Following are five steps needed to plan a timeline to build a pharmaceutical lab. The broad range can be approximately 4 months to one year depending on the amount of modifications and equipment needed. A facility in which manufacturing will take place would need more time than a research and development lab depending on the build-out.

Five steps and estimated time frames

Step 1. Search for a proper location and facility

Timeline: 1-6 months

Step 2. Negotiate lease terms or purchase and sale agreement

Timeline: 1-6 weeks

Step 3. Complete construction drawings if the space needs modifications

Timeline: 3 weeks to 3 months

Step 4. Gain permits from the township to modify space

Timeline: 1 week to 2 months

Step 5. Construction of the modifications

Timeline: 3-6 months

It is best to start the process early, gather the necessary details for a lab design and spend the required time in the planning stage. In addition, allow enough lead time to order equipment, which includes both HVAC units and instrumentation. Consider that summer and early fall are challenging times to place an order due to a backlog of orders for schools. Certain additional factors that may delay the process to build a pharmaceutical lab are out of your control. These include vendors ability to work on your project and difficulty getting decisions from upper management. Read how to expedite the timeline from start to finish.

Please call for more information about available laboratory space in New Jersey.

Jeanne Sabo Rothenberg, CCIM
Vice President
NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co.
Cell: (908) 377-9004
www.commercialrebroker.com
jrothenberg@naidb.com