Company growth is always good news. It means exposure, better business relationships, and more money. But it also means more responsibilities, like expanding the office space. This can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and execution, success is possible.
Here are 3 tips for successfully overseeing any office space expansion project.
Take the Hiring Process Seriously
Contractors, lease agents, lawyers, interior designers; it takes different professionals to pull off a successful space expansion project. But with so many moving parts, it can be easy to overlook the most important part of the project- your team.
Be thoughtful about who you hire to help with the expansion. This is a big investment, both financially and for the future of your business, so you want to make sure you’re working with people you can trust.
Get recommendations from other businesses in your industry, interview multiple candidates, and take your time making a decision. The last thing you want is to end up with a contractor who doesn’t deliver on their promises or an interior designer who doesn’t understand your vision.
Make The Budget as Detailed as Possible
There are many expenses associated with expanding an office space- concrete construction products, labor, furniture- and not keeping track is an easy way to go over budget. But how do you make sure your budget is detailed?
First, you need to have a realistic idea of what the expansion is going to entail. This means sitting down with your team and mapping out the ideal space, including what kind of materials will be needed and any features that should be included. Once you have a good understanding of the project, you can start pricing out different items and eventually get an accurate sense of what the expansion is going to cost.
It’s also important to remember that unexpected costs will always come up, so consider padding the budget a bit.
Create a Schedule and Stick to It
An office space expansion is a big undertaking, so it’s necessary to create a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This is the most effective way to ensure that the project stays on track and doesn’t run over budget or behind schedule.
Start by mapping out each stage of the expansion, from demolition to construction to painting and furniture shopping. Then, create a timeline for each stage and make sure everyone involved in the project is aware of it. This way, you can hold people accountable if things start to fall behind.
However, allow for some flexibility with the schedule- things will inevitably come up that throw off plans. But by having a schedule in place, you can avoid major delays.
By following these tips, you can oversee a successful office space expansion project. With careful planning and execution, you can make your business grow without too many growing pains.
