Offices need to be remodeled periodically in order to retain their functionality and beauty. Workers benefit from remodels because work places that look good and function right are more pleasant places to be compared to offices that are poorly maintained.
Office remodels often improve comfort and thus productivity, which helps businesses perform at their very best. In other words, periodic remodels are necessary and good for business.
However, if your company has limited funds to dedicate toward your project, there are ways to save money and accomplish your office remodel on a budget. Read on to find out how you can accomplish your office remodel goals on a budget.
Focus on Low Cost-High Impact Changes
Some changes come at a relatively low cost, but have a high impact around the office. If you're trying to get the most bang for your buck, put the following upgrades on your list of office remodel goals:
Repaint Interior
A fresh application of paint will transform your interior space to make it look more modern, well-maintained and attractive. Fresh paint has a way of making office spaces look cleaner and more comfortable overall. Work with a professional to choose the best color for your space.
Carpet Replacement
New carpeting pairs well with new paint, and can be easily bought on a budget. Medium-grade to high-quality carpet can cost anywhere from $30 to $50 per yard, but your contractor can help you select a solid, budget-friendly carpet at a cost of $20 to 25 per yard.
Lamp Replacement
The bulbs you use in your light fixtures probably use a lot of electricity and cost your company a lot of money. Lamp replacement is relatively inexpensive compared to other changes, and could dramatically reduce the cost of running your office.
Choose the Timing Wisely
No matter what kind of work is being done, remodels can be noisy, messy, and disruptive. Thus, one of the costs of an office remodel comes from the temporary reduction of productivity, resulting in a loss of profits.
To reduce the impact on annual profits, plan your remodel for a time of year when the demand for productivity is already low. Avoid conducting this project when people are busy, orders are coming in, and your company is projected to be making more money.
Plan Ahead
Remodels done quickly and with short notice are often expensive, because finding money savings takes time and effort. Planning ahead can help you make smart choices that will save money in the long run.
Buy Materials on Sale
Suppliers may place items on sale or may price match. Shop on your own or work with a contractor to find suppliers that offer deals. Seeking furnishings and other materials in the lower price ranges limits your options, so you may have to spend a longer time shopping before you find what you need. Start shopping well in advance to get this done by the time the work begins.
Shop Around For the Right Contractor
Some contractors will cut costs where they shouldn't, or under bid hoping to get the job. Their bids may look good on paper, but a contractor who under bids may produce low-quality work, or may raise prices midway through the project.
Shop around for a reputable contractor who has experience remodeling office spaces. Check references before signing a contract. The right contractor will be up front about costs, and may suggest ways to lower costs without compromising the integrity of the job. Finding the right contractor takes time, so start looking early, and be thorough in your search.
Prioritize
You may have grand plans for your office remodel, but if you're trying to adhere to a strict budget, you won't be able to do everything. Make a list of things that your remodel must accomplish (must-haves), and make a separate list of things that you would like but do not need (nice-to-haves). Work with your contractor to get the must-haves accomplished, then select items from the nice-to-haves list if they fit within the budget.
Communicate Your Budget
Talk to your contractor about your budget, and work together to determine whether your budget is realistic for your remodel goals. Your contractor will keep your budget in mind as the work proceeds, and will help you make decisions that will keep your remodel on track.
Choosing the Right Partner
To save money on your office remodel, hire the right contractor. Your contractor can help you prioritize projects, decide which projects are necessary to accomplish your goals, and can point you in the direction of low-cost, high-impact tasks that can make your remodel more effective overall.
At Litchfield Builders, we've been helping businesses remodel their interior spaces for decades, and we can help you conduct your office remodel on a budget. Our reputation in the community and with our clients has helped us become one of the premiere general contractors in the state of Connecticut.
To learn more on this topics, check out our recently published guide, Your Expert Guide to Commercial Remodeling.
