7 Money Saving Tips for Your Office Renovation
7 Money Saving Tips for Your Office Renovation
As a business owner, numerous practical reasons may inspire a future office renovation. Perhaps installing the latest technology will improve workflow. Altering the office space may be necessary for brand-new functions. Electing to upgrade the infrastructure also warrants a renovation.
Even if you simply wish to improve the aesthetic appeal of your building, hiring a commercial contractor will be necessary to get the job done. Office renovations are pricey, however.
To get the most out of your office renovation and to stay within budget, here are seven money-saving tips.
1. List Priorities
Before picking up the phone to consult a commercial contractor, establish the priorities for the office renovation. Having a firm plan in place will help save money when it comes to deciding what factors to improve upon and which ones to keep as the status quo.
2. Hire a Professional
A quick online search will result in numerous commercial contractors. Choosing the right one for your business needs is critical to avoiding problems down the road. Hiring an experienced contractor who specializes in commercial projects similar to yours is recommended.
Be aware that working with an irreputable commercial contractor will introduce nightmarish problems, like project delays, shoddy workmanship and even legal issues. Untrustworthy contractors have been known to bribe building inspectors, which costs clients enormously in both time and money.
A reputable contractor, on the other hand, will identify potential issues and offer workable solutions. The professional advice of legitimate commercial contractors will save business owners substantial sums of money on the office renovation project. Choose to work with a licensed contractor.
Most states require that contractors carry a license, which is obtained after proving specific, job-related skill sets. Also ensure the contractor has sufficient insurance and is bonded. Insurance verification may be obtained directly from the insurance company; simultaneously check the coverage.
A successful renovation depends on communication. Choose a contractor who is willing to match your communication style; for instance, you may prefer weekly or monthly update meetings. A well-matched contractor also respects your preferences for updates, such as via phone, email or in-person.
3. Create a Schedule
An office renovation is likely to disrupt operations, especially since any construction project takes time. Minimize interruptions to business operations by working with the contractor to create a fitting schedule. Plan to complete the project in phases. Also have a contingency plan in place.
4. Set a Budget
Similar to establishing priorities, setting a budget will help curb unnecessary spending. Understand the difference between a fixed price proposal and a cost plus proposal. The former provides the exact cost of the project prior to work starting, while the latter bills the client for the actual cost of construction.
While choosing a fixed price proposal gives business owners an accurate total of the expenses upfront, commercial contractors slightly inflate the price in order to cover costs incurred by the unexpected. But as a benefit to the client, any overruns in price are handled by the contractor.
Business owners pay market value when they choose a cost plus proposal. However, a firm ceiling of expenses fails to be a reality in such proposals; any cost overruns are paid for by the client. The high level of pricing detail in the contract can also be confusing.
Work with an expert in construction pricing. A design-build contractor collaborates with the design team to stay within the established construction budget. The invaluable input of the design-build contractor helps business owners make informed decisions that impact the project’s price.
5. Reuse Features
Building features with plenty of life left in them should be used to cut renovation costs. An efficient HVAC system, including its ductwork and vents, can be reused. Repurpose existing flooring for use in another area. Consider staining or refinishing concrete and tile floors.
Plan to keep the bathrooms in the same place. This practical measure prevents exorbitant renovation costs that result from reworking the plumbing inside the walls. Furnishings, like cabinets, chairs and desks, may be reused if they are in good condition.
6. Redesign Systems
If installing a new HVAC system is necessary, choose a simpler system. A sophisticated HVAC system may be unnecessary for current needs and electing to install a basic one reduces overall costs. Limit the number of thermostats and zones as an additional price-beating tactic.
7. Use Economical Materials
Certain materials are less expensive than others, while still providing a pleasing aesthetic finish. Brick, for instance, ranges in cost from 20 dollars to 50 dollars per square foot. Choose lower-cost materials in fixtures, flooring and finishes, while still meeting the project’s design goals.
Glass windows cost up to three times that of a wall in an interior office space. A cost-saving measure is to standardize the size of the windows or raise the glass at least 16 inches off the floor. This step eliminates the need for the pricier option of tempered glass.
Furniture Fixtures & Equipment and Office Decommissioning
Prep your business space for an upcoming office renovation by moving the office furniture out of the way. Chicago Office Movers is staffed with reliable moving crews who provide office decommissioning and furniture fixtures & equipment (FF&E) services will shift all office goods and equipment in preparation for a remodeling or renovation project.
Our experienced commercial movers will disassemble large equipment and move heavy furniture. We temporarily move all office possessions to a safe, offsite storage area. Once your office renovation is complete, Chicago Office Movers teams will shift the goods to your newly remodeled building.
Our decommissioning services will also help with trash removal, light fixture, bulb, and ballast replacements, cleaning of the floors, restrooms, kitchens, warehouse floors, sign removal, and much more.
Packing is also handled by our movers. We pack everything from small items, like office supplies, plants and files, to larger ones, like furniture, equipment and appliances. We also take care of unpacking all labeled boxes and set up the belongings in the renovated space.
Remodeling or renovating an office requires dependable, professional help. Chicago Office Movers is a local moving service that countless area business owners trust whenever they need an extra hand. We proudly serve businesses in Chicagoland.
Get a Free Estimate
Consult our friendly representatives at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate on your next move or help with preparing for an office renovation or remodeling project.
