Tag: vancouver general contractors

How Much Does it Cost to Renovate a Whole House in Vancouver?

Posted on by Canadoo Admin
How much does it cost to renovate a whole house in Vancouver?

Are you thinking of selling your home, and you want to increase its value? Have you recently bought an older house that needs work? Have you been in your home for a long time, and want to update it? Do you have an investment property that you want to add value to? If you have said yes to any of these situations, you are probably thinking about renovating your house.

If you are hoping to renovate your home, it can be hard to know where to start when making plans. You are probably trying to get a rough idea of how much your renovation might cost, as a place to start. Unfortunately, it’s hard to really get a good idea of the expected costs without getting a quote from a general contractor. However, here we can discuss some general costs and ballpark numbers, so that you can have something to work with at this stage of planning. While renovating a whole house in Vancouver isn’t a cheap project, it will add value to your property, and make it more liveable for you as well. So, let’s look at some of the factors to consider.

All at once or room by room?

First of all, what is the scope of your project? Are you just interested in redoing a few rooms? Or, are you planning to make significant changes or even gut the whole house? If you are planning a lot of changes, there are pros and cons to doing the work room by room, or getting the whole house renovated at once.

Some of the advantages of doing renovations room-by-room are:

  • You can likely stay living in the house for much of the work
  • You can spread the upfront costs out over longer periods of time
  • You have time to make decisions on future projects and can see how the current project goes before taking the next step
  • You can more easily “DIY” some parts of the project without getting in the way of a contractor

Some disadvantages are:

  • Going room by room can stretch renovating over months or years. It can feel like you are renovating forever!
  • It’s likely your labour and materials costs will be at least somewhat higher than if you did everything at once
  • You won’t be able to make significant changes to layouts

Some advantages of renovating your whole house at once are:

  • You can completely rethink the layout of your house and make big changes
  • You may be able to save money on labour and materials by completing the whole project in one go
  • It will be done much faster over all

Some disadvantages are:

  • Your upfront costs will be much higher and you may have to borrow a lot more money
  • You will probably not be able to live in the house and will need to budget for other living arrangements
  • Very large renovation projects can take an emotional toll on a homeowner

If you have a large project in mind, it’s important to get quotes from several contractors to assess the expected costs for what you want to do. You can ask them to assess for “everything at once” or for the cost room by room.

House renovation costs in Vancouver

Now, as we said before, it’s hard to guess how much a home renovation project is going to cost. Especially in Vancouver, housing prices and values change quickly, and there can be a lot of competition for good contractors. Therefore, take the following information as a guideline only, to help you guess at costs.

Whole house renovations

Currently in BC, the average homeowner is spending $15-$60 per square foot on whole house renovations. However, this cost accounts for more low to midrange renovations, which generally means budget-friendly appliances and materials, and doesn’t include overhauls on more than a few rooms. People usually prioritize the kitchen and the bathrooms, and do more cosmetic work on the rest of the house, such as paint and flooring.

If you are hoping to gut your house down to the studs and do major renovations, include new roofing or exterior work, or use higher end materials and appliances, you are likely looking at a renovation that will cost you between $100,000 and $200,000 dollars. That can be an intimidating figure! However, if it adds significant value to your home, it can be worth it.

Also be aware that significant problems such as a damaged foundation, asbestos, or severe fire or flood damage will increase the costs of renovations greatly.

Finally, the amounts above assume that you are hiring a contractor to do your renovations. While you may be able to complete some renovations yourself, we strongly recommend hiring a qualified general contractor for your work. They will work faster than you and take care of details like ordering materials and getting permits, and they often can get materials at a better price. Furthermore, you will be confident that your work is up to code, and there will be a warranty on the work in case of problems down the road.

High value rooms

If you are planning on doing just parts of the work now, you may be curious about what the most expensive rooms are to renovate. Unsurprisingly, kitchens and bathrooms usually cost the most to renovate, but also will add a lot of value to your house if done well. In Vancouver, the housing market is very volatile, so having a modern, desirable home is a good idea. As a rough guess, experts suggest that you plan to invest 5-15% of your home’s value into your kitchen and bathroom renovations. Currently, houses in Vancouver are have extremely high property values, so this worth double checking with a contractor, but it’s also a very good idea to over-estimate your budget. You don’t want to be surprised by extra costs when you can’t afford it.

