Is it common to be allowed to bolt into concrete floors in commercial warehouses?
Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has experience around this. Many types of racks can be anchored into concrete for stability etc. I was wondering if this is something most landlords allow without being asked (similar to hanging up pictures by putting nails in drywall in an apartment) or if this is something landlords would not allow or that they would make you fix it when you stop renting.

&amp;#x200B;

Thanks!

EDIT: I'm asking specifically for the US and I'm in the Front Range in Colorado
[{"id": "ghev8ks", "text": "Absolutely, most large racking systems will require something to secure them for safety. Most long term warehouse tenants will probably need to make larger changes than a few anchor bolts FYI. Obviously you should clear any significant changes with the landlord upfront.", "replies": [{"id": "ghg21yc", "text": "In California it is sometimes required to run fire suppression systems within the racking, based on the type of high pile storage product, and the fire dept requires it to be anchored. We usually have the tenants cut off or remove the anchors when vacating and write that in the lease.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ghewvk4", "text": "On a side note - if you\u2019re allowed to move forward, make sure to get a concrete scan done using GPR and identify any potential conduits and also stay away from rebars.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ghexiip", "text": "Yes it is.  It is assumed when they know you will be installing racking that it will be bolted down, at least here in CA.  You could potentially have much more damage to the building by \\*NOT\\* bolting it down and having heavy racks fall in an earthquake or when bumped by a forklift.", "replies": [{"id": "ghf1h0p", "text": "Good point. Do they make you fill in those holes when you leave?", "replies": [{"id": "ghfx1qv", "text": "Definitely. Depending on how big a space you have, and the landlords specifications, the make good could cost you significant dollars, and you need to be thinking about this to factor in down the track. Some landlords will accept grinding off the bolts to the floor, but institutionals largely require each bolt to be core holed out and the hole filled with epoxy of minimum 40 mpa.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ghfdypx", "text": "You will probably need to check with your county or municipality, but many types of pallet racking requires permitting these days. In my city anything over 12 feet or over a certain weight rating requires engineering and permits. This ensures that the warehouse floor is suitable for the load.\n\nNo amount of bolting to concrete will do anything if it's not the correct density and thickness. And parroting what someone else said, you will want to locate any below grade utility conduits and trace the sewer line. (Speaking from experience, this is REALLY important.)\n\nDifferent landlords have different expectations at the time you move out. You may want some specificity in writing as to what those expectations are. There is a significant cost difference between cutting a bolt to grade vs. replacing a section of concrete.", "replies": [{"id": "ghfeypl", "text": "Good points.", "replies": [{"id": "ghfq7i1", "text": "Related to that, before you get locked into the lease, may want to talk with the fire marshal about your use, what you're putting in the racks, etc. I'm in CO and know of one over-zealous authority that wanted a \\~$200k in-rack fire suppression system for a new tenant's palletized product, it was a little non-sensical based on the product. It killed the deal and they ended up in an adjacent municipality that didn't require in-rack sprinklers.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ghhh5u9", "text": "Drill em n then fill em when u leave", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ghhs291", "text": "In addition to racking, lots of machinery must be bolted to the floor to operate properly (so it doesn\u2019t move around when it vibrates or to maintain precise alignment). Usually they use studs coming out of the floor and run nuts down on them, not bolts. It can be real tripping hazard if they aren\u2019t removed when the building is vacated. We usually remove them by cutting them off and grinding them flush with the floor.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ghyld3r", "text": "Make sure you detail out HOW they are to achor them or work with their engineer to approve it.  The best method is to drill through the concrete and place your stud.  Once they remove the equipment the stud can be pounded through and hole filled.  \n\nIf they don\u2019t drill through you either have to cut them flush which never looks good and a patch won\u2019t last or you have to core drill them out at $100 /hr and patch.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gik1ers", "text": "We would bolt in all the time for a furniture manufacturer. They didn't own the building. I would compare this to nailing up walls and decorations on a house (as far as asking for permission goes).", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "giqrkyc", "text": "Yes it is especially if they know you\u2019re zoned for something that would likely require it. Always a good idea to just ask though since that not really an ask for forgiveness situation you want to get into. They\u2019ll just want the bolts cut off at floor level and the floor patched over when you move out.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]