Tag Archives: Commercial Office Buildout

Cost Factors to Consider for Your Commercial Office Buildout

Whether you’re opening a single office location or planning many, the cost of a commercial buildout is arguably the most critical concern to address when getting started. The cost of an office buildout will vary depending on the age and type of building systems, existing conditions of the space, the type of business occupying the space, local permitting requirements, the quality and types of materials being used, just to name a few. Here, we will take a look at the major cost factors to consider before construction begins on your new commercial office space.

#1 – Building Space Type

The first factor to consider is the building and space you are planning to remodel. These are generally categorized into two types by the office construction services industry – second-generation (second-gen) spaces and shell spaces.

Second-gen spaces are the most common, as they’re spaces that have been used for business before by a previous tenant. Typically, these spaces are more affordable to build out because the basic structure of the space is already suitable, and work mostly focuses on updating older features, implementing visual changes to make it reflect your brand more accurately, and some updates to plumbing, communications, and electrical systems. One factor that can increase these costs significantly is the age and condition of the building itself, with prices and project scope increasing according to how out-of-date the building is.

Shell spaces tend to be more costly to build out, as they are new spaces that haven’t been utilized before. While you have the advantage of being the first tenants and setting up everything exactly how you like it, the project itself is usually more complex and time-intensive. Also called capital improvement projects, building out a shell space involves major aesthetic, structural and infrastructure changes in order to create a completely custom space.

#2 – The Size of the Commercial Space

Bigger spaces are usually more costly to create, although you do gain the benefits of economy of scale by leveraging wholesale buying of materials, furniture, and so forth. In larger-scale projects, it is important to work with a partner who can properly manage this, balancing fixed costs like labor against discounts for bulk supplies to lower the project’s cost per square foot.

#3 – Layout, Amenities, and Intended Use

The more complexity and customization in your design concept, the more expensive the buildout is going to be – and the sky’s the limit here. While the amenities of, say, the Google campus are renowned as an exceptional workplace, it’s simply not achievable for the vast majority of businesses. This is where prioritizing certain aspects of a project becomes key in controlling and managing costs effectively, while delivering a space that is enjoyable to use, functional and impressive to clients. For example, a high-end café and break space for employees is going to carry significant costs in terms of equipment, furnishings, and design, as will a state-of-the-art conferencing space.

Office layout can also affect price, with private office spaces costing more per square foot than open-concept spaces. Your office construction services partner is invaluable not only in terms of laying out the costs per square foot of your project, but also in developing more flexible, creative, and cost-effective solutions that can deliver a completed space. One that matches your brand’s values and goals without overreaching on budget.

#4 – Quality of Materials

Quality comes at a price, and it’s up to each client to decide where their value point lies. However, it’s important to evaluate different materials and furnishings thoroughly to find those that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and durable for your space – the aim is to land on great value, not cheapness. Simply choosing the materials that cost the least is not going to save as much as many people think. Not only can it result in a space that doesn’t present business accurately to clients and employees, but it also tends to wear faster, break more often and have a shorter lifetime, costing you more in the long run.

General Estimates for NJ Commercial Office Buildouts by BE Builds

As you can see, many different factors influence the ultimate cost of an office buildout. As a general guideline, however, you can expect to budget for your buildout as follows:

A low-range buildout can cost $50-$80 per square foot
A mid-range buildout can be between $80-$135 per square foot
A high-end buildout can be from $130-$200 and upwards per square foot

As an experienced office construction services provider, BE Builds understands the challenges today’s businesses face in terms of designing and creating a functional, brand-centric commercial space that supports business growth. With decades of industry experience behind us and an end-to-end offering that takes each project from design through construction, we leverage our resources to ensure every client gets a custom office design that works for their business, industry, and budget. To find out more about our commercial office buildout services, contact us today or visit our website at: https://bebuilds.com/

“Right Sizing” Your Office in a Post-COVID World

“As a manager of a technology team, I never supported the notion of working remotely.”

That, according to Richard Casamento, former global program manager for the Intel Corporation. “I assumed people were about half as productive when they weren’t here.”

Mr. Casamento isn’t alone in his sentiments. Prior to COVID, it was a challenge to get senior managers to embrace the idea that employees could be as, or more productive from home.

But as COVID has taught us, workplaces are constantly evolving spaces. Their design and build is influenced by the changing needs of businesses, productivity trends and yes, occasionally far reaching pandemic type events from the outside world. In 2021, Successful office designs will reflect the new awareness in the industry, that virtual work is possible and can be managed effectively. Every company will agonize over the balance between remote employee productivity, the desire to save money on office space, and the intangible lifestyle, creativity and productivity improvements that are possible when people are interacting face to face in a positive environment.

In the rethink of company environments post 2020, the focus must become the creation of productivity powerhouses rather than just a space to rest your computer. So, how will office design change in a post-COVID world? What will these spaces look like and how will they be used? Here are some insights into the different trends shaping the design and implementation of the post-COVID office from the experts at BE Builds.

Why We Still Need Offices

For many employees, working remotely from home comes with it’s own, significant challenges. There’s no space for a proper workstation or desk, there’s less time and energy to focus on work because the hustle and bustle of family life is going on around you (especially if you have kids!), and chores can become a troublesome distraction from work tasks. Ironically, working from home can make it even more difficult to create that all-important work-life balance that we’re all after, as there is no escape from your environment, no change of scenery, and more limited interaction with coworkers. Studies have shown that prolonged working from home is directly linked to depression in many people₁

Even the most advanced teaming technology we have is simply not powerful enough to substitute for physical, face-to-face interaction. That’s where the magic happens – it’s the catalyst for innovation, creativity and engaged problem-solving. It’s how real relationships between employees are built and how people go from being coworkers to genuine friends. And of course it remains the place where company resources and equipment are most easily available. For most industries, the company workplace needs to remain the primary focus of efforts to enhance employee productivity.

