By Indhira Desangles
Special for El Inmobiliario
These past few days my heart has been heavy. The news of the roof collapse in a commercial building in Santo Domingo (a recreational space that should have been safe for everyone) shook me deeply. As a citizen, it pains me greatly. As a mother, it alarms me immensely. And as a professional in the commercial real estate sector, it compels me to reflect and share my thoughts.
For years I've been helping companies and entrepreneurs find the ideal space to grow their businesses. But today I want to deviate from the traditional approach and talk about something that's rarely discussed with the seriousness it deserves: the structural safety of commercial premises.
Because when it comes to protecting lives, aesthetics, location, or footage are not enough.
Proactive and reactive infrastructure: Is your premises ready?
When I speak with clients looking for a new space, I emphasize that a business's success isn't just measured by sales or foot traffic. It's also measured by its ability to guarantee the physical safety of those who visit and work there.
These are some elements that should be part of the "checklist" before signing a contract or opening the doors of a business:
- Certified structural assessment: Has the premises been recently inspected by a structural engineer? Does it meet seismic or load-bearing standards according to its intended use?
- Documented preventive maintenance: It's not enough for "everything to look fine." The electrical system, roofs, slabs, and beams must have regular maintenance and accessible records.
- Emergency response capacity: Are there clearly marked emergency exits? Is there a fire suppression system? Does the staff know what to do in case of a collapse, fire, earthquake, or leak?
- Continuous monitoring of renovations: Often, cosmetic renovations or extensions are carried out without permits or technical supervision. This seriously compromises the integrity of the building, leaving it vulnerable.
Cheap things end up being expensive. Unsafe things are inevitably costly.
I'm not writing this as an engineer or a technical expert. It's not my place to judge the causes of what happened. But I am speaking from the experience of someone who is in daily contact with commercial spaces and their key decisions.
My advice is clear: seek out specialized professionals. Consult structural engineers, industrial safety experts, architects, and certified technicians.
Their knowledge is what can make the difference between a thriving business and unavoidable setbacks.
Because profitability also begins with responsibility
As a business consultant, I am committed to raising the standards I work with and being an active voice for safe, functional, and sustainable commercial spaces. Because every well-built commercial space is a step toward a stronger city.
If you're part of the business ecosystem, I'd love to hear about your protocols, the challenges you face, and how we can all work together to promote best practices. This isn't a sales pitch. It's a call for awareness.
With respect and hope
The author is a commercial realtor with over 20 years of experience in commercial and corporate real estate in the Dominican Republic.
