Top Tips of a Successful Office Fit-Out

Whether you are considering relocating to a new office or refurbishing your current work-space you are essentially investing in the future of your business.

Refurbishing your new office

Refurbishing and fitting out a new office can be an extremely daunting prospect, if not planned and executed properly, it can prove to be disruptive and costly. It makes sense therefore to select the best company to guide you through the planning and implementation phases of your relocation and fit-out. The risks of getting it wrong can work out catastrophically for your organisation.

CHOOSE YOUR INTERNAL PROJECT TEAM

This is a big decision. You need to elect a reasoned project leader and a project team that can drive and manage the project from start to finish. Don’t forget to be clear about the budget.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

Before making any premises decisions, you need to have a strategic plan as to where your business is going. Think about how your business is likely to change over the next 5-10 years. How can you make sure your new workplace can adapt to any future changes or expansion plans that might be around the corner?

WHAT KIND OF FIT OUT DO YOU WANT OR NEED?

This is an important question to ask as it will make you identify what you are prepared to take on.

Do you want to move to a new space?

You may have simply out grown your current office due to expansion, or the building is just not fitting in with your company image. Moving to a new office can give you the opportunity to have a premise which provides everything your business needs, but it will be a lengthier and more expensive process.

Can you refurbish your existing office?

Moving is not your only option. Is it possible to rework your existing space? Although this is a more cost-effective option, considerations need to be put in place to minimise disruption. Discuss how much work can be done during office hours and what needs to be done out of hours.

WHY?

To ensure your office fit-out is successful the most important question which will form the bases for all future decisions is, why?

  • What are your primary concerns?
  • What currently works in your workplace and what could be improved?
  • What could your staff benefit from having which they don’t have now?
  • What are your limitations and future aspirations?
  • Do you have a long-term strategy?

SEARCH AND SURVEY

If you have decided your current workspace is not suitable for your growing business and the only option is to move, this stage of the process is critical. Choosing your new workspace is not a decision to be taken lightly. Define your location priorities. What are the principle characteristics the building needs to provide i.e. more space? Light and modern feel? Do you need to move closer to your target customer base? Is it easily accessible for current staff or visitors? Can suppliers make deliveries easily?

Once you have a shortlist of possible sites, now compare them with your priorities. Also consider the neighbourhood and any legal or financial issues/implications.

CHOOSE A FIT-OUT SPECIALIST

Now you need an office refurbishment or relocation contractor to evaluate your workspace options architecturally, mechanically and electrically, and financially.

Pure Office Solutions has the knowledge and experience to tackle all your fit out needs in a complete turnkey solution.

This approach is called ‘Design & Build’. The Chartered Institute of Building has proven that this parallel working system is 40% faster and 15% cheaper than the traditional, multi-contractor approach.

Can do attitude – we have a genuine interest in the needs and aspirations of your business. Challenges which inevitably occur in large fit out projects will be thought through and dealt with logically.

Capable – We have a wealth of knowledge and experience to deal with anything which comes our way. No matter the size of the project we will make it our priority. Check out our Projects page to see projects we have successfully completed.

Space planning specialists – we can advise you one the best way to design the office to enhance employee productivity and performance.

Credentials – we have all the key disciplines in-house to fulfil your project including ISO 9001 for Quality and Construction line accreditation.

DESIGN

Here is where your new workspace takes shape. The results from any workplace studies that have been carried out will provide the foundation to create a practical space which works for everyone

The office design process should include:

Feasibility and Storage Audits

Evaluating your space and needs through a feasibility study can save you a lot of time and effort in the long term. It will not only help you determine how to accommodate your staff, but also plan for future growth.

Brainstorming Sessions

Identify any problems with your current layout as well as providing ideas for creative solutions. It is a good idea to let your contractor know the kind of ‘look’ you like that will reflect your organisation’s image. Considerations need to include employee welfare services including kitchenettes and chill out areas. Also, office acoustics are a big consideration, open plan office designs look amazing, but have you considered the amount of noise this will create and how it can be managed. See our Acoustic Solutions page for more information.

It is not just the Design Elements that need Consideration

Now is the ideal time to examine the lighting, air conditioning, heating and ventilation. How can it be improved? What steps can be taken to make it more environmentally sustainable?

Layout Drawings

The contractor should produce layout drawings using Autocad software showing the correct specification and placing of furniture to maximise space and produce a harmonious environment that promotes health and safety, productivity and profit.

Agile working

Recognises that different activities require different environments. Throughout a working day staff undertake tasks that require different levels of collaboration and concentration. The agile workplace encourages individuals to choose the setting to suit their activity.

Consider creating the following areas in your new office:

PREPARE IN ADVANCE

Be proactive and don’t be afraid to ask your fit-out contractor questions and make suggestions.

Carry out surveys well in advance to ensure that you order long lead-in items with sufficient time to build, deliver and install them. These include:

MOVING DAY

Get the best office removal firm you can, based on your fit-out contactors recommendations.

Use this as an opportunity get rid of things that you no longer need. These can be physical things or intangible systems and processes that no longer have a place.

FINALLY CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESSFUL FIT-OUT AND ENJOY YOUR NEW SPACE

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