Office Remodeling

Unlike industrial renovations where function is the key ingredient, office remodeling requires more attention to design as well as traffic and work patterns. This is because offices are geared to people whereas factories and mills accommodate personnel but their real focus is on industry. And since office space is usually more expensive to rent – because of the location – space has to be on the minds of designers at all times.

Function

There are as many types of offices as there are any other commercial designs and most have different functions. For example, a dentist office and medical office are designed differently even though they are both providers of health services to the public. A medical office is centered around a waiting room and the public is see by a doctor in a private setting. A dental office, on the other hand, is more wide open because several people may be assisting the dentist. As well, the services provided by the dentist require semi-private rather than solitary care so the layout will be different. In terms of hazards a dentist office will be doing tooth x-rays and have a special place to discard mercuric content whereas doctor's office have a private area for x-rays. Both have antiseptic guidelines and other protocols to prevent infections or other health problems.

At the other end of the spectrum a financial institution will want to display an image when the client comes into the office space. In most cases the receptionist is surrounded by a large company name or logo which demonstrates the company functions and success. A government office, on the other hand, is often times remodeling by the lowest tender and so design is given a back seat to function.

The Office Remodeling Contractor

One of the biggest duties of an office remodel contractor is coordinate the project with other people including the owners of the building and the tenants who want the remodel completed.

The Designer: A good contractor hired for the office remodel has to work hand-in-hand with the designer. In many cases a chain company will have a company designer who makes sure that a company office in New York City is the exact cookie cutter of one in Chicago. Fast food restaurants are good examples of this but other companies rely on the same strategy. In many cases the design firm already has the building code information and the contractor applies for the permits.

The Landlord: Most offices are rented spaces especially chosen for their proximity to where the most business will be found. In a office remodel a contractor has to follow the guidelines of the property manager, a person or persons who have cleared the plans laid out by the designer. Some of the coordination centers around the remodeling itself: transportation and docking, uploading of materials to the right level, noise, power, safety. If you can imagine a home remodel you can see the challenges put forth by a remodel on the 23rd floor of an office building.

Project Manager: Some contracting companies will have a specialized project manager who will oversee the entire project. This is usually the case when the tenant is taking over a large part of the floorspace and there are a lot more considerations than just redoing a 500 square foot location. As with building commercial space the project manager will deal with the client and coordinate the remodel leaving the general contractor to concentrate on the building process and the subtrades.

The Contractor Selection Process

Choosing a contractor or firm for an office remodel follows many of the same rules as remodeling a domestic home except that the stakes are higher. With square footage rates for office space at a premium there are penalty clauses for building performance so the legalities are well defined.

Success: There is an old saying, “Nothing succeeds like success.” Look for the successful contractors because they have that reputation for a reason. This is a very good place to start and end your search.

References: You would not believe how many contractors give you an honest assessment of others. These referrals can be found in building associations, commercial renovating organizations and on internet sites. Many of the best contracting firms know each other and, short of giving away the job, will give an honest critique of the other companies.

Other Offices: If you like the look of an office it is best to find out who did it because many of the same materials and workmanship will be in your project. Then ask questions of the manager as to price, efficiency and other questions that can narrow down the search. You will find that people will take the time to help you out.

The best place to start your search is in our Contractor Directory. You can also post your project on our site and get qualified contractors to meet with you.

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