What is Building Standard?

Definition

Building standard refers to the specifications, materials, and finishes that a landlord provides as part of the standard tenant build-out in a commercial property. This includes items like ceiling tiles, lighting fixtures, flooring, HVAC distribution, and electrical outlets at defined densities. Improvements beyond building standard are the tenant's financial responsibility, either paid directly or deducted from their tenant improvement allowance. Building standard specifications affect CAM reconciliation because maintenance of building-standard components is typically a recoverable operating expense, while maintenance of above-standard tenant improvements may be charged back to the specific tenant. Clear documentation of building standard specifications prevents disputes about which maintenance costs are properly included in CAM pools.