Your business needs an expansion strategy to thrive and grow. One of the most easy ways to do this can be by setting up new offices, renovating your existing ones, or implementing a tenant improvement plan.
The existing project’s commercial remodeling isn’t as challenging as setting up an office from scratch. Still, it’s advisable to connect with the right commercial general contractors to ensure that the remodeling or built-up project you take is a success.
If you’re looking for a commercial tenant improvement, we list six tips to help you get it over smoothly.
Start With Your Budget
Before getting to the construction & design elements, it’s advisable to formulate your budget. It will help you to decide which services to take and which ones to skip. Moreover, the contractors will have a precise idea of the costs they have to operate with, so they can allocate their resources accordingly and eliminate any scope of confusion.
It’s fine to share the budget details with the contractors while starting out. It’s their job to understand your requirement and deliver under the budget.
Save With A Design/Build Process
It’s a good idea to connect with various contractors and understand their approach to the build-out project before soliciting the starting bids.
Contractors that implement a design/build method provide solid services that avoid crossing the budget. This way of project management reduces commercial remodeling costs and ensures the smoothness of the project.
Assess the Bids
Don’t finalize one bid after receiving it. We suggest having at least three bids on your commercial build outs. Understand how they have been quoted, whether they’re covering your requirements, and select the one that best fits the bill. Remember, a professional contractor is always up for negotiations, review calculations, and explain the bid.
Always stay involved
From pre-planning to the final brick installation, work closely with your contractor. Keep asking them for updates, tell them you’re up for help anytime. This will keep the contractor on their toes and help you understand the nitty-gritty of engineering & architectural drawings.
Delegate the legal work
A professional business contractor is experienced in zoning and permitting regulations and frequently deals with them. Leverage their experience, and outsource all the legal formalities to them. Most commercial build-out projects require operating permission from various regulatory powers. Expect your contractor to take care of those for you.
Plan for long-term
If you have a multi-year lease, you don’t have to do all the commercial remodeling at once. It’s advisable to renovate your commercial area in such cases so that you can target bigger architectural renovations and better quality materials.
Always remember that whatever you have invested today will remain behind after you have moved on. Therefore, only go with the modifications that you need now and keep the rest for the future.
Don’t forget the important details
The sole goal of your commercial build-out project should be to cater to the needs of your clients, patients, customers, and employees. While it’s okay to work on the aesthetics, don’t forget the below points:
- Sprinklers & Fire Alarms: Ensure that your commercial space follows the region’s fire codes and norms.
- HVAC: Ensure that the HVAC system is well installed and your building’s temperature is work-friendly.
- ADA Compliance: Is your commercial space accessible to Americans with disabilities?
Think like others
It’s important to understand that others (employees, customers, and clients) will use your commercial space more than you. So, it makes sense to plan your commercial build-out keeping these people in mind.
You can do an internal survey asking your employees what they’d like in their workspace. Check out commercial areas similar to yours and understand what you’re missing and things that can be improved.
Wrapping Up
Renovation and build-outs are important for every business’ growth. From aesthetics to legal formalities, there are certain steps involved in a successful commercial tenant improvement project. Take cues from this article to successfully implement your next TI!
