Finding office space is the first challenge — but it’s likely you’ll need to put some work into make it fit your company’s needs. Whether you’ve found a small office space that just needs a refresh, or you plan to gut and rebuild a large multi-level space, here’s everything you need to know ahead of an office remodel:
Commercial Office Renovations in DC
The DC metropolitan area is a hub for business. If you are searching for the right office space for your business, you’ll be able to find a space whether it’s downtown near Metro Center, outside DC proper in Alexandria or McLean, or in the Maryland suburbs like Bethesda or Silver Spring. Choosing the right space in the right location will make a big difference in your ability to recruit and retain talent, land clients, and successfully operate your business.
However, it’s unlikely the office will be set up to meet your exact needs. Maybe the previous space was used for a tech company, and was set up for a large sales team in an open bull-pen. If your organization is a law firm, you’ll likely need more privacy for client meetings and confidential projects.
Steps for a Commercial Office Renovation
Identify Your Goals
Before you start searching for a property, decide what it is you need in an office space. Are onsite perks like a fitness center an absolute must-have? Do you need room for a film and photography studio? Or perhaps you just need a handful of offices and well-designed common spaces.
Find a Space
When considering your space, ask yourself about the potential commutes, benefits like on-site parking or proximity to public transit, and whether you want to purchase an entire building or lease the space instead. This will narrow your search and help you find the right building.
Don’t worry about the layout of the space being tailored to your unique needs — chances are they won’t be. Once you’ve found a space, you can renovate it to suit your goals.
Set a Budget
Next, you need to be realistic about your budget. Are you selling a space and buying a new one? If you are renting, consider looking into tenant improvement allowances to help fund your renovation.
You should budget enough to include an architect, designer, contractor and labor for the work. All in, that can be a quarter of your budget. In addition, commercial renovations in the DC area tend to be higher than the national average when it comes to cost per square foot. Ensure your budget covers the essentials before you select add-ons, like luxury kitchen finishes in the shared break rooms.
Hire a Team
Once you’ve set a budget, you’ll need to assemble a team. The easiest way to ensure your project runs efficiently is by choosing a partner that acts as the single point of contact, whether it’s an architect or design-builder.
We offer comprehensive project management throughout your entire project, so you don’t have to coordinate or manage any vendors or contractors — we handle everything and communicate every step with you.
Coordinate with Employees
If your business is currently at a different location, you’ll need to coordinate with your employees before work begins. Make a plan to have everyone pack up their items, and rent a storage facility in advance if needed. If you can offer a remote work option to your employees, that can help with flexibility if there’s any delays that shift your move into the new space. However, you should plan to create a timeline that builds in buffers between spaces so you aren’t scrambling.
Stick to Your Schedule
This relies on a trusted partner to work with you each step of the way. Any renovation is always subject to shifts due to suppliers, inventory, labor availability, and lead times. However, a good project manager will be proactive, communicative, and transparent. This will save your time and budget if you do incur delays, as you’ll be able to pivot, plan ahead, and find creative solutions that help you adhere to your schedule.
Commercial Office Renovation Partners
To achieve a successful commercial office renovation, make a thorough plan ahead of time. In construction, we often hear “measure once, cut twice” and that is never more true than at the beginning of a renovation.
With meticulous planning from a partner you trust, your renovation will be efficient and easy for you to manage. Learn more about how Oztan Studio helps commercial office projects run smoothly. Schedule a free consultation today.
