You’re always hearing how kitchen and bathroom remodels are valuable for houses. But what about commercial properties? Commercial remodels are more important than residential ones because you have customers and employees to keep you satisfied.
If you’ve been avoiding a commercial remodel because it seems too big of an undertaking, we’re here to help. While commercial remodels can be big projects, not every scenario has to be. Maybe all you need is a few updates.
Reference this helpful guide for your upcoming commercial remodeling project; we guarantee you’ll feel less intimidated by the end.
Inside this blog:
5 Benefits of Commercial Remodeling Services
Peer pressure is usually bad, but if multiple people comment about your existing building being too cramped or outdated, it’s worth listening to. Taking the plunge into a commercial renovation project is exciting and offers numerous long-term benefits. 5 standout benefits are:
- More efficient use of the space
- Modernized updates
- Better energy efficiency
- Improved safety
- Opportunity to rebrand
1) More Efficient Use of the Space
You have three options to improve the flow of your space when you schedule a remodel:
- Add additional space
- Redesign the existing space
- Or both!
When your office, store, or restaurant starts to feel too cramped and crowded, it’s likely time for a remodel. If you foresee your business continuing to grow in size, adding on additional commercial space could be an incredibly productive decision. But if new construction isn’t in the cards, you can restructure your existing space to improve the flow.
2) Modernized Updates
No one wants to feel awkwardly stuck in the 80s when they visit your business, whether as an employee or a customer. Outdated decor and layouts can make people feel out of place. Even minor modern improvements can breathe new life into your commercial building. Modernized updates can include:
- Replacing outdated furniture
- Installing new flooring
- Painting the walls
- Incorporating modern lighting fixtures
3) Better Energy Efficiency
The world is turning to sustainable energy, and for good reason. Not only does sustainable energy help the environment, but it saves you money! Older light fixtures and older buildings, in general, tend to be far less energy efficient because the structures simply weren’t built with energy efficiency in mind. When you remodel your commercial building, you will greatly improve your energy efficiency, costing you less on your energy bills each month.
4) Improved Safety
If your building is outdated, it likely doesn’t meet modern safety standards. In order to prevent accidents in the workplace and overall offer more accessibility, many commercial property owners choose to remodel.
5) Opportunity to Rebrand
If you’ve been considering rebranding your business, a full rebrand is perfectly paired with a commercial remodel. When the project is complete, you can emerge with a fresh new look and feel for your business. When your brand matches the look of your space, your message comes across more effectively.
Examples of Popular Commercial Remodeling Projects
No matter what type of commercial property you own, the skilled team at APX Construction Group can tackle your remodeling project. Examples of commercial properties we work with include:
- Office buildings
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Educational spaces
- Medical offices
These popular commercial renovations may help inspire what you want for your property:
Improving Restaurant Spaces
Restaurants need to be remodeled every few decades to avoid looking outdated. Restaurants also need to account for all of the appliances in the kitchen. Without updated appliances, you can quickly run into issues when old appliances break down and cause hold-ups.
In busy restaurants, the layout is everything. You want to ensure your staff members and customers feel comfortable, not crowded, in the space. An effective restaurant remodel can include:
- Modern dining room furniture
- Updated bathrooms
- New HVAC systems to keep the dining room and kitchen cool
- New lighting fixtures
Office Remodels
Business owners want to retain their top-performing employees, and the last thing you want to have happen is for your employees to feel uncomfortable in your office space. If your carpeting is wearing down, your wall colors are outdated, and your employees feel cramped in a tight space, then you need to prioritize an office remodel.
It’s been proven that employees are most efficient (and happy) when they have lots of access to natural light. So when the time comes for your office renovation, ditch the stuffy cubicles and opt for a spacious, open floor plan and big windows.
