Refurbishing Office Space
If moving office is not a viable option, you may wish to consider an Office Refurbishment. Find out what is involved and what practical issues you need to consider.
Moving office may not necessarily be the right option for your business if your lease is up for renewal. Your existing office space may tick a lot of boxes in terms of size, style, location and facilities, yet it's starting to look a bit tardy and the layout leaves a lot to be desired. If this is true for you, an office refurbishment may be just what your business needs to reinvigorate staff, boost performance and showcase your business in a fresh new light.
If you are considering embarking on an office refurbishment project, consider the following:
What do you want to achieve from an office refurbishment?
Identifying your objectives about what you want to achieve will ensure that the finished project meets all your requirements. Objectives might include:
- To convert to open plan
- To create more efficient storage space
- To better use of natural light
- To upgrade facilities, decor or office furniture
Identify an Office Refurbishment Budget
Having a clear idea about what you are able to spend on the refurbishment will help your Office Fit-Out Company set the specification. It will also help you prioritise what is and isn't important. Get quotes for everything before you go ahead and ensure that all aspects of the refurbishment project have been factored into the final quotation so you don't any surprises when the bill comes in!
Interview & Select the right Office Fit-Out Company
It is essential to work with the right Office Fit-Out Company who understands what you are trying to achieve, and can deliver the project on time and to the right specification. You can use the Office Fit-Out Directory to find companies in your area who have professional and industry-standard accredidations.
Apply for necessary Permissions
If your office refurbishment involves extensive building works, you may need to apply for planning permission from the landlord and the local council. Check the terms of your office lease if you want to make any alterations to the property. Typically, all tenants will require the Landlord's permission before going ahead. It's also a good idea to see whether you will need to return the property in it's original state when you come to end the lease - and this is worth bearing in mind from a practical and financial perspective.
Business Disruption
You should also bear in mind that unless you have an alterative office space from which to work whilst the office refurbishment is going on (and this may be essential in some cases), there will be a high level of disruption to usual business. And whilst much of the work will be done out of business hours, anticipate that there will be a certain level of business dirsuption.
The Tenant's Guide to Office Design offers practical design and space planning tips to any business considering an office refurbishment project.
