An office renovation or remodeling is an effective way to revitalize your workspace, bringing renewed energy and a refreshed look to your business. Several studies claim that a healthy office renovation can boost productivity levels and improve the image of your organization.
What’s more, increasing productivity by 3.8% (18 minutes daily) equals the financial gain of a 25% cut in real estate costs. As a result, a rising number of companies are contemplating renovating their offices to step up the aesthetic appeal or functionality for their employees.
How successful and effective your office renovation is will largely depend on the service quality of an office renovation contractor. In this blog, you will learn ten expert tips on how to choose the right professional for handling your office renovation project. Additionally, discover the functions of a renovation contractor and the services they offer.
Let’s begin!
What is Office Renovation?
Office renovation is revamping the interior of an existing office space without changing its exterior shell, to improve its aesthetics and functionality, or bring it up to code.
A commercial office renovation can involve either a few minor changes or a full-blown transformation. It is one of the major investments your company makes, so you need to be extra cautious with whatever you choose. Right from lighting and flooring to furniture and design, every aspect of office renovation work must align with the purpose of your business.
Most companies do not have the time and experience to perform the remodeling of their office spaces. Therefore, it is recommended to hire a reliable office renovation contractor who will organize and manage the whole construction process, enabling employees to continue working without many disruptions.
Typically, a commercial contractor will offer the following office renovation services:
- General contracting
- Office construction services
- Tenant improvements
- Project management
- Equipment installation or repairs
- Office interior design services
- Licensing and building permits
- Accessibility / ADA modifications
- Emergency maintenance services and others
Let’s understand how to choose a reputable office renovation company.
But First, Define the Goals for Your Office Renovation
Identifying your office renovation goals before hiring a contractor helps define the project scope. This ensures that the renovation aligns with the company’s objectives and enhances functionality. Ask yourself the following questions to define goals for your office renovation project.
- Does your office layout need improvements?
- How can the office design reflect the company’s brand and values?
- Are there budget restrictions?
- What timeline is appropriate for renovating the office with minimum disruptions?
- What cutting-edge technology do you want to integrate to enhance productivity?
- Does the company have any sustainability goals for your office renovation?
- How will the office renovation accommodate future workforce growth?
A well-defined project scope helps select the right office renovation contractor with expertise in your specific requirements. It provides a roadmap for the contractor, helps in accurate budgeting, and fosters effective communication between the client and the renovation contractor.
Functions of an Office Renovation Contractor
An office renovation contractor is responsible for completing the project on time, within budget, and according to the client’s specifications. Essentially, the commercial contractor you will be hiring will perform functions such as:
- Working closely with the client to understand their vision and requirements for the office renovation
- Offering expert advice on choosing suitable designs and best quality materials under their budget
- Designing the remodel or renovation of the office
- Acquiring mandatory building permits and permissions from the local government authorities
- Supervising and conducting all the supply purchases for the project
- Adherence to the local building codes and zoning regulation compliance
- Appointing multiple subcontractors and coordinating their work
- Communicating with project managers, designers, architects, vendors, inspectors, and other members of the project team
- Ensuring the renovation work meets the highest quality and safety standards
- Managing unexpected issues during the office renovation, such as change orders or structural deformities
Your office renovation contractor will be tackling complicated issues, potential glitches, and last-minute changes. While undertaking all these critical decisions, they will have to remodel your office on time and within budget. Basically, the contractor you will choose will ensure the smooth execution of the commercial renovation from the beginning to the end.
10 Tips On Hiring An Office Renovation Contractor
To help you make the right choice, we have listed down ten tips on choosing an office renovation contractor:
1. Prefer Local Commercial Contractors
Local contractors are well-equipped with local licenses and resources.
When hiring an office renovation contractor with relevant experience, always go for a local professional. The obvious reason is, that local renovation contractors will have the proper licensing in your office site’s state. Plus, they will be familiar with the municipality’s building codes and regulations, federal and workplace regulations, and weather conditions. Local commercial renovation businesses have a quality list of suppliers to purchase materials and hire subcontractors. As opposed to written testimonials, you can firsthand visit a local construction company’s projects, gather reviews from past clients, and ask them questions to assess how the company handled its projects.
Start your search by contacting property management groups in your area and ask for office remodeling contractors who worked on their commercial construction projects. This will get you a list of referrals to choose from who have experience in similar projects to yours.
To search online, type on Google or Bing for “office renovation contractor near me”, “office renovation services near me”, or “renovation contractors near me” to receive search results based on proximity. If your office project will be in a different city or state, then type and search for “office remodeling/renovation contractors (location)” to find a local building contractor in your targeted location.
2. Hire Someone with Similar Project Experience
Experienced contractors for office renovation carry the expertise to handle complex projects.
Someone who has been in the industry for at least 5 or more years, will be aware of the ins and outs of commercial construction and can complete your office remodel more efficiently. The greater the experience of the general contractor, the greater the word of mouth and reputation in the industry.
Another benefit is that commercial contractors have a huge network of quality suppliers and subcontractors. Their experience also helps in fulfilling any permitting or licensing requirements that may apply to your property.
