Renovating the Office? Here are Five Things to Think About

Is your small business office getting tired? It may be a time for a change. Maybe you need to create space for new employees, or maybe it just needs an update look. Perhaps you’re just getting started and want your office to reflect your vision. Here are five things to consider before hitting the sledge.

The Strength of the New Design

While blending in and being part of the neighbourhood can be good, but not for your office. Your clients need to be able to find you, so make it as easy as pie. Your design should be readily distinguishable, matching your current branding, so people know it right away. For a lot of businesses, that seems to epitomize a large sign. That can be okay in some circumstances, however, you should be afraid to experiment.

There is still value into fitting into the neighbourhood and surrounding area. If you stick out like a sore thumb, you seem too out of place and that you don’t really belong. While it can be a headache to not clash with fitting in and standing out, it may be worth thinking about that.

Energy Efficiency

Today being energy efficient is a big thing, and can work in your favour business wise. You’re just starting out, so you may not have tons of capital, so if you can save on utilities, then great, and energy consumption is a good place to begin.

It isn’t just the wiring you need to check. If you’re in a colder clime, then ensuring the insulation is sufficient can save you on the heating costs. Upgrading your windows is a good way to keep the heat in and your costs down. Check into your local utilities energy credits or rebates for upgrading your home/office to become more energy efficient.

Focus on the Most Important Change

More than likely, you won’t be able to afford all the changes you wish to make, and that’s okay. You need to focus your resources on the most important areas first. Is there anything your new office just can’t do without?

Analyze your office space. Do you really need to improve it? Will it do for now. Or does it affect company productivity? Is it bleak and putting off to customers? Check your budget, and see where improvements would give you the biggest bang.

The People Affected

You’re not alone in your business, nor is the space just for your workforce. You have to think about your customers and your neighbours. While you may think painting the building yellow is a great idea, that may annoy your neighbours, which could affect deals down the road, and there could be legal considerations (bylaws are the first thing that comes to mind).

You need to have a chat with those involved. Are there any changes your employees may want? They would know what would work for them productivity wise. Of course, you need to go over the renovation plans with them, and how you’re going to deal with any disruptions. Consult your lawyers and see what laws you need to review. You also want to warn your neighbours about any disruptions that the renovation may cause.

Costs

Renovations don’t come cheap, and cutting corners is never a good idea. The old cliché holds true ‘you get what you pay for’, and a well-designed office will pay for itself eventually. Your bookkeeper or accountant should be able to help you develop a budget to get what you want, and keep those costs under control.

Are you doing the work yourself? If you find you need some piece of equipment, rent it instead of buying it as you probably won’t use it again. Check in your network for a dependable contractor, and maybe you can work out a deal for reduced costs such as promising future work or referring them to others.

Your office renovations can be a thrilling affair for your small business, however, it should be mildly. Rushing into a renovation and without care, could make the office worse than it was before. Take your time. This is your office you’re creating, so ensure it changes into what fits your vision and needs.

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