Before you begin a major commercial renovation project, there are a few things you need to consider. These projects take a lot of time and money, so it is important to make sure you have carefully planned the project out. Below are some important aspects of commercial renovation that you should think about before you start your renovations.
- Visualize the outcome. If you chose to renovate a house, you would want to carefully imagine what the final product will look like before you plan and begin the process. The same applies to your commercial or office space – you want to make sure that the layout and the flow of the space work for the kind of business you have. Consider how many offices or rooms you will need, what the entry or lobby should look like, and how your clients or customers will feel in the space. This will help ensure that you are happy with the final result of your renovation project.
- Research your contractor. Be sure you do your homework before you hire a contractor. Talk to other businesses and companies who have used different contractors in your area. Check out the buildings that those contractors have worked on. Make sure they are the style you want for your commercial space and that they have done the kind of work you want to be done.
- Talk to a few contractors before making a final hiring decision. Many contractors will provide a free quote or consultation, so try to get as much information as possible from different contractors to help you understand the options available to you.
- Determine a budget before you begin. If you have a good idea of how much you are willing to spend in advance, it will help you prioritize your project and keep your plans and your expenses in line. However, be sure to budget for unanticipated changes or alterations, so that you are not caught unprepared if your plan has to change due to unforeseen reasons.
- Talk to others in your office. It is equally important to get input from other key decision-makers in your office before you begin the renovation. They can help research different areas of importance for your renovation, and they may be able to think of additional areas that need addressing while you are renovating.
- Establish a general schedule. Talk to your contractor to create an optimal schedule that will let you accomplish the renovations you need in a reasonable timeline. Consider trying to stagger major renovation projects so that you still have some use of your space and are not overwhelmed physically or financially by taking on too much at once.
- Get it in writing. As always, sign a contract with your contractor that establishes pricing guidelines, schedules, and other areas of importance to you. This will keep your contractor accountable and will ensure that your best interests are protected during your commercial renovation project.
