At times, dependent on the age of the building, it can be very difficult to access information concerning design and configuration. Not having up-to-date drawings, power system layouts and the like can obviously affect the ability to work efficiently when implementing upgrades and renovating projects. In addition, when facilities are "mission critical," for example, hospitals, data centers and the like, the ability to access the building or elements of the electrical system is equally hampered. Other organizations also have restraints on shutting down their systems or giving access to buildings as their clients or students still may need the use of the facilities during term time or normal production shifts.

With the majority of projects, the cost difference of building from scratch vs. renovating an existing structure is considerable, but obviously there are exceptions. Once the funding amount has been budgeted, this can greatly affect the choice between new or renovation, but also the source of funding can be a factor in the decision, for example, government-funded projects. This factor would also accommodate how changes in policy could affect the decision, for example, investment in military or institutional projects. Either way, clients will always be looking for the most cost-effective solution, of which the changes/upgrades to the electrical system can be a significant proportion.

Depending on the location of the existing site, the amount of land or space available to accommodate the required changes will always be a factor in the decision. Depending on the scale of the project, for example, extending/upgrading the existing infrastructure or creating new capabilities, this factor could be related to the physical space available that allows the electrical equipment to be modified to acquire additional land locally to grow the total building/campus.

Reducing the time it takes to implement change is always key in any project. It is important to reduce disruption and maintain the day-to-day operations. In some cases, due to limited access to the system, downtime, availability in set time periods and other factors not supporting new build, such as land availability, renovation is the only option. This requires planning and scheduling so that work is initiated and completed in the shortest time possible. An example would be the need to complete projects within educational institutions during holiday periods.

This factor would include how (in many segments) a client's or community's image is valued greatly. It may be that the architectural design and aesthetics of the buildings are a significant contributor, and if a building is registered, modification options are limited. This could include historic buildings that have political significance or educational institutions that have become recognized symbols in the community. This influences the decision and requires changes/upgrades to be implemented without affecting the key characteristics of the structures, which can greatly affect, for example, the ability to modify the electrical systems (wiring, conduit runs, etc.).