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. 

 

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. 

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. 

7 Easy Ways to Make Your Business Stand Out From the Crowd

Did you know that store renovation can help give rise to fresh, new ideas and improve productivity levels? Moreover, when customers or clients visit, the office space you work in creates the first impression for your business. 

At Cornerstone, we help you with 7 interesting ways to make your business stand out from the crowd:

1.     Maximize Lighting

Poor lighting means reduced productivity. Therefore, as you renovate your office space, the commercial contractor must include a sufficient amount of fixtures at strategic locations to illuminate desks. 

2.               Install Larger Windows

Windows play an important role in bringing in sunlight and keeping the office space airier. A better view of the outdoors can uplift the employees’ mood. Moreover, if your window models have the latest insulation features, you will have to spend lesser on heating and cooling energy bills. 

3.               Upgrade the Flooring

The office flooring is a reflection of your company’s image. It increases or decreases the value of your business in the eyes of potential visitors and clients. The right choice of office flooring is one that is easy to clean and maintain, durable, and sleek enough to complement your office’s decor. 

4.               Add Colour

Adding colour lets you transform an inspiring office space into one that can impress. Bright colours can improve mood and productivity. 

5.               Reorganize Partitioning

Office partitioning is a great way to easily arrange and change the layout of your office. You can create space for new changes and add different sections or areas. 

6.               Eliminate the Cubicles

As you ditch the cubicles, you increase the opportunities for collaborative working. Consequently, employees are in a better position to interact with each other.

7.               Remove big desks

Big desks are useful but they take a lot of space, particularly in a small office. Replace these with smaller ones.

There are many ideas and ways in which you can complete commercialrenovation. Yet, the best ones are those that help to improve the appearance of your store and allow you to optimally use the available space.