7 Reasons an Exterior Addition Will Help Your Business

 

Every business starts small to grow over time. And well before time, the premises you started with can soon seem cramped. So, how do you make the additional space you require? Plan a commercial renovation and expand the exterior space. Here are some reasons why an exterior addition will benefit your business:

1.     Improved Productivity

It’s no fun to work in an office that is crowded and unorganized. If colleagues sit too close and don’t get sufficient space from each other, their irritability increases. As a result, they are unable to work to their maximum potential. Adding more space helps you become more organized. You can place some of the amenities like coffee machine, reception desk, visitor seating in this area and make space for your staff to work more productively. 

2.               A More Established and Professional Look

Companies with bigger office spaces appear more professional and reputed. When you expand your office space with the help of a commercial contractor, you appear more trustworthy and attract more customers. 

3.               An Opportunity to Expand

When you have more space, you are ready to expand the empire and take the next step towards business growth. Your pending decision to hire new employees or add products to the catalogue can fall into place. 

4.               Employee Cooperation

If you have an outdoor space that employees can utilize, expect better team building and bonding. When employees take breaks, they socialize with each other and efficiently coordinate activities. 

5.               Better Employee Health

An additional exterior space gives employees a place to breathe easier. They enjoy a feeling of restoration. Moreover, they can enjoy the benefits of Vitamin D for improved health and overall wellbeing. 

6.               Lesser Boredom

If employees can only take breaks indoors, they tend to feel bored and exhausted. The outdoor environment gives them a place to rejuvenate and get some fresh air.

7.               Give A Fresh Start

You might feel that your business isn’t motivating you as it once did. A new look can help give you and your employees a fresh start. 

 

7 Budget-Friendly Commercial Kitchen Ideas to Inspire Your Next Remodel

 

A commercial kitchen renovation with small changes can help you transform your space into something that you’ll appreciate for years to come. Here’s a look into some alterations and additions that you can make to your kitchen without breaking the bank:

1. Wallpaper

Wallpaper helps to add a pop of personal flair to your kitchen area. You can use different styles and patterns to highlight the colours of your cabinet and create unique and subtle designs. You can use peel-and-stick wall paper to add an element of fun. These stickers are easy to install and remove. 

2.               Colourful Cabinets

One of the easiest ways to revamp your kitchen is re-painting the cabinets. There are endless colour options to choose from. Depending on your preference, you can go for bolder colours or softer tones.

3.               Lights

Another relevant area in remodelling your kitchen is to replace old light fixtures with new and latest designs. However, take the suggestions of a commercial renovationexpert so that you don’t end up going choosing design over function. Like getting fixtures that are easy to clean.

4.               Get Innovative with a Backsplash

Backsplashes are a budget-friendly update that you can use to incorporate colour in your kitchen. You can use them to cover an entire wall or a small area between the cabinets and the countertops. 

5.               Creative Floorings

With statement-making patterned floor tiles, you can add a comfortable look to your kitchen. Today, many flooring styles are available. Depending on your choice, you can keep it subtle or creative. 

6.               Open Shelving

Open shelving is an incredible way to enhance your kitchen design. You can showcase your antiques, luxury kitchenware, and more on these shelves. What’s more, open shelves serve both form and function. They let you easily find what you need and break the monotony of cabinets. 

7.               Play with Colours

If you don’t like the idea of adding a wallpaper or backsplash, you can use colours in unusual places. This includes appliances. Add colour to any of your regular appliances and make them look more unique and customized. 

Importance of Creative Office Interiors in Today’s World

 

A perfect blend of excellent decor, intelligent design, and outstanding layout makes for a great office space. Many blogs talk about employee expectations and strategies to improve sales. However, how many business owners understand the vital role of office interiors in attracting the workforce and boosting productivity?

Let us take a look at the importance of innovative and creative office designs and how they attract people to join your office. 

An employee spends around one-third of their day at the office. And if the office is cluttered, dingy, or dimly lit, it affects their mood and overall wellbeing. This is why a majority of global companies focus on building spacious, creative, and well-organized spaces. 

