Commercial buildings built in the ’70s in Utah may be nearing the end of their lifespan. These structures will have obsolete systems, and some properties may have been neglected for years. For others, they may turn into an eyesore for the community for their outdated styles. When you own such a structure, planning commercial construction in Utah may be a priority to ensure the continuity of your business.
But should improve certain sections or knock down the entire thing?
Renovate vs. Rebuild
When your building has been declared by the city government as unsafe, you have no other choice but to tear it down. Refurbishing the structure may be necessary because: one, it doesn’t meet the State’s building code anymore and two, its construction makes renovation impossible. Unless your structure has historical significance, you could propose a design to refurbish. Otherwise, everything has to go, and you have to rebuild.
But if your old building just needs a few areas improved, you can renovate. Your contractor may be able to save you money on the construction with some key changes. Before doing so, you’ll need an assessment of the structure. Preservation of certain spaces requires a thorough check up of the existing systems, from the HVAC to the plumbing, to ensure they’ll meet the current building codes.
So how do you go about the renovation?
Renovating Your Building Checklist
There’s a lot of moving parts to construction. Although your contractor may take charge of project management, it pays to know what will be involved so that you can make informed decisions.
The commercial building renovation process includes:
- Project initiation – this is the stage where you identify why you need to renovate your building. This is also where you procure professional design services and a contractor.
- Design development – this is where you prepare the design of your project.
- Permit applications – your design professional or contractor usually prepares permit application and submits it to the local government.
- Construction – once you have acquired all the necessary permits, the construction begins.
- Inspections – code officials or third-party agency will inspect the final output to make sure it meets the standards; they’ll also identify any deficiencies.
Improvements to your old building can invite better business. Your marketing materials may highlight key changes that persuade companies to lease an office space or two. You can also promote the benefits of efficient layouts in your commercial building.
Workplace Design Affects Productivity
The physical work environment is an important consideration for choosing a workplace. A Forbes report says a well-designed workspace promotes a less stressful and more productive atmosphere. Open office design is a popular layout today, which aims to promote collaboration between team members. But office design trends change over time.
A survey shows only one in four people want a completely open work environment; some workers find the open office layout distracting.
Employees are likely to perform well in their tasks if they are comfortable and calm in their workspace. They prefer to have a choice of environments. Forbes cites that 87 percent of workers would like their employers to provide healthier workspace benefits, including wellness rooms. Your refurbished commercial building could consider these things when redesigning the spaces.
An old building can be a safety issue. In some cases, it could just appear outdated in a modern city. When your case falls under the latter, approach your renovation carefully. Strategic design and construction will mean better business for your refurbished building.
