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What is Occupancy Rate?

What is Occupancy Rate?

09/30/19 6:27 AM

Occupancy rate is a measure of how space is used. Companies can measure workplace occupancy data to gain a better…

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What is Biophilic Design?

What is Biophilic Design?

09/24/19 10:53 AM

As employers look for simple, practical ways to improve employee wellbeing and performance, the most successful organizations are bringing nature…

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What Is a Sabbatical?

What Is a Sabbatical?

09/17/19 11:17 AM

As U.S. employers seek to help employees achieve a better work/life balance, a growing number of businesses are offering a…

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As office buildings age and space needs change, many competitive organizations are considering how an office renovation project can revitalize their business. There are many reasons why firms complete office remodeling projects from increasing workplace safety to improving energy efficiency and employee productivity. Whatever the underlying reasons, it’s crucial that businesses take the time to thoroughly plan out the details of an office remodel to ensure the project is completed on time and on budget. Here are six best practices to follow when planning an office renovation project.

Why you need to plan for an office remodel

Office renovations are often lengthy, complex projects, but your business is depending on its successful outcome. That’s why it’s important to get organized; think about your future growth plans and business goals and be prepared for schedule and budgeting changes. With a detailed renovation office plan in place, the most competitive firms minimize costs and ensure high-quality results.

According to the Gensler US Workplace Survey, 90% of workers say office design directly affects productivity and results in better overall performance. To optimize your workplace layout and ensure efficient use of space, your business needs to understand the existing conditions of the building as well as what employees need to thrive. The most successful businesses take the time necessary to collect workplace occupancy data to make data-driven office remodeling decisions.

Six tips to prepare for renovation projects

Tackling an office renovation project is a great way to optimize office layouts, improve energy efficiency, ensure workplace safety, and foster employee productivity. To avoid the pitfalls that often accompany office remodeling projects, take these proactive steps to ensure smooth processes and successful outcomes:

1. Evaluate existing office conditions.
Before renovation plans begin, it’s important to take a look at what you’re working with. Examine the age and condition of both the physical building and its systems. Do you have any utility constraints that prevent technology upgrades? Does your building meet current codes? What are your permitting requirements? Be sure to work with inspectors and necessary regulatory committees before any construction takes place.

2. Define project goals and expectations.
Identify and define the reasons why your firm wants to remodel. Is it simply to refresh your space, meet changing workforce needs, or update infrastructure? Be sure to collect and analyze workplace occupancy data so your project can include renovations that minimize energy consumption, enhance company brand, and positively impact sustainability and wellness goals.

3. Build your team.
Be sure to establish an internal project team to manage plans, budget, design challenges, and other issues that arise. Hire an experienced professional design firm or general contractor at the beginning of your planning process to help guide your remodeling process. Don’t forget to communicate plans with employees so they know what to expect and what’s expected of them throughout the office renovation project.

4. Set a budget.
Office remodeling can get expensive fast, especially if the unexpected arises. Be sure to budget for your major priorities first and identify “nice-to-haves” that could be cut from the project if needed. It is customary to set aside a contingency fund of about 10 percent to cover renovation office surprises. Don’t forget to check for building incentives—such as tax credits for green energy—to potentially reduce the cost of your project.

5. Plan your timeline.
Renovation projects take time and often create disruptions to normal business operations. Work with your renovation team to build a realistic schedule for the project. Consider tackling the project in phases.

6. Manage the impact of renovations.
Make sure employees can get work done throughout the office remodel. Plan ahead for any temporary office relocations; for example, make sure packing materials and workstations are always available for your employees.

Get help planning your next renovation

Proactively plan for any office renovation project with tools that enable you to understand workspace occupancy and create and review different layout options. Asure Software keeps your people and asset data organized and eliminates the burden of move management activities.

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