Skipping These 10 Office Renovation Mistakes Can Cost You Dearly!

By  //  April 24, 2022

It takes a lot of consideration and a fat budget to renovate your office. From hiring professionals to ensuring things go as planned, expect a hectic time as your business area gets remodeled. That said, it’s easy to skip a few details and commit some mistakes that can cost you time and money. We’re sure you don’t want that, so here are ten mistakes you should steer clear of to make your office renovation process a success.

Not Doing Your Research

Many businesses go into an office renovation without knowing what they want. This can lead to many problems down the line, from picking the wrong contractor to not getting the right permits.

Before you start your renovation, it’s important to do your homework. Know what you want your office to look like and what kind of budget you have to work with. This will help you avoid a lot of common mistakes.

Not Getting the Right Permits

Depending on the scope of your renovation, you may need to get a permit from your city. Failure to do so can lead to a stop-work order, putting a serious damper on your renovation. Before starting any work, check with your local municipality to see what permits you need.

Trying to Do It All Yourself

Many business owners try to take on too much when renovating their offices. They might try to act as their general contractor or take on tasks outside of their skill set. This can lead to many problems like subpar work and delays.

It’s important to know your limitations and delegate tasks accordingly. If you’re not a skilled tradesperson, leave the technical work to the professionals. Hiring a general contractor can also save you many headaches down the line.

Not Budgeting for the Unexpected

Every renovation will have its fair share of unexpected costs. Whether it’s an issue with the building or a problem with the contractor, there will always be unforeseen expenses.

That’s why it’s important to budget for the unexpected when planning your renovation. By setting aside a contingency fund, you can avoid going over budget and blowing up your bottom line.

Not Considering Your Office’s Air Quality When Designing the Space

Unfortunately, the world air quality report by IQAir doesn’t look promising. No country could match WHO’s air quality parameters, and this is something you need to worry about as well. Chances are, your surroundings are polluted.

To ensure your office air is clean and breathable, consider taking these steps:

■ Install energy-efficient windows to let in natural light and fresh air.

■ Choose furniture, flooring, and building materials that don’t off-gas.

■ Replace old HVAC filters and upgrade your ventilation system.

■ Add houseplants to purify the air.

Not Designing a People-Oriented Space

Your office renovation should be about more than just making the space look nice. It should also be about creating a functional and comfortable space for your employees. After all, they’re the ones who will be using the space daily.

When planning your renovation, be sure to keep your employees in mind. Consider their needs and wants when choosing things like furniture, colors, and layout. By creating a tailored space for your employees, you can boost morale and increase productivity.

Not Planning for the Future

What might seem like a small renovation now could turn into a big one down the line. That’s why it’s important to keep the future in mind when renovating your office.

Consider things like population growth, changing technology, and new regulations when designing your space. You can avoid another renovation by planning ahead.

Skimping on the Details

The devil lies in the details. From the paint colors to the light fixtures, everything should be carefully planned out. After all, even small details can have a big impact on your space’s overall look and feel.

Take the time to choose things you’ll love, which will stand the test of time. Make sure you have these bases covered:

Lighting: Natural light is best, but you’ll also need to plan for artificial lighting.

■ Furniture: Choose comfortable and stylish furniture that will last for years.

■ Flooring: Consider both function and style when choosing your office’s flooring.

■ Paint Colors: The paint colors you choose will set the tone for your space. Some good options are light and airy colors like white, blue, and green.

■ Decor: Add some personal touches to your space with photos, art, and plants.

■ Textiles: Choose throw pillows, blankets, and curtains that complement your paint colors and furniture.

■ Flooring: Consider both function and style when choosing your office’s flooring.

Not Documenting the Renovation Process

If you’re not careful, things can get pretty hectic during a renovation. To avoid any mix-ups, it pays to write down how much you have progressed, how much budget is used up, and if there are additional things that you want to be included, like an additional client area or a couple more bathrooms.

This also includes taking before and after photos, keeping a renovation journal, and saving all of your receipts.

Being Impatient

Renovations can be stressful, but it’s important to remain patient throughout the process. After all, good things come to those who wait.

Try to keep a positive attitude and remember that the end result will be worth it. If things get too overwhelming, take a step back and take some time for yourself. Once the dust has settled, you’ll be able to enjoy your brand-new office space.

Final Word

By taking the time to plan and being patient, you can create a stylish and functional space. Ensure to follow the above tips to avoid making common mistakes with your office renovation.