Commercial renovations can seem daunting. How long will it take? What will be involved? How disruptive will it be to my business? These are all valid questions that need answers before starting a renovation project.
This article will provide an overview of the stages involved in a commercial renovation project, as well as some tips on how to minimise disruptions. Reading up on resources like a complete guide to builder’s cleaning or post-renovation checklists can also help to further prepare you for how the process works.
Types of renovations
The first step is to determine the scope of the renovation. Are you looking for a complete gut job, or just some cosmetic updates? This will have a big impact on timelines and budget.
If you’re doing a complete gut job, expect to be without your space for at least a few months. This type of renovation will involve demolition, structural work, new HVAC, plumbing, and electric. Once the shell of the space is completed, then you can start thinking about finishes like flooring, walls, ceilings and fixtures.
For a less invasive renovation, you may be able to stay in your space during construction. This could involve things like painting, new carpet or flooring, updated lighting, and updated furniture. These types of projects can usually be completed in a few weeks or months, depending on the size of the space and the scope of work.
If you’re unsure about what type of renovation you need, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional, as they can help assess your space and make recommendations based on your specific needs.
Planning and designing the renovation
Once you’ve determined the scope of work, the next step is to start planning and designing the renovation. This stage will involve creating a budget, finding a contractor, and finalising the design details. Again, hiring a professional for this stage is a worthy investment, and can help you avoid costly delays, setbacks and other unwanted hiccups.
Construction phase
After the planning and design stage is complete, it’s time to start construction. This is when the physical work of the renovation will take place. Depending on the scope of work, this phase can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
During construction, there will likely be some disruptions to your business. It’s important to plan for this in advance, and have a solid communication plan in place with your contractor. They should be able to provide you with a detailed schedule of the work that will be taking place, as well as what areas will be affected and for how long.
If possible, it’s also a good idea to have a dedicated construction manager on site during this phase. They can help to coordinate the work, answer any questions you may have, and keep the project on track.
Completion and punch list
Once construction is complete, it’s time to do a final walk-through of the space with your contractor. This is when any final touch-ups or repairs will be made, and when you’ll create a punch list of items that need to be completed before you move in.
The punch list stage can take a few weeks or longer to complete, depending on the size and scope of the renovation. Again, having a dedicated construction manager on site during this phase can help to ensure that all items on the punch list are addressed in a timely manner.
Once everything is completed to your satisfaction, you can start moving back into your newly renovated space!
Final thoughts
Commercial renovations can be a big undertaking, but with proper planning and preparation, they can go smoothly. By understanding the process and knowing what to expect at each stage, you can minimise disruptions and keep your business running during construction.