Office Remodel Ideas for a Successful Renovation

Business Remodeling Ideas to Increase Productivity and Real Estate Value

Whether you need room for more offices or want to knock down walls for a more collaborative work environment, planning a corporate renovation is a team effort. From finding the right designer, to hiring an engineer and contractor there’s plenty of work to do, but we’re here to help make it easier.

Smart planning is the foundation for a smooth office renovation. Follow these steps to avoid design mistakes and keep your budget on track.  

Why Renovate Your Office?

Every business owner should ensure their employees have a work space that is safe and fosters productivity. In recent studies, 90 percent of workers said the design of their office directly affects how productive they are. About two-thirds of survey respondents also reported that working closely with co-workers makes them more efficient. So, if your workplace isn’t inviting and collaborative, you could be leaving money on the table. 

If your office hasn’t been renovated since the 70s or you’re just running out of room, a remodel can boost your team’s morale and may even help increase your building’s resale value. 

Steps to Renovate Your Office

Step 1: Identify Goals for Your Office Remodel

Have a clear endgame in mind before starting the design process. The result you want should inform every aspect of the renovation process. 

Use the following questions to help set goals for your office renovation. 

1. Do you need more desks for your employees?
2. Could your office layout be more efficient?
3. Would your teams appreciate open spaces where they can collaborate?
4. Are there enough conference rooms for all necessary meetings?
5. Are your kitchen and bathrooms large enough for your current staff?
6. Do you have any safety issues to address, such as tripping hazards or too few exits in case of an emergency?
7. Is your office accessible for people with disabilities?

Once you have your goals in mind, there are a few logistical questions you should ask yourself, too:

• What is your renovation budget? Do you have room for any contingencies that may come up?
• Will you need to close the office during renovations?
• Do you need to bring in outside help, like a consulting firm, for the remodel?
• Will your remodel require new office furniture?
• When do the renovations need to be complete?

Step 2: Research Designers and Contractors

This is the most critical step in your office renovation process. When it comes to the team carrying out your remodel, it’s important to find people that work well together since they will have to collaborate throughout the process. Here’s who to bring on board:

• Interior and Architectural Design Team
  They will bring your vision to life. 
• General Contractor or Corporate Remodeling Company
  This person or group will renovate the building according to the design team's plans. 
• Internal Project Manager
  An individual within your organization who will manage external relationships and internal communication regarding your renovation plans. 
• Reputable Dumpster Rental Company
  Choose a dumpster service to handle construction debris disposal, since it won't be accepted in your organization's front load container. 

Hiring both an interior designer and general contractor at the same time has several benefits. Most general contractors will be aware of building codes as well as any structural limitations that might impact the design. 

Pro Tip: While gathering proposals, look for organizations that have extensive experience with office building renovations. Always ask for references from previous clients and visit those buildings to see their work first-hand.

Step 3: Evaluate Your Building

Once you have the team in place, don’t begin the renovation until you’ve had a professional building inspection to check for asbestos, lead, mold and other hazardous material that may be hiding within the walls of your business. This may cost extra in terms of time and money but is well worth the effort to avoid costly mistakes and help with resale down the line. 

Other areas to evaluate include:

• Condition of the current electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems.
• State of load-bearing walls and support beams.
• Historic elements of the building that are important to preserve.
• Condition of emergency warning systems.
• Accuracy of previous building evaluations (if they exist).

Pro Tip: Even if your contractor offers to handle this, have a local building inspector present for the site evaluation. They will ensure that the building meets current codes before making any changes. 

Step 4: Design Your New Office Space

Once the site has been evaluated and you’re up to speed on the building codes and structural limitations in play, it’s time to put the design team to work. Refer back to the goal of your corporate remodel and communicate your expectations in writing so there’s a paper trail. Remember to be clear and specific. If you need to create a collaborative workspace for 10 employees while making room for five additional cubicles – spell it out in those terms. 

Pro Tip: Have your design team prepare at least two potential mockups of the new space so you have options to choose from. Select a final plan based on what will work best for your office culture. 

Step 5: Communicate Plan to Employees

Office renovation plans should be communicated to your employees as soon as possible. Even if you don’t plan on closing the office during the process, let them know when inspections and construction will be taking place and how their work will be affected.

What to Communicate With Your Employees During an Office Remodel:

• Reason(s) and benefits for the renovation.
• When teams will be working in the office.
• Any plans to relocate staff to a temporary office space.
• End date for the remodel.
• Who to approach with any questions or concerns.

Step 6: Begin the Renovation Process

You’ve planned, hired, inspected and approved. It’s time to start your office renovation. Remember to keep an open line of communication between your internal project manager, the design team and the construction crew. If your office is closed during the course of the renovation, schedule days to check in on progress. Have messages ready to send to employees in case there are any project delays.  

Enjoy the Benefits of Your Office Remodel

Not only will a corporate renovation give you enough physical space for your staff to work, it can foster a better work ethic. Taking a space that doesn’t work for your culture – or growing number of employees – and transforming it into a more modern and collaborative environment can boost morale and your bottom line.

Have you recently renovated your business? Let us know in the comments below!