Planning ahead for a successful business renovation project

Renovating your business can give it a whole new lease of life. Whether it’s a simple décor refresh or a complete overhaul, a remodel can bring in new customers whilst also revitalising your staff in a new environment. However, undertaking these works can create a large amount of disruption on the day to day workings of your business. It is crucial, therefore, to plan ahead to ensure there is minimal disruption to your business whilst works take place.

Warn Customers

Prior to any works taking place it is essential that you warn your customers that building work is happening in your facility. Depending on the level of work you are undertaking, this could mean that your business will be shut for a short time, whilst the work is underway. If this is the case then warning clients will mean that they are prepared and can conduct their business with you prior to the shutdown. It also prevents them from thinking that your business has shut down permanently. Similarly, if your company is planning on staying open around the building works, pre-warning means that customers know what to expect prior to visiting.

These warnings can be given either through signs around your business, or contacting your customers directly via phone or email.

Plan Timings of Work

Whilst generally renovation work is carried out during business hours, which can cause disruption, there is the possibility that you can arrange for work to be undertaken outside of your business’s opening times. Whilst this can be more expensive, due to the contractor’s costs for ‘unsociable’ hours, it can actually save you money in the long run as your business will not need to shut down or be disrupted during opening hours.

Prep

To help limit the amount of time the renovations take, preparatory work is key. Prep can be cleaning and clearing areas or relocating staff to different rooms in your building. This will help clear the decks for the work to be undertaken, allowing builders to simply start the work without having to prep the space themselves. This can also help cut builders costs too.

Off Site Work

Whilst the majority of work will need to take place onsite, within your facility, with some pre-planning you may be able to locate work that can be completed offsite first and then brought into the business for the final touches. For example, making shelving units or assembling pre-fab items, could these be done offsite? Or perhaps IT systems could be set up offsite and then brought in? These work arounds allow you to continue to run your business with minimal disruption, helping to save time and money.

Awareness of Safety

Safety is paramount when it comes to renovation. Don’t assume that everyone is aware of the dangers whilst the works are undertaken. Put up safety signs, ensure fire doors are kept clear and shut and insist hard hats are worn if needed. Essentially, be vigilant, constantly checking that safety is being considered as the works are carried out.

 

Whilst undertaking renovation works can feel like a huge headache and inconvenience for your business, with some careful planning and preparation, the works can actually be carried out with as little disruption to your company as possible. MSL can help with this planning process via their Project Maintenance Program, which will take care of all aspects of the renovation project, from risk-assessments to health and safety.