Whenever you are hiring an office renovation company, ask them about their past projects that are similar to yours. Or else, find office properties with matching interior and exterior designs to your project, and then perform outreach to approach the office renovation contractors who worked on them. Apart from the cost-effectiveness and timeliness of the builder’s work, look for positive experiences from their previous clients.
3. Check If They Have Good Reviews And References
The right renovation contractor will make a good impression on their clients.
Hiring an office renovation contractor who has earned a high amount of impressive reviews and testimonials from past clients is extremely important to a successful project. Make sure the renovation contractor you are considering has good reviews, testimonials, and rating scores online.
You can visit the construction company’s official website to catch a glimpse of a few projects they’ve completed in the past. It is best to pick an office remodeling company that has a stellar track record with previous clients and provides good work experience. Along with this, ask the renovation contractor to provide a list of companies they have worked for in the past. Call these references and ask a few questions such as – whether the project was completed on time and within budget. Was the renovation contractor clear in their communication and did they fulfill their contract?
In this way, customer reviews and testimonials are valuable in learning about the customer service, quality of work, and professionalism of the office renovation contractor.
4. Hire A Licensed and Insured Professional
All contractors regardless of their experience and reputation must be able to submit proof of license and insurance.
Renovation contractors who are licensed by your state and jurisdiction are legally allowed to work on your project. Their knowledge of permits, zone regulations, building materials, hiring of subcontractors, and project management makes them well-suited for the job. Licenses are also specific to certain locations, so pay attention to minute details of the commercial contractor’s license certificate.
Don’t forget to ask the renovation contractor for a Certificate Of Insurance (COI); in case a worker gets injured on the worksite or someone accidentally causes damage to the building, insurance will save you money. Note that an office renovation contractor who isn’t insured can’t be easily held accountable for financial liability and worker’s compensation. Don’t assume that the insurance will be part of the contracting bid costs, ask them for proper proof.
It’s up to you to determine what exactly their insurance policy will cover. You can request verification directly from the insurance company and compare different coverages between renovation contractors to select the best one.
5. Request Cost Estimates From Multiple Contactors
Choose a contractor who provides cost estimates that are within your budget.
Whether it’s an office renovation or new construction. complications may arise when the commercial contractor’s cost estimates are higher than your budget. As a general practice, office renovation contractors will review your project plan and provide cost estimates or a ‘bid’ that documents timelines and estimated costs.
You need to contact at least three to four office renovation companies and request an estimated price or ‘bid’ for the overall costs of the project’s construction. This bid is typically formulated based on the structure’s square footage, working hours, insurance and bonding, overhead costs, building materials, industry type, location, and other components. Mention ‘Alternates’ and ‘Upgrades’ when it comes to materials, as these may contribute to higher costs.
Usually, office renovation costs range anywhere from $40 to $225 per square foot and are subject to change. Choose the company whose bid aligns with your budget and fits your office remodel.
6. Get Office Design Services That Fit Your Needs
Dig deeper to understand the full scope of the renovation services a contractor is offering.
When you are looking for a renovation contractor for your office refurbishment, it’s important to ask the potential candidate about their knowledge and experience in renovating commercial offices. A good company will offer a wide range of office renovation services including furniture replacements, desk replacements, office partitions, painting, electrical works, and other services.
Even in white-collar office environments, there are various types of office design trends popular today among companies. For example, some commercial construction companies go for an open office design for remodeling where employees are seated closely to encourage collaboration. Other renovation companies prefer a semi-open office design where some employees work in seclusion due to the nature of their profession. Another popular type of trend is the industrial office design where building facades and concealed structures are deliberately exposed to obtain a raw and unfinished look.
You may also want to partner with an office renovation contractor who specializes in interior design to ensure that the furnishings, decorations, and finishes complement the architecture for your kind of business. Whatever your choice, always hire a commercial renovation contractor who has experience in the exact design trend you want for your office remodel.
7. Hire Someone Who Prioritizes Safety
A responsible contractor will instill a safety culture among construction workers.
Safety is of paramount importance in the construction industry. Any renovation work of workspaces should be executed under the guidelines stated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Select a commercial renovation company that is recognized by its insurance carriers, OSHA, and other associations committed to safety.
Safety during office renovation gets even more crucial especially when your employees are working on the site. Electrical wires and appliances should be kept at a distance from common passages. Worksites should be sealed with warning signs to caution employees and visitors. Noisy tasks should be scheduled during non-working hours and cleanliness should be taken care of.
Ensure that the office renovation contractor you have chosen has an established plan for maintaining safe sites and takes all the safety precautions to avoid accidents and damages. Make a point to ask them about their safety record.
8. Ensure The Contractor Proposes A Written Contract
Get everything legally secured in a written contract between you and your renovation contractor.
A comprehensive, well-written construction contract clearly defines project details, terms and conditions, and substantial costs. It is an integral document for your legal protection that you sign with your office renovation contractor. Get a lawyer to review the proposed contract before signing it. A construction contract should include the following –
- The estimated start and completion dates of office renovation.
- Information on applicable building permits and fees.
- A description of products and services to be provided by the office renovation contractor along with the cost of each item.
