Undertaking a commercial renovation project can be daunting, but with the right planning, you can create the perfect space for your venture.
Perhaps you have a building already that needs renovating for a new purpose, or you are looking to grow your business and are looking at an extension. Or are you considering a rebrand and need your premises to match the new brand feel? Maybe you are looking to purchase a property to set up a new business and the space will need a refurbishment to make it your own.
Whilst such a large project can seem overwhelming initially, if you take it step by step, and remember how your business can benefit from the success of the renovation, you can ensure that the project is organised in such a way that it will prove successful and help reinvent your business space.
Here are our top tips for a successful commercial renovation project
Note Your Goals
As you progress along the project, and potentially come across additional challenges that make you think “what have we started?”, it is good to have a list of written goals to look back on to remember the reasons for the project and the benefits it will bring to your business. Don’t lose sight of your end goals along the way, and by listing them at the very start, you can keep them in mind at every planning stage.
Consider the Long Term
What your business needs now, or in one year’s time, may be different from what it may need in five or 10 years’ time. Whilst none of us have a crystal ball to predict the future, considering how the business and the market may change, may influence your refurbishment plans. Your commercial space needs to meet the changing needs of your business over time. If your business is growing, have you included more space in your plan for more employees or more customers? Or do you predict needing more storage space?
Call in the Professionals
A commercial renovation project can be a huge undertaking and it needs to be done right and to a professional standard. A professional construction company has the experience and knowledge to not only complete the build successfully but also to advise on aspects of the project. They will have experience in identifying potential issues before they arise, and they should have ideas for alternative options which may provide cost savings. Reputation is important, so ask friends or colleagues for first-hand experience or recommendations.
Consider your Audience
Any commercial project reflects back on your business, so try to remember your customers, clients and employees when planning the project. The way your premises looks when complete, reflects your company’s brand. For example, if you are renovating an office, ensure you are providing an environment that your employees will be happy in, and one that will create a good impression on any clients or customers that visit the business. Or, if you are renovating a shop, restaurant or salon, think about how the renovation will be perceived by customers and how it can improve the customer experience while they are visiting your business.
Time & Money
Creating a budget and a time schedule is key before embarking on a large project, and detailed planning makes for a successful commercial renovation. Be realistic with your budget and have a contingency for around 10% more, as more often than not, there will be bumps in the road.
The same when it comes to timescales; renovations often take a little longer than expected and you need to consider the impact on your business if your project is running alongside an operational business. Ensure your schedule minimises any interruptions to the day-to-day running of your business and if it needs to take a little longer to accommodate this, it will be worth it.
Energy Efficiency
Sustainability has been growing in importance in recent years to become a focus of renovations and the construction industry. Whilst undertaking a renovation project, it is a great opportunity to review the energy efficiency of your building. Windows and doors, heating, lighting, ventilation and air conditioning can be upgraded to make them more energy efficient, saving you money on utility bills in the long run and making your business more environmentally friendly.
When considering upgrading the heating system, Kiasa infrared heating is a great option which is both energy efficient and cost-saving. Infrared heat is 100% natural, 100% energy efficient, 100% controllable and 100% safe. Traditional heaters heat the air, and then the air heats us, whereas infrared heats objects, which passes the extra energy to the air and surrounding objects. This means no money or energy is wasted by heating the volume of air in a room.
Infrared heating is up to 70% more cost-effective than conventional heating; they use less power, can run on renewable energy (e.g. solar power), you need fewer heaters and there is no ongoing maintenance. The heat of different rooms can be individually controlled by remote control or an app and the heaters can be installed away from fixtures and fittings, on walls or ceilings. They can blend seamlessly into any décor; available as slim white panels or personalised with a photo or image of your choice, or even have your infrared panel as a mirror.
Be Flexible
As mentioned briefly above, large renovation projects can sometimes hit bumps in the road, so be prepared for additional challenges if they occur. Your timescales and budget may be affected should anything unexpected occur, so there needs to be a flexible element in both of these. Also try to be flexible in your mindset, so that if challenges do crop up, you remain best placed to deal with them. Remember, these things are often completely out of your control.
Final words…
Commercial building renovations can add value to a property and can make a space suitable for your needs. It may seem overwhelming and challenging at first, but always keep in mind the end goal and its benefits. Good luck! And remember, the team at Kiasa are here to help.
