Tenant improvements go sideways when assumptions stay unspoken. Before the first wall comes down, confirm who owns keys, elevator reservations, dumpster placement, and after-hours rules.
Next, lock the finish standard: paint sheen, door hardware, trim profiles, and what “punch complete” means for the landlord and the incoming tenant. Vague closeout language creates callbacks.
Openings matter more than people expect. Door swings, frame conditions, and corridor transitions can eat schedule if they are discovered late. Measure early and order long-lead items before demo is finished.
Finally, plan the last week like it is the most important week, because it is. Dust control, final paint, hardware, and a walkthrough with photos protect everyone when the certificate of occupancy or lease start date arrives.