Get The Most Out Of Your Office Renovations
Office renovations can be stressful and disruptive to work. Some renovations are quick and painless, but some are not. If your office is being redecorated, or you are considering doing it yourself, there are a few things you should expect.
Before any major renovation project is taken on it is important to clearly define your goals. Try to pick three words to describe the look you want to achieve, and chose one phrase that defines the function of your office. This way you will be consistent in your descriptions as you go from store to store for supplies and ideas.
Renovations can range from large projects to minor redecorations. Either way, you should expect the office interior or exterior to be painted. You may want your walls to be a different color, or just want a fresh coat of paint on the color you already have. If your interior is being painted, you will have to move all your furniture away from the walls, and out of the room completely if possible. Talk to your contractor and decide what needs to be done prior to painting.
Redecorating is common, and probably a good idea. Your contractor might handle this, though it is more likely they will leave it up to you, or recommend an interior decorator. An interior decorator usually will suggest adding paintings to your walls, or offer suggestions for window dressings. Spending time and money on interior decorating may not make sense depending on the size and function of your office, but if you are remodeling to make the space nicer, it might be worth it.
During a renovation you may want to change out furniture. If you are converting a space to serve a different function than what it was originally designed for, you probably need to completely refurnish the office. Office furniture comes in a variety of sizes, colors, styles, and price ranges, so look around before you commit to one style over another. If you are on a budget, check out furniture consignment stores because they usually carry high quality items for a much lower rate.
If you employ a receptionist, you might be wondering how to make their desk blend in to the room more. This is a common problem because many reception desks are added after the room was originally designed, making the desk look as if it were thrown there hastily. Eructing a low wall in front of the reception desk gives the space the illusion of purpose. If you are not feeling that brave, call in a contractor. Small additions like this are not overly expensive.
Your office may need more than a fresh coat of paint and some art depending on what your needs are. Adding walls can divide a space and create privacy. Walls can be erected to add an office or eliminate those dreaded removable cubicles, giving the area a look of permanence. Walls can go all the way to the ceiling or they might stop a few feet short of the ceiling. If your privacy needs permit it, keeping walls a foot or two short of the ceiling makes your office look much bigger.
If the flooring of your office is being changed you will have to remove everything from the office, and you might not be allowed in for several days. Sealing or staining a hard floor can be very smelly and requires a minimum of several hours to dry. Laying carpeting or tile can be quicker, but carpet glue can stink for some time. Laying your new flooring on a weekend will reduce the disruption of work if your office is functional during the renovation. Most flooring companies work on the weekends, though they might charge a slightly higher rate.
What would an office be without office desks? In our office, we have three desks. Office interiors are important as they help keep you focused on your work.