Creating a Successful Lab Buildout Plan

A good first step for the lab buildout plan is for the people overseeing this phase of construction to decide how much time they can or want to give to the project. Whatever they conclude also affects how much control they have over what happens.

A tenant buildout gives the organisation moving into the space the most authority over the specifics. In this arrangement, tenants hire architects, designers, and contractors to bring their vision to life. Although this option results in lots of responsibility, it also gives ample freedom.

Alternatively, tenants can opt for a turnkey buildout. In this case, the people moving into a future lab space communicate with the landlord and agree upon what steps to take to get the lab ready for use. Landlords who want to give input over which companies get involved with the laboratory buildout may also insist on this arrangement.

There are pros and cons associated with both of these options:

Start with a list

In these circumstances, people gravitate toward two extremes. They might want to overbuild the facility by filling it with non-essential items. That’s most likely to happen when individuals are overly excited about getting the project done and have not thought carefully about what they genuinely need.

In contrast, ‘underbuilding’ can become problematic when one of the top concerns is to save money. Keeping things at or under budget is an understandable aim, but oneshould also remember that many items bought for laboratories are long-term investments. Buying used lab equipment is one practical way to keep costs down. 

An easy way to ensure a well-equipped lab after the buildout is to create a list that’s split into must-have, strongly recommended, and nice-to-have items. Staying mindful of materials is also necessary when making the equipment list for the lab buildout plan. Some sources discourage the use of fibreglass bench tops. That’s because some disinfectants degrade them, and fibreglass releases toxic smoke if burned.

You should aim to get various interested parties’ input on the equipment needed, as somone will undoubtedly have ideas others hadn’t considered.

Consider buying (and selling) used equipment

After compiling the lab equipment list, search for the most economical ways to get the items. Used equipment is not an option for every type of lab equipment, but it’s worth a look when possible.

Conversely, many people sell the lab equipment they no longer need and put the profits towards items to develop the new facility. This avoids retaining items for which you have only occasional or no use, as well as helping to underwrite some of the buildout budget.

Various aspects affect the value of used equipment and dictate how worthwhile it is to take this approach. Sellers may set higher asking prices at times of market scarcity. However, it’s harder to find buyers in saturated markets. Pieces of lab equipment for which spare parts are still readily available are also easier to sell because people often hesitate to buy products that are or will soon be outdated.

Think ahead

Buidlouts may also detail what to do now to make the facility as future-proof as possible. One option is to get it set up for solar power. The solar market in the United States, for example, grew by 43% in 2020  and is expected to continue to increase over the next several years.

People tracking lab trends also believe future facilities will more commonly feature more natural, sustainable and wellness-inspired elements. Giving employees easy access to dedicated outdoor areas can support their well-being.

It’s also important to discuss things like traffic flow and room layouts, particularly if the lab will soon accommodate more people in the coming months or years. Modular options for areas such as clean rooms can speed the buildout process while allowing the building to remain open during future renovations.

Beware unintentional consequences

Sometimes, those unfamiliar with the particulars of lab equipment will suggest certain unfeasible options during the buildout. The computers needed to run specialty items are a good example. Also, people may not realise how the need for planning approvals could slow down the out plan, particularly if parts of it require making external changes to an existing building.

The widespread supply chain challenges could also change the expected lab buildout timeframes. Again, buying used lab equipment is a potential way to get around the delays. Other options include talking to suppliers about alternative products and agreeing to hold off on certain parts of the project until people source the necessary goods.

Being as flexible as possible during the buildout will make it easier to respond proactively to any short-term disruptions. Moreover, being willing to consider different options could save money as well as time.

Thoughtful planning reduces issues

It’s unrealistic to expect a lab buildout to be wholly trouble-free. However, taking the time to go through the necessary steps and consider all the associated aspects will help things progress on time.

Pic: Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service Jack Copland Centre 

Emily Newton is Editor-In-Chief of Revolutionized, a magazine exploring innovations in science and industry