Office renovations are a necessary evil. If your office needs an update, it can be tempting to just rip everything out and start from scratch. However, you must resist this urge! A complete gut job will not only cost a fortune but also take forever to complete. Instead of starting from scratch, If you’re considering renovating your office space, there are a few things you can do to save time and money. This blog post will share some tips on how to streamline the process so you can get back to business as soon as possible.
1. Define your goals.
Before you start tearing down walls or picking out paint colors, it’s essential to take a step back and define your goals for the renovation. What do you hope to accomplish? Are you looking to create a more productive work environment? Or are you simply trying to update the space to attract new tenants? Once you have a clear idea of your goals, you can start making decisions about the project’s scope.
Depending on your goals, a complete gut job might not be necessary. If you’re looking to refresh the space, painting the walls and replacing old carpeting might be enough. However, if you’re hoping to create a more efficient work environment, you might need to make some changes to the layout.
2. Hire an experienced contractor.
One of the most important decisions you’ll make during the renovation process is who to hire as your contractor. You want someone with experience with office renovations and who can provide a realistic estimate of the time and cost involved. A good contractor will also be able to offer suggestions on how to streamline the process and avoid common pitfalls.
Don’t opt for the cheapest contractor you can find. In most cases, you get what you pay for. It’s better to spend a little more and hire a quality contractor than to save a few bucks and end up with a shoddy renovation.
3. Get expert help with painting and flooring.
Most office renovations will require some painting and flooring work. These are two areas where hiring expert help is worth a little extra. Experienced commercial painting subcontractors can save you time and hassle by taking care of the job quickly and efficiently. The same goes for flooring experts. They can help you choose the right materials and install them quickly and correctly.
Some property owners think they can save money by doing the painting and flooring work themselves. However, in most cases, it’s better to leave this work to the professionals. Not only will they do a better job, but they’ll also be able to finish the work more quickly.
4. Prioritize the common areas.
Because they’re the first thing tenants and visitors see, it’s essential to prioritize the common areas when renovating your office space. These areas will make the biggest impression, so you want to ensure they’re looking their best. Start by painting the lobby and hallways. Then, move on to the conference rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Getting these done first will also save you money in the long run. That’s because if you wait until the end of the renovation to do them, you’ll likely have to pay your contractor overtime to finish the job. You want to avoid this if possible. Always try to schedule the common areas early on in the renovation process.
5. Get input from your employees.
If you’re renovating an existing office space, you must get input from your employees about what they want to see changed. After all, they’re the ones who have to work in the space every day! Ask them what they think would make the area more productive or enjoyable to work in. Their feedback will be invaluable as you make decisions about the renovation.
You can get employee input by holding a meeting or sending a survey. Just make sure you give employees enough time to provide their feedback. Otherwise, you might not get the best results. Ask for early input in the planning process so you can incorporate it into your renovation plans.
6. Move furniture and equipment out of the way.
One of property owners’ biggest mistakes during office renovations is not moving furniture and equipment out of the way. This can lead to damage and delays. Always move everything out of the way before the renovation begins. You can either put it in storage or in another area of the office that’s not being renovated.
If possible, try to move everything out of the way yourself. This will save you money on storage fees. And it will give you the opportunity to clean out any clutter that’s been accumulating in your office. But, if you don’t have the time or ability to do it yourself, hire a professional moving company. They’ll be able to get the job done efficiently.
Renovating your office space can be a time-consuming and expensive undertaking. However, by defining your goals, hiring an experienced contractor, and getting input from your employees, you can streamline the process and save time and money. With a little planning, you can have your new office up and running in no time!