Apr 15, 2019

What to Know Before Doing an Office Build-Out

By Don Catalano

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What to Know Before Doing an Office Build-Out
You can customize your office if you have a lease option that allows you to do an office build-out. In other words, this lease enables you to design an office space that meets your business needs. The cost of a modern office build-out is high, hence it is important to apply the following seven tips in order to avoid wasting your company’s funds.

 

1. Write Out Your Budget

To begin the office build-out process, ensure that you discuss with your landlord. This will help you to know what the landlord will cover. When discussing with your landlord, you should consider the following:

  • What improvements will be made? 

  • Who will pay for these improvements? 

  • Who will be in charge of getting the work done? 

  • What will the tenant be permitted (or required) to remove at the end of the lease?

When put in writing, the terms will be clear, and there will be less confusion. As a result, you will be able to plan your budget accurately for the areas your company will cover.

 

2. Evaluate Your Spatial Needs

Although it is essential to provide a mix of open and fixed office space, you should consider the teams and employees that will use the space. The future of the workplace is employee-focused. There are employees who will require privacy for deep work. Hence, you need to design a fixed space that will accommodate such privacy needs. Those who prefer collaborations will enjoy open space. When doing your office build-out, ensure that you evaluate your spatial needs.

 

3. Do Not Neglect The Little Spaces 

Storage spaces, server rooms, and even alcoves for printers, decorative items or water coolers all take up relatively little space. When put in early consideration, you will be able to do more with the little space.

 

4. Consider The Amenity Spaces

When designing your office build-out, do not forget that building your own building also means building your own playrooms, fitness centers, and conference areas. Having amenity spaces help in attracting Generation Y workers who are highly creative.

 

5. Build Workplace Culture 

It is easy to focus on the structures and forget the culture. According to a recent study conducted by Deloitte, 94 percent of executives and 88 percent of employees believe a distinct workplace culture is important to business success. Hence, it is no longer an option to focus on building a workplace culture. It is essential. Find out your company’s culture and consider it as you design the office space. In other words, build your identity into the office space.

 

6. Pay Attention to the Location of the Window

When doing your office build-out, it is advisable that you make the fullest use of windows. More windows should be located in offices than conference rooms, so as to provide natural lighting in office areas that are used daily.

 

7. Don’t Forget the Wiring 

Business still runs on wires. By including more cables in your office build-out, users will have more opportunities to send a large volume of data without interference via the Ethernet and also charge battery-enabled devices.

 

In conclusion, nailing the perfect office build-out will be crucial in having business success in your office space.

 

Here are a few other articles we know you'll like:

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10 Ways to Make Good Commercial Leasing Decisions

 

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Don Catalano

Don Catalano

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