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. 

 

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. 

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 Key Methods To Successfully Manage An Office Renovation

The idea of commercial renovation has many benefits. It gives your staff the boost they need to improve productivity, and at the same time, renews and refreshes the space. However, the project is not an easy one. There’s a lot to manage with the business operations ongoing. 

Cornerstone helps you with 6 key methods to make your office renovation a success:

1.     Information Gathering

As you begin, obtain all engineering and architectural documents. Remember to physically assess the entire space with the design team to evaluate what you have and what you need. Variations in plans at a later stage can cause obstacles in construction, and lead to unplanned expenses and delays. 

2.               Define Goals

Plan out your requirements. What do you want and why? Are there any limitations? Do you need changes? Answering these questions is vital. These help you understand the ‘how’ portion of planning. 

3.               Communication is the Key

Make sure that everyone involved is informed of the different procedures. The landlord, office staff, constructor design team, subcontractors, and stakeholders must all know their responsibilities. This does not leave any scope for miscommunication, overwork, and overpaying. 

4.               Focus on Employee Productivity

A new environment can increase productivity. So, get feedback and suggestions from employees on the changes they think would be motivational and inspire more positive energy.  Ask for suggestions to execute your project in a manner that boosts their morale without hampering their space and productivity. 

5.               Budget Realistically

Many office owners don’t plan for unexpected costs and end up in a tight spot towards the end, sacrificing durability, quality, or timeline. Sit with your commercial contractor to understand what is needed and get a better sense of actual costs for your renovation. 

6.               Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays

Complete the preparation work to develop strong drawings. Keep lead times for material delivery, permissions, and contractor mobilization. 

These are some key methods to help you plan a successful renovation in the office. Take them into account to create a better environment for you and your team. 

 

5 Effects of Store Remodelling on New and Existing Customers

Your business is doing well but you want to take it to the next level. Good isn’t enough anymore and you’re looking for that extraordinary sales revenue. You want to stand out to attract many more customers. The ideal solution in such a scenario is to do a store renovation. 

Now, you might think renovation is more of an expense than income. However, commercial renovation is an investment that effectively pays off. Here are 5 effects of store remodelling on new and existing builds that you probably didn’t think of earlier:

1.     Excellent Customer Service

Employees are a valuable resource. They work hard to push the business up with their performance. A successful renovation is one that increases employee enthusiasm. Moreover, it makes work easier and more enjoyable leading to improved productivity. Consequently, a motivated workforce delivers excellent customer service pleasing both new and existing customers. 

2.               Increased Traffic

If you have a modern, attractive and inviting store, you will draw more customers. An eye-catching look will attract new clients and be a pleasant surprise to existing ones, who will recommend your services to others.

3.     Enhanced Comfort

Commercial contractors recommend that you upgrade to more energy-efficient products. A comfortable store leads to customers wanting to spend more time inside and explore the product range with patience. And the energy costs incurred by you are significantly lesser. 

4.               Better Space Management

A renovation focuses on optimizing workspace. If customers can easily find what they need, your sales will go higher. Moreover, if the space is well-managed and customers get enough space to walk through, they will happily visit your store. 

5.               Improved Brand Image

Remodelling is the perfect way to stand out and beat the competition. Your store interiors creates the first impression for a customer and establishes a brand image. If you renew it every few years, customers will know that you upgrade with the latest trends and will not feel that your space looks stale. There are higher chances of brand loyalty. 

How The Office Design Impacts Your Mental Health

Are your employees mentally healthy? How many of you really know the answer to this question? This is an era of the industry boom. There are many corporate workplaces. But how do you stand out from the crowd? People spend more time in office these days and so the workspace design has an impact on the mental health of the employees. So, have you designed it to meet the mental health needs? Here are a few components your workspace should include to create a healthy office.

Work-Life Balance

Every employee has a personal life, so if your sector requires something more than the regular 9 to 5 job and if working overtime is unavoidable, you can think of ways to compensate them. Engaging breakout spaces, adding amenities, having informal meeting areas and ergonomic furniture are a few things that can make the working experience all the more positive. This will create a home away from home environment for your employees to work peacefully and creatively.

Employee Growth & Development

Every employee should grow with the business and every employer will need that growth. You can take some measures to ensure the growth of the employees. You can provide your employees with the right technology and introduce incentives to encourage them.

Employee Recognition& Encouragement

The level of engagement in your office will have a direct impact on the employees’ mental health. But is your office designed to meet collaboration and brainstorming needs? You can have small meeting rooms and big conference rooms not just for client meetings, but to recognize your employees. You can also hang inspirational quotes and positive images on the office walls.

