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Whether you’re looking at complete office strip outs in Melbourne or a simple paint touch-up in Manhattan, renovating your work environment can be a great way to modernize and improve its functionality. Unfortunately, many people get in way over their heads with renovations, leading to costly mistakes that could have been avoided.
Since you’re here reading this article, we’re confident that you’re doing the research needed to know what you’re getting into with your office upgrade. However, it still pays to be aware of the common mistakes described below. Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll be on the road to an easy and effective renovation project.
Mistake 1: Failing to plan
One of the most catastrophic mistakes you can make when renovating your office is to go in without a detailed plan. If you keep telling everyone, “Don’t worry – I have it all worked out in my head,” you’re setting yourself up for all manner of problems.
You may end up making unnecessary changes or installing fixtures that don’t align with your team’s needs. There are also guaranteed to be expenses you haven’t thought of, and these can quickly blow out your budget and leave you in financial distress.
To avoid this rookie mistake, take the time to develop a written plan covering what you want to achieve and how you plan to achieve it. Research the cost of all materials and services required, and create a budget, timeline, and projections for the project.
Mistake 2: Not checking building codes or regulations
Failing to check the relevant building codes and regulations can lead to fines and expensive legal issues. So before beginning any office renovation project, research and understand the codes and regulations that apply to your area. This includes fire safety requirements, zoning laws, and accessibility standards. If you find any of these things confusing or don’t know where to find the details you need, find someone on your team who can help or outsource the task to an expert.
Mistake 3: Not hiring any experts
If you balked at the idea of hiring someone to help with zoning laws, you’re at risk of falling victim to mistake number three on our list. Successful office renovations require a team of experts, including contractors, designers, and depending on how ambitious your project is, architects and engineers.
Though they may cost more upfront, these experts can help you complete your project by the set deadline and within the confines of your budget. Fail to consult with the relevant experts, and you can look forward to costly mistakes and oversights.
Mistake 4: Thinking only about the aesthetics of the space
While you certainly do want a visually appealing office, focusing solely on aesthetics can be a costly mistake. Functionality and efficiency should always be your top considerations when renovating an office.
If you’re only thinking about appearances, you may overlook energy-efficient lighting or HVAC systems – both of which can reduce your monthly bills. Similarly, you may think an open-plan design looks best, but if you fail to include spaces for privacy and collaboration, your team’s morale and productivity may suffer.
Mistake 5: Underestimating how expensive renovations can be
Even if you create a solid plan and clear budget, you will likely underestimate at least a few costs. For this reason, it’s crucial to dive into the details of all your expected expenses, including labor, materials, permits, and potential delays. To avoid any financially painful surprises, we recommend adding a contingency fund to your budget to cover unexpected expenses.
Follow the tips above, and you’re far more likely to embark on an office renovation journey that ends in success.
