Have a booming business, trying to improve your office space, or contemplating a redesign of your store to better utilize your work environment? All are examples of commercial remodeling and renovation construction projects. Remodeling takes an existing space and improves it whether it be broken, damaged, or simply in need of renovation and updates it. There are many benefits to choosing this option, but before making a decision it’s important to know a few things. We laid out a some planning steps to take before you decide to start!
What to Do Before Beginning a Remodeling and Renovation Project
There are multiple factors to consider before starting a renovation project. Your employees, your business, and your customers are all important parties to keep in mind as you move forward. Consider conducting a series of meetings with key stakeholders in the company to identify the goals of the new renovation project and get everyone on the same page when establishing a potential scope of work and budget.
Before getting started, it’s also important to have either your company or a third-party conduct a site survey in order to assess the building’s existing conditions. Here is when you identify any items that need to be taken into consideration when planning, i.e. electrical and mechanical systems or structure improvements that could cost more time and money.
Time Your Project
Timing is everything when it comes to your remodeling project, both in terms of a realistic timeline as well as when the project should even take place. A remodeling or renovation project can displace your employees and make business productivity very difficult. Consider scheduling your renovation after an important project is completed or when the demand for your services is lower than normal.
Other tips to ensuring a smooth transition is to book a remodeling company a few months in advance from the designated start date. This gives your office time to prepare for the new changes as well as providing some time for building the relationship between you and the construction company you decide to choose.
Always keep in mind that while you and the construction company have settled on a projected completion date, unexpected delays and changes can cause the date to be pushed back. Allow for some cushion room of when the project is completed and when you estimate a move-in date. Remember, high-quality work takes time and you would rather it take longer and be done right than for it to be a rush job and not completed how you want.
Know Your Neighborhood
Your project might be within budget and compliant with your local zone ordinances, but your community may disagree with your changes. Your new upgrades might not fit in with the rest of the surrounding landscape, and this could have a huge affect on your business. The last thing you need is for the neighbors, aka your source of profit, to resent your company and refuse to give you business. And we all know how important word-of-mouth is for a business’s reputation.
Consider reaching out to those around you, whether businesses or places of residence, just to give them a heads up of your new construction. If you get the surrounding people on your side it will make your construction project go a lot smoother. Understand where you are located and make the best decisions for updating your company and boosting your exposure.
Master Your Zone Ordinances and Stay Up To Code
You may feel that bookshelves that touch the ceiling and an open fireplace will create a productive working space, but your local ordinances may disagree. Be sure to understand both the needs of your employees and make sure the design lines up with the local codes and ordinances.
One tip would be to do some research on renovation and remodeling projects so you can learn different ways on how to maximize the space for your specific industry. See what others have done in the past and use that to help guide you. For example, you might have an idea that sounds good in theory, but when implemented doesn’t actually work. Maybe others have tried this same approach in the past and you can learn from their mistakes instead of wasting time and money doing the same thing.
Why Remodeling and Renovation?
Remodeling and renovation projects have numerous benefits to companies. It saves time and money because you are already dealing with a space that has been built. Instead of spending lots of money creating something from scratch, you can focus on making improvements to your space and tailoring it specifically to your company’s needs.
Updating your existing space can also have a positive impact on your employees and their productivity. It will give the impression that business is booming and that you’re willing to invest in them.
[blue-quote]