ADA Upgrades
All businesses must comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for accessibility. If your business currently is not ADA accessible, you should include updates in your remodeling project. Some guidelines you may need to include are:
- Installing a ramp
- Widening doorways
- Installing an elevator
Upgrading Fixtures and Appliances
Sometimes, it’s not in the budget to add on to your commercial building. Or maybe your commercial space just needs a small facelift without a complete restructuring. It’s always an option for renovation projects to consist of upgrading fixtures and appliances. You can get a new HVAC system, updated lighting, and new kitchen appliances.
The Commercial Remodeling Process
When it comes time for your renovation project, you should be fully informed of the entire renovation process. One of the most frustrating aspects of working with construction contractors is that projects can frequently get held up. But at APX, we always stay on or ahead of schedule. Here’s what you can expect during the remodeling process:
- Planning: A lot of pre-construction planning must occur before the building can begin. During this stage, you’ll meet with the construction manager, designer, and architect to solidify a plan and budget.
- Bidding: Once your plan is drawn up, construction teams will bid on your project.
- Subcontractor selection: You and your construction manager will select a construction team to complete your project.
- Purchasing materials: The construction manager will purchase all necessary materials for the project, and they will be shipped to the worksite.
- Demolition: The construction team will begin demolishing any necessary areas. This can include knocking down walls or removing appliances.
- Construction: Once you’ve reached the actual construction phase, your contractors will be working hard to bring your vision to life.
- Clean up: When all the finishing touches are completed, your contractors will clean up any debris and take a final walkthrough to ensure everything is up to standard. Then your remodel is complete!
Commonly Asked Questions About Commercial Remodeling
You’re probably getting excited about the possibility of a commercial renovation project in your future, but there might be some lingering questions. These questions frequently get asked about commercial renovation and remodeling:
Q: Will I have to shut down my business during the remodeling process?
A: Everyone’s favorite answer: It depends. Your business shutting down during the remodel depends on factors like:
- Anticipated noise levels
- Air quality
- Project scope
Many contractors can work outside of business hours. Still, if you’re undertaking a very large project that requires contractors to gut your space and build on a new addition, you’ll likely have to suspend service until the project is completed temporarily.
You can also temporarily move locations during the remodel to keep your business going while staying safe.
Q: How much do commercial remodels cost?
A: Many variables play into commercial remodel costs, like location and scope. However, the average cost for a business renovation is about $100 to $200 per square foot.
Q: What should I look for when hiring a commercial contractor?
A: An outstanding commercial contractor is the difference between a successful remodel and a frustrating flop. When you’re vetting contractors, be sure to complete these steps:
- Ask them for examples of past projects similar to yours
- Check their licensing and insurance
- Meet with them in person
- Review their portfolio to see if you like their style
Q: How often will I need a commercial remodel?
A: Big remodeling projects that add space and gutting the interior are usually only needed once or twice in a lifetime since they’re so big. You don’t need to remodel your business every year— every couple of decades will do. However, minor remodels like new decor, lighting fixtures, and appliances can happen more frequently as you see fit.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a renovation and a remodel?
Renovations are typically more extensive than remodeling and involve updating or restoring something to a better condition, such as updating a kitchen or bathroom. Remodeling usually involves making changes to the existing structure of a space such as adding a new room or reconfiguring the layout of a space.
Is it cheaper to build or renovate?
It depends on the project. Building from scratch is usually more expensive than renovating an existing structure, but if the existing structure requires extensive updates, it could be more cost-effective to build from the ground up.
What is a rough in for a remodel?
Before any final connections are made, the rough-in stage of a construction project is when mechanical, electrical, and plumbing lines are brought in and laid out. This occurs once the framing of the structure has been erected.
Get Your Ideal Commercial Remodel With APX
At APX Construction Group, commercial construction and remodeling are what we do. We solely focus on commercial spaces, so you can trust that we know the ins and outs of commercial businesses far more than a residential remodeling company.
We take pride in our thorough communication and detailed pre-construction planning process. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can bring your vision to life!