Finding a suitable location for your office is always the first hurdle, but once you have found the perfect place, designing the inside to suit your business needs and ensure people can work efficiently can be the next obstacle.
You need to have the right colours, the right sized desks and items need to be in the right position. This may sound like a project on its own, but simply follow our six steps to ensure your office fit is a success.
Find a company that can complete your office fit out in a way that you can work with. If you like things to happen your way, don’t hire someone who doesn’t listen to your ideas or vice versa.
Do your research, check out their previous clients and ask for references. After all, they will be responsible for making your ideas a reality, so choosing the right company at this stage could prevent long emails and longer delays.
You should list items you want up and running first. If the building is a complete shell, re-wiring might be at the top of your list, whilst if the building is in good condition, new carpets and painting might be a good place to start.
It is a good idea to have a meeting with all departments in your workplace to ensure you have each team’s priorities, to add to the project plan.
You will need to work closely with your fit out supplier to ensure you have the office that you want. You will need to think about where different teams should be located, e.g. should sales staff be further away from content writers? Do you want an open office, or certain teams open and others closed? Also where do you want kitchen and break out facilities?
Think about how you can make the most out of the space you have and also utilise natural light. Having a brainstorm about these sorts of questions is a good idea before you put pen to paper with your designer.
The landlord must approve your design by law, under the License of Alteration. If the landlord has any objections you must make changes and agree prior to work commencing.
Now all the preparation is done, the waiting game begins. It is a good idea to check-up regularly at the new office to ensure work is being carried out on time and to the design that you agreed.
Once you have checked the work and are happy with your newly designed office, sign any paperwork that the supplier needs and get back to work.
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