But we should not unlearn what COVID-19 has taught us. Our approach to office design and construction has to change, balancing the need for the energy and innovation of a shared space with the need for effective hygiene protocols and a more flexible working environment.

What to Consider When Choosing or Designing a Post-COVID Office Space

Design flexibility – Due to the ongoing uncertainty of COVID-19, office design needs to be safe, but flexible too. Businesses want a space they can use for collaborative meetings and other essentials that can’t be achieved successfully while working remotely without safety concerns. The space needs to be able to reflect this, offering the ability to easily switch around furniture and structures to create workspaces that are socially distant and hygienic, or to create collaborative spaces that are fun and conducive to worker discussion.
Custom solutions for your sector – The team at BE sees many different types of industries trying to reinvent their spaces for the new normal but priorities are highly dependent on what kind of business you’re in. Large healthcare clients are focused on changes to the layout and construction of their furniture. Copper clad materials, hygienic surfaces and of course barriers are changing the requirements for new build-outs. Others are adopting more subtle changes in layout and design that incorporate best practices for workplace efficiency and safety. BE partners closely with every company to balance their goals carefully while helping them choose from almost infinite options for exciting design within their budget.
Hygiene and safety – Regardless of whether your business is a traditional office space, a warehouse, a law firm, a clinic or anything else, the health and wellness of staff while on-site is critical. This should be supported in every phase of your office design, from selecting the right size office to ensuring peak wellness can be achieved by installing acrylic barriers on workstations, air purification systems, body temperature scanners and more.

Looking for Office Construction Services in NJ? Let’s Get to Work

Redesigning your office space for a post-COVID world is complex, but can be rewarding and cost effective when you have a good partner. At BE Builds, we’re dedicated to delivering exceptional office fit-outs on time and on budget. Whatever your office design challenges are, we’ll handle it all. Visit us at https://bebuilds.com/ for more information.

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/why-working-from-home-might-make-you-depressed-during-and-even-after-covid-19/

5 Things to Know Before Doing an Office Buildout

Are you ready to design an office space that meets all of your business needs? If you suspect that this is a complicated process, well you’re right. As a long time consultant and contractor for many office environments over the last 20 years, the team at BE has some good advice for company leaders who may be charged with this kind of project. Below are a few essential things you must consider before you start the office buildout process. These essential strategies will help this process go as smoothly as possible, while also saving time and unplanned expenses.

#1 – Determine Your Budget and Timeline

Start by developing answers to two of the most fundamental questions – how much are you willing to pay, and when would you like to move in. These questions will shape almost every aspect of your office buildout moving forward, from whether you are looking for a new site or not, to the size of the space and the kind of furnishings you want.

If you are leasing a space, it is important to speak to the landlord to negotiate the lease and see if they are to cover certain upgrades or not. If so, ensure you are compliant with the rules set in place for improvement projects, and discuss what will be considered as the property of the business.

#2 – Figure Out Your Spatial Needs

How much space do you really need? To answer this question, you need to determine what your office will be used for. This has changed significantly due to the on-going health crisis, where employers have had to adapt to remote working conditions.

As a result, it is now more important than ever to determine the use of your space. Will you need to accommodate a higher volume of people because they are essential workers that need a bigger space to ensure social distancing and meet capacity restrictions? Will you keep most of your employees working flexibly from home but need a smaller space for limited face-to-face collaborative meetings and brainstorming sessions? One good rule of thumb to use in the new normal? Plan for about 50 square feet per employee. While there are many factors that contribute here, this is a good starting point that also includes factors for bathrooms, hallways, teaming areas and such. If you have less than 10 employees you can potentially use smaller numbers, contact the team at BE Builds for more detailed information on office buildout guidelines.

#3 – Look at Ways to Save Money and Other Resources

Utility costs are a significant monthly expenditure, but with a considered approach to your office design, you can reduce these costs and access long-term savings. Saving electricity, water and other resources can be expensive if you are looking at solar installations or high-efficiency HVAC units, but there are plenty of budget-friendly ideas too. For example, using glass dividers to enclose different sections of the office space allows you to create private, naturally-lit areas that reduce reliance on fluorescent lighting. Similarly, installing LED lighting creates significant savings compared to halogen or fluorescent lighting. Installing a smart thermostat can help maximize savings from heating and cooling, while also making the office a more comfortable space.

#4 – Incorporate Strong Hygiene and Wellness Protocols into the Planning Process

A healthy office is a productive office! In recent years, businesses have started realizing the benefits of prioritizing wellness in the workplace₁, from increased productivity and engagement to reduced absenteeism.

There are numerous ways to incorporate wellness concepts into your office space, including the use of ergonomic chairs and desks, maximizing natural lighting, introducing plants and outdoor spaces, strategic furniture placement for social distancing, air purification, sanitizing stations, and much more.

#5 – Consider The Future of Your Business

The question of, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” isn’t always an easy one to answer, especially in today’s business environment. The ongoing health crisis has affected and accelerated dramatic changes in all industries and workplaces, forcing businesses to adapt and become agile in a high-pressure environment. This has created changes in how we work, where we work, and even what we offer in terms of products and services.

As a result, work and office spaces need to reflect these changes. They need to align with long-term goals, be flexible in the short term, and help support productivity and engagement to play a strong role in the success of your business during and after COVID-19.

Contact BE Builds for Expert Advice on your Office Buildout in New Jersey

At BE Builds, we’re looking at designing and creating the offices of the future. Spaces that are uniquely suited to your business, as well as the external environment in which it operates. Backed by decades of experience in office fit-outs and office construction services, we’re ready to make your new office space a reality. Visit us today at https://bebuilds.com/

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/347207