If you've just brought a commercial property or you are looking to change and/or expand the one you are currently in, listen up. These are our top tips for making sure you stay on time, on budget and get what you need and want.
While the remodel of an existing property can require demolition, check and see how much of your building's existing infrastructure and framework you can use. This will save you time and money by keeping existing electrical panels, plumbing fixtures, load-bearing beams, gas lines and cable and phone wiring intact. If you need to completely demolish the current structure it may be most cost-effective to have these replaced later. This will also be dependent on the age of your building.
No matter the team you choose, they should be able to advise you throughout the entire project. They should ensure the right permits are processed and that health and safety is complied with, as well as managing subcontractors if required.
Remember that remodeling a commercial building is a big project - don't be afraid to ask your team for help, including your staff. They may have ideas about the layout and merchandising of the store or building.
Once you've assembled a building team that is serious about meeting deadlines consistently, develop a timeline to keep your remodeling on track. Remember SMART goals; meaning that the targets and deadlines are Specific, Measurable, Agreed Upon, Realistic, and Time-based. This will ensure everyone is on the same page. It will also help you to decide when to close the business (if necessary) and when to reopen.
It is important to consider your store's service area, cash registers and merchandise. Take the time to analyse the foot traffic in your current store, where the customers gravitate to, and where they are spending the most amount of time. Consider how you can make the experience in your business easier for your customers and your staff. From here you will find it easier to determine where to place the different elements and attractions to create an ideal foot-traffic flow. Revise and revise until you are completely satisfied you have the right layout.
Choose lighting that complements the mood you want to create in your store. For example spas should have low lighting that encourages relaxation while building, while supply stores should have lighting bright enough that customers can see the products they need clearly and easily.
It is believed that colour can have a powerful influence on our emotions. It is best to use colours that complement the lighting and spacing of your newly renovated commercial space.
If you are selling and serving food then brown, red and orange colours are known to trigger hunger, while green triggers emotions around health and growth, which is ideal for stores related to wellness. Research the colour schemes being used in your industry, or consult a colour forecaster on what colours you should use to complement new and future product offerings.
Commercial renovations aren't always cheap. However, your renovations should provide a return on investment. Renovating will create something unique to your business, and should be reflected in your bottom line. Remodeling your business sends a message to your customers that you are willing to invest in your business to be on par or better than your completion. The time and money required to properly renovate a commercial store can be daunting. However, by factoring in aspects such as location, contractor skill and cost, new merchandise and interior design ahead of time, you'll increase your chances of producing a retail space that will also increase your long term profits.