Office remodels can be big projects requiring a lot of planning, careful budgeting and consultations with experts.
It's uncommon for business owners and property owners to take on an office remodel more than once or twice, so many who decide to remodel their office are doing it for the first time. This makes it hard to know what to expect. Knowing how to plan and carry out a successful remodel can make the experience better overall.
Litchfield Builders has been working with property owners and business owners for over twenty years. Whether it's your first or fifth time remodeling an office, we can walk you through the process by answering your questions and giving you the information you need to make decisions.
If you're seeking information about planning your next office remodel, read on. For more information, download our free guide, Sustainability and Green Building in Commercial Construction.
List Your Goals
Why do you want to remodel your office space? What are your renovation goals? Make a list of problems that you're intending to solve. Recording your goals in one place can be clarifying, and can help you prioritize.
Work with your business partners or investors to create your list of goals together. Once you've made the list, then you can proceed with the rest of your planning.
Set the Budget
Your office remodel budget will serve as a guide for you and the contractor. Knowing how much you can spend can help you make other decisions, like which materials to use. Factors that affect your budget include:
- Timeline. If your project must be finished quickly, you may need to pay extra for round the clock renovation.
- Contractor hired. Different contractors will have different hourly rates. Contractors who dramatically underbid their competition may be cutting corners in undesirable ways, so be wary of any contractor who's bid is well below other contractors.
- Scope of the project. The more dramatic the changes being made, the more money it's likely to cost.
- Materials used. Using high-end materials can dramatically raise the price of an office remodel.
In addition to the factors mentioned above, there could be unforeseen costs. Remodels sometimes reveal problems hidden within the walls or systems of the building.
Discoveries like wood rot, plumbing problems, electrical problems, roof failure and code violations could increase the cost of any office remodel. When creating your budget, build in a buffer of about 10%.
Consult with Professionals
While you're creating your remodel budget, consult with professionals to get a sense of how much your remodel will realistically cost. Work with an architect or a design-build contractor to provide the design services in-house.
Have conversations with multiple contractors before signing a contract with one. Meet with each potential contractor on site. Tell each contractor about your office remodel goals. Ask questions like:
- What challenges do you expect to face during this remodel?
- What would you do first? Second?
- Have you completed a remodel like this before? How often? Can I see pictures?
- Do you have references?
- How long have you been in business?
- What's your license number?
Hire a contractor with prior experience remodeling office spaces. Related experience is important. A contractor who has remodeled offices in the past will know the issues that often come up during these projects.
Contractors who have no experience with your type of remodel may not be able to plan for the potential problems, which could lead to your project going over budget.
Get Financing
Once you've decided approximately how much your remodel will cost, it's time to get financing. Shop around to different lenders to get the best interest rates and loan package.
Your lender may ask for documents about your finances, your contractor and architect, and the contractor bid. Find out what your lender needs and submit all documentation together.
Tips for Success
Every office remodel is different, but these tips can help most property owners or business owners throughout their experience.
Focus on Quality
You'll get the best results by purchasing good quality materials and hiring a good contractor. Skimping on quality can have unintended consequences.
Choose the Right Team
Finding the right team of professionals can be time-consuming, but that's time well spent. The right professionals should have good communication and relevant experience to help ensure your project will go smoothly from start to finish.
Work Collaboratively
Your contractor will likely provide advice and information to you throughout the project. You'll get the best results by working collaboratively while the remodel is taking place.
Focus on Sustainability
Energy efficient appliances and fixtures save money and deliver high ROI when the time comes to sell a property. Property owners who want to save money on utility bills and improve the value of their business can do so by focusing on making energy-efficient upgrades.
Get Started with your Office Remodel
Are you planning to remodel your office sometime in the near future? What are your remodel goals? Leave your comments in the box below.
If you're in the planning stages of your construction project, start contacting professionals. Not sure which contractors are best? Ask other business people in your area for referrals, or contact trade associations to find out which commercial contractors are active in your area. Always check licensure before signing a contract.
At Litchfield Builders, we've got two decades of experience helping property owners and business people realize their remodeling goals.
If you're ready to have a conversation with a contractor about your remodel, contact us today for a consultation. We'll be happy to discuss your remodeling goals, make suggestions and draw up plans.
For more information about how to complete a commercial remodel, download our free guide, Sustainability & Green Building in Commercial Construction.
