Tag: Office Renovation

Office Renovation Costs in Vancouver

Posted on by Canadoo Admin
Office Renovation Vancouver

Office Renovation Costs in Vancouver

An office renovation can be a great way not only to improve the aesthetic of your office but also to increase productivity and efficiency.  From minor cosmetic changes to major structural changes, the costs of an office renovation in Vancouver will vary widely depending on the elements being renovated.  Nevertheless, business owners should look at an office renovation as an investment in their long-term success.  While it can be difficult to define the exact cost of an office renovation, let’s take a closer look at some of the common office renovation considerations and their typical costs in Vancouver.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that each renovation is different and so will be the costs.  If you’re moving to a different location, making structural or layout changes, and whether you own or rent your office space are all factors that will have a significant impact on your Vancouver office renovation budget.  For example, if you’re moving to a new building, you may save many office renovation costs if you choose a space that already features some of your renovation goals.  Likewise, if you are renting your office space, many cosmetic upgrades may be the responsibility of your landlord. 

When you’re developing your office renovation budget, the next factor to consider is the cost for contractors, designers, and architects.  Typically, these costs will run about a quarter of your total budget.  While these estimations may seem expensive, working with professionals will likely save you money in the long run.  Contractors, designers, and architects can help you map out every detail of your office renovation, ensure that work is properly permitted, and that the finished renovation aligns with your vision all while avoiding and preventing renovation problems.

Next, each component of your renovation needs to be factored into your budget including lighting, flooring, layout changes, and facilities upgrades.  For example, electricity and lighting upgrades typically cost between $200 and $300 per point while contributing to a drastic change in the aesthetic of your space.  Indeed, modern lighting sets the tone for the design of your office and can create a space that is equally productive and inviting. 

Flooring costs can vary significantly depending on the type of flooring you want to install.  Generally quoted by the square foot, flooring will obviously cost more for larger spaces.  Expect to pay somewhere between $5 and $15 for quality office flooring in Vancouver.  Vinyl tile is an affordable flooring option that costs about $5 per square foot whereas higher end options such as hardwood, bamboo, or concrete are among the more expensive flooring options.  Your budget and your style preference will require careful consideration.

Your office renovation budget must also factor in costs for layout changes as well as facilities upgrades.  For example, if you are moving or adding walls to your office expect costs to range between $50 and $150 per square foot.  Basic walls with wood framing and drywall are on the more affordable end of the spectrum whereas glass walls may cost up to $150 per square foot to install. 

Of course, upgrades to your kitchen or bathroom are likely to be costly.  A new or renovated office kitchen may cost up to $30,000 in Vancouver and a bathroom could cost up to $20,000.  These spaces are important to create a comfortable space for your employees and should not be overlooked.

As you can see, the costs of office renovations in Vancouver will vary depending on your vision and the scope of your project.

Planning a Healthcare Office Renovation

Posted on by Canadoo Admin
Planning a Healthcare Office Renovation

Whether you run a medical or dental practice, renovating your healthcare office can revitalize your space in such a way that staff and clients feel better.  Not only do healthcare office renovations help you to update décor, but they also offer the opportunity to improve on workflow and hygiene and generally make your health practice more efficient.  Nevertheless, a healthcare office renovation can be a time consuming and costly project so careful planning is paramount.  Here are some tips for planning a healthcare office renovation.

Consult Experts

If you’re a doctor or a dentist, you probably can relate to the frustration when a client comes into your office with “expertise” they gained through Google.  While it’s important to do your own research so that you know what you want, working with design and renovation experts can guide you through your renovation so that you ultimately realize your renovation vision.  Most renovation projects will involve designers (both architectural and interior), a general contractor, various tradespeople, and other professionals.  When you are trying to decide which experts to hire for your project, always work with people that have experience with healthcare office renovations or remodels.  Their expertise will help you create a calm and soothing space that is also functional.

Do your Research

As mentioned, you want to consult with experts but it’s important to have your own vision that you can bring to your meetings with designers and builders.  Social media is often a good source for design inspiration, but you can also look into medical research to learn how to create the ideal healthcare environment.  For example, some colours will promote a sense of ease in clients through their soothing hues.  Additionally, you’ll want to have some information about the kinds of wall coverings and furniture styles and fabrics that are durable but comfortable.  While your designer can guide you through these decisions, it will save time and money if you already  have a sense of your own preferences.

Prepare a Budget

Depending on the scope of your project, a healthcare office renovation can costs hundreds of thousands of dollars – particularly if you are investing in new medical equipment or making structural changes to the office layout.  Carefully budgeting each stage of your renovation is necessary if you want to have a project that progresses seamlessly.  In addition, you must always prepare for financial contingencies when working on any kind of renovation.  Experts generally recommend a 10-15% cushion to your healthcare office renovation so that you’ll always be sure to have funding to manage the unexpected.

