The right industrial shed can save years of operating headaches; the wrong one can stop production. Use this checklist before you buy or lease.
Location and access
- Approach road: check the width and condition, and whether trailers and containers can turn and unload.
- Proximity: to your suppliers, customers, the highway and labour availability.
- Drainage and flooding: visit after heavy rain if you can, or ask neighbouring units.
Building specifications
- Clear height and column spacing for your machinery and racking.
- Floor load capacity for heavy equipment.
- Crane provision, if you need one.
- Office block, toilets and loading area.
Power and utilities
- Power connection: the sanctioned load, and whether it is a high-tension (HT) or low-tension (LT) connection. Increasing the load later takes time and money.
- Water supply and storage.
- Effluent and waste arrangements that suit your process.
Approvals and consents
- Permitted use and zoning for your type of activity.
- Pollution control consents: in Gujarat through the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, and in the Union Territory through its pollution control authority. Check what your process needs before you commit.
- Fire safety approval, as applicable.
Ownership and transfer
- In GIDC estates, plots and sheds are usually held on lease from GIDC, and a transfer needs GIDC approval and fees. Factor this into the timeline and cost.
- Check that there are no dues to the estate authority or the power company.
- For leases, agree the lock-in period, rent escalation, maintenance and restoration terms in writing.