- Payment terms and schedule, for example, one-third down when work is partially completed, and the balance due.
- Subcontractor issues (license, insurance verification, and warranty of workmanship)
- Change orders with cost issues noted.
- The consequences of default by either party.
- Signatures from both parties.
Never sign a construction contract with blank sections. If you decide to cancel the contract, follow its cancellation clause. Does the prepared contract look fair and balanced? Carefully scrutinize the whole document. Signing a written contract before beginning the office renovation will protect both parties against infringements.
9. Find Someone Who Has A Network Of Subcontractors And Suppliers
Where there is teamwork and collaboration, high-performance work results can be achieved.
You should ask potential office renovation companies if they have a dependable network of subcontractors. By having an adequate and experienced team, the commercial construction company will be able to obtain accurate quotes and better understand their services, products, and methods.
When it comes to commercial construction, maintaining strong relationships with material suppliers helps the office renovation contractor purchase quality products. This alignment with suppliers avoids any unwanted issues with material deliveries such as delays, damages, or shortages. It creates timeliness and transparency with the delivery process and payments.
Most commercial construction firms manage and find the right people for the office renovation including designers, project managers, and subcontractors. The construction company you are hiring must have the required team size and the resources to provide office renovation services and complete the project on time.
10. Hire The One Who Communicates Well
There should be excellent communication between a client and the contractor for the success of any construction project.
Throughout your office renovation project, you will be spending a lot of time with your commercial contractor making crucial decisions. Therefore, it’s necessary to develop a rapport with your renovation contractor and share the same communication style.
Choose an office renovation contractor who is present when you have questions. Their answers should be clear, concise, and professional. Regular means of communication including timely meetings, emails, calls, and online messaging platforms should be in place to keep everyone informed.
If they are uncomfortable answering questions or avoiding calls or one-to-one meetings during the evaluation phase of the office renovation process, then you should probably consider other candidates. Remember, an honest commercial contractor understands the value of open and effective communication.
Case Study – Paramount Consultancy Office Renovation
Scope of Office Renovation
Paramount Consultancy is one of the most respected legal advisory firms based in Denver, Colorado. As a way to boost employee collaboration post-pandemic, the advisory firm has decided to renovate its existing office space and convert it into a new hot workstation area. For this office renovation project, Paramount Consultancy has joined hands with a local commercial contractor.
Challenges Faced
A hot desk is a shared workspace concept where employees can use any available desk or workstation within a designated area. Hence, managing the space efficiently and seamlessly integrating technology while ensuring privacy came as a challenge to the renovation contractor.
Secondly, the office renovation project required to be completed within a restricted timeline, optimizing costs. Considering the office was in occupation, the renovation contractor’s goal was to cause minimal disruptions to the working employees.
Office Renovation Solutions
- The office renovation company leveraged spatial design software like AutoCAD to maximize the available office space while retaining user comfort.
- Procured readymade fixtures and fittings, which decreased the cost of building workstations.
- The contractor’s team first demolished the existing walls and workstations of the office. They constructed new office suites, installed ergonomic seating, and integrated the latest technology.
- In addition, the renovation services included upgrading the floors and painting the new walls.
- The office renovation team worked on off-duty hours and weekends to cause minimal disruptions to the consultancy firm.
Results
The hired construction company successfully executed the office renovation within restricted timeframes and operational constraints. Their quality services left the owners of Paramount Consultancy satisfied with the way the contractor adeptly managed the renovation works despite the office being in occupation. As a result, the advisory firm was able to promote an inclusive work environment.
So, this case study highlights the importance of hiring a competent office renovation contractor.
Final Thoughts
An office renovation is a wonderful opportunity to amp up your workspace for your staff and transform it into a highly collaborative and functional environment. It can foster a better work ethic and can considerably boost employees’ morale.
With the assistance of the right office renovation company, you can execute planning, designing, approvals, and budgeting without much difficulty. Hire a renovation contractor who is licensed and insured, experienced, and communicates honestly.
Moreover, your priority should be keeping an open line of communication between your interior design team, your internal project team, and your renovation company.
If your office space needs a partial or full makeover, contact our talented team at Constructive Solutions, Inc. to explore our commercial renovation services and remodeling services.
FAQs
How much do contractors charge for office renovation services?
On average, renovation contractors charge around $30 per hour for an office renovation.
Do I need to hire an architect or interior designer for my office renovation project?
An interior designer would be ideal for your office renovation as an architect is more suitable for a large-scale construction project where advanced engineering skills are required.
How do I plan my office renovation project?
Before starting any office renovation project, you need to prepare the scope of work, establish construction budget and timelines, acquire building permits, hire the right team, and finish many other critical tasks. Prepare a detailed office renovation checklist to ensure that you follow every step of the process.
Relevant Resources:
- Ready To Renovate Your Office? Here’s Your Complete Checklist
- Tips on How to Control Office Tenant Improvement Project Costs
Constructive Solutions, Inc. is a full-service commercial construction company serving San Francisco and Bay Area.
Whatever your vision, we have the resources, experience, and insight to make your concept a reality, and a space where your business can flourish.
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