The Right Color Scheme

Employing the right color scheme is crucial when it comes to office design. Your mind reacts differently to different colors schemes. For example, blue is associated with well being and productivity, therefore it suits most of the workspace. Black or grey may be depressing.

Keep Things Fresh & Relaxed

Use of plants, larger window with views of nature, water features and open spaces can all create a healthier and calmer workplace environment.

At Cornerstone, we have commercial contractors who are capable of creating workspace that cater to the needs of employees’ mental health. Contact us to create an atmosphere that encourages your employees and is motivating.

5 Things A Start-Up Must Have

Creating your own start-up is a great idea. In order to succeed, your start-up needs a strong foundation. We broke down the top 5 things you should consider and prepare before you jump into launching your start-up.

Customers

This should be the priority for every business. Struggling to find customers is an experience most entrepreneurs can relate to. And creating a system that consistently drives new sales is essential if you want your business to succeed.It’s hard to attract potential customers when no one knows you exist. You have to find a way to get in front of people who will actually care about your product.

 Sense of Timing

You should know what is the right time to launch your business. In the initial years, the idea of starting a business will demand a lot of preparation. You should be consistent throughout the process.

Product Or An Idea

The product you're creating, needs to directly answer the unmet needs or desires of your customers. It doesn’t have to be a physical product. Even your idea can cater to an untapped audience. For this you need to do a feasibility study or do a market research.

Flexibility

If there’s anything that’s consistently true about launching a start-up, it’s that very little will be consistent. When you put so much time, effort and faith into one business plan, built on one business model, it’s logical that you would have trouble accepting that maybe it needs to be modified, or worse yet, scrapped and rebuilt entirely.So, it is always important to be flexible.

Having An Office Space

This is a topic which is usually pushed back. But it is really important to have your own office space to work peacefully.

You can’t trust just any contractor to give you superior workmanship at the price you want. For customized projects large and small, you need someone you can trust. At Cornerstone, we have a team of professional and reliable commercial contractors who will sit on your side of the table to offer you end to end solutions. Contact us now.

5 Ways To Impress Your Clients

Everyone knows that the customer is King. But good customer service goes beyond that. If you wish to retain your customers and win over new clients here are a few ideas of things you try doing:

Being Responsive

Just like any other relationship, communication is the key in a business-client relationship. It is critical because it will not just impress the clients but it also helps a company to develop new products or modify the current ones, based on the changing needs of customers. Customers leave information and provide feedback all the time by way of product reviews, comments about a company, experiences with a brand, and other such data.

Keeping Your Promise

The biggest mistake that the salespeople or the companies make is giving wrong time lines and commitments to the customer in order to get the sale. If you think you can get something done in one day, tell them it will take one week. If you finish in a day, they will be pleasantly surprised.

Listening

How often do you truly listen to what your clients are saying, beyond the work they are relaying to you? If you listen, you may discover new areas where they could use your talents, or be able to suggest a different and more efficient way to do something.

Going Out Of The Way

Customers are the biggest asset to the business. Never leave your customers dissatisfied as it can cost a lot to the company. Yes, even though you probably have a fairly defined list of deliverables, you can do more by putting in time to ensure quality, testing and re-testing, and essentially creating a final product that is even better than what the client expected.

Your Meeting Space Matters

It can be difficult to communicate clearly with clients in the office when you’re having a particularly rough morning, or if you work in an environment where you don’t feel supported. Building up a cool meeting place will have a positive effect on your mood.

If you're looking for an office renovation contractor, you've found the right company! Call Cornerstonetoday and speak with one of our experts, and learn how we can provide you with the renovation of your dreams.

Tips For Designing A Conference Room That will Wow Clients

Meeting rooms definitely have an impact on the impression you create for potential clients. No company would like to have a noisy or distracting space for their clients to meet in. Having a comfortable yet business like atmosphere for a meeting room is important. Listed below are a few tips for designing a conference room that will wow clients.

Consider The Clients' Needs

It is important to consider the needs and requirements of your clients when designing a meeting room space.  How many people will be attending the meetings regularly? You want them to have enough elbow room, as well as space to get up and walk around. At the same time, you also want the meeting room to be small enough to let people know they're safe in a group and be focused on the meeting. Invest in the right furniture.

Pick The Right Room

Though there is no set rule, it is better to build the conference room near the entrance of the office. It will be easy for the clients to go in and out without disturbing the rest of your office. Ideally, the room should be in a place where distractions are kept to a minimum. For example, a space near the CEO’s office would be great, but not a space near the main lobby or near a lunch room.

Provide Amenities

Place refreshments in the room so clients can get water or even tea or coffee if they need it.  Invest in tables with mini-cabinets, where your guests can stash their belongings while participating in the meeting. Put a bin or two in a corner of the room so guests can dispose of their trash properly. Have charging points conveniently places for charging phones and laptops.

