When renovating an aging building, it’s important to consider the needs of your business. The building should be updated to meet the current needs of your company, and it should also be designed to be more energy-efficient. A well-renovated building can help improve the morale of your employees and boost your company’s image. Renovating an aging building for your business is a big investment, but it can be worth the cost if you do it correctly.
1. Know the laws and regulations that apply to your area
The first step to renovating any building is to make sure you have all of your permits in place before beginning work. This will ensure that you are legally permitted to begin renovations and also allow for inspections throughout the process. Different areas may have different laws or regulations about which types of renovations are allowed, so make sure to double-check your area’s codes before beginning any work and have all of the necessary paperwork from your city’s planning department.
2. Consider what you need from the building
Before planning a renovation, it’s important to consider how you will use the renovated space and what purpose that renovations will fulfill for your company. For example, if you will be hosting a lot of meetings in the space, consider putting in new conference rooms. If you will turn a space of the building into a warehouse for heavy equipment, consider flooring solutions like urethane concrete sealers. If your employees frequently use the building’s bathrooms, consider a full renovation to ensure they are clean and up-to-date.
3. Plan for future needs
Renovating an aging building requires planning not just for what your business needs now, but also for the future. When planning the renovation of an old space, consider what you need in one to five years. For example, if you think your business might expand within that time frame, plan ahead and include things like more electrical outlets or light switches on walls that will be expanded into later.
4. Be aware of the building’s history
Appearance might not be everything, but it does have an impact on your employees’ moods. You don’t just need to consider what you want from the space now, but also how that will affect the way your company is perceived by future customers and clients. Remembering this can help you choose materials for renovations that are appropriate for your area’s climate and history. For example, if your business is located in a humid coastal area, you should consider using incombustible materials during renovations to prevent future mold growth. In the same way, materials used in colder climates should be chosen because they can withstand extremely cold temperatures without cracking or warping.
5. Maintain the building’s historical value
Renovating an aging building is often viewed as a great investment, but that doesn’t mean you can just do whatever you want with your renovation. You should consider how the changes will affect the company’s history and ensure they are appropriate for the site. For example, if your business is located in a historic neighborhood, you should consider the exterior changes carefully to ensure they blend with the architectural style of your building.
6. Consider your budget and stick to it
Renovating an aging building is an investment, so be sure to stick to your budget. You should never compromise on safety or quality, but always keep in mind that you can cut corners elsewhere if necessary to ensure the renovation doesn’t drive your company into debt. For example, using cheaper flooring materials might mean replacing them more often than if you had gone with a higher-quality option, but it can also mean reduced costs in the long term.
7. Hire professionals for some jobs
While some renovations can be done on your own, others are best left to an expert. For example, you should consider hiring a contractor to inspect and repair any damage caused by water leaks or pest infestations. A professional inspector will ensure your building is in good condition before the renovation begins, which can help you avoid big problems later on.
8. Determine how to dispose of harmful materials
When renovating an aging building, it’s important to consider what materials are no longer useful and know how they should be disposed of or recycled. For example, drywall that is covered in asbestos should never be handled by anyone other than a trained professional.
The tips in this article are just a few of the many ways you can renovate an aging building for your business. Whether it’s adding conference rooms, bathroom renovations, or new materials to create a unique look and feel, there is something here that will help make your office space more functional and appealing.
