With so many aspects to consider in terms of meeting client needs and matching business goals, renovating your office or premises can be daunting. It’s crucial to prioritise the essentials to ensure you get the best return on your investment and create a space that serves you well for years to come.
- Conducting safety checks
Before you do anything, enlist a professional to assess the safety of your space and any plans you have for altering the structure. You have a duty of care towards your customers, staff and visitors, and risk very expensive fixes if structural dangers come to light.
Look out for hidden hazards such as unstable flooring and damp, especially if your building is older. You should also consider compliance requirements that might require structural alterations such as the number and location of exits and accessible entrances and toilets. Remember that you’ll need planning permission to make major changes to the building or change its original purpose.
- Fitting the essentials
Light and warmth and the absolute basics for any building in the UK, so fitting the heating and electrical systems should be a key focus of your renovation.
Upgrading an outdated central heating system with new radiators and a better boiler will be costly but could save you thousands on energy bills every year, especially if you also improve your insulation in the roof and around windows. Consider upgrading to a smart system so you have total control of the temperature.
When updating your lighting, consider its purpose. Bright LED lights are fantastic around mirrors or shelves to showcase products while indirect lights are better around desks to avoid screen glare and the risk of migraines. Cool light stimulates productivity while warm light ensures a welcoming atmosphere. Automatic lights that turn on when they sense movement ensure you save energy and money when the building isn’t in use, without you having to rely on staff.
- Considering sustainability
Consumers are more conscious than ever of environmental issues, so a commitment to sustainability is a necessity if businesses hope to stay successful. Renovating with energy efficiency in mind can reduce your carbon footprint while making your business more attractive to eco-conscious customers.
Simple changes such as installing double-glazed windows, using sustainable materials or adopting energy-efficient appliances can all contribute to reducing your environmental impact and associated financial costs. If you have the funds, you could consider installing a green heating system such as solar panels. Complement these structural changes with a sustainable working policy when you reopen your doors to ensure the space is used responsibly as well.
- Adding branding
You’ll know the power of having a physical space that reflects your company’s values and aesthetic. This is a great way to strengthen your brand identity, especially within the local community, and improve the customer experience.
Whether it’s through a fresh colour palette and updated signage or a complete redesign of your store or office layout, align the design with how you want to be perceived. You could champion efficiency through monochrome and minimalism or create a cosy atmosphere by blending various colours and textures and decorating with comfortable furniture that invites relaxation.