Keep The Design Consistent

Creativity is good, but authenticity is even better. If your office is filled with fun and cheerful designs make it a point to decorate your conference room that way. But if your company is more classic and old school, the meeting room should reflect that too.

Rehearse Before The Meeting

It’s a big task to get ready for the big day. Do a mock meeting with your own colleagues assuming them as clients and give a presentation, make sure all technical things are in good condition. Is the lighting good enough and are there spare notepads and pens? Ask them for their feedback so that you can improvise for the real big day.

At Cornerstone, we sit on your side of the table to offer you end to end solutions. Get in touch with us for all your commercial renovation needs.

8 Must-Haves for a Millennial-Friendly Workplace

Just like the every generation before them, Millennials are a group of people with differences. Since the Millennials are entering the workforce now it is important to cater to their needs. Let’s explore some of the ways you can make your workplace more Millennial-friendly.

Not Just Perks

There is always a myth that perks can help in employee retention. The perks may draw them in but a good employee relationship and the work culture will only aid in employee retention.

The workspace should be a positive environment where the employees feel a sense of camaraderie. That's what keeps the millennial happy and working at your company.

Social Outlets

Millennials are strong in networking and are connected with others outside the organization through social networking platforms. So, providing them with social outlets will help them in creating a rapport with fellow employees, which will, in turn, create a sense of belonging.

Work-Life Balance

Millennials tend to place a high value on work-life balance and "living the life to the fullest". This can mean boredom in the confinement of sitting in the cubicle for 40+ hours a week. Allowing paid off days and offering flexible working hours will help in maintaining the work-life balance.

Feedback

Offering more feedback regularly, can benefit everyone within the organization. Millennials are accustomed to near-instant feedback in the digital space and on social platforms. Feedback should be both ways, allowing the employee to voice his or her opinion of the manager and company as well.

Corporate Social Responsibility

There is nothing more responsible than a company that gives back to the company. CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is one of the major deciding factors when millennials choose a place to work.

Opportunities for Learning

Millennials are hungry to learn new skills and have access to learning opportunities. Providing them with the same will help in retaining them.

Recognize The Accomplishments

Millennials come from a world where their smallest accomplishments are posted on social media and publicized. Recognizing their accomplishments will be an encouragement for them.

Work Space

The workspace also plays a role in employee retention to a great extent. Having employee-friendly workspace is key to making the millennials happy.

If you have a commercial renovation project in Boston, Cornerstone contractor services are your best bet to handle the project. The highly skilled team is equipped and their experience in this field puts them at an advantage of handling any office renovation task. Contact us now.

8 Ways To Turn Your Business Idea into Reality

Not every entrepreneur starts with an idea in mind. If you have an idea it means you have already taken the first steps. But how do you take it forward? Until you take action, your ideas will remain as ideas. Here are 8 ways to turn your business ideas into reality.

Know The Difference

Standing apart is key! You need to differentiate yourself from your competitors. No matter how small this difference may be, you need to be able to demonstrate how unique your product is. You have to clearly define your USP, positioning, and the market.

Understand Your Business

This may seem like a no brainer, but just because you have an idea it doesn't mean that you understand the business well. You can do SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis for understanding your position. It is not necessary that you should be midway through the process, you can do the analysis even before starting.

Identify Your Customer Base

No matter the kind of business you've been dreaming of setting up, you need to understand that someone out there will require your product or service sooner or later. There is always a market for every product. Know where to focus and understand the demography.

Don't Compromise On The Quality

The worst mistake any entrepreneur can make is to introduce a service; carry out widespread marketing campaigns and ad placements only to deliver a service of depreciated value in the long run. You may fall for the fancy figures but it wouldn't help your business.

Do Your Homework

Are you the first one to think about this idea? Do you have a competitor? Research online and visit conferences in your industry. You don't want to know someone else has got there first after you have invested your valuable time and money.

Build A Prototype

Building a model of your product will be really helpful. If you're creating a service, your prototype can be a process map that details customer contact points and what has to happen internally to meet customer needs.

Determine Your Resource Requirements

What exactly do you need to get started? Think about how you can set up the workspace. You can approach a commercial contractor to construct your dream office.

Get in touch with Cornerstone to manage your office construction project from start to end.

5 Conference Room Design Tips For A Functional Space

There are several factors to consider when you are planning to construct a conference room. You should ask a few questions like, how many people will use the room? What will it mainly be used for?

A conference room is where the employees work together and brainstorm ideas. Good use of the conference room will make the employees productive and creative when working in a team. It is also used as a meeting room for closing sales with potential customers. Listed below are 5 conference room design tips for creating a functional space.

