If you own or manage commercial property then you will know that the quality of your interior space has the ability to either positively or negatively impact upon both your employees and clients.
The reasons for undertaking a refurbishment are numerous but the most common are usually as part of a rebranding or staff morale boosting process.
The process itself can either be stressful and convoluted or straightforward and pain free. We always aim for the latter so read on to find out what you should be considering when in the planning stages of your building refurbishment.
Step One: Design Brief
This is your opportunity to outline exactly what you want the refurbishment to achieve as well as how you intend to go about it.
Produce an outline list of requirements that consider the following:
- The end goal of the refurbishment (relocation of staff, creation of more working space etc)
- The needs of individual members of staff (specialist equipment due to disability)
- The type and specification of any company branding you intend to roll out
- Any specific design requirements you may have
Step Two: Stakeholder Engagement
Unlike the refurbishment of vacant buildings, commercial office refurbs will usually take place within a building that is already occupied and for this reason, obtaining the support of your key stakeholders is crucial.
Some points for consideration are:
- Compile a list of important stakeholders ASAP. These people will usually be the department mangers located within your building.
- You should also engage with any front of house personnel as they will be directly impacted by any construction work.
- Early engagement is key. The objective is to communicate to all those affected that they may experience some disruption but that the overall goal of the refurbishment is to improve the usability of their workplace.
- The thought of change usually creates resistance and pushback from some employees so be prepared for negotiation.
- Finally, communicate the design proposals for the refurbishment and seek feedback.
Step Three: Appoint a Consultant
The next step is to appoint a third party who can bring your outline design brief to life. This consultant will usually take the form of an architect or space planner who will be able to produce a set of drawings showing you and your stakeholders exactly what the completed refurbishment looks like.
We find this process very usual for getting those last few members of staff onboard with the change.
Once your design has been agreed, it’s time to appoint a contractor.
Step Four: Construction
Your completed set of drawings and finalised design brief will essentially form your contract and scope of works with any contractor. You can either put the contract out to tender or you can appoint a contract from a framework of approved suppliers depending on how your company operates.
No matter where you are in the country, you will be able to find a competent contractor to carry out your refurbishment. There are several contractors who specialise in building refurbishments in Coventry so seek feedback from other commercial property landlords who have recently undergone similar work in Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
A well-managed commercial property refurb can do wonders for your company’s image and the satisfaction level of your building’s occupants.
