With over 15 years’ experience in the commercial building and refurbishment sector, Matthew is well positioned as an expert in his field. Acting as principal contractor on large commercial renovation projects such as numerous warehouse refurbs, outdoor education centres and office blocks, here he gives us his best tips when it comes to commercial renovation.
1. What’s your reason why?
Something has triggered you to decide your commercial property is in need of renovation. Is it to provide more efficient space, return the space to its prior condition for leasing, improve the general conditions so you can raise the rent, or improve your EPC..? When a project lasts months at a time, it’s important to keep your reason why you’re doing it top of mind, so you don’t get distracted or side-tracked, which can easily risk your budget.
2. Budget wisely
Speaking of budgets. This is the time to speak to your principal contractor. From surveying the space through drawing up the plans and to completion of the project, they will help you identify priorities and essentially where the money needs to go.
Lack of budget and planning can see some commercial renovation go into overspend, so I’d advise a margin of +10%, just in case…
3. Plan, plan, plan!
The budget and the schedule of works go hand in hand. Money often dictates what, or how much can be done with your commercial property, so go back to your reason why, and ask your principal contractor to help you decide on priorities. From here they will be able to plan the schedule of works, understanding who needs to be on site first, how long lead-times for materials and labour are at the moment and which other agencies need to get involved.
4. Focus on sustainability
Waste management is an essential part of commercial renovation and refurbishment, with both the local and the global environment to take into consideration. As well as reducing waste, many commercial properties of late have found that installing solar panels, LED lighting and other sources of renewable energy and low energy products make their space more appealing to discerning tenants.
5. Future-proof it
Have you got a five-year plan in place for your business? If so, is the way the commercial space is used impacted in any way? Perhaps you’re scaling your business and will need more room for new employees. You’ll need more than desk space when your business expands, and should consider wash facilities, and kitchen space as well as storage, parking and relaxation space. Share this sort of information with your principal contractor so they can pay consideration to the future use of the building and the needs of its occupants.
6. Build your team carefully
Again, I would advise engaging someone as your principal contractor as soon as possible in the project. They know the local trades and can source trustworthy skilled people to bring in. Making sure you have an efficient team working on your commercial renovation can have a very positive effect on the budget and timescale.
Ask your commercial neighbours if they know of a good professional construction firm, and it’s worth taking some time to research the candidates properly.
7. Find temporary commercial accommodation
Commercial renovation and refurbishment can be very disruptive indeed. Have you got space to move into while it goes on? Ask your principal contractor to provide timelines for the work so you can plan the budget for your temporary workspace.
8. Take care of the permissions
Do you know what permissions, if any you need to have in place before work commences? Does your local authority require inspection of plans and works? The more information you can gather and be prepared for, the better for your budget!
It goes without saying that Refurb Property Renovations is a commercial renovations company with principal contractors who are passionate and skilled at coordinating large commercial renovation projects. We would love to hear from you about your plans to improve your space.
Call our office on 01993 685998 or email admin@refubr-pr.co.uk.