Every single employee must feel comfortable and motivated in the workspace. Office interiors make a significant impact on team morale and, therefore, the demand for office remodelling has increased to a large extent. 

Several researchers have observed that many employees have raised concerns about poor office designs. If the office space is not comfortable enough, it serves as a reason for them to leave the organization. However, many employers still don’t agree with the role that interiors play in the efficiency and productivity of employees. 

A good salary attracts employees, but a creative office interior is what retains them. You need to focus on temperature control, adequate lighting, artistic and motivational pieces, reduced noise levels, greenery, and more to boost employee morale. 

Additionally, introducing a green design and creating inviting and open spaces will counteract tech-dependency. Employees can choose to take a stroll when they need a break from their devices and all the technology. Segmentation of workspace into conference rooms and cabins further helps to encourage collaborative as well as private working environments. 

So, if you are continuing to exist in your old office design, take action before you lose your productive employees. Get in touch with a commercial contractor to help you redesign your office space and understand the critical design elements. 

 

6 Benefits of Natural Light In Modern Office Design

 

When employees enter the office, they prefer a bright environment with abundant natural light instead of dimly lit, gloomy rooms. Investing in office renovation to introduce plenty of sunlight and the view of the outdoors will improve your employee’s health and productivity. 

Here’s a look at how your office space and employees can benefit from natural light:

1.        Boosts Productivity and Creativity

According to a study conducted by Cohere, offices with access to daylight witnessed improved productivity and sales. Moreover, natural light tends to take employees closer to nature, improving their levels of creativity. 

2.               Improves Physical Health

Apart from an improvement in employee performance, natural light positively impacts a person’s physical health. Consequently, fewer employees experience symptoms of headaches, blurred vision, and eye strain. 

Also, natural light regulates essential vitamins like melanin, serotonin, and vitamin D in the body. The intake of these vitamins helps to lower sick days and absenteeism. 

3.               Improves Mental Wellness and Mood

Natural light has a positive impact on motivation levels, energy, and the overall mood of an individual. Besides, workers exposed to daylight sleep better and longer than those who do not expose themselves to natural light. 

4.               Reduces Utility Costs

Artificial lighting sucks up a major portion of your energy bills. The number can be higher or lower depending on how much artificial lighting you use in a commercial building. And of course, the use of natural light reduces the need for artificial light, thereby helping you save on energy costs and making your business more sustainable and eco-friendly. 

5.               Minimizes Tech-Dependency

Employees need a visual break away from their devices. Having adequate access to daylight is the ideal way to give workers the chance to focus on a non-digital view out of the window.

6.               Increases the Value of the Space

Potential tenants prefer office spaces with sufficient natural lighting. Natural light makes a workspace appear more open and inviting, allowing you to earn more rent than a space with little or no natural lighting. 

6 Creative Ways to Renovate & Maximize Your Office Space

 

Real estate prices are rapidly rising, forcing employers to find ways to maximize the space they have. A creatively-executed office renovation is a perfect opportunity to make what may seem like a smaller office into a more functional and spacious one.

Here are 6 creative yet inexpensive ways in which you can complete your commercial renovation project and achieve more space in your office:

1.     Declutter and Define

Most offices have accumulated a lot of clutter that is consuming vital space. Some basic renovation efforts and storage alterations can transform a cramped office into an organized one. Moreover, renovating your offices helps to open up cluttered spaces, making them look more workable and have a larger feel. 

2.               Benefit from Unused Spaces

Almost every office has areas that are not used most productively. For instance, you could have a storeroom that you use to keep old furniture, files, or computer systems. With the help of a commercial contractor, you can transform this into a conference room or meeting room. 

3.               Focus on Flexibility

Every area in your office should be able to fulfill various purposes. Get rid of the heavy furniture to make more room on the floor and use this extra space for essentials. Add movable or collapsible desks, tables, and chairs. 

4.               Remove the Cubicles

When you have cubicles, employee interaction is restricted. Recent renovation ideas focus on ditching the cubicles and developing a collaborative environment. You can also replace individual desks with large tables and benches for employees to sit together and work. 

