Planning an office refit can be exciting yet stressful. Whether you are moving to a new space or transforming your existing office, there’s much to consider. Here are ten tips to help you succeed in your office refit.
1. Assemble a Strong Project Team
Effective planning starts with a solid project leader. Choose someone strong and resourceful who remains calm under pressure. This person can then build a reliable team to handle various aspects of the move.
2. Conduct Thorough Research
Evaluate the successful parts of your current setup and identify areas for improvement. Consider what you want to enhance and how technology might help. Analyze your current workspace, workflows, and the productivity levels you hope to achieve.
3. Find the Right Property
If a refit won’t lower costs or improve space and accessibility, explore new properties. While you may not find a perfect match right away, a move that reduces long-term costs and increases space is worth pursuing. Contact a commercial property agent to discuss your options.
4. Choose a Reliable Refit Company
You’ll need a specialist company to assist with the refit. They can analyze workspaces and workflows to optimize efficiency. Their expertise will also cover practical elements, such as moving equipment and addressing electrical or architectural issues.
5. Design the New Space
The design phase is exciting as your new space begins to take shape. Choose color schemes, materials, and equipment that align with your vision. Support your interior designers, as their work will form the foundation of the new layout.
6. Monitor the Rebuild
Whether moving or refurbishing, monitor productivity to ensure timelines are met. Collaborate closely with the fit-out company to minimize disruption and keep staff updated on progress, allowing them to plan their workloads effectively.
7. Plan for the Future
As the fit-out company works on the infrastructure, continue planning for the next steps. Good communication is crucial, as projects can finish earlier or later than expected. Be ready to advance immediately once the fit-out completes.
8. Consider Dilapidations
Don’t neglect the space you are leaving behind. Many commercial leases require you to return the office in its original condition. Check with your fit-out company to ensure they can manage this aspect for you.
9. Execute the Big Move
With the new office ready, it’s time to pack up. Plan this well in advance, and brief the removal company on all details. Consider moving on a weekend to minimize business disruption. This timing allows for resolving any significant issues without impacting operations.
10. Conduct a Final Review
Even as the refit wraps up, some work remains. Perform a review to confirm that everything is functioning correctly. Address any issues promptly to prevent inconvenience later. Involve staff in the review process to ensure they feel comfortable and settled in the new space.