A fresh, updated workspace can increase employee morale and productivity. It also allows companies to keep their business operations running as smoothly as possible.
A commercial remodeling project begins with a thorough site survey. Contractors must verify the Certificate of Occupancy and assess the structure’s current condition. Visit https://www.oksteelbuildings.com/ to learn more.
A commercial remodeling project without a plan is a recipe for costly errors. Intricate planning, however, can prevent these problems. The planning phase includes the following steps:
Setting Your Aim
This step involves identifying what you want to accomplish through your commercial renovation. This could include upgrading your exterior or creating a fresh interior design for your business. It also means identifying the necessary materials and equipment and obtaining permits from local authorities. Once you have your aim in mind, it’s important to communicate with other stakeholders in your company to ensure everyone is on the same page. Having clear objectives helps you avoid confusion and ensures that the commercial remodel is completed on time and within budget.
Planning Your Budget
The next step in the process is developing a budget for your commercial remodel. To do this, you will need to calculate the total costs of your renovation and estimate how long it will take to complete. This will help you determine the cost of your contractor and materials. You should also leave a buffer in case any unforeseen expenses arise.
Choosing The Right Contractor
It is crucial to choose a trusted and experienced construction company for your commercial remodeling project. A reputable contractor will have the necessary licensing and insurance coverage, above and beyond the minimum government requirements. They will also have a track record of successful projects and satisfied clients.
During this stage, you will also discuss the scope and details of your commercial remodeling project with your contractors. This will include determining what parts of your building can remain operational during the construction process and if you need to build temporary facilities to protect your customers and employees.
Designing
Commercial remodeling is a great way for businesses to make their building reflect the values of their brand. It’s also a way to improve the functionality of a space. This is especially important for business that want to increase productivity and morale among their employees. However, the design process can be complicated and time consuming. Thankfully, there are some ways to streamline the process and get it done on time and within budget.
The first step in the commercial remodeling process is to create a conceptual design of the renovation project. This is where the architect gets creative and comes up with the best possible solution for the space. The architect will use the concepts from this stage to create a final design and make sure that all of the necessary changes are made. During this phase, the architect will also look at cost estimates to determine whether the project is financially feasible.
If the project is going to be a major reconstruction, then the client will need to hire an architect. However, if the project is simply a cosmetic renovation then hiring a contractor will be sufficient. The final design will include a budget estimate for the renovation and all of the details needed to build the structure. This includes a detailed list of the materials that will be used and the costs for each item. The architect will also create a timeline for the project so that the client can be aware of when work will start and end.
Another crucial component of the designing stages is determining whether or not the property will need to be vacated while the construction work is being performed. This will depend on the type of building and the scope of the remodel. For example, apartments and condominiums can be remodeled while the tenants are living there; but a hotel or office complex will need to be completely vacant in order for the construction work to be completed on time.
Permits
The rules about permits vary by jurisdiction, and they may also differ by type of project. Often, it’s the city, county or state that issues them and they’re based on specific building codes for each entity. It’s very important to find out what the requirements are BEFORE starting a project. If you don’t have all the proper paperwork in place, it could delay your project or even cause it to stop entirely. In addition, if you don’t get all the required inspections (which depend on your scope of work), it can lead to fines.
Some projects, like adding a window or replacing a water heater require a full permit. Others, such as painting or replacing shelves, don’t. Generally, if the total cost of a project exceeds a certain amount, you need a permit. Plumbing and electrical work usually requires a permit, but the rules are different for each one.
You’ll need to submit a detailed scope of work, drawings showing the existing and proposed conditions, contractor licenses and insurances, and processing fees. Then, the building management company will review the documents and, depending on the scope of work, will either file an Alt 2 or a full permit with the DOB. If a DOB filing is needed, the plans will then go through an architect and the co-op board for approval.
DOB filings can take a while. They can also be complicated. For example, if you’re working on a kitchen or bathroom and the DOB discovers some illegal work (say, a gas pipe installed without a permit) during one of the site inspections, it will stop all work until that issue is resolved. This can add a lot of time and expense to the project.
Construction
Once the design and permitting stages are completed, commercial remodeling moves into the construction phase. Contractors will build out the redesigned space, install new fixtures and furnishings and make structural changes to accommodate the reimagined business layout. During this process, it is important that the building’s existing infrastructure be able to support the new space without compromising safety or functionality.
For example, if a company is considering changing its office to include an industrial kitchen, it must ensure that the existing plumbing, gas lines and electrical can handle the extra load. Commercial remodeling is also an ideal opportunity to swap out old-style electrical models for energy-saving versions that will help reduce the property’s utility bills.
Depending on the extent of the renovations, a commercial remodeling project can last anywhere from several weeks to months. During this time, a building’s interior will be transformed into a new workplace with updated lighting, fresh paint and a comfortable atmosphere that is sure to boost productivity and attract clients.
It is essential to choose a reputable commercial remodeling contractor that adheres to mandated safety procedures during the construction process. For example, particles from the demolition stage can infiltrate the building’s HVAC system and affect the indoor air quality for a while if the contractor doesn’t follow the proper procedures. Likewise, the fumes from various painting products can impact workers and clients if they are not properly ventilated.
Commercial remodeling is a cost-effective way to transform a business’s workspace and attract clients. It is less expensive than relocating to a different location and takes significantly less time compared to the construction of a new property. In addition, it is a good way to improve the value of an older property.
Finishing
There are many reasons to remodel a commercial property. It can increase a building’s value, improve efficiency, and boost morale. In addition, it can attract a better tenant or customer. Remodeling can also be used to accommodate a business’s changing needs.
Before a remodel begins, the property owner must decide what type of renovation they need. If the building is in need of minor repairs, restoration or renovation may be sufficient. However, if the building requires structural changes, remodeling may be necessary. Additionally, legal requirements and a building’s history may limit changes to the structure.
After the design plan is finalized, the contractor will begin the construction phase. Depending on the scope of the project, this can take a few weeks to several months. During this time, the contractor will work with the building owner to create a schedule and budget.
Commercial remodeling can be daunting, but it’s important to find the right general commercial contractor for the job. A good contractor will be licensed, insured, and bonded beyond the minimum government requirements. They will also be familiar with local building codes and ordinances. Additionally, they will have a strong working relationship with subcontractors and suppliers. This will ensure that the project stays on schedule and within budget. Lastly, the contractor will ensure that all contracts and purchase orders are current. This will prevent any delays or misunderstandings.