Whether you’ve just invested in a new property for your business, or it’s time to make some changes, a remodel is an exciting project and can bring many opportunities. If you’ve got the budget to renovate your store, studio, or office space, it can help to boost your credibility and draw in more business. There are several factors to consider before undertaking a commercial remodel, big or small, and you need to keep your goals in mind at all times. Once your business reopens, use the remodel as a promotional opportunity to get the clients rolling in to see your new premises. Here are ten tips for a commercial property remodel.
Outline your goals
Always keep your business goals, and your customers in mind. What are you hoping to achieve from your remodel? Perhaps your property and branding could do with a little revamping, or you need to install new equipment in order to provide a better service. By outlining your goals, you’ll be able to prioritize spending and ensure you get the most out of your remodel. Whether you’re just redecorating or making structural changes to the building, you want your remodel to have a high ROI.
Speak to a business advisor
If you’re planning a remodel it’s always recommendable to seek professional advice. Try to find a small business advisor who has experience in your sector. They will be able to provide you with helpful insights and suggest the most suitable solutions for you. Discuss your business goals behind the remodel and your budget. It’s a good idea to prepare a list of questions to ask them before you meet, but it’s their job to remind you of any details you might have forgotten or not be aware of.
Look to the future
Think ahead to a few years down the line and what this means for your remodel. If you are planning to scale your business, will the new premises be sufficient to cope with the rise in demand? These are all questions you can discuss with a business advisor. Research emerging trends in the market and try to align your goals with the habits of today’s customers. It’s important to be proactive in order to ensure your remodel is profitable in the future.
Create a realistic budget
It’s important to create a realistic budget and stick to it. You can calculate your budget based on your current financial status, and predicted future income and expenses. Here’s how to create a realistic budget for your commercial renovation. Speak to your business advisor about possible ways to save money. Don’t forget to budget for any legal fees, surveyors, and other hidden costs.
Hire the professionals
In order to get the best deals, you need to do your research before you hire the professionals. Consider hiring specialists who have worked with many small businesses in the past. If you’re undertaking a building project, choose a commercial architect, for example. You’ll also need to enlist the help of signwriters, decorators, and surveyors to ensure your property is up to date with regulations.
Agree on a timeframe
Once you’ve hired the right people, you can then agree on a timeframe for your remodel project. Outline specific milestones along the way. Renovations are likely to interrupt business operations so if possible, try to complete them outside business hours. If you need to close the property during the entirety of the project then consider the possibility of operating remotely in the meantime.
Notify your clients
Notify your clients and advertise your remodel on your website if necessary. Ensure they are aware of when you will be open for business again and the improvements they can expect. It’s important to continue to wow your customers during a commercial renovation. If you can offer services remotely, communicate these changes with plenty of time in advance. This will minimize the disruption to your business.
Get up to speed on regulations
Professional builders, electricians, and HVAC specialists will be able to ensure your premise meets health and safety standards, but it’s a good idea to get up to speed on regulations yourself. If you’re carrying out any construction work, you’ll need to meet certain building regulations for commercial properties. It’s a good idea to look into all of this before you start, in case you encounter any setbacks due to red tape.
Ensure your property is energy-efficient
A remodel is an opportunity to check for ways to make your property more energy-efficient, especially if you’ve only recently acquired the premises. Get everything inspected from electrics to heating and cooling, to industrial water tanks. Upgrade your lighting to more energy-efficient LEDs and consider replacing the windows to improve insulation. These changes will save you a lot of money on your utilities in the future. It’s also much better for the environment and you can use your business’s greener image to your advantage.
Promote your grand re-opening
Once the end date is in sight, it’s time to prepare for your reopening. Ideally, you want business to get back to normal as quickly as possible. Set up an email marketing campaign informing everyone on your contact list of your reopening. Offer incentives such as discounts and promos for returning customers and referrals. Update all your business pages from your main website to Google My Business and social media. As well as marketing activities you’ll also need to prepare your premises for social distancing and other covid-19 related restrictions. A remodel is an excellent promotional opportunity because it will spark up a conversation among customers and provide a basis for a new advertising campaign.
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your salon or refurbish your office, a remodel is a way to breathe fresh air into the place. You can use your remodel to take your business to the next level. If carefully planned, commercial renovation is an investment that pays off, however big or small. Brighten up your premises and build a better environment for your staff to work in.
