Commercial Property Renovation- Does your building need a lift? Top tips for planning a big project

The actor Will Rogers hit the nail on the head when he said: ‘Even if you are on the right track you will get run over if you just sit there’.  This is a very old quote but it still rings true when considering embarking on any big project not to mention a major renovation of a commercial property.

As commercial maintenance is our main business we naturally get involved with many renovation projects. This means we have seen quite a few projects managed which makes us a pretty good authority on how to best gear up for such a task. In our Blog this week we wanted to share a few top tips to help make your project a success;

1. Identify the main needs and objectives of the project: Identifying the reasons for renovating your office would mean that the finished result is more likely to meet your needs. If you define your needs early on it will be easier to identify the key elements of your brief when discussing your new space with your chosen office renovation partner.
2. Choose a project leader and a support team: Although many people in your organisation may find the idea of heading such a project daunting, having a single champion for the renovation is the best way to ensure things stay on track. Having said that there will be certain people who should be involved in the decision-making process. Identifying the support team early on will ensure that the project manager is supported throughout the process.
3. Set your budget: The cost of renovation is likely to be one of the biggest single outlays your business will ever make, so it’s imperative to set a realistic budget. To ensure you have a one get accurate quotes to cover all your requirements. Remember to include the following:

Must Haves:

• Changes in your occupancy costs, particularly energy bills and maintenance costs
• Transaction fees for agents and solicitors
• Planning permission fees
• Insurance costs
• Design and fit-out costs
• Health & Safety certifications

Things to consider:

• IT and Telecom equipment
• Mechanical and electric equipment
• Security- both throughout the project and on completion
• Contingency costs

4. Ensure you have the right insurance: Check that you, and your chosen office renovation partners, have all the necessary insurance cover in place.

We hope this has given you some ideas to support your next project. Needless to say that we will be delighted to help you with your office renovation project. Give us a call for an initial conversation and more advice.

Categorised in: Property maintenance, Property Management

This post was written by Express Property Services