As a contractor, integrating energy-saving features into your make-ready projects—such as LED lighting, efficient HVAC systems, or low-flow fixtures—positions you as a valuable partner in helping clients meet these requirements. These upgrades not only enhance unit appeal but also reduce long-term operating costs, making your work a win-win for property owners and tenants.
How to Prepare
Incorporate energy-efficient materials: Discuss options like high-efficiency lighting or insulation with property managers during planning.
Document upgrades: Provide detailed specs on energy-saving installations to help owners report improvements in their benchmarking submissions.
Stay informed: Check the NJBPU website (njcleanenergy.com) or contact njbpubenchmarking@beam-portal.org for guidance on compliant upgrades.
By aligning your make-ready construction with these energy benchmarking goals, you can differentiate your services in South Jersey’s competitive commercial market.
Top 5 South Jersey Make-Ready Construction Tips for Summer 2025
- Prioritize Moisture-Resistant Materials in Coastal South Jersey
South Jersey’s coastal climate, from Atlantic City to Cape May, demands moisture-resistant materials to ensure durability in make-ready construction.
Why It Matters
High humidity and storm exposure can lead to mold or water damage, causing tenant complaints and costly repairs. Durable materials keep units leasing-ready and reduce maintenance for property managers.
Practical Tips
Use mold-resistant drywall: Install purple drywall or fiberglass-faced gypsum in bathrooms or near exterior walls.
Choose vinyl or porcelain flooring: Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or porcelain tiles resist humidity and wear, perfect for high-traffic commercial spaces.
Apply waterproof sealants: Seal grout, baseboards, and window frames to protect against coastal winds and rain.
Enhance ventilation: Upgrade HVAC systems to reduce condensation, aligning with energy benchmarking goals.
South Jersey Consideration
Coastal towns like Ocean City may require storm-resistant materials per local codes. Consult the South Jersey Coastal Plain Regional Planning Board for flood zone regulations, especially for ground-floor units.
- Optimize Lighting for Tenant Appeal and Energy Efficiency
Lighting is a game-changer in make-ready construction, enhancing unit appeal and supporting South Jersey’s energy benchmarking requirements.
Why It Matters
Bright, efficient lighting makes spaces feel larger and safer, helping property managers lease units faster. With New Jersey’s commercial electricity rates at 12.5 cents/kWh, energy-efficient lighting lowers tenant costs and boosts benchmarking compliance.
Practical Tips
Install LED fixtures: Use LEDs (3000K–4000K) for warm, energy-saving lighting that reduces maintenance.
Maximize natural light: Avoid heavy wall treatments that block windows; consider glass partitions for offices.
Layer lighting types: Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting for versatile retail or office spaces.
Meet code standards: Ensure emergency lighting and exit signs comply with South Jersey’s International Building Code (IBC) for units over 1,000 square feet.
South Jersey Consideration
In tourist-heavy areas like Wildwood, retail tenants want vibrant lighting to attract foot traffic. Balance tenant branding with energy-efficient options to meet benchmarking goals.
- Streamline Wall Prep for Speed and Versatility
Efficient wall preparation is critical for delivering polished, tenant-ready units in South Jersey’s fast-paced commercial market.
Why It Matters
Damaged or outdated walls delay move-in dates and deter tenants. Fresh, neutral walls create a clean slate, speeding up leasing for property managers.
Practical Tips
Inspect and repair early: Patch cracks or water damage with quick-drying compounds and sand smooth.
Use low-VOC paints: Meet New Jersey’s environmental regulations and reduce odors with low- or zero-VOC paints.
Choose neutral palettes: Soft gray or off-white tones appeal to diverse tenants and enhance space perception.
Opt for washable finishes: Semi-gloss or eggshell paints are durable and easy to clean in high-traffic areas.
South Jersey Consideration
Historic areas like Haddonfield may have older plaster walls requiring specialized repairs. Train crews or hire preservation experts to avoid code violations.
- Upgrade Flooring for Durability and Quick Installation
Flooring is a high-impact element in make-ready construction, balancing aesthetics with practicality for South Jersey commercial units.
Why It Matters
Worn flooring dates a space, while durable, modern options enhance value. Quick-install materials help contractors meet tight turnover deadlines.
Practical Tips
Prioritize LVP or LVT: Luxury vinyl plank or tile mimics wood or stone, installs fast, and resists wear.
Level subfloors: Use self-leveling compounds for uneven subfloors common in older South Jersey buildings.
Plan transitions: Use T-molding for seamless flooring transitions, ensuring ADA compliance in multi-zone units.
Budget for removal: Account for asbestos removal in pre-1980s buildings, hiring certified professionals per New Jersey regulations.
South Jersey Consideration
High-traffic areas like Deptford’s shopping centers demand low-maintenance flooring. Discuss options with property managers to optimize cost and durability.
- Coordinate with Tenants and Managers for Custom Fit-Outs
Clear communication during make-ready construction ensures custom fit-outs meet tenant needs without delaying South Jersey turnovers.
Why It Matters
Misaligned expectations lead to rework or tenant dissatisfaction. Delivering tailored units on time gives property managers a competitive edge.
Practical Tips
Host pre-construction meetings: Align property managers, tenants, and crews on plans, budgets, and timelines.
Use modular designs: Install demountable walls or modular cabinetry for flexibility in future turnovers.
Document changes: Track tenant requests with tools like Procore to avoid disputes.
Anticipate permitting delays: South Jersey’s permitting process (e.g., in Camden County) can take 2–4 weeks; submit early.
South Jersey Consideration
Mixed-use developments in Voorhees may need unique fit-outs, like soundproofing for medical offices. Build flexibility into plans to meet diverse tenant needs.
Conclusion
South Jersey’s commercial property market demands precision in make-ready construction to keep units leasing fast. By prioritizing moisture-resistant materials, energy-efficient lighting, streamlined wall prep, durable flooring, and proactive coordination—while integrating energy-saving upgrades to meet 2025 benchmarking regulations—you can deliver spaces that attract tenants and ensure compliance. At Geobil Construction, we’ve transformed countless units into thriving businesses, and we’re ready to help you do the same.
Ready to optimize your next commercial tenant turnover? Contact us at info@geobilconstruction.com for expert make-ready construction services tailored to South Jersey’s unique needs.
