10. Consult with experts if necessary. Your careful visits to a prospective site should give you a good sense of the space's physical condition, but sometimes you need information from someone more experienced in structural matters -- for example, a structural engineer or architect. Getting expert advice is wise if you think you'll need substantial renovations -- you need to know if the proposed changes are feasible and can be done at reasonable expense. Also, if your lease will require you to pay some or all of the maintenance and repair costs, you'll want an expert's opinion on what to anticipate. This information will also be invaluable when you negotiate with the landlord over who pays for your improvements.