When it comes to renovating your office building, there are multiple factors to consider. While most people think about the modern new details, there are more steps to plan for that aren’t always at the forefront of a project. There are many details involved in making sure a renovation is successful and doesn’t turn into an expensive mess. Below we’ve listed some of these factors:
Overall Cost
The overall cost of your office renovation is also a major factor to consider. You will have to pay for the renovations themselves, as well as moving out and moving back in, new furniture and equipment if needed, IT or HVAC upgrades, and even new carpeting or paint. The cost of these items will depend on what you decide to do with your office space—for example, painting a room from white to yellow can be done relatively cheaply but adding an entirely new flooring system will cost significantly more money than simply repainting the walls.
How You’ll Haul Off Trash
Ripping out walls, old carpets, and even wiring means you’ll need site services to haul everything off. They can not only provide a dumpster but can also bring porta-potties, and other important construction site items.
Loss of Productivity
Some renovations are as simple as putting in new carpets and paint over a weekend or displacing one team at a time. Others are more extensive and could mean that your employees would need to work from home or another location while the renovations are completed. If your employees are unable to work, you will lose money. This can include equipment downtime as well as staff being distracted by noise or the mess created during construction.
What Your Goals Are For Renovating
Before you begin renovating your office, it’s important to know what your goals are. Whether they’re related to aesthetics or functionality, these goals will help you sift through the information you’ll receive from contractors and designers. It also can inform whether you put up new glass walls, leave everything open, or opt for private cubicles.
Acoustics
Acoustics are extremely important to the overall work environment. If your office is too noisy, it can create a distraction for employees and make it difficult for them to concentrate on their work. The acoustics of an office can also affect employee morale, which makes it important that you consider improving the sound quality in your workspace.
A couple of ways you can improve your building’s acoustics include installing soundproofing materials around walls or floors where loud noises like footsteps occur. You can also add more vertical space between ceiling panels so they aren’t as close together.
HVAC Needs
Part of creating a safe work environment includes heating and cooling the space effectively. The best way to get started is by checking local building codes or zoning requirements for the location where your office will be located. You’ll need a permit before beginning renovations as well. Get quotes from more than one HVAC company and check their credentials before you invest in this upgrade.
IT and Equipment Needs
IT infrastructure is an important thing to consider when renovating your office building. You want to be sure that your internet and intranet can handle the traffic on a daily basis. Additionally, you’ll need to consider what kinds of desks and chairs to get to ensure that everyone has enough space to do their work.
What You’ll do With Old Furniture
When you’re done with your old furniture, consider donating it to charity. Alternatively, consider selling it on Craigslist or eBay. If you want to go the recycling route, know that most cities have a place where you can take items for recycling—be sure to check with your local government about this first. You can trash items that are no longer in good working condition, just check that they aren’t going to harm the environment by leaking toxins if you do.
Consider the Budget
The most important thing when renovating your office is budget. Budgeting for the renovation process takes some time. Sit down and consider how much money is tied up in your current space—such as rent or mortgage payments—and what kind of return on investment (ROI) you want from your business operations. Then list all potential projects that could benefit from a renovation, along with their estimated costs. Once you determine how a renovation can improve operations, you’ll be able to make better financial decisions.
