5 Smart Tips for a Successful Office Renovation
Change is constant in the world of business – whether it’s growing your employees, changing strategies or expanding your services. But with these changes, it is also essential that your office space similarly reflects the growth of your company. A carefully curated interior can go a long way in readjusting the attitude and identity of the space – offering the perfect opportunity to begin the redirection of your company’s culture. Proactive planning in the early stages increases your chances for a successful office renovation.
Why renovate your office?
While maximising the use of current space, office renovations also provide an array of benefits ranging from forming a positive first impression, to safeguarding your employees, promoting ergonomic and overall health. But did you know that remodelling your office could improve employee productivity? Office improvements can create an inviting and collaborative work space, as well as impact the focus and efficiency of a team as a whole.
- Step 1: Identify Goals for Your Office Remodel
Before beginning the design process, it is important that you first identify the project goals. What are the targeted factors driving the need for renovation? (E.g. aesthetics, infrastructure system update, growing employee numbers, workspace function changes, technology upgrade, etc.). Establishing a goal will provide you with a clear guide during the length of the refurbishing process.
The following questions will further allow you to address varying areas of concerns;
1. How can you improve the efficiency of the office layout?
2. How many departments does your office have and should any of the often-collaborating departments be placed adjacent to the other?
3. How many workstations are required and what types or sizes would be suitable for your team?
4. Is your office accessible for those with disabilities?
5. Are there any safety issues to be addressed?
6. How many conference rooms do you need to support your business? And how many employees should it accommodate?
7. Would your conference room require any special equipment?
8. Is your break room and bathroom large enough to accommodate your current employee number?Once your goals have been established, the following are logistical questions that must be addressed as well;
1. What is the budget for the project?
2. Could there be any possible issues that would disrupt the project schedules?
3. Would the office be open or closed during the renovation?
4. Would outside assistance be required?
5. What is the schedule of the renovation project?
6. What are the quality expectations of the project? Can the budget realistically support these expectations? - 2. Choose a suitable designer
Step 2: Research designer and contractor
Considered as the most vital step in any renovation process, putting together an effective team allows for a seamless renovation process.
Here are some key members you would need to work with on your project:
• Architectural and interior design team. These professionals ensure the refurbished indoor spaces reflect your vision, which includes working together with you to design a safe, functional and visually appealing work environment.
• Contractor or office renovation company. Contractors provide invaluable input on the renovation budget while validating the constructability of design concepts.
• Internal project manager. As a representative from your organisation, the project manager liaisons between the teams to establish a strong relationship while eliminating miscommunication. This will help keep the project manager apprised of all the plans, milestones, and challenges encountered.
Make sure to review multiple designer and contractor profiles while taking into account their proven track record of success, customer testimonials, as well as recommendations for quality office refurbishment services.
- Step 3: Evaluate your building
In order to eliminate any possible issues that could occur down the road, schedule a building inspection prior to the construction process. This would allow the easy identification of serious underlying issues such as mould and other hazardous material. Despite the additional cost, this inspection is recommended to prevent any further costly mistakes down the line.
Other areas to assess include;
• Existing utilities state and quality
• The condition of varying systems in the building
• The condition of the building foundation and its ability to withstand remodelling. - Step 4: Design your new office space
Following the inspection approval, it’s time to put the design team to work. Communication is key here, so make sure to clearly outline your goals and expectations in writing, so that it would be easy to track back specific sections without having to go over everything again. For instance, if you intend to create a collaborative workspace for 30 employees with 5 private cubicles, clearly state it in those terms.
- Step 5: Communicate with employees and start renovating
The earlier you communicate renovation plans to your employees, the smoother the process would be. Have all-employee meetings to inform them of the renovation timeline in order to minimise possible work disturbances. Look into updating the spaces under construction with safety signage so your employees know where they are able to go and where they should avoid entering. Now that you have planned, hired, inspected and approved, it’s time to begin your commercial office renovation!
If you’re looking for a reliable builder to guide you through a successful office building renovation, then look no further than Style Group Renovations. Whether you are thinking of a complete office refurbishment or just some upgrades around your working space, we have the skills and experience to assist you in your project – get in touch with our friendly team today!