5.               Create Separate Zones

Employees usually don’t get privacy in an office with limited amounts of space. Consider creating separate areas for group work and individual work. 

6.               Use Vertical Spaces

If your office size is small, chances that you have a lot of space to spare are low. An interesting way to make more storage space is by installing custom-made wall desks with shelves. Since these are installed on the wall, they don’t occupy floor space and also give you more storage space for better organization of essentials.

 

Redesign, Renovate, Or Reconfigure: What's Right for Your Office in 2021?

 

Your office space must be safe and clean to support employee productivity. If your business premises currently doesn’t meet  the present safety guidelines, it is time for you to make your office space adhere to the requirements for 2021. 

Like many office owners, you may also be confused between reconfiguration, renovation, and redesigning. While a lot of people use these terms interchangeably, they serve different purposes. And it is vital to know the differences between them to make the right decision. 

1.     Office Reconfiguration

If you need to only upgrade your existing space with furniture and flooring or repurposing the current furniture, office reconfiguration is a good idea. As you reconfigure your office, you can make it more spacious and improve productivity. Office reconfiguration requires minimal disruption and can be completed at a far lesser price than commercial renovation. However, this approach only allows you to make limited changes as compared to a full-blown renovation.

2.               Office Redesign

Office redesigning is a suitable choice for those who want to give their office space an uplift in terms of aesthetics. You can install new lighting schemes, add new furnishings, invest in stand-up desks, and repaint the walls. An appealing workspace tends to keep employees happy, thereby encouraging them to work harder. Moreover, you put forth a modern and professional image in front of your clients.

3.               Office Renovation

In the case of the above two options, the building structure remains the same. However, when you renovate the office, you make structural changes. You completely transform the interiors while the exteriors remain intact. Renovation is suggested when you want to transform your space as per your specifications.

Store renovation is a time-consuming construction project. Depending on the degree to which you want to make changes, you may have to shift or cease business operations until the project is complete. A Commercial Contractor can help you plan an efficient and cost-effective renovation, making it pay off in the long run. 

The Fundamentals Of Retail Store Design and Planning

 

Every retail store is different, but their goal is common - to influence the customers purchase decision. Retailers try various tactics like playing music, filling the stores with alluring scents, and using innovative displays and more to get it right. However, not all have been able to explore the real art of attracting customers with the retail store design. 

Commercial renovation experts can help you achieve award-winning interior designs that can transform any retail environment. As you start planning the renovation, keep in mind that understanding the customer is crucial at every stage, be it the implementation, execution, or delivery. 

Let’s take a look at the three fundamentals of retail store design and planning:

1.     Attractive Visual Merchandising

The retail window design has tremendous power, and you must not underestimate its value and power of attraction.. Always remember, the first point of visual contact for the customer with the store is the window displays. It plays a crucial role in encouraging the customer to enter and see the entire collection. 

Use shop windows as the eyes of a retail store. Let them share a story that pulls the customer into the physical space. Try out unique creative ideas with the product acting as the center of attention of the display. 

2.               Create the Path You Want Customers to Take

Every retailer knows how they want customers to see the different products in their store. They have a clear idea of which product should lead where and how to make the customers reach the billing counter. Stores must help shoppers flow through the store to make this a smooth journey. 

A commercial contractor can use his expertise to strategically plan store layouts in a manner that leads customers on a path that increases dwell time and leverages sales. 

3.               Be Bold

The number of shoppers choosing e-commerce instead of the physical store is increasing. This shift makes it all the more important for retail store owners to be bold and creative with their spaces so that the experience of visiting the store is more stimulating and attractive. 

Adapting your building plans for the new normal

 

COVID-19 has changed the way people browse and buy, especially in the space of physical retail. It is time for stores to adapt to the behaviour and expectations of the shoppers. For every brick and mortar store, a retail store renovation should be the number one priority. Prepare a layout and create a retail experience that is safe as well as delightful for the customer. 

