Transforming Old to New: Rumanoff's Jewelers' Renovation Success

Renovations can transform businesses, improving the customer experience and employee satisfaction. The way your business manages and plans its renovations can make all the difference.

A successful business renovation can increase property value, enhance your brand's image, and even improve productivity among employees. Meanwhile, a poorly planned and executed renovation can lead to debt with not enough reward for the investment.

Recently, Litchfield Builders worked with a business in Hamden, Connecticut, to complete a successful commercial project. Their ambitious renovation of a commercial office building has paid off, improving their standing with customers and employees.

From Something Old... To Something New

Rumanoff's Jewelers, a family-owned jewelry store located in Hamden, CT, has been in business since 1938. In 2024, Rumanoff's undertook an ambitious project to renovate an older building and transform it into a modern, attractive store worthy of an 80-year-old respected Connecticut business.

The Challenges of Renovating an Older Building

Older buildings present many unique challenges. The building purchased by the Rumanoff's Jewelers business needed a renovation that was so complete that very little of the building's original infrastructure was saved. Everything from electrical to plumbing had to be modernized and replaced.

• High-quality. As a business built on a strong reputation and outstanding customer service, the team at Rumanoff's Jewelers needed their new building to be inviting and modern.
• Customized lighting and furniture. Everything from the furniture to the lighting in the new Rumanoff's Jewelers building was specially designed to ensure client comfort.
• Exterior and interior renovations. The interior of the building wasn't the only part of the property that needed an update. Exterior elements, including the parking lot and landscaping, needed updating.

Over the course of 9 months, this construction project transformed an older building into a property that reflected the brand and values of the business. The new property included modern finishes and flattering lighting to showcase the beautiful pieces sold at Rumanoff's Jewelers.

As a contractor working on this building, the most exciting part of this project was seeing the transformation take place every day. Rarely are older buildings transformed in a way that is so stunning and complete.

The Results of Rumanoff's Jewelers Renovation

Rumanoff's Jewelers may benefit from their office renovation project for years or decades to come. In the weeks after the project ribbon-cutting, Rumanoff's enjoyed positive attention from online communities, partners, and stakeholders who had either played a role in the project, benefited from the results, or watched the renovation from afar.

• Online recognition and engagement. Rumanoff's Jewelers renovation created online buzz among those who had participated in the project. Everyone who contributed or played a role in the renovation was excited to see the results.
• Awarded one of America's Coolest Stores by InStore Magazine. The magazine called Rumanoff's Jewelers renovation "warm, modern and impressive," and praised the "relaxed, fun vibe" of the in-store bar.

How to Make Your Commercial Renovation Project a Success

If your business needs renovation, these tips can help you make your project a success.

1. Have Clear Goals

Know why you're planning your project, whether it's for rebranding, modernizing old facilities, making space for new workers, or expanding your business offerings - it's important to have specific goals and measurable objectives.

Strong businesses will align their goals with their business's long-term vision. Renovations are investments. Successful renovations will pay off over time by enabling your business to grow stronger and last longer.

Work With The Right Team

Commercial renovations need support from a good team. Nearly all commercial renovations in Connecticut require an architect as well as a contractor. If your project is a major remodel or new construction, consider hiring an owner's representative to help coordinate your project as you manage normal business operations.

Whether you're choosing the contractor or the architect, these tips will help:

• Check licensure: Hire professionals with the proper credentials, including Connecticut licensure.
• Check references: Check references for the candidates you're considering. Ideally, references will include businesses that have hired those businesses for similar projects.
• Check portfolios: Know the previous work for the professionals that you're considering for the job.

Make a Realistic Budget

Budgeting for your renovation project is an essential step.

• Build a buffer into your budget: Include a margin of error in your budget. This will enable you to manage unexpected expenses that come up.
• Consider long-term savings: Installing high-quality, environmentally-friendly machines and appliances may cost more up front, but can lead to long-term savings over time.
• Communicate your budget with all team members: Tell your contractor, architect, and other stakeholders about your budget. Communicating about costs at every stage of the renovation helps you avoid overspending.

Minimize Disruptions to Operations

Work with a contractor that can help you minimize disruptions to your normal business operations. This can be done by scheduling noisy work outside business hours, moving your business to another location while renovations are taking place, or by setting up temporary workspaces in other areas of the building. Your contractor can help you decide what's best for your renovation.

Hiring a Contractor for a Commercial Renovation? Call Today

Is your business in need of an upgrade? Work with professionals who can help your business through each stage of the renovation. To find the right Connecticut contractor for your upcoming commercial renovation, download our guide to hiring a Connecticut contractor. You can also contact Litchfield Builders to schedule an in-person consultation to discuss your project.