Renovations are rarely cheap and rarely easy. However, it’s worth it to live in a home that feels like it’s just right for you and your family, or to know that you are getting the best value for your investment. Take time to plan your projects, and take your questions to your local home renovation experts.

Basement Renovation Costs in Vancouver

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Basement Renovation Costs in Vancouver

The costs of a basement renovation project can vary widely, depending on many factors. Are you freshening up a basement office, or planning to install a self-contained suite? How many square feet of space will you be renovating? What features will you need to install, and how much do you plan to alter the existing floor plan? Let’s look at some of the projects you may be considering and get a sense of how they might impact your budget.

Big Budget Renovations

When you are planning your basement renovation costs, some projects are going to cost a lot more than others, and it’s a good idea to get a rough sense of how much you will need to set aside for “big ticket” expenses before you decide on smaller details. This is especially important for large projects like building in a basement suite. The most expensive costs you are likely to face are:

  • Plumbing: Installing plumbing for a full basement suite can cost as little as $10,000 to over $35,000, depending on your needs and what plumbing features already exist in your basement.
  • Foundation repair: If your basement has a solid foundation in good repair, this may not even be a consideration for you. However, if your foundation is damaged or not sufficient for the project you are considering, you may be looking at expenses upwards of $25,000. This is an important item to get a proper assessment and quote on.
  • Waterproofing: basements sit below ground level, by definition, and waterproofing is essential if you don’t want to face serious issues with flooding or water damage in the future. Again, if the existing structure is waterproof you may spend very little, but fully waterproofing a basement unit can again set you back up to $25,000.

Mid-level Costs

Other aspects of your renovation project will still be a considerable portion of your budget, but will be less than those noted above and you will have more flexibility in contractors and final costs. Mid-level projects include:

  • Framing
  • Electrical work
  • Insulation and drywall
  • Ceiling and flooring finishing
  • Installing built-in appliances and fixtures
  • Finishing

It’s possible for any of these projects to come in under $5000 each including labour and materials costs, and often much lower, depending on the scope of the work you need to complete and the materials and provider you choose. However, don’t forget that you will get what you pay for, so choose a reputable, licensed, and well-insured contractor.

Finishing touches

After you put in the big work above, the final touches in a renovation are mostly aesthetic, and will involve painting, decorating and furnishing the space. This is entirely up to you and your remaining budget, and how much you want to DIY versus hiring professionals.

Ultimately, a full basement renovation to a built-in suite can cost upwards of $100,000 depending on the size of the space and the scope of the work. Smaller projects will have substantially smaller budgets. Again, consult a good, trustworthy general contractor or three and get fair quotes for the work you want to accomplish, so you can plan accordingly.

Tips For Planning a Master Suite Addition

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Tips for planning a master suite addition

Over the past few years, you may have found yourself spending a lot more time at home, and with a lot more of your family, than in years past. If this has caused you to start dreaming about a private hide-away in your own home, where you can relax and unwind, you may already be thinking about expanding your master bedroom into a master suite. A master suite can be a very enjoyable – and value-enhancing – addition to your home, so it’s worth your while to consider both how you will use the added space, and how it may be enjoyed by future owners.

A master suite generally refers to the largest, or master, bedroom of a home, that also has its own private contained bathroom. It can be this simple, or can include amenities like walk-in closets, a sitting room, a patio or veranda, or anything else your fancy and your budget can accommodate. If you are dreaming about or actively planning your master suite addition, here are some tips for where to begin.

  • Location

Here’s an exciting tip: your existing master bedroom doesn’t have to be the base of your master suite! You may prefer the view from another part of your house, or perhaps you plan to grow old in this home and want to relocate your bedroom from an upper story to the ground floor. Really switching up your floorplan might take extra planning and work, but if you are going through the expense and effort of adding an addition to your home, it’s worth choosing the ideal location for your needs.

  • Priorities

This question goes hand-in-hand with our first tip: your needs for your master suite will probably influence where you choose to build it. Decide what your priorities are. Some ideas might be: storage and closet space; a large, well-appointed bathroom; a private patio or sitting area; a secluded home office; accommodating your existing furniture; or space for the biggest, comfiest bed money can buy. What is important to you will influence how the master suite addition is designed.

