Topline/Bottomline: Raise the Roof?
A monthly update on what you should be aware of in the Brooklyn commercial real estate market, from upcoming legislative changes to owners' insights and recent trades.
Have you ever wondered how clear height impacts the value of your warehouse?
From an investment perspective, the difference between a 15' clear and a 22' clear can translate to a 20% or more premium in rent or sales price. For business owners, higher clear height enables maximized storage capacity, creating cost savings through increased efficiency and, in some cases, allowing businesses to grow without needing to buy or lease additional space.
With these market dynamics in play, higher clear heights aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re a game-changer. But what if your warehouse doesn’t meet the height requirements?
That’s why I connected with Craig Jones, principal of Rooflift Specialists! Craig represents, Rooflifters, helping building owners across the country safely, cost-effectively, and efficiently raise their existing roof structures. The results? Higher rents, increased property value, and better operational performance. See below for our Q&A with Craig to learn more about the process and benefits of roof lifting!
Craig has been in the roof-lifting business since 1979, successfully involved in the redevelopment of over a billion in commercial real estate across North America. With over 40 years of experience, Rooflifters’ client roster includes some of the largest companies in North America as well as numerous smaller private individuals and companies.
Can you walk us through the process of lifting a roof? What steps are involved, and how does your team ensure structural integrity and safety throughout the project?
Our patented process ensures the utmost structural integrity and safety throughout the roof lifting. Temporary lift columns or crib posts are precisely stationed next to each existing column. These crib post locations are meticulously engineered to align with our specialized lifting methods. Once the crib posts are securely set, hydraulic pressure is applied, allowing for the cutting of the existing columns. The roof is then gradually pushed up to the desired height.
After the roof is lifted, we install new full-length or stub columns to ensure permanent structural support. All new steel, bracing, and related components are thoroughly engineered and submitted to the local building department for permit approval before the project’s commencement.
What types of buildings and industries are best suited for roof lifting? Are there any size or structure limitations that potential clients should be aware of?
With our process, we can lift virtually any type of building or roof structure, including steel, wood (such as glue-lam beams, which are common in many of our California projects), concrete, or pre-engineered structures.
Our experience spans a wide range of applications, including warehouses, self-storage facilities, life sciences labs, sports and entertainment, and numerous retail properties—working with both owners and tenants to meet their specific needs.
What factors impact the cost of a roof lifting project, and how do you help clients assess whether it’s a cost-effective solution compared to other options, like a full rebuild?
Our process is significantly less expensive and much faster than undertaking a full structure replacement. Otherwise, we would not be in business. Lifting an existing roof typically falls under the “renovation” category with most cities, which helps avoid additional expenses such as site plans, development charges, and other fees that are often required for a rebuild.
There are many factors that determine costs. Here are a few:
1) The square footage being lifted.
2) The current clear height of the building.
3) The new clear height.
4) The column spacing.
5) The existing and new perimeter wall type.
Larger buildings often benefit from economies of scale; while the overall cost increases with larger roof areas, the cost per square foot tends to decrease. This is why we emphasize that a cost estimate for one building may not apply universally to others. Each project is unique, and precise estimates depend on the specific details of the structure.
How long does a typical roof lifting project take from start to finish, and what factors can influence that timeline?
As an example, to lift 100,000 square feet about 10’ higher will take about 60-90 days to prepare, lift, and install the new columns.
Why should someone work with you?
We offer a unique service, combining full project involvement with open-book transparency, construction management, and owner’s representative options. Additionally, our extensive general contracting experience allows us to provide unparalleled expertise in this highly specialized market. We are committed to ensuring every project is completed as cost-effectively and value engineered as possible, which is why we remain a leader in the industry.
Please contact Craig if you want to discuss further or receive a quote.
cjones@roofliftspecialists.com
410.627.9869
Sold & Financed | Gowanus Development Site | $337 / BSF
We’re pleased to announce the sale of 415 Smith Street, a 63’ x 106’ development site in Gowanus. Though currently a vacant single-story warehouse, the zoning (R6B/M1-4/C2-4) allows for a mixed-use development up to 12,600 buildable ZFA. The property sold for $4,250,000 ($337 /BSF) to a NYC-based developer.
Andrew Marcus of Matthew REIS’ debt origination team also arranged the purchaser’s acquisition loan.
Bobby Lawrence is an Associate Vice President at Matthews Real Estate Investment Services (MREIS) focusing on the sale of investment property in the Brooklyn markets. Opinions are his own and do not reflect those of MREIS.
Bobby Lawrence
Robert.lawrence@matthews.com
(908) 616-5799
