Tenant build-outs live or die on coordination
A fit-out puts demanding mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work on a lease date that does not move — commercial kitchens and hoods, medical sinks and equipment rough-ins, retail lighting loads, office HVAC distribution. The usual failure is a tenant hiring each trade separately and then owning every gap between them. We take that on instead: one prime contract, one schedule, one superintendent, and licensed Virginia specialty subcontractors under us for mechanical, plumbing, electrical, gas, and fire protection. A late trade becomes our problem to solve, not yours.
What’s included
- Design coordination and space planning for commercial use
- Demolition, framing, drywall, ceilings, and finishes
- Restaurant and café build-outs — kitchens, hoods, and grease waste
- Medical and dental fit-outs — exam rooms, casework, and equipment rough-ins
- Retail and showroom fit-outs — storefronts, lighting, and displays
- Office tenant improvements — offices, conference rooms, and glass fronts
- Mechanical, plumbing, electrical, gas, and fire protection by licensed Virginia specialty subcontractors under our prime contract
- Permit filing, inspection coordination, and certificate of occupancy in Virginia
How the process works
We start with a walk of the space and a read of the landlord’s work letter, then develop a detailed, line-item scope so the tenant, the landlord, and the lender are all looking at the same number. Once awarded, we hold the permit set, the buyout, and the schedule, and we run the trades to a turnover date. Change orders go in writing before the work happens, and you get weekly progress measured against the schedule rather than a phone call when it slips.
Commercial build-out FAQs
Who holds the licence and the contract?
Cocell LLC does. We are a Virginia Class A contractor, licence #2705190343, and we sign as prime. Mechanical, plumbing, electrical, gas, and fire protection are performed by licensed Virginia specialty subcontractors under that contract, with us holding the schedule, the coordination, and single-point responsibility for the result.
Do you build restaurant and café kitchens?
Yes — hoods, grease waste, gas, and the plumbing and electrical a commercial kitchen requires, installed by licensed Virginia specialty subcontractors under our prime contract. We coordinate the health department review alongside the building inspections.
Can you meet a tenant-improvement deadline?
That is what the prime contract is for. One company holds the buyout, the inspection sequence, and the trade schedule, so the sequencing risk sits with us. The schedule is in the proposal, not invented after award.
What commercial spaces do you work on?
Retail, restaurants and cafés, medical and dental offices, salons, and office tenant improvements throughout Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, and Prince William — including Tysons, McLean, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Falls Church, and Ashburn.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes — we walk the space at no cost and come back with a line-item proposal. Book an appointment to get started.