A business might need to relocate its office for several reasons. Maybe the current space is too small, and they’ve outgrown it, or perhaps the company is expanding and needs a bigger area to operate in. Especially now, after the pandemic, many businesses transitioning from fully online to hybrid working models are also in the process o acquiring new office space. A new office is a good way to make it more conducive to in-person and remote work.
Renovating a space to turn it into an office perfect for your company’s needs can be a real challenge. It’s important to take your time and plan everything out so that the renovation goes smoothly without any major bumps in the road. Here are some tips on things you should do when renovating a space for your new office.
Plan out your renovation
As with many things, it’s most important to have a concrete plan before even starting your renovations. You’ll need to put some time into mapping everything out, whether it’s your current office you plan to convert to a modern open plan design or an entirely different location that’s meant to provide ample space for your growing company.
This includes having a clear idea of your budget and what kind of renovations you want to do. For example, are you planning on gutting the space and starting from scratch? Or are you just looking to make some cosmetic changes? Once you know what sort of renovations you want to do, you can start looking for contractors who can help you make your vision a reality.
Choose the right team to help with the renovation.
Hiring the right professionals to do specific tasks is crucial in a successful renovation. You will need an interior designer specializing in office spaces instead of a home interior designer. The latter might be more affordable, but they don’t always understand the specific needs of businesses regarding layout, storage, and ergonomics.
You’ll also need an architect or draftsman on your team if you’re planning on making any structural changes to the space. A general contractor might suffice if you’re just looking to do cosmetic changes. But if you want to move walls or add partitions, then you’ll need someone with the experience and expertise to help you make those changes.
In addition, you will need a commercial electrical contractor for all your wiring needs. This is important because office renovations usually require more extensive wiring than residential renovations. Any sub-quality work done on wiring can result in fires, so it’s crucial that you hire a reputable and experienced specialist to do the job.
Stay organized and on schedule.
As a business, an office renovation can mean time off production, so it’s important to try and minimize that by being as organized as possible. This includes having a clear and concise plan for the renovation, communicating that plan with your team, and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
It’s also important to try and stick to your timeline as much as possible. Of course, there will always be unforeseen delays. Still, if you can stay on schedule as much as possible, it will minimize the time your business is affected by the renovation. Factors like the weather, logistics, and material availability can all impact your timeline, so it’s important to be prepared for anything.
Be prepared for any bumps in the road.
As mentioned, it’s inevitable to encounter problems during a renovation. However, being prepared for them can help minimize their impact on your business. First and foremost, always have a contingency fund set aside in case anything goes wrong. This way, you won’t have to cut corners or skimp on quality to stay within budget.
Second, everything should have a plan B. If a contractor cannot meet the deadline, you should have another one lined up. This way, you won’t have to wait around for them and can keep the renovation on schedule. Also, elements for your interior design should have flexibility, as there will be times when a piece of furniture or material you want isn’t available.
Finally, always communicate with your team — those involved in the renovations and also your employees. If there are any problems, make sure to address them immediately. By being proactive and communicative, you can help minimize the impact of any bumps in the road and help ensure a successful renovation.
These are just some tips to keep in mind when renovating a space for your new office. By following these tips, you can help ensure that the renovation goes smoothly without any major hiccups.