  • Special Needs

Since this is your custom living area, you can and should accommodate any special needs you have. If you or your partner expect to need accessible living space as you age, you may want to add wider doors and lower counters now to save having to renovate again. If you are a light sleeper, you may want to include extra sound insulation, especially if you live in a noisy area. It is worth thinking about how you will use the space will change over the years, and plan for this now if possible.

  • Professionals

Once you have an idea of what your needs and priorities are, an important tip is to consider hiring a professional design team for the planning process. A designer can walk you through decisions about materials choices, how to integrate the new addition into the existing structure, how to lay out the space efficiently, and where you should splurge on luxury products or where you can save money. Furthermore, a reputable design will facilitate applying for permits and will make sure the structure complies with zoning laws; you don’t want to have your renovation halted half-way through because of an improperly zoned structure! Your team can also refer you to reputable contractors to manage the actual construction.

A master suite addition is an exciting project, and considering these tips will help you figure out where to begin.

Choosing home renovation contractors in Vancouver

Posted on by Canadoo Admin
Choosing home renovation contractors in Vancouver

The home renovation and remodeling market in Vancouver is booking, and with the wide range of home renovation contractors and service providers offering services in and around our city, it can be overwhelming to know where to start! However, any home renovation project, small or large, benefits from experienced and professional help. When you are planning and budgeting for your project, it may be tempting to save money on your home renovation contractor, but you need to remember that you generally get what you pay for! So then, when you are trying to select a contractor in or around Vancouver for your renovation, how do you choose, and what should you look for? The following 12 tips may come in handy.

  • Know what you want to accomplish:

Many exciting projects get derailed when the homeowner doesn’t have a clear idea of their expectations around the remodel. To avoid unexpected delays and significant budget overruns, make sure you know what you want to accomplish, and that you and your contractor agree on the vision and scope of the project. 

  • Expand your network

We often reach out to family and friends for referrals to contractors, but your best references might be just down the street. If you see your neighbours getting work done on their homes, or you notice a feature you are interested in it might be worth your time to check in with them. Most homeowners are happy to talk about and even show you the renovations and upgrades they have done to their homes, especially if they are pleased with the outcome.

  • Don’t rush!

Remodeling your home is a significant investment of your money and time, and the outcome of the renovation will have lasting impacts on both the value of your home and your enjoyment of it. When we are excited about a project, it is tempting to just “get it done”, but it is better to wait for all the pieces to fall into place if you want the best chance of a satisfactory outcome. If your preferred home renovation contractor has a waitlist of several weeks or months before they can start your project, it is likely worth it to wait – they are likely in high demand for good reason.

  • There is no “right number” of quotes

“Common sense” advise tells us to get three quotes for a project before chosing a contractor. However, this isn’t a rule – get as many quotes as you want and need to feel satified that you have made the right choice  in your home renovation contractor. Conversely, you might meet one company and know that you have found a good fit. This isn’t necessarily a problem! It’s important to feel like you can…

  • Trust your gut

Home renovations aren’t always straighforward, and you and your contractor should both be willing and able to plan for what might go wrong. It’s a good idea to assess your rapport and trust with the contractor you will be working with – if something DOES go wrong in the process, do you feel confident you will be able to generate a solution together?

The home renovation market in Vancouver is competitive and it can be a real challenge to choose your contractor. At the end of the day, you are making a significant investment in your home and you should feel confident that your service provider is ready to do the work you want, and also be prepared to problem solve with you if issues arrive during the job. Hopefully these tips can help make choosing your contractor a little bit easier.

Restaurant Renovation Costs

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Restaurant Renovation Costs

Restaurant Renovation Costs

There are few industries where atmosphere influences the success of a business like the restaurant industry.  Outdated designs, disorganized layouts, uncomfortable lighting and other variables that impact ambiance can mean failure in the restaurant industry.  Customers want to feel good when they’re visiting your restaurant and they want your décor to match the type of food you’re serving – with that in mind, restaurants may need to be updated regularly to maintain relevance.  Obviously the scope of restaurant renovations can vary significantly, and so can the costs.  Nevertheless, let’s take a closer look at some standard restaurant renovation costs and what you may need to budget for your project.

What’s Typical?

Nothing is exactly typical when it comes to restaurant renovations.  Restaurant renovation costs will depend on your specific renovation – equipment, furnishings, heating and ventilation, and local regulations are all factors that will influence costs.  Still, you should expect a “typical” renovation that includes more major upgrades to cost at least $300 per square foot. 

