4 Things to Consider Before Starting a Commercial Interior Design Renovation in the Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY Areas
With so many moving pieces, a commercial interior design renovation can sometimes be frustrating, mind-boggling, or even seemingly impossible. The right designer and contractor can make a huge difference in the resulting project. Whether you are launching a business for the first time, or you’re expanding, or your current space is awkward, a commercial renovation could be a way to turn the tides for your business by building a greater experience for you, your employees, and your clients. Here are four things to consider before starting a commercial interior design renovation in the Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY areas.
As exciting as the renovation process is, it all begins with one thing: planning. And more planning. A well-planned project will go much smoother than one where minds are changing halfway. Every change order costs money and time, which can really add up.
The Vision
Having a vision is one thing; being able to clarify it and express it clearly to a designer and a contractor is another. Working with a good interior designer will help solidify ideas, and the designer can also add his or her own wisdom and experience to add ideas that the client may not have considered. Of course, the vision has to fit within the budget and the available space, which is where the expertise of a designer becomes indispensable.
The Budget
Of course the budget is the driving factor in any renovation. A good interior designer will recommend solutions that work within the budget; and a contractor will also be able to offer suggestions for physical changes that could deliver on your needs, but keep the project on budget. If the designer and contractor are part of the same firm, the process could be much more streamlined simply due to in-house communication and less ego clashes.
The Available Space
Interior renovations could be as simple as updating fixtures and materials, or they could be major structural renovations. Each project is absolutely unique, so it’s important to work with an interior designer and contractor who is familiar with the type of renovation you are doing.
The space you’re considering (if you don’t already own it) needs to meet the use objectives for your business. Checking the building’s certificate of occupancy (the CO) will let you know if a building is legally usable for an office space, retail, fitness facility, restaurant, light manufacturing, residential, and so forth. Yes, a CO can be changed in some cases, but it’s a costly and lengthy process.
Knowing any existing open violations regarding the space you’re considering is also important. Many times, property owners will do work without pulling permits, which means that the work could be illegal, poorly done, and downright dangerous - not to mention expensive for the next tenant or owner.
A thorough review of the structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical aspects of the space is also key. You don’t want to get into a situation where you want to knock down walls to create an open-concept office or restaurant space, only to realize just how expensive that would be.
Special Considerations
Accessibility for the disabled, existing asbestos insulation, poorly insulated windows, any regulations that govern renovation of historical buildings, and any facilities such as toilets that would need to be brought into the 21st Century need to be considered before sinking money into a renovation that will be so costly it could be many years before you realize any sort of return.
Commercial interior renovations that are planned well, designed thoughtfully, and of course executed by a team of professionals will result in the best outcome.
Related: 5 Design-Build Processes to Know for Your Next Renovation Project in Brooklyn and Queens, NY