Zestful Admin Updating and renovating commercial properties offers a lucrative opportunity for construction firms and contractors. Whether you’re working on big plans for your team or you’ve taken on a project for the first time, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about commercial renovation.
What is commercial building renovation?
No matter if it’s for a warehouse, office building or flagship production factory, commercial renovation involves stripping the contents, knocking the existing structure down, and building a new space. With the industry reaching higher growth levels than expected in 2023, there’s no better time to start networking.
Some original elements might remain or be repurposed, but each project varies. One thing that all renovations have in common is an expectation for a space that feels new, without the need to relocate. With the right tools and professionalism, striking results can be achieved through renovation.
How should you plan a commercial renovation?
- Understand the needs of the business
Firstly, you need to set out and start your project with a certain idea of what the business is looking for. Think about (and find out) what the team aims to get out of the project. How can you translate their needs into a functional, stylish, and comfortable space for employees?
You should also try to gauge how much of the existing space can be repurposed without being stripped out. Along with helping your client’s budget go further, recycling existing space is the most environmentally friendly approach to updating any corporate building.
- Start with removals and demolition
Once it’s time for the manual labour, you should firstly remove any unwanted structures and demolish the parts of the building due to be replaced. It’s possible that you’ll need to remove the previous construction of the property, completely gutting out the space for a fresh start.
To complete this task safely and to a high standard, you’ll need to use quality equipment. Your toolkit should include concrete cutters, sledgehammers, and shovels. You’ll also need to use supplementary materials and sealant removers like those from RS to strip down tough adhesives left by the previous construction.
- Construction
Once you’ve cleared the space into a blank canvas, you can get to work on the new version of the site. Make sure that you keep all health and safety practices for construction in mind for the duration of the project. Work carefully and don’t rush your team at any stage.
You should try to prioritise cost-effective practices, especially if your client is on a tight budget. But where possible, using sustainable materials and techniques will boost the eco-credentials of the office space, futureproofing it through the climate crisis.
- Fittings and layout
You should have extensive diagrams, plans, and written correspondence to work from when you’re fitting the new space out. However, if you have any doubts, make sure to contact the client and ask their preferences.
Likewise, if you unexpectedly run out of a material or use more of something than you’d expected, it’s crucial to be upfront and honest about it. Fitting electrical systems and lighting should only be undertaken by professional electrical engineers.
- Finishing touches
Lastly, design scheme is incredibly important for any corporate tenant. Make sure to think about how you should add the finishing touches in the most cost-effective way possible, working closely with interior designers and decorators to ensure a quality finish.
During the final stages, it’s still important to consult and liaise with the client on a regular basis.
Their preferences could change last-minute, so you should never underestimate the potential impact of double-checking their opinion. From the colour scheme to the counter tops, every detail counts.
Quality renovations require skill, expertise, and communication at every stage. Never rush a project: instead, work to realistic deadlines and seek any opportunity to use sustainable practices.