It is possible that restaurant renovation costs could be less than that, but it’s also very possible costs will be more.  Working with a contractor who has experience with restaurant renovations is the best approach to determining a budget for your unique restaurant renovation.  Nothing but careful planning can help you truly understand what your restaurant renovation costs will be.  Discussing your goals with a contractor should allow them to provide you with a quote that reflects your restaurant renovation costs in the context of the type and scope of renovation, the size of your renovation, and materials and equipment involved.

What are the Major Costs?

The most major restaurant renovation costs include equipment, furnishings, and heating and ventilation.  Restaurant appliances are expensive.  Ovens and stoves, refrigeration, and small appliances will come at a cost. If you need to replace critical equipment, your costs will be much higher.  On the other hand, if the bones of your kitchen are solid, you may benefit from significant savings.

Another key expense in restaurant renovations is furniture – indeed, this is one of the most expensive restaurant renovation costs.  Tables, chairs, and decorative features can have a huge impact on the atmosphere of your restaurant and most renovations must incorporate a budget for new furnishings.

Finally, heating and ventilation are critical components of your restaurant renovation.  You’ll need to work with an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling) expert to ensure that your restaurant is properly ventilated and so that indoor temperatures are comfortable for customers and staff alike.

As you can see, there are many considerations that impact restaurant renovation costs.  There’s no simple answer to the question – “how much will my restaurant cost to renovate?”  You must determine your renovation goals and work with a qualified contractor to determine your unique restaurant renovation costs.

How Long Does it Take to Remodel a Kitchen?

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If you’re asking the question, “how long does it take to remodel a kitchen?” and you’re looking for a hard and fast answer, you’ve come to the wrong place.  In fact, many factors will influence the duration of a kitchen renovation and any contractor that quotes you a timeline upfront and without assessing your kitchen first is probably setting you up for disappointment.  Even the most carefully planned and organized kitchen remodel can face unpredictable delays.  So, with that in mind, let’s have a closer look at what you need to consider and how you can estimate the timeline for your kitchen remodel.

Design Phase

The design phase of your kitchen remodel is essentially in your hands and you can take as much or as little time as you want.  Still, during this phase you want to plan for the finished renovation which includes considerations of appliances, flooring, countertops, paint, and lighting.  At some point in the design phase, you’ll want to consult your contractor about your design decisions to ensure there aren’t any structural or other pragmatic barriers to the renovation.

The design phase helps you determine the scope of your project and from start to finish usually requires at least a week – regardless on the size of the kitchen or the scope of the renovation.  Keep in mind, a complete remodel where cabinets, appliances, and flooring are all removed will take longer than a smaller project that may only involve upgrading cabinets and paint, for example.

Once the design has been finalized, you’ll collaborate with your contractor to purchase all the products and materials you’ll need for your kitchen remodel.  One thing to keep in mind is that it can take upwards of a month or two for all materials and fixtures to be ordered and delivered.

Demolition

After the design phase, you’ll be ready to start your renovation.  And, what’s the first step in remodeling your kitchen?  Demolition.  Usually, demolition is a relatively quick process that requires only a few days.  However, if major structural changes are needed (like moving a wall), demolition will often take longer.  Ultimately, you want your demolition to be safe and there may be permits required if you are moving load-bearing structures.  As such, demolition could take several days or even a couple months.

Utilities Installation

Again, depending on the scope of your kitchen remodel, you may need to reconfigure your plumbing, gas, and electricity.  Major changes to kitchen layout will often require new utilities layout – expect this stage of your renovation to take one or two weeks.

Fixtures and Features

Installation of new lights, floors, fixtures, and other features will again vary depending on the scope of your remodel.  Nevertheless, flooring, cabinets, and countertops can be assessed and installed within a week or two.  Lighting will usually take at least a couple days, as will installation of backsplashes.  During this phase, all the elements that make a kitchen a kitchen need to be managed and this phase can take from several weeks to a month or more.

Finishing

Finally, finishing carpentry involves your contractor attending to all the details and to wrap up any loose ends in your kitchen renovation.  This phase usually lasts a couple days. 

As you can see, the typical kitchen remodel can range from 3 to 6 months in duration; and that’s providing everything goes right!

