5 Things to Know Before Doing an Office Buildout

 



Are you ready to design an office space that meets all of your business needs? If you suspect that this is a complicated process, well you’re right. As a long-time consultant and contractor for many office environments over the last 20 years, the team at BE has some good advice for company leaders who may be charged with this kind of project. Below are a few essential things you must consider before you start the office buildout process. These essential strategies will help this process go as smoothly as possible, while also saving time and unplanned expenses.

#1 – Determine Your Budget and Timeline

Start by developing answers to two of the most fundamental questions – how much are you willing to pay, and when would you like to move in. These questions will shape almost every aspect of your office buildout moving forward, from whether you are looking for a new site or not, to the size of the space and the kind of furnishings you want.

If you are leasing space, it is important to speak to the landlord to negotiate the lease and see if they are to cover certain upgrades or not. If so, ensure you are compliant with the rules set in place for improvement projects, and discuss what will be considered as the property of the business.

#2 – Figure Out Your Spatial Needs

How much space do you really need? To answer this question, you need to determine what your office will be used for. This has changed significantly due to the on-going health crisis, where employers have had to adapt to remote working conditions.

As a result, it is now more important than ever to determine the use of your space. Will you need to accommodate a higher volume of people because they are essential workers that need a bigger space to ensure social distancing and meet capacity restrictions? Will you keep most of your employees working flexibly from home but need a smaller space for limited face-to-face collaborative meetings and brainstorming sessions? One good rule of thumb to use in the new normal? Plan for about 50 square feet per employee. While there are many factors that contribute here, this is a good starting point that also includes factors for bathrooms, hallways, teaming areas, and such. If you have less than 10 employees you can potentially use smaller numbers, contact the team at BE Builds for more detailed information on office buildout guidelines.

#3 – Look at Ways to Save Money and Other Resources

Utility costs are a significant monthly expenditure, but with a considered approach to your office design, you can reduce these costs and access long-term savings. Saving electricity, water and other resources can be expensive if you are looking at solar installations or high-efficiency HVAC units, but there are plenty of budget-friendly ideas too. For example, using glass dividers to enclose different sections of the office space allows you to create private, naturally-lit areas that reduce reliance on fluorescent lighting. Similarly, installing LED lighting creates significant savings compared to halogen or fluorescent lighting. Installing a smart thermostat can help maximize savings from heating and cooling, while also making the office a more comfortable space.

#4 – Incorporate Strong Hygiene and Wellness Protocols into the Planning Process

A healthy office is a productive office! In recent years, businesses have started realizing the benefits of prioritizing wellness in the workplace1, from increased productivity and engagement to reduced absenteeism.

There are numerous ways to incorporate wellness concepts into your office space, including the use of ergonomic chairs and desks, maximizing natural lighting, introducing plants and outdoor spaces, strategic furniture placement for social distancing, air purification, sanitizing stations, and much more.

#5 – Consider The Future of Your Business

The question of, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” isn’t always an easy one to answer, especially in today’s business environment. The ongoing health crisis has affected and accelerated dramatic changes in all industries and workplaces, forcing businesses to adapt and become agile in a high-pressure environment. This has created changes in how we work, where we work, and even what we offer in terms of products and services.

As a result, work and office spaces need to reflect these changes. They need to align with long-term goals, be flexible in the short term, and help support productivity and engagement to play a strong role in the success of your business during and after COVID-19.

Contact BE Builds for Expert Advice on your Office Buildout in New Jersey

At BE Builds, we’re looking at designing and creating the offices of the future. Spaces that are uniquely suited to your business, as well as the external environment in which it operates. Backed by decades of experience in office fit-outs and office construction services, we’re ready to make your new office space a reality. Visit us today at https://bebuilds.com/

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/347207

Originally posted at https://bebuilds.com/things-to-know-before-doing-an-office-buildout/

 


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