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Do you need to plan an office build-out? If so, there are a few things you’ll need to decide before getting started. One of the most critical decisions is what type of office space you want. Do you need an open floor plan or more private offices? Once you’ve decided on the layout, you’ll need to choose your colours and finishes.
And don’t forget about the furniture! It’s important to select pieces that will be comfortable and functional for your employees. This blog post will discuss all of you need to consider before planning an office build-out.
Having provided clients with office fit-out services for several years in London, our team have put together this blog post to offer some essential advice on what to decide before planning an office build-out.
FAST-PACED BUILD-OUT
Bear in mind the essential difference between build-out in the UK and other countries. In the UK we have a devolved system of Building Code compliance. This means Fusion can handle all aspects of compliance right from the design stage through to office build-out works. No delays for the local building inspector. No uncertainty with the space planning until drawings have been submitted. We have a streamlined process in the UK with the new office taken from design to occupation in a couple of months.
Please get in touch if you have finished reading our latest blog and would like some professional help with your office build-out.
Our team are always more than happy to help you in any way we can; we specialise in office build-out services; choose our team today!
Write Down Your Ideal Budget
To begin the office build-out process, you must consider your budget! This is probably the essential thing you need to think about when planning an office build-out, as it will determine what aspects of the build-out can be completed within the financial boundaries you have.
Our team has years of experience working with all budgets, so we can always help you get the most out of your budget and ensure your office build-out maximizes the opportunity. This is also important when Leasing the premises as we can advise on costs associated with Landlord approvals, and in some cases help you to obtain a contribution where the office isn’t quite up to code.
When you begin considering the budget you want to spend on your brand new office build-out, there are a handful of things you need to consider; these are as follows;
- What improvements do you need?
- Who is paying for the build-out?
- Who is going to be in charge of the budget if amendments are required?
- What will be permitted by your landlord?
- Have you already decided on your budget?
When you write down your budget, you allow yourself to become more aware of your money. This will help to keep things in perspective and also help to ensure that you do not overspend. Its worth taking a look at our downloadable build-out cost spreadsheet for advice in numerical format.
There is no such thing as too much planning for an office build-out.
Consider Your Spacial Needs
When it comes to your office build-out, you must consider the space and your need for it moving forward over time. This means you need to think about your employee count and if it will change in 1/2 and 3 years. You also need to ensure enough room for your current equipment and furniture. Your future workplace needs to accommodate your current workforce and anyone new who joins the company. Typically a 30% increase in headcount over 3 years is the norm.
It would help if you also considered your unique needs based on how your team like to work; for example, some of your staff will like to work in an open space that is more relaxed than an enclosed office. Other staff will prefer the traditional office space to have more privacy. The jargon for this is ‘adjacencies’. Which teams need to work adjacent to other departments. Who will make most use meeting spaces, which teams are noisy or quiet.
You also need to think about your equipment and connectivity needs and if you will need any new furniture or technology. These factors play a role in how you will use your office space moving forward, therefore tying in with your office build-out considerations.
Build A Workplace Culture You Are Proud Of
It is easy when thinking about and planning your office build-out to forget that you need to consider the culture you are creating, not just the space. You want your workplace to reflect your company’s culture so that when clients or customers come in, they get a sense of what you are all about. Creating an environment where people feel like they can do their best work is essential to any business.
It isn’t a viable option for you to just think about the layout of your office for work productivity purposes; you must consider the culture and experience your workplace provides your staff. If you have an open-concept office, what does that say about your company’s culture? Do you value collaboration and working together, or do you prefer employees to work independently? Broken plan and hybrid working are the current design trends that we incorporate into most design schemes.
Your workplace should accurately reflect your company culture so that when customers or clients come in, they can see that. Creating a space where people feel comfortable, achieved through the office build-out services, is a great idea!
Keep In Mind Your Windows!
While you may be excited about the idea of a lot of natural light, too much sun coming in can make it challenging to see screens and work. If you have a corner office, windows on two sides might sound great but can also make the space feel like a fishbowl. When you have an office build-out service, you MUST consider where your windows are situated, whether to consider desk and computer placement or to utilise as much natural space as possible.
It would help if you always wanted to keep rooms such as your conference suites open and airy; the best way to do this is to have them located in the areas with the most windows. If they are internal rooms, make sure they have good artificial lighting. No one wants to sit in a dreary room during an important meeting! Flexibility is also a driver for meeting room design helping to make the most of office space as it adapts to staff and business demands.
This is one of the main things you should consider when considering your office build-out needs; we promise you might not realise it now, but lighting quality is essential in every room. Alongside this its great to consider acoustics and how reduced noise levels can stop the office sapping energy, and keep people focused and alert. Its all part of the ‘environment’ design that goes hand in hand with spatial and interior design.
Contact Fusion Office Design Today For Office Build-Out Services!
Fusion Office Design has been in the industry for a long time; we’ve seen all sorts of office build-outs and know precisely what works best. We always put our client’s needs first; it is your office! If you need help with anything related to an office build-out, please feel free to reach out to our team today.
We genuinely hope this blog post has helped you understand a few aspects you need to consider when planning an office build-out; it might not be as straightforward as you think. If you would like more information, give our team a call today, we are always happy to help. You can even check out some of our most recent case studies right here!