Office Renovation: Things to Avoid for a Costly Office Reinstatement Later

Depending on the extensiveness of customisation work you’ve done, office reinstatement can be quite costly later on. Some statistics suggest that it takes anywhere between 50 and 160 dollars per square metre to restore an office space to its original condition. It’s easy to see how the numbers will add up to a pretty hefty sum (especially if the venue is a larger one or you’ve done lots of alterations).

So, are there things you can do to reduce the cost of a reinstatement later on? Can you still enjoy a customised office interior design that isn’t going to break the bank before you leave?

The short answer is yes. Carefully planned and conceptualised interior upgrades will give you a fun, functional space that can be restored to its original state effortlessly. Here are some of the techniques you can count on for a splendid outcome that would be easy to undo.

Use Loose Furniture

Any permanent or semi-permanent addition to an office space will have to be dealt with before you can leave the venue. Meeting the terms and conditions of your lease would be a whole lot easier when you opt for movable elements.

Loose office system furniture is always your safest bet. Not only is it easy to take out of the office when your lease expires, loose furniture can also be moved around while you’re occupying the space. Such pieces increase versatility and allow for the easy setup of functional zones.

Fixed furniture is not the best choice. For a start, it’s static and too rigid. If your space use needs change in the future, you’ll have to carry out an extensive modification that involves detachment and removal of unnecessary pieces. In addition, the way that such pieces of furniture are affixed can cause wall and floor damage. Depending on the reinstatement terms and conditions, you’ll probably be responsible for handling such damage before leaving the space.

Opt for office system furniture if you want to achieve personalisation and effortless reinstatement later on. As the name suggests, system furniture consists of multiple pieces that can be used to create a specific functional zone. The work stations and storage pieces can be moved around, helping for optimal space utilisation without the need for affixing anything.

Full-Height Partitions Should Be Avoided

Many companies use full-height partitions to create more privacy and peaceful zones that are perfect for better concentration.

Full-height partitions are often needed in open space offices. They are a good choice for the designation of directorial spaces or other specific function zones. Relying on full-height partitions, however, will always contribute to a fairly costly reinstatement.

The removal of such partitions has to be executed professionally and meticulously. When they’re not taken down in an adequate way, the removal may lead to floor and ceiling damage. Needless to say, you will be responsible for handling the aftermath of the removal. You will also have to restore the ceiling and the floor to their original state.

There’s one more issue linked to the use of full-height partitions and that’s the relocation of sprinkle points. Such a process has to be completed to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. Needless to say, sprinkle point relocation creates additional work for the reinstatement crew, adding to the cost of the overall process.

Movable partitions are a much better choice. These aren’t full-height solutions, so there’s no risk of ceiling damage. In addition, movable partitions are often very functional. Some of them will double as storage units, which helps for better space management and office organisation.

Sparse Use of False Ceilings

False ceilings are reminiscent of full-height partitions in a sense that they’ll have to be taken down when the time comes.

False ceilings are very often not a design essential. Yes, they can make a space feel somewhat cosier but the shortcomings of such an alteration will far outweigh the benefits.

Again, you will need to engage in sprinkle point modifications when you install false ceilings. All of that work will have to be undone for the reinstatement to be considered complete.

Minimal Flooring Alterations

Some business owners really underestimate the complexity of reinstatements and the fact that every single element is going to be scrutinised by a landlord before the termination of the lease.

That applies to new floors and flooring alterations carried out over the occupancy period.

The quality and functional appeal of flooring are obviously important. Choosing the right colours will help enforce the brand identity. Also, the right tones and textures create a sense of comfort and a homey feel.

Going for expensive flooring alterations, however, does not make sense. Floor stripping will need to take place for a complete reinstatement. Some expensive flooring materials could get damaged during the process, which means they’re not going to be reusable at a new venue.

If you’re thinking about the cost of an eventual reinstatement, choose a basic cement screed flooring instead of something more expensive.  Not only is this option versatile, it also brings down the eventual cost of flooring stripping (especially in comparison to vinyl or carpet flooring).

Minimise Socket Point Relocation

Here’s one more practical suggestion that is often overlooked when it comes to office modifications and subsequent reinstatements.

Socket points are usually available throughout an office but the pre-existing locations could be inconvenient. Depending on the layout and the functional zones you plan to create, these may require relocation.

Moving original socket points is the obvious thing to do when customising a brand new office. Keep in mind, however, that you will be responsible for the return of the socket points to their original positions. While this may not seem like such a big deal, it will add to the overall cost of the reinstatement.

Acquaint Yourself with the Lease Before Doing Anything

Office reinstatement is not a cookie-cutter process. Landlords will often have very specific requirements. These will determine the scope and the extensiveness of the restoration works that you’ll have to engage in before the termination of the lease.

This is why you have to go through lease documentation carefully before signing anything. The agreement should outline the scope of reinstatement work and the fines for a failure to oblige with the landlord requirements.

Also, don’t make a compromise with functionality for eventual savings down the line.

Having your employees occupying an office that’s uncomfortable or too generic can lead to productivity losses and costly mistakes. Such issues will cost you a lot more money than the budget you’ll have to dedicate to reinstatement.

Planning office interior design work should definitely involve practical and functional considerations. Getting a professional interior design team involved is the best way to make the most of the space while keeping the future in mind.

An office renovation company can also handle a reinstatement in a precise and effective way. Partnering up with such a team can save you a lot of money, especially if renovation and reinstatement choices are both strategic.

SORDC’s team has extensive experience in the realms of office space planning, office renovation and office reinstatement work. By handling all of these processes, we can help you optimize an office, turn it into your company’s home and complete the reinstatement quickly and effectively.

Contact SORDC now if you want to plan the perfect office renovation or you’re looking for ways to bring down the cost of reinstatement. Our know-how and background will allow for the selection of the best solution to match both your needs and your budget.