In the United States, in 2021, construction spending hit $1.59 trillion.
Companies are starting to realize the benefits of remodeling their buildings. If you haven’t done so yet, now is the time.
Commercial remodeling can be an excellent thing for your company. However, it’s important that you don’t rush through the renovation process.
All the changes you make during your remodel should reflect your business’s goals, mission statement, and brand. Even the smallest changes can make a difference. If your business’s goal is to be more eco-friendly, then pay attention to the light bulbs and insulation that you choose.
If your brand is focused on making your clients feel at home, consider the layout of your lobby and what changes will make them feel welcomed and comfortable.
This guide is going to tell you everything you need to know about commercial remodeling services and what you need to do to prepare for the project.
PURPOSE
When you’re considering remodeling your business, there are several things you need to keep in mind. Think about your purpose for remodeling. Why are you choosing to change things up now?
Is it because you want to make your space more efficient? Maybe you have a large area that’s going to waste so you want to utilize it. Your space might be too small and feel cramped, and then your remodel will need to include an expansion plan. You’ll need to clearly relay your ideas to your designer and contractor.
SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY
Other factors to consider are efficiency and safety. While these may not be the main reasons for your remodel, you can include them to make your business building better for everyone.
By making your building more energy efficient, you’ll not only be helping the planet but saving your business money. You can reduce your utility bill significantly by making simple swaps during your reno project.
Even if your building isn’t unsafe, you should take this opportunity to make it even better for your employees and clients. By updating your building you can reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
These are all things that you need to think about prior to starting your St. Petersburg, FL, commercial remodeling project. Having a vision will make the process much easier and will ensure the final look comes out exactly as you want it to.
HIRE A CONTRACTOR
A good contractor can make a world of difference. Remember, this remodeling project could be lengthy and you don’t want to spend months struggling to work with your commercial contractor.
When it comes to finding a reputable contractor, there are several things you need to look for. The first is the correct licenses and certifications. Someone who is qualified will be certificated and will also have insurance. If something goes wrong with the project, you don’t want to be liable.
When interviewing contractors be sure to ask about experience. How long have they been in business and how many projects have they done that are similar to yours? Those are two great questions to ask before committing to hiring them.
They should also have reference photos of their work that you can look at, along with good client reviews. The contractors should also have a big enough team to take on your design.
One key factor to consider is how they communicate with you. You’ll likely want updates on the reno project, and it will make the process frustrating if you have a hard time getting a hold of them.
PLANNING
When you contact a commercial remodeling contractor, you need to be ready to sit down and draw out a plan. Doing it without any direction will lead to distaste.
BUDGET
A budget is one of the first things, you need to consider. Typically, people want to remodel their business buildings to increase their profits.
If this is the case, you’ll need to budget how much you can spend on the reno project before it’s not worth it. There should be a balance between the cost and the potential profits that will be made.
When setting money aside for your commercial remodeling, set some money aside for unexpected emergencies. Hopefully, you won’t have to use it, but it’ll be beneficial to have it just in case.
TIMELINE
You’ll need to discuss a timeline with your commercial contractor as well. It’s important to have realistic expectations.
You should also recognize that delays are common and sometimes out of your control. You’ll need to create a plan if the project has to be extended by a few weeks or even months.
CURRENT CONDITIONS
Depending on how big your remodeling plan is, you may have to relocate your employees for the duration of the renovation. Be sure to keep your employees informed.
Figuring out a plan for relocation as soon as possible will help reduce inconveniences for your team and customers. If you don’t have to relocate, you’ll want to talk to your contractor about noise and debris that could get in the way of your staff’s daily tasks.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION PERMITS
Before the remodeling starts, it’s important that you and the contractor have all the necessary permits and documents. If you don’t, your project could get delayed or shut down by the local government.
You could potentially get fined as well. You may need to get an inspection for the foundation, plumbing, and electrical to make sure everything is good to go before you break ground.
SELECTING MATERIALS
Investing in commercial remodeling in St. Petersburg is not a small project. You’re putting a lot of time, energy, and money into your new building, so you want to be sure it lasts a long time.
By selecting quality materials you can have peace of mind knowing your building is strong and sustainable. You may be tempted to save money on cheaper materials, but this will end up costing you more money in the end.
With quality materials will be able to save money on maintenance and repairs in the future. If you aren’t sure where to get the best materials, you can talk to your contractor. He or she may be able to get you a better deal on materials.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
Once the remodeling gets started, be sure to stay up to date with progress. It can be exciting to watch changes come together. If you didn’t shut down your business, it can also be hard to stay on top of the construction progress and also keep your company running smoothly.
Be sure to schedule regular walkthroughs and have conversations with your contractions often. When you get progress updates, it can be beneficial to relay some of the information to your consumers and staff. They will appreciate you keeping them in the loop.
POST PROJECT
Before your final walkthrough, the contractor and his team will clean up all the debris and leftover materials. Once that is complete, during the final walk-through be sure to look for any issues. Having a checklist can come in handy and it’s the responsibility of the contractor to fix any pending issues.
You may not be able to move your staff back into the building right away. The space may be dusty from the construction, so consider hiring a team of cleaning after the construction materials have been removed.
COST
There are a number of different factors that contribute to the cost of remodeling services. The location and size of your building are going to be the biggest contributors.
Florida gets a lot of hurricanes and rain storms in the summer, which can make your project slightly more expensive. The types of materials and equipment needed to perform the remodeling will also factor into the final price.
It’s also important to know that the type of building will also make a difference. For example, a commercial storage facility that isn’t temperature-controlled will be less expensive than a restaurant or medical building.
The cost of labor and material will also be included. Other miscellaneous fees that contribute to the final amount include delivery fees, permits, and market conditions.
COMMERCIAL REMODELING PROCESS
No matter what your goal is with your commercial remodeling project, the steps and tips above will help your building become everything you’ve imagined.
These projects take time, so don’t put it off any longer. It can be overwhelming to start such a large design in St Pete, Fl, but our team is here to help.
We have worked with hundreds of business owners to help their visions come to life and we can help you too. Give us a call or send us a message here to get started designing your dream business building now.