Here’s a look at some of the ways you can adapt your building plans for the next normal:

1.     Make space for social distancing and safety equipment.

Every retail store now needs to prepare a layout that can accommodate products as well as health and safety equipment. Moreover, you need to leave room for social distancing so that the customer can feel safe and healthy when they are shopping. Plexiglass over the registers, spacing decals on the floor and single direction flow of customers are ideas that can build a physical barrier between the shoppers and retail members. 

2.               Add vertical shelves to maximize space

In smaller stores, it is vital to plan out product placement. If you want to give people enough space, you need to either remove certain products or use the right equipment and shelves. A useful arrangement idea is placing products vertically. As products are at different heights, you can enjoy an inviting minimalist look. 

3.               Decorate the outside of your shop

With the changing times, you will have to restrict the number of people you let into your store. Discuss with a commercial contractor on how you can create an experience for pedestrians and customers waiting to step into the store. 

You can display large posters to showcase products to the customers outside. Besides, you can creatively decorate your window displays to keep them entertained. Don’t forget to notify customers about the precautions you are taking to care for their health and safety. 

Today’s demanding times require that you understand the shopping journey of the customer. Follow the above-mentioned tips to successfully plan out your retail store, and be prepared for the coming months. 

How to Take Your Retail Spaces to a Sustainable Level?

 

In today’s era, every brand must play a vital role in sustainable practices. It helps to get the preference of the public and specific target groups. Moreover, it helps to deepen customer relationships. 

When considering a store renovation project to accommodate sustainability, here are a few tips that can help you go green: 

1.     Choose Natural Elements

The interiors of your store are crucial. It is a good idea to have plants inside your store. They create a fresh and homely environment. Besides, they boost positive emotions and perceptions of the customer. 

2.               Use Natural Lighting

Not every room in your store requires bright lighting. The sources of natural lighting help to create a pleasant and enchanting vibe in your store. It can keep your employees energetic. Natural lighting also helps to save on a lot of energy costs. 

3.               Design Windows with Recyclable Material

They say eyes are the windows to the soul. Similarly, window displays reveal the essence of a store. When you use recyclable material to design your windows, you make a sustainable statement within your window display. A commercial contractor will be able to help you with creative ideas to go green and create attractive window displays. 

4.               Use Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems

You don’t need heating and cooling systems throughout the year. These systems consume a lot of energy. Alternatively, a programmable thermostat can help you maintain optimum temperature as per requirements. For instance, storage rooms have minimal traffic and don’t need the continuous effects of heating and cooling systems. Another essential thing to keep in mind is the maintenance of the air filter. If you think the air filter is dirty, change it as soon as possible. 

5.               Go Paperless

Wherever possible, choose email receipts. This eco-friendly technique releases the load on your customers’ wallets by getting rid of all the paper receipts and bills. 

Finally, remember to share your sustainability efforts. Discuss them on your website and spread the word via social media. Such communication is an effective marketing strategy and helps to gain customer confidence. 

 

Why should you hire a general contractor instead of trying to do it yourself?

 

The number of tasks you need to supervise and complete during a construction project is manifold. There are many decisions to take, and one must know that the knowledge and experience of a professional general contractor is valuable. 

So, if you’re planning a commercial renovation, you should always look at hiring an expert general contractor for the many benefits they have to offer. 

1.     Professional Designers

As you start renovating, you have a plethora of ideas. You know how you want the renovated area to look, but you don’t know what you have to do to achieve the same. Reputed contracting companies offer professional interior design services. They help you re-work layouts and select fixtures and features that suit your requirements. These designers create a plan considering your ideas and also suggest how you can make the space more productive for your employees. 

2.               Knowledge and Experience

Cornerstone is an experienced commercial contractor. The expertise and knowledge it brings is not something you can acquire by watching DIY videos on YouTube. Professional contractors know how to remodel an office space and the sequence of construction tasks that are necessary to complete your renovation efficiently. They ensure that your work does not suffer, and employees are not disturbed during the renovation project. 

