When it comes to office renovations, the need for the upgrade always faces the challenge of meeting timelines for the customers or clients; that means that every minute of stalled work translates to money lost. However, such improvements at the workplace have been found to increase productivity while also enhancing the business’ image; this is according to an article published in The Guardian.
More and more companies and organizations are looking at office renovation options that not only improve the aesthetics of the workspace but also make the place more convenient to work for the employees. Nonetheless, achieving this is a challenge that is expected to result in nothing short of quality.
The remodeling can be one that is of minor changes that involve basic repairs or it can be a project that demands a complete overhaul of the office building. Whichever the strategy, it is wise to plan accordingly so that the renovations can be done successfully and in time. In view of that, below are four expert tips from a professional commercial remodeler on doing commercial space upgrades that will help the office remodeling be a smooth process.
- Ask Questions, Understand Your Scope Of Project
What is the nature of the work to be done, it is something minor or will it involve significant structural changes? The decision to do the renovations can be attributed to different reasons. It could be the changes are to ensure that the building or office space adheres to the commercial building and construction code. The modifications can as well be geared towards giving the place a personal feel that embodies the business’ brand.
Talking to the client to have a clear picture of the reasons behind the need for the changes is essential. It could be that the client wants new technology, to enhance the aesthetics of the space, to upgrade the infrastructure, or to switch up the layout to make more room.
Keep in mind that, the client may or may not own the property, and this matter can influence what you can and cannot do for the renovations. The office is a rental, then you need to refer to the tenancy terms, and you also have to confer with the landlord before understanding any changes.
Take the time to inquire what your client would desire to be done; be keen to listen to their requirements as you ask questions for more clarifications and give professional suggestions. Remember to discuss the timelines as you point out possible barriers of a physical or financial nature. Ensure that you know if the project will be done all at once or in phases as you assess the client’s budget against the set timelines and the quality expectations and limitations.
- Survey The Property And Its Vicinity
Schedule a meeting with the client or the landlord in readiness of the structural inspections. Request for the building’s blueprints as well as all other architectural documents. It will help avoid costly structural redesigning and unforeseen issues such as weak support pillars, the presence of mold, or even water seepage when the renovations are ongoing. Ensure that you have your design team at hand when conducting the preliminary survey so that everyone involved in handling the project is aware of the state of the building.
The survey should take into account vital factors such as the age and condition of the building’s wall, pillars, and utilities. Also, check on the state of the electrical and mechanical installations and systems. Go over the certificate of occupancy to verify if the building complies with the construction codes as issued by the relevant local authorities; while at it, remember to review the property’s seismic, fire and zoning requirements.
Keep in mind that the business will have customers coming in and out of the premises. If the scope of the project is one that involves the renovation of the entire building, then you should consider how you will enhance its curb appeal. The visual improvements should also account for attractive landscaping and well as ample parking space for the employees and customers. If there is underground parking, then it should have easy and secure access and use. It should be well-lit and ventilated with the necessary emergency measures in place. Installing parking lot card dispensers and CCTV is also worth considering.
Conducting the above will demand time and money but will be worth it; it will help avoid some of the common issues that arise when doing office renovations.
- Let The Renovation Strategy Be A Team Effort
If you have a team that will support you in doing the project, then it is wise to have them take part in the strategizing process. Ensure that you have a staff that has the different disciplines required for the work, and let them help come up with strategies for the remodeling. Doing this will give them a sense of ownership and accomplishment when doing the renovations.
Have an interior design team, another for the architectural, landscaping, and even décor aspects of the project so that you can have a foolproof plan for the work ahead. You will need someone with experience in office renovations to oversee the project to its completion; for that, you will have to hire a qualified, experienced, and reputable general contractor. The contractor will be tasked with ensuring the upgrade plans and strategies are implements and resources used efficiently for the success of the project. Go for a general contractor with immense field experience because such a professional can validate the feasibility of the renovations plans before the starting the work.
The project schedule should be realistic, taking into account things such as potential changes in the strategies and plan, material lead time, and other things that may require special considerations. It is essential to communicate to the client about any change in the timelines and allocate responsibilities accordingly to the staff so that they can push to see what can be done to move things along faster. Also, have a contingency, that should account for the budge as well as other unforeseen setbacks when doing the office remodeling.
Your team should be actively involved in every phase of the project so that they are informed of the challenges and changes in the plan. It also encourages them to be creative and to have innovative solutions for the various problems the project may come across.
- Implement Safety Precautions
Lastly, remember that safety is paramount even as you and your team work smart to delivery. Do not forget about your client’s business especially if the renovations have to be done with the company’s employees moving about the office dealing with customers.
Have your team and client and his or her employees set together to draw up a plan that ensures the safety of everyone as the project is ongoing; the safety plan should comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Ensure the commonly accessed area of the building do not have wire, tools, machines, and electrical appliance laying around. Close off any area of aisles being renovated. Ensure that you have visible warning signs strategically stationed to alert everyone in the building of the work in progress.
When scheduling the work, ensure that you leave the messy and noisy tasks for the weekends or the after-office hours to avoid inconveniencing the client’s employees and customers. Also, remove the waste and clean up to ensure the office is always presentable.