Sprinkler systems, ada compliance, other obligations for buying empty warehouse for mixed use?
I'm looking at putting in a cash offer on a 10,000 sqft  50+ year old warehouse in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania that I'm looking to use for a variety of purposes including potentially office space, traditional warehouse space, and an automotive garage.

I've heard horror stories of absurdly expensive buildouts required for sprinkler systems, ada compliance, fire escapes(we are only one story though with a ton of exits) and these sorts of things.

Two questions: 

How likely is it that I'm going to be required to install a sprinkler system or anything else and where can I read on how that determination is going to be made?

Is there any other expenses that fall into this category that I should be aware of before making my offer?
[{"id": "fyxo6qm", "text": "In your local zoning/code laws. All of the aforementioned info will be there.\n\nI\u2019m also editing to add that it\u2019s pretty likely you will be required to have a fire suppression system. I was looking at a site to build a warehouse this time last year, and this is something that I had to deal with. \n\nThe way the code is written here in Florida, says that fire suppression system is only required if the warehouse will store a list of certain types of things. The issue here is that they basically list everything you could ever possibly consider putting in a warehouse as requiring a sprinkler system or something. So it was pretty much guaranteed that we would be including one.", "replies": [{"id": "fyxsfqh", "text": "Useful information. Thank you.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "fz1d4cl", "text": "It is worth noting that most cities make a distinction between new construction (that you presumably dealt with) and the renovation of an existing property. I can\u2019t name the specifics off the top of my head so I\u2019m not even going to take a guess, but as far as OP goes, just look at local zoning code and you\u2019ll get all of your questions answered", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fyxrnme", "text": "Typically all new commercial/industrial buildings will require sprinklers.  Of course there are often older buildings that do not have them (were not required when it was built).  If you're doing major changes to the building you will likely be required to add them.", "replies": [{"id": "fyxsehs", "text": "Good to know. But you think we might be good if all we do is section stuff out with interior non structural walls?", "replies": [{"id": "fyxu9lt", "text": "Check with the city.  I wouldn't mention the interior wall stuff, just what you plan to use the building for.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fyy7uyc", "text": "When you pull a permit, it might trigger a review.\n\nIf a fire marshal walks through and see's new walls without a permit, that could also be a bad time.\n\nTalk to the city.", "replies": [{"id": "fyzl1no", "text": "Yeah, that's what we are thinking. Do you have any experience with the costs of these systems ?", "replies": [{"id": "fyzme45", "text": "The annoying thing about them, is it's not just a plumber. You need to get stamped drawings saying the pipe size and the sprinkler GPM's (Gallons per minute) are adequate for the space. These drawings will be stamped by the city generally. \n\n&amp;#x200B;\n\nIt also depends on if there is already plumbing up there, etc. It will at least be a few grand, depending on size. Might be worth asking the land lord if they would split it with you, etc.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fz0jyks", "text": "Agree with everyone else's comments on sprinkler... no doubt will required.  Not sure your plan but if you did lease out and then fire inspection returned you had to install, that would be even more costly at that point and would include your tenant likely moving out(legal costs, etc., not fun).  Also, when you talk about putting up walls to section off, these are not just walls, they are likely going to need to be fire rated and will be more costly than you would think for a \"wall\".  Also, with mention of office, etc. don't underestimate the cost to add HVAC system as well as run electrical, plumbing for bathrooms... which will need to be ADA, same for entrances.  Talking to a good GC to get costs and Architect to check your assumptions would be good idea before any money goes hard and probably even before submitting offer.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]