Whether your office is starting to look a little dated and behind-the-times, or you simply think it’s time for a change, the prospect of an office refurbishment can be an exciting time! However, it can also be quite an expensive move, so it’s important not to rush and to think of a few important things first. Here are our top 7 tips to mull over while you think about refurbishing your commercial space!
1 Ask yourself why
This might seem obvious to most, but sometimes “it’s time for a change” isn’t a good enough reason for a refurbishment, especially if the thought of such a refurbishment is making you anxious about your budget. An office refurbishment is probably due every five or six years to keep the space fresh and modern, in order to keep the brand looking professional and up-to-date.
2 Consider the Future
As with every other decision with your business, it’s important to consider the long-term implications. The first thing any “Start Your Own Business” book will tell you is that every big decision should be decided upon with the next five years’ business goals and objectives in mind, and it’s no different when it comes to refurbishment. Consider the direction in which your business is going; are you looking for an upscale? Or even a downscale? Are you going for a modern, creative look? Or maybe a classy and exclusive one? It might also be worth auditing your projected expenses for the next five years, to see if you can really afford the refurbishment!
3 The boring stuff
It’s always fun to get creative, but don’t forget the boring – sorry, important stuff! Depending on your type of business, health and safety is always looming off in the distance, so it’s important to check your plans for any potentials blockages, bumps, brakes or scrapes. And of course, don’t forget to run it by your landlord if you’re renting!
4 Consider office downtime
It might not be wise to have the builders in during busy season! Schedule your refurbishment so that it’s not likely to interfere with work during a time when you have a lot on. Try to get it done during or towards the holidays – or, if this isn’t possible, make sure you take into account the space in which the refurbishments will be taking place.
5 Colours
There’s a whole host of myths and legends of what colours make people do what, and how certain colours affect certain outcomes – how greens make people more productive, and how reds make them stressed. But the main thing to take away from this is to use your common sense! Remember that your office is a professional space in which people come to work, and in which you might be hosting clients and customers, so make sure it looks sharp and professional. Easy pastel colours tend to be the safe route, with the odd splash of a vibrant, primary brand-colour for the creative sector. Just make sure your employees aren’t a) falling asleep or b) unable to work!
6 Space and Lighting
No office wants to be that stereotypical, soulless labyrinth of cubicles – you want to make your office a pleasant place for both you and your employees alike! Big windows and an open-plan space are a great way to create a sense of ease through the use of light. If you’ve got a smaller space to work with, consider the use of mirrors to help spread the light around and create an illusion of space.
7 Brand
Finally, try to take your brand into account. It’s not essential, but if your employees and customers have a seamless transition from the colour-schemed emails and whitepapers you send them, to the physical office itself, it oozes professionalism and makes you look serious about the brand!
Article written by Arran Garside, freelance copywriter who often writes for Fraser Projects.
