A business’ premises can be a huge influence on its success. Even if your customers don’t visit you, outdated décor and insufficient facilities can have a negative impact on the motivation and productivity of both you and your workforce. You may have run out of storage space, and your team may have grown, but this doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that you need to relocate to new premises.
You may find it more practical to renovate the space you have. If you decide to renovate your current business premises or you are renovating a new space, this article will explore the key factors you need to consider.
Preparation and planning
A renovation project requires a high level of preparation and planning. This should include working out the materials you will need, and their costs, the timeline and the cost of any labor or contractors required. You should also ensure that you have assessed the condition of the building, for example, that the building does not have issues like drainage or rising damp problems or pest infestation which could complicate the project down the line.
If you will be making structural changes like removing walls or bigger jobs, you may need to consult with specialists like www.wolfmanprecision.com.au demolition services. Depending on how complex the work is, you may need to find alternative temporary premises so that the business can continue to operate during the renovation.
Permits and permissions
Significant structural changes will often require planning permission or permits before you can go ahead. You will need to make an application outlining the intended work as early as possible to prevent it from holding up the rest of the project. If you are leasing a property, you will need to consult with your landlord and tenancy agreement about the changes you wish to make.
Choosing contractors
While there may be some aspects of the renovation which you can DIY, it’s highly likely and far more sensible to hire professional contractors. You should always source multiple quotes for the work you want to be completed and ask each company to provide testimonials from previous customers. This enables you to compare prices and the quality of their service so you can be sure you’re getting a professional job.
It’s often a good idea to hold around 5% of their fee back until after the project has been completed. Once the work is finished there are bound to be small issues which crop up when the space is in use, and this 5% ensures that they are obliged to fix these problems before receiving full payment.
Get the right materials
The materials you use in your renovation should be as in-keeping as possible with the building’s original design and surrounding buildings. Spend as much as you can afford to as cheap materials are unlikely to yield high quality or durable results. It’s often good practice to order more materials than you will need. Any leftover materials which are still packaged should be able to be returned, and you may be able to sell the rest.
Consider your design and furnishings carefully
The final stage of renovation is the interior design and furnishings. This can often be a challenging stage as there are seemingly endless options and whatever you choose needs to support your business’ operation. From desks and partitions to lighting and toilet facilities and the art and pot plants, every choice should be tailored to your brand and daily routines. If you need some inspiration, here are some office design tricks which can increase productivity.