3.               Project Manager Efficiency

A general contractor serves as a project manager throughout the renovation process. They have a network of sub-contractors and qualified sub-trades, using which they ensure the efficiency of the entire job. Apart from hiring these subcontractors, they schedule their services at the right time of the project. Besides, they supervise tasks and ensure that the work the subcontractors perform is high-quality. 

If you try to renovate a commercial property on your own, the chances of making expensive mistakes are high, as you won’t really understand all the details and intricacies. As a result, you’ll waste time, effort, and money. Hiring a general contractor right from the beginning ensures that you don’t make any such errors and have your renovation jobs completed at the right time and at the right cost.

 

How to renovate your office for the new normal?

Offices across the country are starting to re-open. Many companies are focusing on the different options to make their space safe and healthy for employees and clients to return. As the threat of COVID-19 continues to exist, companies need a vigilant, careful, and ongoing plan to ensure that their workplace is the safest it can be. With professional assistance from commercial contractors, business owners can do much more than placing hand sanitizers everywhere. 

Here are 4 office updates we recommend to support a healthy return to work:

1.     Use the reception area effectively

Give the reception area a new look. Let employees sanitize hands, have their temperatures checked, and take safety equipment such as sanitizing wipes and face masks. The reception area should give employees a physical reminder of the ‘new normal’ with prominent signs that give directions and instructions on how employees need to follow precautionary measures. 

2.     Segregate areas for visitors and deliveries

If you dedicate distinct spaces for packages and deliveries, chances of employees being in direct contact with outsiders are less. Similarly, you can create a separate room for visitors and restrict the interaction of employees with people coming into the office. 

3.     Upgrade HVAC systems

It is essential to have upgraded and fully-functional HVAC systems. These units must be able to carefully filter air and limit the spread and circulation of the disease. Make sure this is done before you reopen the premises. 

4.       Reduce touch-shared surfaces

Some of the most touched surfaces in an office include door handles and elevator buttons. Install automatic doors activated by ID badges or key cards. Employees don’t need to touch door handles, and the number of risky surfaces is reduced.

Companies looking for low-risk, affordable, and high-quality office renovation ideas should partner with professional and reliable contractors. Expert architects and general contractors can advise on minor face-lifts as well as significant structural updates. 

 

 

 

How does an office renovation improve productivity and boost morale?

 

Your workplace reflects your company’s personality. It impacts employee motivation and builds positive impressions for clients who visit your office. Therefore, having an office that is well-maintained, equipped, and upgraded is essential. Office renovations help to improve your bottom line. It makes your premises more inviting, improves workplace morale, and sets a vibrant tone. If you invest in regular upgrades, you can rest assured about the long-term growth of your employees and business. 

Here are the different ways in which renovating your office can boost productivity and strengthen employee morale:

1.    Introduces Open Layout: With newer additions, you can promote camaraderie and cooperation among employees. Commercial contractors can build communal working areas, open layouts with simple walkways, and collaborative workstations. Employees can work together in these areas and spend more time knowing each other.

 

2.    Overcomes Wear and Tear: All commercial properties and offices go through the usual wear and tear. You notice peeling paint and scratches on desks and chairs. These scars don’t appeal to potential clients and employees. Cornerstone ensures that your office is always attractive and presentable. With proper maintenance and care, you have a safer working environment that keeps employees healthy and in high spirits. 

 

3.    Increases Employee Engagement: Employees confined to workstations and congested cabins don’t have space to move around and talk to other teams. As you renovate, you create more open space that allows employees to unwind and interact with others. Such interactions boost creativity. Employees engage in ideas and discover how they can do their jobs better. 

 

4.    Upgrades Equipment: An essential aspect of renovating is upgrading office equipment. Upgrades include everything you use to complete smooth operations. When employees have the right equipment like printers, good lighting, and good furniture like tables, chairs, they are likely to be more productive. 

Scheduling periodic upgrades and renovations help to keep productivity and morale high. Renovating isn’t just about looks, you are also working on the workflow, lighting, layout, and effective utilization of space. Always discuss with the professionals at Cornerstone for professional and reliable contracting services.