Medical Office Building Checklist
This checklist is designed to help healthcare providers, physician groups, and health systems evaluate potential Medical Office Building (MOB) sites. Use it as a practical tool to avoid costly mistakes during site selection and leasing.
1. Location & Access
- Proximity to hospitals, referral networks, and key patient populations
- Visibility from major roads/highways
- Drive-time analysis for physicians and patients
- Ease of patient drop-off and ADA accessibility
- Public transit access (if relevant to patient base)
2. Parking & Transportation
- Parking ratio (5:1,000 SF typical for MOBs)
- Dedicated physician/staff parking vs. patient parking
- Availability of covered or structured parking
- Access for ambulances or patient transport services
3. Building
- Year built/renovated; compliance with current codes
- Life safety systems and backup power
- HVAC capacity for medical use (higher requirements)
- Ceiling heights suitable for imaging/equipment installs
- ADA & healthcare-specific building codes compliance
4. Space Configuration
- Column spacing and floorplate efficiency
- Ability to accommodate exam rooms, imaging, or ASC buildouts
- Plumbing infrastructure for sinks in exam rooms
- Flexibility for future expansion or downsizing
- Natural light and patient-friendly layout
5. Tenant Improvement (TI) & Build-Out
- Landlord-provided TI allowance vs. turnkey delivery
- Estimated cost per SF for medical build-out
- Access to experienced healthcare architects/GCs
- Timeline for permitting and construction
6. Lease Economics
- Base rent compared to comps in submarket
- Operating expenses (CAM, utilities, janitorial)
- Escalations and renewal options
- Incentives: free rent, parking concessions, signage rights
7. Landlord & Building Management
- Owner reputation and experience with medical tenants
- On-site property management responsiveness
- Flexibility with after-hours access and extended hours
- Willingness to negotiate healthcare-specific clauses
8. Regulatory & Market Considerations
- Certificate of need (if applicable)
- Zoning/land use restrictions for medical use
- Demographics & payor mix
- Competing medical providers nearby
- Healthcare demand growth in surrounding demographics
Looking for the right Medical Office Building to support your practice’s growth? Contact Coy Davidson, Senior Vice President at Colliers Houston, for expert guidance on site selection, leasing, and healthcare real estate strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Parking Ratios
Q: What is the standard parking ratio for medical office space?
A: Adequate parking is a critical factor in healthcare real estate success. The industry standard parking ratio for medical use is typically 5.0 spaces per 1,000 square feet, significantly higher than the 3.0 to 4.0 ratio found in general offices. When evaluating a site, ensure there is separation between patient and staff parking to maintain easy accessibility for patients, particularly those with mobility challenges who require ADA-compliant drop-off zones.
FAQ 2: Site Visibility & Access
Q: How does location visibility impact medical practice success?
A: High visibility and ease of access are primary drivers for patient acquisition. A successful site selection strategy prioritizes locations with clear signage from major highways and convenient ingress/egress for patients. Proximity to hospital campuses and complementary referral networks also plays a vital role in driving patient volume, making the physical location a key component of your practice’s long-term business growth..
