Extending your business premises to accommodate more offices or workrooms is a good idea, especially if you are on your way to expanding or making improvements to your operations. Undertaking this major step can be daunting, so it’s important to do your research first on the ins and outs of doing building extensions. One aspect you have to consider is the necessity of availing of professional engineering services to make sure that all bases are covered, from construction to the sound laying out of pipelines and electrical systems.
Doing building extensions isn’t simple, but it can be easy and stress-free if you take the following steps.
Check your finances.
Can you afford extending your office building or commercial establishment? The expenses you have to prepare for would depend on the kind of building extension to be done. It’s a good thing that many contractors offer free quotes that require no obligation whatsoever, so you can shop around and see which company can offer you the best quote considering your budget. Aside from a set budget, keep in mind that you should also have a contingency fund in case of emergencies. If you find that your budget and contingency fund for your extension project, it may be time for you to apply for a loan.
Ensure that the building regulations are met.
Depending on where your business is, your building extension work will be subjected to various state regulations. Make sure to find out what these are so you can take the necessary steps to meet at least the minimum requirements for ventilation, fire safety, energy efficiency, safety, damp proofing, and other building regulations. The extension plan you come up with must properly meet the specified regulations before you may be permitted to work on your building extension.
Pay attention to design and access.
Adding an extension to a business property isn’t just a matter of breaking down a wall and adding new ones. You should also consider how the new plan will affect the current layout or floor plan of your office, shop, restaurant, or commercial establishment. Will the lounge area be moved? Will the kitchen need to be relocated? How about the hallway? How will the extended area be accessed? You have to work with your engineers, architects, and interior designers to figure out an efficient and practical way to access the extension without sacrificing other functional areas.
The extension should also be designed in such a way that complements or goes with the current architectural and interior design of your business—the more seamless, the better, unless you want the extension to be a distinct feature.
Get a trustworthy contractor.
Put the future of your business premises in the capable hands of a contractor that you can trust. It is important to find a reliable builder for your building extension project who understands and shares your vision. The contractor you choose should be knowledgeable about the building regulations to be met and is also considerate of your budget limitations. Aside from getting quotes, talk to the local building companies to discuss what you want to do. By doing so, you’ll get a feel of the contractor you’ll feel good about working with. Trustworthy contractors are capable of prioritizing structural integrity above all, which is what you want when extending your business premises.