Whether you’re opening a new orthodontic office or relocating your existing practice, finding and constructing an appropriate space for your medical needs as well as ensuring patient comfort are priorities.

As you begin preparing for a medical construction project in South Florida, there are a few important things to know to help you best plan for a successful orthodontic office buildout.

Cost Considerations

Your project’s budget will be impacted by factors like construction costs, equipment needs, and other supplies and expenditures. Building a new office from the ground up generally costs more than renovating an existing office shell, but your goals and priorities will ultimately lead you to your final decision.

If you’re considering leasing an office space, one thing to know is that landlords will oftentimes consider including tenant improvement allowances in their contract negotiations. Improvement allowances are calculated based on square footage, and though they won’t cover the full cost of a renovation, they certainly don’t hurt the cause either.

Another way to effectively budget for a new medical office in Miami is to be diligent during pre-construction. Decisions that get made during the earliest phases of a buildout can have lasting impacts on the overall project’s budget and timeline. Partner with a general contractor who has a proven track record of delivering successful projects on time and on budget. After all, every day your project is delayed due to construction, that’s one less day your doors can be open for business.

Building Classifications, Rules & Florida Regulations

Florida construction requirements for medical builds follow strict guidelines under the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), and orthodontic offices must comply. This agency is responsible for administering the Florida Medicaid program, licensing and regulating Florida’s health facilities, and providing information to Floridians about the quality of care they receive.

From the perspective of the construction industry, AHCA requirements primarily focus on the life safety aspects of the build and ensuring that the health care facilities are safe and functional for patients and residents.

While compliance is imperative regardless of the type of building, AHCA projects have a few added layers of complexity. Requirements may vary by project, but there are a minimum number of formal processes or inspections you will need in order to secure AHCA approval. You can read more about them here.

Before embarking on an orthodontic office buildout, please get in touch with our team at Seacoast Construction. We know how to expertly navigate the complexities of AHCA construction projects and can help you build an office that is sure to wow your patients.