Initial Walkthroughs for Site Feasibility

What to Expect and What We Look For

Before conducting walkthroughs with a client on potential sites they are interested in, we first ensure we understand what the client’s requirements for operation are. We often complete a needs assessment with them if necessary and talk to them about their future expansion goals and growth. Most importantly, we do a deep dive into their equipment matrix and MEP infrastructure needs. This collectively helps us answer the following questions:

• What type of building, floor and location is proper for your operations?
• What type of science is being performed?
• Do you know how much space you need?
• What specialty equipment do you have, or will you add in the future?
• What infrastructure requirements need to be included in the selected space?

Armed with this information, we can determine if a space’s existing infrastructure can handle the client’s lab-specific needs. We will look at:

• Structural considerations of floor loads and limits, etc.
• Accessibility such as loading docks and freight elevators, etc.
• Utility provisions like gas lines, electrical capacity, generator power and plumbing, etc.
• Ventilation & HVAC capacities for fume hoods or specialty equipment.
• IT Connectivity, including layouts and potential hurdles.
• Facilities and amenities like parking, waste disposal and storage, etc.
• We also look out for any potential code or compliance issues.
• Expansion opportunities within the building

Contact us if you would like to review more detailed information on any of these infrastructure and lab specific items.

Choosing The Right Space

Our expertise lets us weigh the pros and cons of the space relative to our client’s goals. We identify potential risks early and can avoid costly oversights down the line. We will flag general space limitations or layout limitations that could challenge design or functionality and offer suggestions on how to customize the space to meet future needs and scale up operations effectively. We can also provide ballpark estimates of what things might cost and how long they might take.

This guidance ensures a thorough evaluation of potential lab space, saving our clients time, money, and effort during the planning and execution phases. It puts our clients in the best position to make an informed decision about the feasibility of a potential space.

If you are considering a move, contact Venture Forward and learn how we can help you achieve your goals, starting as early as your initial walkthrough.

Venture Forward Partners is a full-service Laboratory Planning, Project Management and Lab Services company for life science and biotech laboratories in Greater Boston. From site selection and lab relocations to setting up and maintaining your lab, we provide a broad range of services and solutions to support your lab operations.  Our team possesses unparalleled energy and enthusiasm for the work we do and we have the expertise, training, hands-on lab experience and industry connections to ensure your lab’s success.  Whatever your lab needs – we make it happen.