Why Hire Commercial Renovation Contractors

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Office Renovation Vancouver

When you are embarking on a commercial renovation, there are many factors that come into play to ensure the job is done on time, on budget, and to your specifications.  No matter how large or small the renovation project, a commercial renovation contractor helps you at each step of the way from budgeting and planning through execution to completion.  Overseeing a commercial renovation is often more complicated than things may seem, and a commercial renovation contractor is an expert in managing every phase of your renovation so that you are ultimately satisfied with the finished project.  If you’re wondering why you should hire commercial renovation contractors, you’ve come to the right place.  Read on.

The Devil is in the Details

Even the smallest renovation projects can have a lot of moving parts.  Blueprints, permits, and inspections must be organized, subcontractors must be hired and organized, and contingencies must be managed.  Commercial renovation contractors keep a close eye on all the details to ensure y our commercial renovation contract progresses smoothly and to the standards of quality you would expect.  Their expertise allows them to oversee all aspects of your renovation so that nothing gets overlooked.

Keeping on Track

Coordinating all aspects of a commercial renovation is often a full-time job.  When you’re trying to keep your business on track during a renovation, you want to make sure that you maintain focus.  Working with a skilled contractor ensures you have the experts keeping your project on track so that you can keep your business on track.  Contractors schedule every aspect of the renovation and can adapt scheduling whenever there are unexpected delays or distractions so that your renovation is completed on time even in the face of unpredictable challenges throughout the project.

Team Work makes Dreams Work

Your ultimate renovation vision is going to rely on a great team.  A commercial renovation contractor is a critical member of that team because they act as your team captain.  By offering expertise in construction projects combined with exceptional communication skills, you can work closely with your contractor to realize your renovation dream.  At the end of the day, somebody will need to communicate across all the team members involved in your renovation project from tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters to suppliers and laborers.  Your commercial renovation contractor is your point person – they know what to expect from subcontractors, how much you should pay for particular jobs, and how to interact with the many professionals involved in your renovation.

When it’s all said and done, working with a commercial renovation contractor makes for a highly efficient and effective renovation project that aligns with your budget and your vision. 

Restaurant Renovation Tips

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uncle tetsu restaurant reno

Restauranteurs know that their business is highly competitive and you need to combine great food, great service, and a great atmosphere in order to be on top of the game.  Add to that the reality of constantly evolving dining trends, industry professionals can tell you that appealing to new customers and maintaining your current customer base requires a keen ability to adapt.  Restaurant renovations are a great way to reinvent your space so you stay competitive.  But…before you start ripping apart 80s-style booths, read these restaurant renovation tips so you can be sure your remodel is a success!

Budget

The good news is that the most effective restaurant renovations can boost your sales by up to 40 per cent.   On the other hand, these projects can be expensive – not only when you consider the cost of the remodel, but also the impact on revenue during the project.  Depending on the size of your restaurant and the scope of your renovation, the cost of restaurant remodeling can vary widely.  Before you begin a renovation, you’ll want to do some careful calculations to develop a budget and then start planning your renovation based on that number.

 Consider your sales and expenses so you’ll have a sense of what it may cost you to close your restaurant for a period of time.  The average restaurant renovation takes around 2 months and you’ll probably need to close your doors for at least part of that time.  These figures must be included in your budget, but they should also help you determine the scope of your project.  A fast casual style restaurant renovation should not be as extensive or expensive as a fine dining renovation, for example.

Design

Now that you have a sense of your budget for your restaurant renovation, you want to think about your design goals.  Keep in mind, you not only want to attract new customers, but you want to be sure your regulars are considered too.  You can even ask regular customers what they would change and what they would keep.  Not only should your design reflect your type of restaurant, it should also reflect your neighbourhood.  Particularly if you have been in business for many years or even decades, the demographic of your neighbourhood may have changed.  One major influence on the demographics of a neighbourhood is gentrification – if you’ve noticed a lot more young families in your area or a shift to young urban professionals, you’ll want your renovation to address their preferences and spending habits.

Improve

Finally, your restaurant renovation offers the perfect opportunity to identify and rectify inefficiencies in your operation.  Is your seating adequate?  Is your restaurant accessible for people with disabilities?  Does your waiting area accommodate your patrons effectively?  Can staff move easily throughout the dining area?  Does your kitchen design promote efficiency?  If you identify areas for improvement, use your restaurant renovation to improve!

Planning a Healthcare Office Renovation

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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

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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.