Facility Remodeling Projects

 

The commercial property remodeling market has more than doubled in size since 2011, with US businesses investing upwards of $35 billion on facility remodeling projects in 2019.

As time goes on and businesses grow, remodeling projects are all but inevitable. Sometimes all that is needed is a new coat of paint to keep appearances fresh; however, remodeling jobs can quickly get out of hand when more extensive work is required. Any job, big or small, comes with its own set of challenges.

When is remodeling necessary?

There are many reasons your facility may require a remodel or a refresh. Remodels tend to be more involved, moving walls, replacing fixtures. A refresh project may be more limited to painting and other more cosmetic updates.

Safety and Accessibility

Safety and accessibility are always paramount. To avoid lawsuits from both customers and employees, it’s important to make sure that your facilities are up to date on all ADA regulations and accommodations. This can come in many shapes and sizes, but some examples are restroom and breakroom accessibility, and proper access to goods and services.

New Tenants

Remodeling may also be necessary if a new tenant requires an alteration of the space. For example, if a fast-food restaurant moves into a former office goods supply store, extensive remodeling will be required. Large jobs such as these require cooperation on many levels to prevent mishaps and ensure compliance with as little downtime as possible.

Cosmetic Upgrades

Businesses can appear outdated over time, and consumer preferences change.  Refreshing facility appearances with a new coat of paint or a fresh set of tiles can make a huge difference when it comes to attracting both customers and employees. While refresh projects such as these are typically less intensive than remodeling projects, they still serve a vital role in keeping facilities looking current.

Why Remodel Projects Present Challenges for Facility Managers

Although many remodeling projects can seem rather straightforward, they all come with unique sets of challenges and setbacks which can be difficult for even the most seasoned facilities managers to handle. Some of the top challenges that facilities managers face include:

Managing and Communicating with Different Vendors

When there are multiple vendors working on a job, e.g., HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, you must consider how each job impacts the other when scheduling them. Choosing the best vendor and coordinating the work can have a huge impact on the time it takes to complete a remodel and how well it is executed.

Safety

The more complex and heavy-duty a remodel job is, the more dangerous it can become. Keeping track of safety protocols for various subcontractors can be difficult, and forgetting about the slightest thing can result in OSHA violations, fines, and potential lawsuits if someone is injured on the job.

Lack of Experience

 Large-scale remodeling projects with broad scopes can be daunting for even the most seasoned facilities managers. In these cases, it’s best to leave things to professionals who can maximize time, energy, and work as efficiently as possible to get your business up and running as soon as possible.

 Business Continuity During Renovations

 Some large-scale renovation projects can’t be undertaken while customers and employees are in the facility, but closing down completely can be costly and inefficient. In these instances, renovations need to be performed during non-business hours so that normal day-to-day operations can continue.

These are just a few of the many challenges that must be addressed while undergoing a remodeling project. With all this in mind, how can outsourcing your remodeling projects to a facility management partner alleviate them?

 

1) Provide expert project management of every aspect of the project – start to finish

2) Vet, hire and coordinate all the subcontractors (plumber, electrician, drywall, paint, etc.)

3) Deliver consistent predictable pricing based on their experience, fewer unexpected costs, change orders, etc.

4) Reduce downtime (less time that a facility will have to be closed due to the remodel)

5) Ensure safer environment for workers, employees, and customers during the project – OSHA certified workers

6) Support compliance – permitting of the project

 

How Lakeside Project Solutions Can Help

As you prepare for your next facility remodeling job, consider outsourcing your project to a partner with vast experience in the field, Lakeside Project Solutions. We understand the many intricacies that accompany even the simplest of refresh projects and are ready to provide you with the highest quality service no matter what the job is. Whether that comes in the form of providing the best, pre-vetted subcontractors, or providing guidance on health and safety regulations which must be followed during a remodel, Lakeside Project Solutions is ready to help.

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