Business owners who are ready for a new office must create a better plan for starting and executing their projects. Getting exactly what they want requires skill and careful attention to detail. Reviewing the 12 mistakes to avoid when planning your next office shows business owners what not to do when creating a more ideal office.
- Allowing Bids for the Project
Allowing an architect to present the project up for bids could present the business owner with contractors who aren’t the best choice. When bids are placed, the architects choose the contractors who want to charge the least amount of money. As all business owners know, cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean high-quality and the business could suffer for it. If the business owner wants to offer the project up to bidders, it is vital for the business owner to review all contractors who are bidding and not just who could perform the project at the lowest rate.
The best opportunity for avoiding the potential for bidding is to hire a professional architect to complete the project themselves. The business owner can add stipulations in the contract that the architectural firm itself must use its own engineers and not independent contractors who are unknown. Architects and engineers can work together to create the right design for the office and give the business owner exactly what they want. Business owners who want to review commercial projects and evaluate a firm can review Cochran Engineering now for more details.
- Allowing the Rental Property Owner to Complete the ProjectÂ
Allowing the rental property owners to complete the project creates an issue for the business owner, too. The property owner will use their preferred contractors to complete the project. If the rental property owner doesn’t have a lot of capital up front, they won’t hire high-quality contractors or builders. Plus, it is less likely that the business owner will get the design they want.
The landlord will cut corners to save a buck and won’t present the best office space for the tenant. It will just be a new task loaded onto their shoulders that the landlord must complete, and they won’t take the time to ensure that they can create exactly what the business owner wants. In the end, it is more likely that there will be structural defects that lead to higher costs for the tenant. If they enter into a contract to allow the landlord to complete the project it is possible that the tenant will be responsible for damage caused by the new design.
3 Committing to the Wrong Property
Committing to the wrong property creates a problem for the business owners. It’s important for the business owner to evaluate the space according to the dimensions and the total number of workers they have. An architect or engineer can evaluate the space and provide guidance for the business owner and help the owner find the best space for their business. These skilled workers also give the business owner a better chance of getting what they really want.
- Failing to Get An Ironclad Contract With the Builder
Failing to get an ironclad contract with a builder presents issues for the business owner. The contract must include stipulations that ensure that the builder will complete the project on time and to the business owner’s specifications. The business owner cannot seek a breach of contract claim if the builder doesn’t include the right terms in the contract. Evaluating the contract and ensuring that the right terms and stipulations are in it will protect the business owner and ensure that the builder does what the owner wants without limitations or failures.
- Failing to Discuss Workspaces with Workers
Failing to discuss workspaces with workers leads to unhappy workers and not enough space for them to complete tasks. Reviewing each workspace with the workers increases productivity and ensure employee satisfaction.
- Confining Workers to One Space
Confining workers to one space could lead to a decrease in productivity. It is vital for the business owner to give them more space within the work area and allow workers to move at will. Giving them adequate space to complete daily tasks keeps the workers happy, too.
- Failing to Plan and Schedule the Relocation Project
Failing to plan and schedule the relocation project leads to slowdowns and prevents the company from opening its doors sooner. It is vital to schedule the move within the last month of construction. This provides a better framework for the builder and shows them where all furniture and equipment will go in the new building.
- Failing to Mitigate the Potential for Surprises During Demo and Renovations
Failing to mitigate the potential for surprises during the demo or renovations could lead to slowdowns and higher costs for the business owner. An architect and engineer will read the blueprints for the property and define where all utilities are located. An inspection of the property shows if there is any existing structural damage.
- Failing to Make Changes in Enough Time
Failing to make changes in enough time prevents the company from reopening quickly. It can also increase the total cost of the project.
- A Failure to Use a Project Manager
Failing to use a project manager prevents immediate risk mitigation and a better plan for the construction project. Project managers oversee the entire project and prevent risks every day.
- Not Managing the Punchlist Properly
Managing the punchlist properly helps the business owner avoid problems and find issues before signing off on the project. It gives them a chance to have the property inspected after the construction and find damage or issues that could lead to higher costs.
- Waiting Too Long to Pay for the Project
Waiting too long to pay for the project prevents the architects and engineers from accessing the capital needed for supplies and expenses. The business owner must pay for the project according to the schedule set up in their contract.
Business owners work with architects and engineers when modifying a rental property or new office space. The changes can present an amazing setting for their business if they are executed properly. Reviewing common mistakes that can generate problems helps business owners get more out of their investment.