Location Of The Conference Room

The location of the conference room is really crucial. Though there is no hard and fast rule if you build the room in the middle of the office it will be easy for the employees to efficiently reach the space. Having the conference room near the entrance will make the conference room easily accessible for visiting clients.

Table Configuration

There are plenty of seating styles you can choose from. For example, the U-style allows everyone to engage with the speaker and vice versa, while the theatre/classroom style can accommodate more people.

The layout you choose majorly depends on what the conference room will primarily be used for and the number of people who will be using the room.

Concentrate On The Lighting

Generally, natural light works well and you can design the room to have natural lighting come in . Just make sure the windows are covered with shades and blinds, in case the glare becomes distracting - especially if the meeting is in the mid-afternoon.

Technology

Gone are the days when offices used blackboard and whiteboard in the conference halls. This is the era of projectors and smart screens. Strategically placing the smart boards and screens will help in creating a functional space.

Don't Clutter up the Conference Room

Whether your company has a fun, playful image or a more dignified and classic image, the meeting room should reflect that. Keep the décor simple. A clutter can be more of a distraction.

For your commercial renovation needs contact Cornerstone @ https://trustcornerstone.ca/ or call @ Call: 905-364-5588.

10 Must Have Products For Your Office

When you plan to set up an office there are chances of you underestimating your needs or you may end up buying more than you actually need. If you are planning to buy products for your office, remember that there is much more to consider than just the computer, desk, and chair. Do you find it difficult to figure out your needs? You have one thing less to worry about now. This article will walk you through "10 must-have products for your office".

Retro Patents

Limited edition vintage patent prints may be perfect for the wall behind the desk in your office. It is a good way of reminding us that every great company started with a basic idea.

Desk Organizer 

Use the space you do have to your advantage. Fill up pens, pencils, and much more in plastic containers.

Monitor Stand

Using a monitor stand will add some extra space to your desk. You will be able to put other items under the computer.

Sticotti Shelving System

The entire system hangs from a master wall-mounted bracket. The shelves join together with a precise interlocking system and can be customized to fit any space.

Oristand 

Oristand is a standing desk converter. It'll help you maintain good posture and burn calories.

Smart Desk

Smart Desk combines a powerful PC and a motorized desk, brimming with features from gesture control to wireless charging.

Herman Miller Aeron

Herman Miller Aeron is a new and improved model chair, built to give you lasting comfort while you sit all day, regardless of your body type or sitting preferences. 

A Cable Management System

A simple cable management system can hide your power strip and double as another surface for you to store your devices. 

Company Cell Phone

Issuing employees with company cell phones is a great way to keep their personal lives personal and their professional lives, professional. 

Notepad

Whether you’re sitting at your desk, in a meeting or chatting to clients, you should always have a notepad on hand ready to write down important information thrown your way.

If you are planning an office renovation, we can help you out. At Cornerstone, we sit on your side of the table to offer you end to end solutions. Call us for your commercial renovation needs.

Simple Ideas For a Refreshed Office Interior Design

An Office renovation offers you an excellent opportunity to impress visitors, clients, and your employees. It is definitely a worthwhile task to transform an uninspiring space into a beautiful workspace. To create a stand-out office space you have to consider design, space, and budget. An Office renovation is something that you should give very serious consideration to, and here are a few simple ideas for a refreshed office interior design.

The Flexible Workspace

Big giant companies use this kind of approach for their employees, where the employees use moveable furniture such as tables, desks, and chairs. It is different from the regular workspace where the tables and chairs are fixed. The concept behind flexible workspace is to promote collaboration among employees. The unassigned seating arrangement allows them to work in a free environment and this increases productivity.

Biophilic Design

Nature centred workspace has gained immense popularity recently. Biophilic design is a concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions. This allows employees to be calm and relaxed.

Elements Involved And Lighting

Natural Light: Natural light gives a better effect when compared to artificial light. And natural lights are healthier than artificial ones. So allowing sunlight or daylight to enter into the office through glass doors, high glass ceilings, glass walls, or windows will help in a positive way.

Plants: Plants improve concentration and health. The plants also help in purifying the toxic air.

Home Like Surrounding

The whole point of renovating the office space is to increase productivity. Making the workspace more relaxing and stress-free will make it home-like and it will also increase productivity. Group meetings can be held in informal modes like sitting in a living-room having cosy sofas and chairs.

Activity-Based Office Space

In activity-based office design, you’ll find different types of areas- public office areas, privacy areas, quiet focus areas, meeting areas, lounge areas. In this office design employees can work according to their activity.

At Cornerstone, we sit on your side of the table to offer you end to end solutions. Contact our office remodelling crew for your renovation needs.