Through careful planning and consultation with experts, a healthcare office renovation can be an effective way to create a healthier work environment that makes both clients and your staff more comfortable in your medical or dental practice.

Office Renovation Ideas

Posted on by Canadoo Admin
Office Renovation Ideas

When you want to inspire your employees and impress clients, an office renovation may be just what the doctor ordered.  Depending on your schedule and budget, there are many office renovation ideas that can transform your space into a workplace that is not only aesthetically pleasing for staff and visitors, but also into a more functional organized space.  Let’s look at just a few office renovation ideas that can motivate your team to work and feel better when they’re on the job.

Take a Break or Breakout

The traditional idea of a break room is one area that can completely transform your office.  In the contemporary office, a break space is a necessity but it doesn’t necessarily need to fit into the conceptual box of “a space to take a break.”  In fact, in many of the most successful offices, the idea of a breakout space is emerging.  These areas are defined as any space that provides a fresh place to re-focus on the demands of the day.  The creative design of breakout spaces allow for an informal work area that inject some liveliness through non-traditional uses of colour, seating, and arrangement to allow staff to breakout of daily routines and feel inspired.

Together is Better

Since the concept of the open office design took hold, developing collaborative work spaces has dominated trends in office renovation.  During your remodel, consider how you can optimize collaboration while also integrating ergonomic design.  Sit-to-stand desks are an increasingly popular design choice, especially as we’re more aware of the impact of sitting for prolonged periods.  “Sitting is the new smoking,” is a relatively new concept, and business owners are learning that taking care of staff means more productivity.  Adjustable workspaces with ergonomic equipment can be shared between employees in a space that allows them to work together effectively.

But Privacy Pays Too

Even though the open concept is great for collaboration, employees are certain to have different capacities and working styles.  What promotes productivity for one employee may stifle another.  Incorporating a variety of office designs into your renovation will allow you to create a workspace that addresses a variety of working styles.  Developing some shared, private work spaces will provide for those employees who require peace and quiet to succeed, as well as giving teams a quiet place to meet away from the sometimes loud and bustling environment of the open concept office.

Be Creative

Finally, get creative with design elements in your office.  Move away from traditional fluorescent lighting by maximizing natural light to create a bright and inspiring office space.  Consider how you can also incorporate colour into your office redesign – white walls and grey carpets are less than inspiring design choices.  Collaborate with your designer to decorate your office in such a way that your décor amplifies your brand while brightening the mood of your space.

Office Upgrades: To Renovate or Rebuild?

Posted on by Canadoo Admin
Office Renovation Vancouver

At some point in the history of an office space, upgrades are inevitable.  Design features lose their functionality, styles become passé, or business grows beyond the capacity of the space.  Regardless of the motivation for the upgrades, ensuring an efficient, functional, and safe office space will warrant either renovation or rebuilds – so how do you know the best approach for your business?  To renovate or rebuild is the age-old question, and we’ve got the answers.

Renovation

Renovations and remodel projects involve restoring your office in a way that makes it more relevant for the times.  Basic renovations involve assessing office spaces for effectiveness and style so that current trends in office organization and design can be implemented to improve aesthetics, workflow, and client and staff satisfaction.  Renovations tend to be smaller projects that include various repairs such as drywall and flooring repairs and mould abatement.  Additionally, office renovations may involve updating office furniture and equipment for a more efficient office.

On the more involved end of the renovation spectrum, business owners consider a more complete remodel of the space.  This may involve an overhaul of the office layout, review of building codes to bring the office and office structures up-to-date, or expanding into existing spaces to allow for company growth.  So, as you can see renovations and remodels tend to be smaller scale projects aimed at improving style, efficiency, and functionality.

Rebuild

As the title suggests, an office rebuild involves a complete renewal of your office – usually in a different location.  If you have renovated multiple times in the past few years or the functionality of your office cannot meet your company’s demands, you may be looking at a more major rebuild to ensure your office serves your clients and your company.  Rebuilding allows for uniform upgrades and incorporates all the benefits of renovations or remodels while also giving you complete control over the style, design, and layout of your space.  A rebuild allows you to integrate the most advanced building and office technologies seamlessly into your day-to-day operations.

Obviously, there are significant costs differences between renovations and rebuilds, so it is important to work with a qualified commercial contractor to determine the best fit for your organization.  If you find that your current office space serves the needs of your staff and company well, but you’re wary that the aesthetics of your space are reminiscent of the 20th century, a renovation may be all you need.  On the other hand, if you notice that workflow is interrupted by poor organizational features of your office, equipment is outdated, and you are running out of physical space, a rebuild may be in order.  Ultimately, you need to consider your current and future needs, as well as budget to decide whether it’s time for a rebuild or renovation.