Over the next couple of weeks, we are going to give you some tips and tricks for a successful remodel. So far we have covered “Tips For A Successful Remodel: Kitchen” and “Tips For A Successful Remodel: Bathroom”. This week we will be covering the office. Office designs are changing as the workplace becomes more modern.
Here are tips and tricks for a successful office remodel:
- Know your goals.
Get the goals of your renovation project down on paper. Ask yourself if you want to be in this space for another ten years or out in only two? Are you making these changes for clients or for you? Don’t start the remodel until you are comfortable with the direction that you are wanting to take the renovation. A false start can end up being very expensive if you end up making too many changes along the way.
- Budget high and trim back as needed.
Even the best planners can’t predict unforeseen expenses. Create a contingency of at least 10 percent for those unforeseen expenses. Discovering things like pipes needing to be relocated can increase your expenses very quickly.
- Be PATIENT!
Turning your office building into a safe, workable office might take longer than you would like. If you need to stay up and running during the process, consider a temporary office, like a container building.
- Work with things that you already have.
Before you write a check for thousands of dollars in demolition work, look at the features that your building already has that you could salvage. Clean up any exposed brick and embrace high ceilings. What might initially seem like an eyesore or hassle could end up being your favorite part of the renovation.
- Put the right team together.
Establish the right team early on with all the disciplines that are required for the renovation. An important step is bringing aboard a qualified general contractor. Involving the general contractor early on can ensure an accurate budget.
- Develop a realistic timeline for your project.
Most people believe that a renovation will move quicker if it involves an existing building but that is a misconception. Keeping a realistic schedule is what keeps a project moving. Start with the date that the renovation project must be completed and then work your way backwards. Calculate in sufficient time for each phase of the project.
- Sell off what you can.
If you are removing old appliances, before you take sledgehammer to them, consider selling them. Take care in removing these items and you would be surprised that people would be willing to fork over a little cash for these items. By selling off appliances, you can put a little extra money into your project.
If you are in the market for a office remodel, contact us at GMS Werks and we would be more than happy to help you out with all of your office needs!
