Expertise Matters! Tips for Finding the Right Office Builders in the Search of a General Contractor in the New York City Area
An office build-out is completely different from other New York City Area construction projects so it pays to find the right office builders. Knowing what to look for in a search for a general contractor can be crucial to having the office design and function you need to maximize your employees’ time. Since expertise matters, consider these qualifications for a general contractor in an office build.
Experienced Office Builders Understand Floor Layouts and Office Arrangements
Unlike a house, hotel, or any other building project, an office requires an in-depth understanding of office floor plans. Your business needs a space that is functional but also stylish and reflective of your work and brand.
The office floor plan can depend on how your employees need to navigate the space. Do you need cubicles? True offices? Several conference rooms? Multiple bathrooms?
An expert office contractor can help you think through the nuances of your workplace to maximize its usefulness. After all, office space in the city isn’t cheap so you need to have every square foot doing the work of the most efficient workflow.
Office Builders Know the Building Codes
While it might not seem consequential, having a general contractor that knows the building codes and all the particulars that accompany them can be a boon to your office build-out. Not passing an inspection can delay the entire project, sometimes in a big way, so you need an office building contractor with extensive experience in meeting codes. Having to go back and correct portions or wait for another inspector’s visit can ruin your timeline.
Office Builders know Ambient Interiors
Office builders know that interior comfort plays a large role in overall employee happiness and satisfaction on a daily basis. One factor in office comfort is constant temperatures.
HVAC
No one wants to work in an office where it is too cold or too hot so the HVAC system needs to be able to handle the freezing winter temperatures and the heat of summer. Since many buildings are older, it can be a critical influence on how the temperature feels. Drafty buildings and leaky windows can create an unpleasant interior so this is an issue an experienced office contractor will know how to address.
Lighting
Another factor in an ambient interior is lighting. Conference rooms might not need focused light as an office desk does. The right combination of softer lighting in the common spaces with brighter lighting in the individual work areas is essential.
Almost every office needs ample natural lighting from windows as this can boost the mood of the employees. Studies show that people who work in offices with little to no natural lighting can become depressed and unmotivated so light from outdoors can be crucial.
Expansion Areas
You might plan to be in this office space for a several-year lease so planning for expansion is smart. Thinking ahead to employee growth and where you could plan space for additional people to work is wise so be sure to discuss this need with the general contractor for your office build-out.
Planning and managing the interior space needs of an office requires experience that can address the current needs and anticipate future requirements, too.