If you’re anything like us, you’ve admired the craftsmanship at McNally’s Irish Pub in St. Charles. Walking through the pub doors is like crossing the ocean and being brought straight to Ireland. But what you may not know is that owner Maurice McNally custom built out the restaurant through his design build construction company, Avondale Custom Homes and his custom woodworking company. Over 25 years ago Maurice started Custom Woodworking, Inc. which offers handcrafted millwork, cabinetry, and trim. From there, he went on to building homes and commercial projects through Avondale. His experience in commercial projects range from a number of restaurants, including McGonigal’s Pub in Barrington, to office suites and retail sites throughout the Chicagoland area. We recently sat down with Maurice to talk about the commercial build out process.
O’Donnell Commercial (O): Being in the construction business, you had a leg up as to what to look for when choosing a new pub location. How should commercial tenants select a location from a construction point of view?
Maurice McNally (M): Yes, my construction experience does help me evaluate the pros and cons of previous construction. Therefore, I believe it is essential to involve a contractor as early as possible. I have been included in a number of site searches where I helped evaluate office spaces and restaurant establishments to estimate build out timing and costs before any lease or purchase document was signed. Avondale is more than happy to work directly with a commercial real estate broker and tenant to tour perspective spaces.
O: So you can work directly with our firm and a tenant to evaluate approximate timing on build outs?
M: Yes. Many tenants may not understand the time needed to build out a commercial space. Build out doesn’t just involved the contractor. We team up with an architect to design the space, then bring those plans to the proper city for permitting, and finally start construction. The permit process and applications can be quite cumbersome and lengthy, taking up to about 30 days in certain cities. Meaning we can’t even start construction for a month.
O: We advise people all the time to start their search for space anywhere from 6-12 months out for most commercial needs, longer if they require a larger space or more built out. Would you say that is true?
M: Definitely. In my experience, it takes most companies or restaurants 1-2 months to find the space they need. Add another month at minimum for negotiations and attorney review. That is three months before the space is even ready for construction. When we work hand in hand with brokers, we are able to bring in architects and necessary construction professionals during negotiation so that we can be ready for construction as soon as proper documents are signed. But many times, we aren’t brought in till the 11th hour, meaning we have to play catch up on the project.
O: Avondale has in-house architectural services, right?
M: Yes, Avondale offers architectural services, but also works with a variety of local architects. As long as there is a cohesive team for a tenant that includes commercial real estate representation, construction, and architecture they are in good hands.
O: We recommend tenants to bid out three contractors for projects. How do you feel about this and what should a tenant look for in a contractor?
M: Absolutely. Interviewing and bidding out contractors is important. The contractor you choose is essential to the success of your commercial site. Even if you have the best architecture plans, it the contractor who needs to execute them correctly, on time and in budget. I’m all for keeping the business in the family, but saving money by hiring your cousin to dry wall a space may end up costing you more in the end. Unless your family members are licensed and bonded, and practice that construction field daily, it may cost you more in the end to use them than choosing a well regarded contractor.
I make sure to spend time with my clients prior to build out. We tour office suites I have built out, grab lunch at the pub to talk about construction elements there, or merely listen to them as they discuss their business plan. Understanding the direction of the company or restaurant, and the budget constraints they may have, is important. Therefore, if a contractor isn’t putting their time up front in getting to know you, chances are they won’t put the time in later on to fix any construction errors or kinks that may have developed after occupancy.
O’Donnell Commercial had the opportunity to represent Maurice in the purchase of the new McNally’s Pub in St. Charles. We continue to work hand in hand with his firm suggesting them for bids on new commercial projects to any of our clients. For more information on Avondale Custom Homes or to start the search for your new commercial site, contact us today. We promise to help you with your office, medical, retail, or industrial lease or purchase every step of the way, starting with finding the right contractor.
