Things to consider when planning your office refurbishment.
Planning an office renovation can be exciting and stressful at the same time. You have a lot of things to consider before you start picking out furniture, and if the works need to be planned around the normal business function, there’s even more pressure to get everything finished smoothly and on time.
We’ve put together some of the key areas we encounter when we’re fitting out an office to get you started. As experienced fitters, we know that the more you plan, the easier the whole process will be.
Planning your ideal office environment
Before you even begin sketching a plan on paper, you probably have thought about your ideal office space and what you would like. Some aspects of your design will depend on the building itself, and you need to allow for the size of your workforce and of course, how much budget you have for remodelling.
Do you like open plan or would you prefer divided office space? While an open plan office might feel more spacious and bring everyone together, it also creates a noisier environment. Creating individual or team office spaces can be more inducive to a focused workplace, but also affects the flow of the space.
As an example, we had the same decision to make in the SKK office. We compromised by choosing glass panels to create invisible walls and small office spaces for two to three people. It’s an effective way to ensure telephone calls and meetings can be held without disturbing everyone but still maintains an open feel that keeps our team together.
Practical design for comfort in your office space
If you asked every member of staff what their priorities would be in their ideal office space, you’d soon have a long list of answers. It comes down to being able to do your job with the least amount of inconvenience.
Technology powers every office, and there is nothing worse than constant interruptions from basic necessities. Essentials such as easy access to power without tangled cables across the floor, reliable WIFI that reaches every corner of the building, and strategically placed printers, projectors and so on, all make a modern office less frustrating.
Comfort is also key. Staff are more productive when they are comfortable, so you’ll need to think about maintaining a stable temperature throughout the office without draughts, planning the space to ensure easy access to welfare facilities, ensuring there is room around every desk, ergonomic chairs and even facilitating remote working when needed.
Creating a sustainable workplace
While you are creating a list of your main considerations, have you decided whether sustainability is important?
Creating an environmentally aware workplace isn’t just about using LED lightbulbs and having bathroom lights on a timer. SKK Interiors build with sustainability in mind. When we are refurbishing a building, we reuse materials wherever possible. In doing so, we can potentially reduce the costs of your refurbishment, by spending less on new materials and reducing the amount of waste taken away.
When suitable we’ll also recommend environmentally friendly products, such as insulation that will make your building more energy efficient, reducing your energy costs. And we work with preferred suppliers who also share our values, such as using waste removal firms who are committed to sending less to landfill or recommending suppliers of office furniture made from recycled materials.
Budgeting for your ideal office renovation
As you start to plan your ideal office layout, your budget will always be the controlling factor. We know clients often underestimate costs in certain areas, such as the price of video conferencing equipment and office furniture. However, they often overestimate the cost of a full refit.
That’s why our top tip for planning your office refurbishment is to talk to experienced and reliable fitters, like our team here at SKK. The first thing we will do is discuss your business and understand your style and your key requirements. Are you a fun, creative team that needs lots of open space for group meetings and an air hockey table, or a more corporate office that requires a calm environment for concentration? Do you like soft carpets and luxury fittings, or a modern industrial style?
Once we understand your preferences, we can recommend design ideas and effective materials that achieve what you need within your budget. It’s our job to know what’s available in the industry, when you may not be aware of the options.
At the same time, we can also provide you with a detailed quote so that you know what to budget, and we can plan around your work day as much as possible – which means your business can carry on working, while we create your amazing new office.
If you’d like some advice in planning your office refurbishment, give us a call on 01922 662 777. Our design team would love to create the perfect workspace for you.