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. 

 

6 Tips For Estimating And Controlling Commercial Renovation Costs

Every store or property undergoes renovation at some point in time. Whether you do it to upgrade systems or update fixtures, the most difficult part is planning the store renovation cost. There is no simple formula and you need to look at several factors before you can arrive at an estimate. 

A commercial contractor spends time understanding various elements to determine the cost. These include location, building use, building codes, historic district compliance, number of disciplines required, as well as current market factors. 

While outside factors help you determine the cost of renovation, there are ways by which owners can better manage the budgets. Here are 6 tips to help you control commercial renovation costs:

1.     Plan Ahead

Many owners plan renovations when the space develops critical needs. This is not a good idea. Waiting instead of advance planning can lead to the difference between just a re-paint job or replacing walls completely.  Planning ahead can make a big difference.

2.      Avoid Surprises

No building owner enjoys an unpleasant surprise after the renovation has begun. While there are some unavoidable surprises, most can be prevented with proper planning and due diligence. If you carefully assess the property’s condition, you can avoid overshooting the budget.

3.      Obtain Accurate Requirements

It is important to establish project needs in detail right from the beginning. Knowing how the special layout is going to change and keeping in mind its current and potential uses will lead to an accurate cost estimate. 

4.       Choose the Right Materials

Renovation expenses are just a part of the entire project. Sometimes, the right materials cost a lot more but result in long-term savings depending on use. Conversely, sometimes you can easily avoid the use of expensive material.

5.         Consider the Life Cycle of Building Systems

Electrical, plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning systems have a natural life cycle. Take into account the Expected Useful Life of these devices to determine the replacements you need to include in your renovation project. 

6.           Partner with the Right Renovation Expert

A good renovation partner is critical. Cornerstone has deep expertise in renovation and can offer an accurate estimate for renovation costs.